“The Hagwon’s Midnight Romance” is an upcoming South Korean TV series penned by Park Kyung-hwa, helmed by Ahn Pan-seok, and featuring Jung Ryeo-won and Wi Ha-joon. Set to debut on tvN on May 11, 2024, the show will air every Saturday and Sunday at 21:20 (KST) and will be streamable on the local OTT platform TVING.
The series narrates the clandestine yet charming real-life love story between Seo Hye-jin, an experienced tutor at a cram school, and Lee Joon-ho, an eccentric former student who reappears in her life after a decade, igniting unexpected feelings within her. Their secret romance blossoms under the cover of darkness at Daechi-dong Academy, intertwined with the intriguing tales of the academy’s instructors, previously undisclosed to viewers.
CHARACTERS
Main:
- Jung Ryeo-won portrays Seo Hye-jin, a renowned tutor boasting 14 years of expertise. She’s characterized by her silent competitiveness and unyielding spirit.
- Wi Ha-joon takes on the role of Lee Jun-ho, a newly returned lecturer after a decade, whose presence disrupts Seo Hye-jin’s routine and emotions.
Supporting Characters at Daechi Chase Academy:
- So Joo-yeon stars as Nam Cheong-mi, a bold personality newly appointed to the Korean Language Department at Daechi Chase Academy.
- Kim Jong-tae appears as Kim Hyun-tak, the Director of Daechi Chase Academy.
- Kim Jung-young portrays Woo Seung-hee, the Deputy Director of Daechi Chase Academy.
- Gil Hae-yeon embodies Kim Hyo-im, the Counseling Manager of Daechi Chase Academy.
- Jang In-sub portrays Yoon Ji-seok, the English Department 1 team leader at Daechi Chase Academy, known for his popularity and unrequited love for Hye-jin.
People at Choiseon Korean-language:
- Seo Jeong-yeon takes on Choi Hyeong-seon, the Director and Instructor of Choiseon Korean Language, recognized as the “White-haired Witch” for her teaching prowess.
People around Jun-ho:
- Shin Joo-hyup portrays Choi Seung-gyu, Jun-ho’s worldly and cynical best friend who pursued graduate studies.
- Yoon Bok-in appears as Oh Jeong-hwa, Jun-ho’s mother, formerly nicknamed the “pig mom.”
- Oh Man-seok embodies Lee Taek-yeol, Jun-ho’s father, a former executive now working in a smaller company.
People around Hye-jin:
- Cha Seo-young, portrayed by a to-be-announced actor, is Hye-jin’s best friend and a lawyer.
- Geum Chun-il, portrayed by another yet-to-be-revealed actor, is the owner of Night Flight bar.
People at Chanyoung High School in Daechi-dong:
- Kim Song-il stars as Pyo Sang-sub, a Korean Language Teacher at Chanyoung High School.
- Characters including Sung Ha-yool, Lee Ye-eun, and Lee Jung-soo, all students at Chanyoung High School, are to be announced.
People at Heewon High School in Daechi-dong:
A character to be announced plays Lee Si-woo, a top-ranking student at Heewon High School.
STORYLINE
“The Midnight Romance in Hagwon” unveils the covert love affair between Seo Hye-jin, an experienced tutor, and Lee Jun-ho, a former student whose unexpected return after years sends ripples through Hye-jin’s life. Set within the bustling confines of Daechi Chase Academy, the drama immerses viewers in the intricacies of their relationship amid the academic hustle. Hye-jin, drawing from her extensive fourteen-year tutoring tenure, finds herself inexplicably drawn to Jun-ho, his reappearance stirring dormant emotions within her.
As the narrative unfolds, audiences witness the gradual blossoming of affection between Hye-jin and Jun-ho, their clandestine rendezvous during the midnight hours at the academy lending an air of mystery and allure to their burgeoning romance. Despite the myriad challenges they encounter—including the watchful eyes of their peers and the demands of their professional lives—the bond between Hye-jin and Jun-ho strengthens with each passing moment.
Interwoven with their love story are the lives of other characters at Daechi Chase Academy, each adding layers of complexity to the overarching narrative. From the bold and vibrant Nam Cheong-mi to the enigmatic Director Kim Hyun-tak, these characters offer a glimpse into the multifaceted world of academia, enriching the storytelling experience for viewers
As the series progresses, audiences are treated to a whirlwind of emotions as Hye-jin and Jun-ho navigate the highs and lows of their relationship. From moments of passion and intimacy to conflicts and misunderstandings, their journey is marked by unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that viewers remain captivated and engaged. Ultimately, “The Midnight Romance in Hagwon” serves as a captivating exploration of love, secrecy, and self-discovery against the backdrop of academic life. With its compelling storyline and well-rounded characters, the drama promises to be an unforgettable viewing experience, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting each new episode.
