[Edaily Starin KIM HYUNSIK Reporter] "I will strive to create a production that once again highlights the value and power of weekend dramas."

Producer Hong Seok-gu, who is directing KBS 2TV’s new weekend drama *Love Is Coming*, made this statement at a production press conference held at The Saint in Guro-gu, Seoul, at 2:30 p.m. on the 22nd.
“Love Is Coming” is the follow-up to “Prescription for Love,” which concluded on the 19th after recording a final viewership rating of 15.3% (based on Nielsen Korea’s nationwide standards) and a peak rating of 18%. This marks the first time in 20 years—since “Thank You, Life” (which aired in 2006 with a final rating of 17.0% and a peak of 19.9%)—that a KBS weekend drama has ended without surpassing a peak viewership rating of 20%.
“Glorious Days,” the predecessor to “Prescription for Love,” also barely cleared the 20% barrier, recording a peak viewership rating of 20.5% only in its final episode. “Love Is Coming” begins with the heavy responsibility of halting the downward trend of KBS weekend dramas, which have long been regarded as a “guarantee of high ratings” in the broadcasting industry.
Director Hong, who previously directed “The Queen’s House” and “My Only One,” said, “Ratings aren’t something you can create just because you want them or intend to.” He added, “I’m focusing my direction on creating a drama that viewers will find as entertaining as possible. “I hope it achieves even better results than ‘Beauty and the Pure-Hearted Man’ (peak viewership rating of 21.4%), the weekend drama I directed in 2024,” he added.
“Love Is Coming” is a drama that simultaneously depicts the romance between Han Gyu-rim, a poor employee at a side dish shop, and Kim Mu-jin, a “silver spoon” owner-chef of an Italian restaurant, as well as the family histories of the two main characters.
Producer Hong explained, “This is a story about the process of two people rediscovering love and a broken family coming back together,” adding, “It will be a drama that delves deeply into love and family while conveying a message of hope, all within a cheerful and bright atmosphere.”

The series is written by Lee Kyung-hee, the screenwriter behind *I’m Sorry, I Love You* and *Casually, Passionately*. Producer Hong said, “While reading the script, I found the characters incredibly charming, and there were many lines that left me in awe,” adding, “I felt this could become an entertaining drama, so I took on the directing role.”
He continued, “Among the dramas I’ve produced, this one received the best response at the internal screening.” He added, “I believe the reason it’s been described as ‘spectacular’ and ‘worth watching’ lies in the characters’ emotional transformations—and in that regard, it is indeed a spectacular work. Since the shifts in emotions and situations are intricately interwoven, I’m confident viewers will find it entertaining.”
The actors also expressed their enthusiasm for the show’s success. Ha Seok-jin, who plays the male lead Kim Mu-jin, said, “My senior actors often told me that everyone must star in a KBS drama at least once. I’m filming with a heart full of gratitude,” adding, “I want to help revive the glory of KBS weekend dramas by creating a show that appeals not only to middle-aged and older viewers but also to younger audiences.”
Ahn Hee-yeon (EXID’s Hani), who plays the female lead Han Gyu-rim, said, “Through the story of Han Gyu-rim—a character who shares many similarities with me but also has many differences—I want to convey comfort, hope, and love to many people,” adding, “I hope viewers feel a sense of warmth while watching the drama.”

“Love Is Coming” stars Ha Seok-jin and Ahn Hee-yeon, along with Park Yu-na, Bae Jeong-nam, Kwon Hae-hyo, Yoon Yu-seon, Ryu Seung-soo, Jin Kyung, and Min Jin-woong.
Park Yu-na, who plays Han Gyu-young—Han Gyu-rim’s younger sister—said, “This is my first weekend drama, so it feels like I’m learning to act all over again,” adding, “I’ll do my best to elicit reactions like, ‘I didn’t know Park Yu-na could act like that.’”
Bae Jeong-nam, who plays Jo Heung-sik—Han Gyu-rim’s “male best friend”—expressed his determination, saying, “I’ve found the role of a lifetime. My personal target viewership rating is 25%.”
Meanwhile, Ryu Seung-soo, who plays Han Gyu-rim’s father, Han Seok-joong, remarked, “I played a couple with Jin Kyung in ‘The Good Times,’ which aired 12 years ago, so it feels very special to be reunited with her in another work by the same writer.”
Jin Kyung, who plays Hong Ok-sun—Kim Mu-jin’s mother and the owner of Dongyun Group—praised Ryu Seung-soo, saying, “Just like Ryu Seung-soo has found the role of a lifetime, he’s really shining in this drama.” She added, “I’ve always liked Ryu Seung-soo’s comedic acting, and his charm is fully on display in this production. He’s the drama’s mascot and a real gem.”
“Love Is Coming,” planned as a 50-episode series, will air every Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. starting on the 25th.