Even before its premiere, the contrasting expressions of two actors standing in different “seasons” hint at the direction of the story. MBC’s upcoming drama starring Lee Sung Kyung and Chae Jong Hyeop is already leaving a strong impression, capturing viewers’ attention ahead of its debut.
On January 20, MBC unveiled the first poster for its new Friday–Saturday drama 'In Your Radiant Season,' set to premiere on February 20 at 9:50 PM. The series tells a romance about Chan, a man who lives as if it is always summer, and Ran, a woman who has confined herself to winter, as their meeting sets stagnant time back into motion.
The newly released poster features Song Ha Ran (played by Lee Sung Kyung) and Sunwoo Chan (played by Chae Jong Hyeop) standing face to face against the backdrop of Jamsu Bridge. Though they share the same space, the mood surrounding each character is starkly different.
Set in a snowy winter scene, Ha Ran turns away from Chan with a hardened expression. In contrast, Chan stands beneath warm sunlight, smiling as he looks at her. The visual of two people living through different emotions and timelines in the same place immediately draws the eye.
The line printed at the top of the poster, “Seven years ago, she, who felt like a spring breeze, appeared before me again,” hints at the time that has passed between them. While Chan clearly recognizes Ha Ran, her distant gaze, as if she remembers nothing, deepens curiosity about the connection they once shared.
The production team explained, “Jamsu Bridge is a symbolic location in the early part of the drama that represents the emotional and temporal gap between the two characters,” adding, “Please watch to see what kind of change begins with their meeting here.”
This project marks the first time Lee Sung Kyung and Chae Jong Hyeop are working together, presenting a fresh on-screen pairing. Both actors have built solid filmographies through different works, making their collaboration a point of interest in itself.
Lee Sung Kyung, who began her career as a model, officially launched her acting career with the 2016 drama 'Cheese in the Trap.' That same year, she quickly rose in popularity through 'Doctors' and 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo.' She has since led or starred in projects such as 'About Time,' 'Dr. Romantic 2,' and 'Shooting Stars,' portraying a wide range of characters centered on romance and personal growth. Most recently, she expanded her repertoire by taking the stage as Jasmine in the musical 'Aladdin.' She is widely praised for delivering emotionally defined characters with consistency and depth.
Chae Jong Hyeop gained widespread attention relatively later, but has steadily built his presence through continuous work. After making his name known in 'Hot Stove League,' he drew notice for his realistic portrayal of youth in 'Nevertheless.' He went on to appear in 'Love All Play,' 'Unlock My Boss,' and 'Castaway Diva,' demonstrating a broad emotional range from bright, energetic roles to more restrained and serious performances. His natural chemistry and understated acting style are considered key strengths.
While Lee Sung Kyung has been known for convincingly portraying characters with clear emotional arcs, Chae Jong Hyeop excels at capturing subtle changes in everyday individuals. As two actors with distinctly different acting textures come together, expectations are high for the kind of synergy they will create, and whether their pairing will deliver a new kind of romantic chemistry.
'In Your Radiant Season' premieres on February 20 at 9:50 PM on MBC.
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