Actor Jung Kyung-ho calms the spirits of industrial accident victims with his first labor attorney drama, 'Oh My Ghost Clients.'

On the morning of the 30th, a press conference for the new MBC Friday-Saturday drama 'Oh My Ghost Clients' (written by Kim Bo-tong and Yoo Seung-hee, directed by Im Soon-rye and Lee Han-jun, abbreviated as 'Ghost Clients') was broadcast online. The main cast, including Jung Kyung-ho, Seol In-ah, and Cha Hak-yeon, attended along with director Im Soon-rye. They discussed the work under the moderation of broadcaster Park Kyung-rim.

'Oh My Ghost Clients' is a comic fantasy action drama that portrays the tumultuous labor problems solved by a labor attorney who can see ghosts. Actor Jung Kyung-ho, who received acclaim for his role in the dramas 'Hit The Top' and 'Hospital Playlist' series, stars as the title character, Noh Mu-jin. Expectations are high for Jung Kyung-ho's acting transformation, as he has been publicly dating Girls' Generation member and actress Choi Soo-young for 14 years.

Seol In-ah joins as Noh Mu-jin's sister-in-law, Na Hee-joo, while Cha Hak-yeon plays video creator Go Gyeon-woo. Moreover, 'Oh My Ghost Clients' marks the directorial debut of Im Soon-rye, a notable figure in Chungmuro, who has directed films such as 'Our Life's Greatest Moment,' 'Little Forest,' and 'Negotiation.' Adding to the anticipation, writer Kim Bo-tong from the Netflix series 'D.P.' and writer Yoo Seung-hee from the movie 'I Can Speak' have collaborated on this project.

Director Im Soon-rye introduced the work, stating, "This is the first drama to seriously present the profession of a labor attorney. Not just any labor attorney, but one who has the special ability to see ghosts. By seeing these ghosts, this character helps resolve the stories of those who died in industrial accidents and have turned into spirits without having their issues addressed. It's a noble story about a labor attorney who not only seeks compensation but also resolves the injustices faced by these spirits."

Jung Kyung-ho mentioned, "I didn't know much about labor attorneys until I worked on this drama. I learned that a labor attorney is someone who works diligently for the people—those who toil for their livelihoods. Initially a surviving labor attorney, he begins to see ghosts through a certain incident and helps to resolve the grievances of the spirits one by one. I think I can show a serious story in a light and entertaining way," expressing his confidence.

Seol In-ah, playing Noh Mu-jin's sister-in-law Na Hee-joo, described her character as "someone who, lacking a proper job, wonders 'Where can I earn money?' and ends up gaining a lot and growing through my brother-in-law Mu-jin." Additionally, Cha Hak-yeon stated, "I have the clearest occupation as a YouTuber. Initially focused only on money and view counts, I grow alongside Mu-jin after meeting him. We start with 50,000 subscribers, but let’s see how many we end up with," he added with wit.

With Jung Kyung-ho leading, all the main cast members expressed a desire to work with director Im Soon-rye and writers Kim Bo-tong and Yoo Seung-hee. Im Soon-rye humorously noted the challenges of transitioning to a drama, stating, "I accepted primarily because I liked the subject and script. Plus, it seems that investing in films is tough these days. Just joking!" He also shared a feeling of wanting to challenge himself with new changes, remarking that many told him that transitioning from film to drama would be demanding, with some saying, "I lost 6 teeth doing drama!" However, he felt that aside from the longer shooting period compared to films, it wasn't too different, mentioning how supportive the staff were and how that made him unaware of the difficulties.

Jung Kyung-ho noted, "From my perspective, I've taken on roles that are drastically different from each other. I experienced things I never did in my life. Working on 'Oh My Ghost Clients' has provided me with many unique experiences," he said with a smile.

He added, "Unlike previous works, I did not portray the ethics of being a labor attorney from the start. I was a character who learned about my profession as I grew. Recently, I received an award from the Labor Attorneys Association, which I feel I didn't really deserve, and I want to express my thanks here."

Regarding the title role, he shared, "Instead of feeling burdened because it's a title role, every work carries its burdens. In this piece, our chemistry had to stand out particularly. I deliberately made the others uncomfortable during readings and even treated them to meals and drinks."

Seol In-ah mentioned, "I felt challenged because my character, Hee-joo, lacks a distinct narrative. I decided to embrace that difficulty for the sake of the role, but once faced with it, I found myself troubled about how to portray Hee-joo in an charming way. I paid attention to make sure she doesn’t appear unlikable, so I guess that's why the director and seniors gave me so much love. It was truly a loving environment."

She also said, "I was very concerned that my character should seem endearing. I hoped she wouldn't appear unlikable," expressing her gratitude that the director and seniors offered her so much support. "It was truly a cherished set," she added.

Cha Hak-yeon added, "Even if I may not appear like it, I have a lot of shyness. When Gyeon-woo first started his YouTube channel, the initial greetings were quite challenging. He greets by saying, 'Hello, friends,' but my face turned red every time I said hello. Thinking I might run away, I practiced at home imagining I was doing a YouTube broadcast, buying a tripod, and rehearsing. I even filmed while walking with a camera alone. This was a work with a lot of rehearsals."

While at the scene, under the moderation of Park Kyung-rim, Cha Hak-yeon even made a heart gesture to the camera, saying, "Hello, friends, please love our 'Oh My Ghost Clients'!" Jung Kyung-ho chimed in with humor, stating, "Everyone is saying we’re different, but we acted exactly the same. It's strange," adding to the laughter.

Director Im Soon-rye shared her experience working with the three actors, stating, "It was my first time working with these three. I had only seen Jung Kyung-ho in dramas. Many of the roles he has portrayed come with a delicate and picky image, but I was surprised to find that he is very easygoing and considerate. Not just to the two junior actors, but he was also very kind and thoughtful to the staff on set."

She added, "He always expresses a diversity and sensitivity within everyday acting. Even in comic or serious contexts, he continuously contemplates the project. He frequently discussed the direction of the work with me. He has been a tremendous help to it."

Seol In-ah emphasized, "Actress In-ah, being I in personality, provides balance by encompassing both characters, allowing energy to flow at the right moment. I really wonder if this trio would have achieved such balance without her."

Cha Hak-yeon is also praised as a clever actor who never lets go of his edge, ensuring that he always finds his voice in any situation. He is well-prepared, gentle in demeanor, and fundamentally a remarkable actor," she strongly stated.

The chemistry among Jung Kyung-ho, Seol In-ah, and Cha Hak-yeon is often referred to as 'Mu-jins.' Park Kyung-rim jokingly noted, "Singer Lee Mujin must be quite surprised."

Jung Kyung-ho asserted, "I solve the cases," to which Seol In-ah countered, "My brother-in-law solves the cases, but I am the true power. I am the leader. Honestly, I am the employer and the real authority." Cha Hak-yeon added, "Everyone is wrong. I bring the key to solving it. I bring the interest and evidence," with Jung Kyung-ho humorously concluding, "None of us are worth much. We only come together as one."

Despite this, Jung Kyung-ho remarked, "Actually, I’m irreplaceable," bringing laughter, while Cha Hak-yeon added, "In fact, none of us can be absent!" adding to the humor.

Regarding teamwork ratings, Cha Hak-yeon declared, "I've never given a perfect score in such situations, but this time it’s a 'perfect score.' Honestly, we always had great synergy as a trio. I started watching a bit of the first episode today (the 30th), and there were moments when we synchronized beautifully. You could really feel our chemistry while describing each other’s actions."

Seol In-ah responded, "I also think it's a perfect score. It was so flawless. I believe it’s because the center of it all was Jung Kyung-ho."

Jung Kyung-ho stated, "Our chemistry score is a bit challenging to quantify, but it's almost perfect. The three of us were fantastic together. The other two were bright and energetic, while I am more quiet and typically have a good vibe. Yet, there are moments when the balance is exceedingly well-aligned. I consistently feel that we truly click. When the three of us are together, filming doesn't proceed easily. When a topic arises in the morning, we end up discussing it until we head home. Additionally, all three of us love and raise dogs, so whenever the topic of pets comes up, someone usually says, 'Let’s stop talking and film already!' That's how it was when we gathered."

Most importantly, regarding the labor issues presented in the drama, director Im Soon-rye explained, "Labor issues are a part of everyday life, while being able to see ghosts is something unreal, so I needed to portray it believable without going overboard. I paid close attention to balancing the mundane with the fantastic, the weightiness and lightness, the comic and the serious while directing."

The first episode of the work deals with the story of a factory worker. Director Im Soon-rye said, "It's about a high school intern who suffers from an industrial accident. It frequently happens in manufacturing settings, and it breaks my heart to think about a young student losing their life due to adult irresponsibility in a place without proper safety equipment. By opening with this story, I wanted to discuss how our society neglects the importance of safety and of valuing others' lives."

To ensure vibrant episodes, notable guest appearances from actors Moon So-ri and Kim Dae-myung add significance to 'Oh My Ghost Clients.' Director Im Soon-rye expressed confidence, stating, "Our trio is phenomenal, and there is no lack of acting talent. I had the privilege of meeting many outstanding actors for this project, and many of them are excellent performers. The participation of experienced actors with whom I have connections, along with the project appeal, illustrates this well. The pleasure of watching great actors will be immense in each episode."

Jung Kyung-ho expressed, "Kim Dae-myung opens the way for us. Thank you, Kim Dae-myung. See you tonight," showing gratitude for the loyalty of 'Hospital Playlist' actor Kim Dae-myung. Seol In-ah added, "It’s difficult to choose between senior Jin Seon-kyu and senior Moon So-ri. Both possess remarkable talent," while Cha Hak-yeon remarked, "I really like the episode featuring senior Ahn Nae-sang and senior Park Won-sang."

In conclusion, director Im Soon-rye remarked, "There are so many light-hearted works these days, but our drama also delivers a social message and touches the lives of spirits. It encompasses fun, emotion, and a meaningful message altogether."

'Oh My Ghost Clients' premieres tonight (the 30th) at 9:50 p.m.

[Photo provided by MBC.]

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