Lee Gyu-lee is a business writer at The Korea Times, focusing primarily on IT & telecommunications, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA. Prior to this, she has covered a wide range of cultural news, from film, television and K-pop to lifestyle and fashion.
Minah set to return to small screen with romance series 'Check Out the Event'
From left, actors Kwon Hwa-woon, Bang Min-ah and Ahn Woo-yeon pose for pictures during an online media conference for the miniseries "Check Out the Event," Thursday. Courtesy of MBC
By Lee Gyu-lee
By Lee Gyu-lee
Singer and actress Bang Min-ah, better known as Minah, of K-pop girl group Girl's Day, is returning to the small screen in MBC's miniseries “Check Out the Event,” two years after appearing in the romantic comedy series “My Absolute Boyfriend.”
“It's been a while since I took part in a series. When I was first offered the script for Check Out the Event, I was so thrilled to see love stories about people my age, going through things that I, myself, am also experiencing,” she said during an online media conference for the series, Thursday.
The four-part romance, written by newcomer Kim Tae-joo who won the TV network's script writing contest last year, revolves around a former couple going on a trip they won when they were together.
Botanical garden coordinator Ha Song-yi (Bang) and an indie band vocalist Park Do-kyum (Kwon Hwa-woon) recently ended their five-year relationship. They decide to pretend to be still together to win a free couple's trip to Jeju Island, and the two start an emotional journey.
Their former relationship takes a turn when the tour guide and writer Seo Ji-gang (Ahn Woo-yeon) steps in between the couple, forming a love triangle.
“This is a romance series about love and the break-ups of ordinary people, and their coming-of-age story,” co-director Kim Ji-hoon said describing the series.
A poster for the series / Courtesy of MBC
Adding that the series is a travelogue-like, sun-kissed romantic comedy, director Lee Han-joon emphasized the refreshing tone and scenery.
“We tried our best to capture the attractive scenery of the island for viewers to enjoy the trip from home,” Lee said. “(The overall tone) of the series is heartwarming and refreshing… especially given that it is a short one, you can expect to see a different layout and ending, unlike previous series.”
Bang's character Song-yi is a lovely, optimistic person who shows unyielding love toward her long-term boyfriend. While she struggles hard after Do-kyum breaks up with her, she finds a last hope for their broken relationship after winning the vacation to Jeju.
The actress expressed that she didn't fully understand the circumstance and choices of her character at first. “I thought it was unrealistic at first. I was thinking, 'How can an ex-couple go on a trip together? Can't they just cancel it?'” she said.
“But when I asked around my friends, there were some people who had the same situation in real life… like happy endings where former couples got back together by going on a trip together. (After hearing those cases) I started to open up and understand from Song-yi's perspective.”
Although her actual personality is far from her character, the actress said she could resonate with Song-yi's feelings of love, adding that the viewers will also be able to empathize with her.
“Check Out the Event” is scheduled to premiere on Saturday at 9 p.m.