Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Cannes-acclaimed drama 'S Line' explores hidden human desires
Actors Lee Da-hee, left, and Lee Soo-hyuk are seen during a press conference for the Wavve original drama "S Line" at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
By Park Jin-hai
Wavve's original series "S Line," which was officially invited to the 2025 Cannes International Series Festival and won the "Best Music" award in April, will finally be released Friday.
The fantasy thriller, based on the popular webtoon of the same name by Kkomabi, author of "A Killer Paradox," delves into hidden truths and human desires, based on a provocative concept of the S Line, a red thread only visible between people who have had sexual relationships.
In the original webtoon, the line was visible to all, but scriptwriter and director Ahn Joo-young reinterpreted the setting so that only some people can see the S Line, hinting at a different worldview.
As the only Korean drama invited to the Canneseries this year, the response at the festival was enthusiastic, according to Ahn.
"The auditorium was packed when the series was screened, and the cheers we received gave me an unforgettable sense of emotion as a director," she said, recalling the moment during a press conference for the drama at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Yongsan District, Seoul, Monday.
"Since it's a work where thriller and fantasy coexist, I requested different musical tones for each episode. It's an honor that such attention to detail led to this great result."
Actor Lee soo-hyuk is seen in a scene from Wavve original series "S Line." Courtesy of Wavve
Arin, a member of K-pop girl group Oh My Girl, portrays Hyun-heup, a key figure in S Line’s universe — born with the rare ability to see the red threads that connect sexual partners. When special glasses suddenly grant this same power to anyone who wears them, chaos erupts across Korean society. As the nation faces social collapse, Hyun-heup teams up with a detective to uncover the origins of the glasses.
"Hyun-heup is a character where loneliness and strength coexist, so I tried to capture that 'iron fist in a velvet glove' vibe. The director asked if I was open to short hair, and even that was a new and exciting challenge for me," Arin said.
Model and actor Lee Soo-hyuk takes on the role of detective Ji-wook, a character simultaneously chasing the secrets of the S Line and a murder case. Lee said that even though three months had passed since he visited Cannes, it still felt unbelievable. "My affection for the work grew even stronger after returning," he added.
Lee stressed that the drama prompts much thought on human nature.
"In a way, we're taking a provocative subject like the S Line to create events and showcase characters, but it's a work that offers many points to ponder, such as how people's actions and attitudes change when their private or hidden aspects are revealed," he said.
Lee Da-hee takes on the role of Kyu-jin, a mysterious teacher aiming to shed her existing cold image. She described her character as "a warm, quirky teacher who genuinely cares for her students, but possesses an 'unfathomable inner world.'"
"I put a lot of effort into expressing the difference between Kyu-jin's outward demeanor and her inner feelings," she said. "I also strongly wanted to shed my cold image."
The six-episode drama will release two installments every Friday, starting this week.