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| ▲ Director Park Won-guk (L) poses for photos alongside actors Lee Ju-bin and Ahn Bo-hyun at a press conference for the upcoming romance "Spring Fever," in this photo provided by tvN on Dec. 29, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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| ▲ A poster for the upcoming romance series "Spring Fever" is shown in this image provided by tvN on Dec. 29, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
tvN series-press conference
'Spring Fever' director sets sights on topping hit drama 'Marry My Husband'
By Woo Jae-yeon
SEOUL, Dec. 29 (Yonhap) -- Director Park Won-guk on Monday expressed his hope that the upcoming romance series "Spring Fever" will surpass the popularity of his record-setting previous work "Marry My Husband."
"I can't be satisfied with ordinary love anymore," the director joked at a press conference in Seoul. "While preparing 'Spring Fever,' I set my goal to receive even greater love than 'Marry My Husband.'"
His earlier series for tvN, which aired from Jan. 2-Feb. 20 of last year, achieved a peak viewership of 12 percent, the highest for the cable channel's Monday-Tuesday drama slot. Its popularity also led to a Japanese remake earlier this year.
Based on a web novel of the same name, the upcoming romance revolves around the budding relationship between Yoon Bom (Lee Ju-bin), a cool-headed teacher, and Seon Jae-gyu (Ahn Bo-hyun), a passionate man whose nephew attends the school where Bom teaches.
Ahn portrays Jae-gyu, whose imposing physique and rough, tattoo-covered exterior hide a surprising charm and steadfast love. His world begins to sway as he falls for Bom. To prepare for the role, the actor said he bulked up by 4-5 kilograms, adding that "It wasn't easy because I had to do that in a short period of time."
The director said the romance centers on a woman seeking an ordinary life and a man who is anything but. On Jae-gyu, the director explained that the character "breaks conventional drama tropes and embodies what true coolness really is."
The series was filmed entirely in Pohang, some 270 kilometers southeast of Seoul, a coastal city that had already drawn visitors but saw renewed attention following the success of the 2021 tvN romance "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" which was also filmed there.
Ahn, who is originally from Busan, said his natural use of the Gyeongsang dialect will make his portrayal of the Busan-native Jae-gyu feel relatable.
"I had always wanted to act using a dialect, and this drama gave me the chance to bring out my secret weapon," he said.
"I didn't want to miss the opportunity to be part of the series and the role," he said, adding, "Because the series was different in tone from the dramas I had done before, I thought if I did well, many viewers would tune in."
Lee, best known for her role in "Queen of Tears," said she was drawn to her character because of her unconventional personality and a narrative of her own.
"I think I can showcase a broad acting range," she said.
The 12-part series is set for release next Monday.
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