Couples with age gap now normal in K-dramas

Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-ri in tvN's “Mr. Sunshine.” Courtesy of CJ ENM

By Dong Sun-hwa

Couples with big age gaps are now nothing extraordinary in Korean dramas ― many of the couples have age differences of 10 years or more.

Song Hye-kyo and Park Bo-gum will star in an upcoming TV series, “Encounter.” Yonhap

“Mr. Sunshine,” a just-ended 24-episode TV series penned by star writer Kim Eun-sook, grabbed attention as soon as the leading cast was revealed ― actor Lee Byung-hun, 48, and Kim Tae-ri, 28.

Many claimed the pair would not be able to create romantic chemistry, but instead would look more like an uncle and a niece.

However, the drama proved popular, with the last episode rating 18 percent viewership. It was also acclaimed for putting the spotlight on the forgotten fighters of the Joseon Kingdom who struggled for the freedom of their nation.

Lee Na-young and Lee Jong-suk will appear in a drama tentatively titled “Romance is a Supplement.” Yonhap

“People are less reluctant about couples with a big age gap these days,” an industry source told Yonhap News Agency Tuesday. “What's more crucial is the content ― viewers do not watch dramas if the content is not interesting.”

A myriad of upcoming TV series reflect such a trend. For instance, actor Park Bo-gum and Song Hye-kyo will star in the drama “Encounter,” which is set to go to air on Nov. 28. Song is 37 and Park is 25.

Actor Lee Jong-suk will appear on a forthcoming TV series tentatively titled “Romance is a Supplement” with actress Lee Na-young, who is 10 years his senior. The actor is 29.