Actor Park Jin-young is poised for back-to-back success, solidifying his status as a first love icon.
On March 5, a production presentation for JTBC’s new Friday series ‘Shining’ took place at The Link Hotel Seoul in Guro-gu, Seoul. Director Kim Yoon-jin and actors Park Jin-young and Kim Min-ju attended.
‘Shining’ is a drama that depicts the journey of young individuals who, having once shared their own world, become the guiding light for each other’s faith and life’s direction. The series is a collaboration between Kim Yoon-jin, director of ‘Our Beloved Summer’ and ‘Say You Love Me,’ and writer Lee Su-gyeon, known for the film ‘One Fine Spring Day’ and the drama ‘On the Way to the Airport.’
Park Jin-young stars as Yeon Tae-seo, a subway conductor who views the world with precision, while Kim Min-ju portrays Mo Eun-ah, a former hotelier now managing an old guesthouse in Seoul. The narrative centers on two individuals who met at nineteen, separated at twenty, and reunite at thirty.
Last year, Park Jin-young played the lead in tvN’s drama ‘Unknown Seoul,’ earning him the “first love lead” title. He stated, “It would be a lie to say there was no pressure, but I believed it was crucial to approach each project without dwelling on past works. I am grateful for the love received but aimed to approach this next project with a clear mind.”
He continued, “While the previous work was a romance, these projects are distinct. The former focused on assisting a female character’s growth within a larger story, whereas ‘Shining’ is a pure melodrama centered on a love story between a man and a woman. I tried to focus more on character reactions to situations rather than the overarching plot itself. Personally, I believe our drama is a simple love story that anyone might have experienced. I worked hard to capture details in relatable actions.”
Kim Min-ju, who acts alongside him, takes on her first leading role in this project. When asked if he offered any advice as an idol senior, Park Jin-young replied, “While I am her senior as a singer, I saw us more as colleagues on the drama and film sets rather than from a senior’s standpoint.”
He added, “In melodramas, I believe it’s more about whether the character appears believable than about ‘good or bad’ acting. From the start, Min-ju embodied Mo Eun-ah, and I trusted her from the first shoot. We filmed happily and without difficulties.”
Park Jin-young also recalled, “I remember feeling so nervous during my first filming experience that my heart felt like it would burst. However, I didn’t see any nervousness from her, likely because she was surrounded by wonderful, supportive adults. I also filmed comfortably.”
Park Jin-young also shared compelling reasons to watch ‘Shining’: “Anyone who has experienced love will find themselves deeply relating to it. While love is a universal and frequently used theme, our work examines it with magnified detail. Our story is everyone’s story, and those who can relate will surely appreciate it. I am confident that people from all generations who have experienced love will adore this drama.”
Kim Min-ju added, “It’s a story everyone can relate to. The visuals in our drama are so beautiful that they alone offer a sense of healing.” Park Jin-young concurred, stating, “I knew Korea was beautiful, but this project revealed its true beauty to me. Traveling across the country for outdoor shoots was truly stunning,” expressing his anticipation.
‘Shining’ will premiere on Friday, March 6, at 8:50 PM, with the first and second episodes airing consecutively.
