Kim Hye-ja returns with 'Heavenly Ever After,' reimagines afterlife

Cast for JTBC's new drama "Heavenly Ever After" pose during an on-line press conference. Courtesy of JTBC

JTBC's new weekend drama "Heavenly Ever After" is expected to become another poignant drama by veteran actor Kim Hye-ja, reuniting with director and screenwriters of acclaimed collaboration "The Light in Your Eyes" (2019) after six years.

In this heart-warming drama, Kim pairs with actor Son Suk-ku, who is 42 years younger than her, to portray a romance that gracefully transcends their age difference.

Director Kim Suk-yoon said they "crafted a stage where Kim can pour her entire being," heightening anticipation.

"This project was conceived from the outset with Kim in mind. The screenwriters even halted their other scripts to join what we affectionately called the 'Kim Hye-ja Project,' focusing on how to create a platform where she could fully immerse herself. It's essentially a bespoke creation aimed at delivering both entertainment and profound emotion," he said during an online press conference on Friday.

The drama, penned by the celebrated writing team of Lee Nam-kyu and Kim Su-jin from "The Light in Your Eyes," presents actor Kim as Lee Hae-sook, an 80-year-old who finds herself in heaven.

In this heaven, people can decide the age they want to live in the heaven. While most choose younger versions of themselves, unlike others, Lee embraces her age as is in heaven only because her late husband told her she is the most beautiful even if aged. However, when she joins her late husband, Go Nak-joon (Son), she encounters him as a youthful 30-something.

Poster for JTBC drama "Heavenly Ever After" / Courtesy of JTBC

"Other actors were willing to join even with the script still in development, which meant we could design their roles based on a clear understanding of the individuals. This approach, giving them tailored performances rather than generic ones, is why the characters feel so authentic and alive," the director explained.

This drama centers on the charmingly contentious marriage of a young-looking husband and his elderly wife in the celestial realm. However, despite its heavenly backdrop, the story ultimately shines a light on the enduring power of earthly bonds and human connections.

Actor Kim said this work depicts the depth of human interactions, adding that the beautiful, unbreakable connection with Nak-joon — a beauty so exquisite it feels almost unreal — was the very reason she wanted to be a part of this project.

"Reading the synopsis, I immediately felt the story would be incredibly engaging. The idea of a beautiful connection that endures, even from this life into the next, truly resonated with me. I simply had to be a part of it," she said.

"For me, my only desire and interest lies in acting. It's all I truly know. If asked to do anything else, I'd be a complete failure. Acting brings me joy and happiness."

It was she who recommended Son as her counterpart.

"After seeing 'My Liberation Notes,' I knew he was a wonderful actor. So when they were talking about casting my husband's role, I said I hoped it would be Son Suk-ku. He was exactly what I had envisioned. Even though he's younger, he leads so well. I'm incredibly grateful for his support by my side, like a true husband."

The 83-year-old actor expressed her gratitude for what she has gone through this work.

"Considering my age and everything, this might indeed be my final work. That makes me even more grateful. I spent a truly happy year filming, and the satisfying conclusion fills me with nothing but thankfulness," Kim said.

Director Kim noted that the fundamental idea of the drama is that death is not the end of existence.

"We wanted to delve into the connections people forge through many lives. The core message we wish to impart is the significance of human relationships. We wanted to narrate the origin of these connections, the journey of their development and the inherent value they hold," he said.

The first episode was broadcast on Saturday on JTBC at 10:40 p.m.