Lee Jae-wook steps into first dual role in 'Last Summer'

From left, actors Lee Jae-wook, Choi Sung-eun and Kim Gun-woo pose during a press conference for the KBS drama "Last Summer" at D-Cube City in Guro District, Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

KBS’ new romance drama "Last Summer," set to premiere this weekend, is ready to capture hearts with its blend of nostalgia, emotional depth and a daring performance by Lee Jae-wook — who takes on his first-ever dual role as twin brothers.

In the 12-part series, also available on Netflix, viewers follow a pair of childhood friends whose long-buried first love emerges from the metaphorical Pandora’s box, set against the backdrop of sultry summer days.

He embodies Baek Do-ha, a brilliant architect haunted by the memories of a love lost, and his twin Do-young, both boys sculpted by family trauma and separation.

Do-ha’s only visits to Korea as a youth were limited to a fleeting 21 days each summer, resulting in bittersweet reunions with neighbor Song Ha-gyeong (Choi Sung-eun). After a life-changing incident two years ago, the pair become more estranged than ever.

“It was my first time playing a dual role, so I felt a lot of pressure. It’s challenging to express distinct personalities in characters who look so similar. For Do-ha, I focused on impulsive, physical gestures; for Do-young, I portrayed a more emotional and calm persona. Watching the final cut, I was quietly pleased by how well the differences came through," Lee said during a press conference in Seoul, Wednesday.

Scenes from the KBS drama "Last Summer" / Courtesy of KBS

He praised co-star’s Choi's performance, saying, “I saw many of Choi Sung-eun’s previous works and was struck by her strong presence. She has such a lovable aura that fits this character perfectly. Audiences will see many transformations — she’s truly charming in many ways.”

Choi, who is challenging her first romance lead, said the drama’s appeal lies in its "subtle, human warmth and simple kindness."

"I trusted the power of the script. I hope viewers can feel the allure, the taste of summer and find comfort and strength in our story," she said.

Director Min Yeon-hong, lauded for his 2020 hit series "Missing: The Other Side," describes “Last Summer” as a story about people whose fates are intertwined through summers spent together, exploring how personal traumas are reflected in their homes — and how those spaces can be remodeled into places of healing.

“It’s not so much actual architecture as it is the architecture of the heart,” he says, pinpointing emotional transformation as the drama’s core theme.

Regarding the unusual production and release timing, the director said, “By chance, we ended up telling a summer story in the middle of winter. I hope viewers feel a renewed sense of warmth through our drama, even in the cold season.”

He characterized the series is “gentle and kind, radiating a warmth that gradually seeps in rather than dazzling viewers with shocks or intense twists."

"The characters approach problems in unpredictable ways, so it’s a fun, puzzling journey following their choices. Instead of a dramatic punch, ‘Last Summer’ offers a subtle warmth that accumulates over time," he added.

Global viewers can watch “Last Summer” on Netflix starting Saturday, joining this bittersweet journey of youth.