Cho Yi-hyun, Choo Young-Woo, and Cha Kang-yoon's 'Gyeonwoo and the Fairy' proved the power of the 'charm talisman'.
tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Gyeonwoo and the Fairy' (written by Yang Ji-hoon, directed by Kim Yong-wan, planned by CJ ENM, produced by Studio Dragon, DEXTER, and EO Contents Group) debuted to a warm reception. The explosive viewer response to Park Sung-ah's thrilling yet eerie first love and curse-breaking mission was evident in just the second episode. The second episode's ratings achieved an average of 4.5% and peaked at 6.0% for metropolitan households, ranking first in its time slot, including cable and general programming channels.
Park Sung-ah (portrayed by Cho Yi-hyun), a high school student by day and rumored 'Heavenly Fairy' by night, begins her double life alongside Baek Gyeon-woo (portrayed by Choo Young-Woo), who is fated to die. Their destiny-like first encounter sparks anticipation for a mutual salvation romance. Director Kim Yong-wan and writer Yang Ji-hoon, who confidently stated that viewers could expect a blend of romantic comedy, human drama, occult elements, and sports, have portrayed Park Sung-ah's extraordinary efforts to protect her 'first love' Baek Gyeon-woo, creating delightful excitement.
Above all, the chemistry between Cho Yi-hyun, Choo Young-Woo, and Cha Kang-yoon maximizes the appeal and relatability of their unique characters, receiving enthusiastic responses. The recently released behind-the-scenes cuts capture the cheerful and fresh moments of Cho Yi-hyun, Choo Young-Woo, and Cha Kang-yoon, adding to the excitement. Cho Yi-hyun lovingly depicted Park Sung-ah's struggles to save her destined 'first love' Baek Gyeon-woo, who unexpectedly enters her shrine. Her focused expressions while coordinating details with experts for the opening Cheongseong ceremony scene engrave her character of the high school shaman 'Heavenly Fairy' into the audience's memory.
Choo Young-Woo perfectly transformed into 'Baek Gyeon-woo', a character born under a curse. In a previous interview, Choo Young-Woo described Baek Gyeon-woo as 'a sad hedgehog who raises its quills to protect others.' Living a life plagued by misfortune, he has lost both his laughter and dreams, and his loneliness, stemming from not allowing anyone close for fear of dragging them into his misfortune, is delicately unraveled, raising expectations for another 'life-changing character.' Choo Young-Woo's passionate moments, completely immersed in rehearsals while not missing the emotional flow, further enhance anticipation for the unfolding story. Particularly, as Baek Gyeon-woo faces a significant turning point after losing his only refuge, his grandmother Oh Ok-soon (played by Gil Hae-yeon), there is a growing expectation for Choo Young-Woo's dynamic performance.
Cha Kang-yoon, energetically portraying the warm-hearted 'Pyeo Ji-ho', also showcased his true colors. In the drama, the character Pyeo Ji-ho is the only friend who knows that Park Sung-ah is a 'shaman'. Although he disapproves of Park Sung-ah's somewhat reckless mission to protect her first love from curses, his charming qualities as her 'male friend' who volunteers to help whenever she is in danger stirred excitement. The playful and amusing exchanges between the 'real' pals crossing between fantasy and reality also added to the fun. Cha Kang-yoon's serious expressions while deeply engaged in monitoring with Cho Yi-hyun raise expectations for how 'Pyeo Ji-ho' will contribute as a variable in the curse-breaking mission for Park Sung-ah's first love.
The visual chemistry and acting synergy of Cho Yi-hyun, Choo Young-Woo, and Cha Kang-yoon, who even charm ghosts, are essential viewing points. From their cheerful group shots with V poses to the 'heart-thumping' eye contact with the camera, the warm atmosphere of the filming set can be felt. With Baek Gyeon-woo dealing with his cursed fate and Park Sung-ah embarking on a perilous journey to thwart it, along with Pyeo Ji-ho joining the mission for his friend starting a 'difficult' first love, all eyes are on whether the three will change their fate and return to an ordinary and happy life.
'Gyeonwoo and the Fairy' production team noted, 'In episodes 3 and 4 of 'Gyeonwoo and the Fairy,' Park Sung-ah's extraordinary efforts to protect Baek Gyeon-woo, who is left alone, will officially begin as she decides to become a human talisman.' They added, 'Expect the exciting changes in Baek Gyeon-woo caused by Park Sung-ah's persistent approach.'
Meanwhile, episode 3 of tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama 'Gyeonwoo and the Fairy' will air on the evening of the 30th at 8:50 p.m.
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