Choo Young Woo and Shin Si Ah are set to lead the Korean remake of the hit Japanese romance film Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight, based on the novel by Ichijo Misaki. The project, directed by Kim Hye Young, known for It’s Okay!, marks a significant milestone for both actors, with Choo Young Woo making his big-screen debut and Shin Si Ah taking on a prominent role following her recent television success. Filming is scheduled to begin in June 2025, with the film generating buzz for its emotional narrative and the fresh pairing of the two rising stars.
The original Japanese film, released in 2022 and starring Shunsuke Michieda and Riko Fukumoto, became a commercial success, grossing over ¥2.5 billion at the Japanese box office. It tells the story of two high school students navigating love and loss, centered around a poignant premise where one character suffers from memory loss. The Korean adaptation aims to retain the novel’s emotional depth while incorporating cultural nuances tailored for Korean audiences.
Choo Young Woo, born June 5, 1999, has steadily risen in the South Korean entertainment industry since his debut in the 2021 web series You Make Me Dance. A graduate of Hansol High School, he is currently on leave from the Acting Department of Korea National University of Arts. His decision to pursue acting came after exploring interests in history, foreign languages, and travel during high school. Initially scouted by JYP Entertainment, he was discouraged from pursuing an idol career due to his age but found his calling in acting, prompting his family to relocate from Sejong to Seoul to support his training at an acting academy. His breakout role came in the 2022 drama Once Upon a Small Town, where he played a veterinarian, earning praise for his natural charm. Subsequent roles in Oasis (2023) and The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (2024) showcased his versatility, with critics noting his ability to convey complex emotions.
Shin Si Ah, born August 25, 1998, gained recognition for her role as an autistic attorney in Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022), which became a global hit on Netflix, peaking at 15.7% in domestic ratings. Trained at Sungkyunkwan University’s Department of Acting Arts, she debuted in the 2018 film The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion, displaying a fierce intensity. Her television credits include The World of the Married (2020) and Resident Playbook (2024), where she portrayed a dedicated medical professional. Industry insiders commend her ability to balance vulnerability and strength, making her a fitting choice for the remake’s emotionally charged female lead.
The Korean remake is produced by Studio Dragon, a powerhouse behind hits like Crash Landing on You and Vincenzo. The production team has emphasized creating a visually stunning adaptation, with filming locations scouted in Seoul and Jeju Island to capture the story’s romantic and melancholic tone. The screenplay, penned by Lee Na Eun, known for Our Beloved Summer, aims to preserve the novel’s core themes of love, memory, and sacrifice while introducing fresh narrative elements.
Film Details
The novel Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight by Ichijo Misaki, published in 2019, sold over 1.2 million copies in Japan. The story revolves around a high school boy who pretends to be in love with a girl at the request of his friend, only to face unexpected emotional consequences when her memory resets daily. The 2022 Japanese film, directed by Takahiro Miki, won the Audience Award at the 2023 Japan Film Festival in Los Angeles. The Korean version will adapt the story to reflect Korean high school culture, with added emphasis on familial relationships and personal growth.
The casting announcement, reported on April 17, 2025, by outlets like Sports Chosun and Soompi, sparked widespread excitement on social media. Fans of the original film expressed curiosity about how the Korean adaptation would reinterpret the story, while others praised the chemistry potential between Choo Young Woo and Shin Si Ah.
Netizens Reactions
“Choo Young Woo and Shin Si Ah together? This is going to be a tearjerker! I loved her in Extraordinary Attorney Woo, and he was so good in Oasis. Can’t wait!” – X user, April 17, 2025
“The Japanese film was so beautiful, I hope they keep the emotional vibe. Shin Si Ah is perfect for this kind of role, and Choo Young Woo’s soft charisma will shine.” – X user, April 17, 2025
“I’m already preparing my tissues for this one. The novel broke my heart, and with these two, it’s going to be epic!” – X user, April 16, 2025
“Shin Si Ah’s acting is always so raw, and Choo Young Woo is such a rising star. This remake is going to be huge!” – X user, April 17, 2025
“Excited for Choo Young Woo’s film debut! He’s been killing it in dramas, and pairing him with Shin Si Ah is genius.” – X user, April 17, 2025
The project aligns with a growing trend of Korean remakes of Japanese content, following successes like My Sassy Girl (2001), a remake of the 1996 Japanese series, which grossed $26 million worldwide, and A Man and a Woman (2016), inspired by the Japanese film About Her Brother. Industry comparisons highlight Korea’s knack for adapting Japanese stories with heightened emotional resonance and polished production values. The 2024 remake of Sunny, based on the 2011 Japanese film, drew 1.8 million admissions in Korea, underscoring the market’s appetite for such adaptations.
Choo Young Woo’s agency, J-Wide Company, confirmed his participation, stating,
“Choo Young Woo is thrilled to take on this challenging role for his film debut. He’s preparing diligently to portray the character’s emotional journey.”
Shin Si Ah’s agency, Fantagio Music, noted,
“Shin Si Ah is carefully reviewing the offer and is excited about the project’s potential. She’s drawn to the story’s depth and the chance to work with Choo Young Woo.”
The film’s budget is estimated at ₩8 billion, modest compared to blockbuster K-dramas but substantial for a romance film, reflecting confidence in its commercial prospects. Pre-production began in March 2025, with casting finalized in April. The film is slated for a late 2025 release, targeting both domestic and international audiences via platforms like Netflix, which has expressed interest in distribution rights following the success of the original.
Historical data on Korean remakes shows mixed results. The 2014 remake of My Love, My Bride earned ₩11.3 billion, while the 2017 remake of My Sassy Girl underperformed, grossing only ₩3.2 billion. Analysts attribute success to faithful yet innovative adaptations that resonate with local audiences. The involvement of Kim Hye Young, whose drama It’s Okay! achieved a 12.4% rating, bolsters expectations for a nuanced directorial approach.
As of April 17, 2025, Studio Dragon issued an official statement:
“We are committed to delivering a heartfelt adaptation of Even If This Love Disappears from the World Tonight. With Choo Young Woo and Shin Si Ah, we aim to create a timeless love story that resonates globally.”
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CREDITS: Naver, X(twitter)
