Kim So-hyun and Choo Young-woo discuss their new drama Between Steps, their confidence in the director, and more
Kim So Hyun and Choo Young Woo have publicly discussed their upcoming romantic drama “Between Steps” ahead of its scheduled premiere, highlighting their profound trust in the late director Ahn Pan Seok. The series,…
Source: Soompi · October 1, 2026 at 10:32 AM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 1 OCTOBER 2026 —
Kim So Hyun and Choo Young Woo have publicly discussed their upcoming romantic drama “Between Steps” ahead of its scheduled premiere, highlighting their profound trust in the late director Ahn Pan Seok.
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The series, which is set to debut on October 5 at 10 p.m. KST, marks a significant posthumous project for the acclaimed filmmaker, who previously helmed the hit dramas “Something in the Rain,” “One Spring Night,” and “The Midnight Romance in Hagwon.”
The drama centers on the evolving relationship between two protagonists navigating personal loss and professional uncertainty. Choo Young Woo portrays Park Min Jae, a former swimmer who lost his right leg due to illness, while Kim So Hyun plays Im Yoo Jin, a graduate student who discovers a new path after losing her way.
The narrative is designed to explore the complexities of love and resilience, offering a grounded perspective on the lives of young adults facing significant physical and emotional challenges.
Writer Min Hyo Jung described the show’s unique selling point as the “joy and despair of doctors who know little about romance.” She emphasized that the series is a romance centered on extremely realistic everyday stories, arguing that this realism allows viewers to empathize more deeply with the characters’ situations and emotions.
According to the writer, this approach enables the audience to laugh and cry along with the characters, creating a strong emotional connection through relatable daily experiences.
Both lead actors expressed deep respect for director Ahn Pan Seok’s methodology, noting his focus on authenticity over theatrical performance. Choo Young Woo stated that the director placed great importance on what the actors saw, heard, and felt within the context of the set and the situation, rather than having them make up something to perform a scene.
The actor expressed gratitude for the moments when the director gave him the freedom to portray things the way he wanted, describing it as a truly valuable experience as an actor.
Kim So Hyun shared her own impressions of the director’s collaborative style, noting that she was impressed by how he would always sit together with the staff on set to discuss the work. She remarked that while giving the cast creative freedom, the director taught them a great deal about how to understand and explore the essence of their roles.
Kim So Hyun stated that she is deeply grateful and has great respect for him for helping her open the doors that had been closed within her, indicating that the working relationship had a significant impact on her personal and professional growth.
The actors also outlined what viewers can expect from the narrative arc, focusing on the development of the central romance. Choo Young Woo suggested that audiences will become more immersed in the drama if they follow the romance that blossoms when two young people, who are inexperienced when it comes to love, meet. He highlighted the process of how the two characters change through their relationship as a key element of the story.
The actor added that he hopes the drama will be remembered in viewers’ hearts as a source of warm comfort and excitement.
Kim So Hyun commented that it will be fun to follow the complex and nuanced emotional journeys of the unique characters. She described the series as a drama that realistically captures the bittersweet journey of youth, expressing her sincere hope that it can offer viewers a little comfort as they watch it. The emphasis on nuanced emotional journeys and realistic capture of youth suggests a focus on character-driven storytelling rather than plot-heavy twists.
The production of “Between Steps” serves as a testament to the enduring influence of director Ahn Pan Seok, whose previous works have established a strong reputation for romantic dramas that resonate with audiences. The collaboration between the late director, writer Min Hyo Jung, and the lead cast aims to deliver a story that balances realism with emotional depth. The upcoming premiere on October 5 at 10 p.m.
KST marks the next step for the series, with the cast and creative team confident in the project’s ability to connect with viewers through its authentic portrayal of love and life.