Kim Hye-su and Cho Yeo-jeong reunite after 23 years: Secrets greater than an affair

While the premise centers on infidelity, a black comedy unfolds where a secret far more massive swallows the characters whole. The Coupang Play original series 'It's Not About the Affair' has unveiled its first look ahead of its premiere on July 31 at 8 PM.

At the production press conference held on the 28th at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, the main cast, including director Lee Chang-hee, Kim Hye-su, Cho Yeo-jeong, Kim Ji-hun, and Kim Jae-cheol, attended. They shared the efforts they made to embody their characters and the chemistry they felt on set.

Kim Hye-su and Cho Yeo-jeong reunite after 23 years

It marks the first time in 23 years since the KBS2 drama 'Jang Hui-bin' that Kim Hye-su and Cho Yeo-jeong have worked together. Regarding their reunion, Cho Yeo-jeong expressed her trust, saying, "I felt once again that I can achieve anything as long as I am with her." Kim Hye-su also praised Cho, stating, "Her screen presence is overwhelming. Being on set with her was thrilling every single time."

The characters played by the two actresses serve as the central axis of the drama. Kim Hye-su portrays 'Kyung-hee,' a successful interior design CEO and popular influencer. To enhance the character's realism, she personally researched the behaviors of domestic and international influencers and even participated in the costume design process. Cho Yeo-jeong takes on the role of 'Su-jeong,' an elegant dermatology clinic director. To express the character's unstable psyche, she delivered a multi-dimensional performance, even adding lines on set.

Secrets scarier than affairs: A narrative of unstoppable chain reactions

The drama follows the intersecting lives of an influencer couple who sells the image of a happy family and a doctor couple undergoing divorce proceedings. It features a "chain reaction" narrative where uncontrollable secrets explode, making even infidelity seem trivial. Director Lee Chang-hee teased an unpredictable progression, noting, "Looking back at my works, someone always dies at the beginning."

Lee compared his directing style to that of Quentin Tarantino, stating he wanted to provide a modern reinterpretation. Rather than strictly following the script, he actively embraced the spontaneous moments created by the actors on set. "As people collided, charms not found in the script emerged, and gaps were filled. As a director, I felt euphoria whenever a scene turned out better than what was in my head," Lee said. Regarding the direction of the work, he added, "I tried to hold onto the question posed by the title: 'If the affair isn't the problem right now, then what is?'"

Kim Ji-hun's character perfection and Kim Jae-cheol's comedic transformation

During the event, Kim Ji-hun and Kim Jae-cheol were highlighted by the lead actors. Kim Hye-su spoke of Kim Ji-hun, who plays the "breadwinner-type" actor 'Jae-hong,' saying, "I laughed the most during Jae-hong's scenes. Kim Ji-hun perfected the character." Kim Ji-hun expressed his respect by mentioning Kim Hye-su's dedication during the character preparation process.

The actor tipped as the "secret weapon" of this production is Kim Jae-cheol. Kim Ji-hun pointed to him, saying, "Those who remember Kim Jae-cheol from his previous works will be truly shocked by the gap in this series." Cho Yeo-jeong also remarked, "It's been a long time since I've seen an actor with as much talent and flair as Kim Jae-cheol." Kim Jae-cheol teased a comedic performance that breaks away from his previous image, saying, "The difference between my previous roles and this one will be immense." Kim Hye-su added, "As the series progresses toward the middle and end, I realized that Kim Jae-cheol's brand of serious comedy is irreplaceable."

An 8-episode series with a global production team

The series is helmed by director Lee Chang-hee, known for 'A Killer Paradox' and 'Strangers from Hell,' and is produced by producer Kim Ji-yeon of 'Squid Game' and Hwang Dong-hyuk's Firstman Studio. Through a video message, director Hwang commented, "It is a hybrid genre encompassing romance, melodrama, thriller, and comedy that global viewers will enjoy."

The Coupang Play original 'It's Not About the Affair' consists of 8 episodes. It will be released on Coupang Play on July 31 at 8 PM and will be available for both Coupang Wow members and general members without restrictions.