Park Bo-young and Choi Woo-shik in 'Melo Movie.' Photos courtesy of NetflixWith their charming screen presence and undeniable acting skills, Choi Woo-shik and Park Bo-young have each carved out impressive careers in both film and television. 

Now, the two beloved stars have joined forces for Netflix’s romantic comedy series “Melo Movie.”

And the pair had nothing but praise for each other, sharing their positive experiences while working on the project during a virtual interview with ABS-CBN News.

“I had always wanted to work with someone that I deemed to be a good person and I think that was exactly the case,” Woo-shik said. “The fact that I got to work alongside Bo-young, it was a lot of fun and I was very happy.”

Meanwhile, Bo-young recalled: “I had always wanted to work with Woo-shik and when we started working together, I realized that he is so much more charming than what I had ever expected.”

The 10-part “Melo Movie,” which premiered on Netflix last February 14, is a heartwarming story about young adults navigating personal challenges while pursuing their dreams and building their careers.

Woo-shik portrays Ko Gyeom, a film enthusiast determined to break into the industry. While working as an extra, he meets Kim Mu-bee (played by Bo-young) and is intrigued by her name, a play on the word “movie.” As romance blossoms between them, Gyeom suddenly vanishes without a word, leaving Mu-bee behind.

Years later, Mu-bee, despite her resentment toward films, has become a director with a successful debut, while Gyeom has established himself as a widely-read online critic. When the two reunite, they are forced to confront past grievances and lingering feelings.

The show also follows Gyeom’s friends—struggling composer Hong Si-jun (played by Lee Jun-young from “The Impossible Heir”) and screenwriter Son Ju-a (Jeon So-nee from “Parasite: The Grey”)—who reconnect after a past relationship when they reunite for work.

Choi Woo-shik and Park Bo-young in 'Melo Movie'

Similar age

During the interview, Woo-shik and Bo-young shared that they quickly developed good rapport and on-screen chemistry due to being the same age, both born in 1990.

“Because we are of a similar age, we felt very comfortable around each other and I think we gave each other good energy in that way,” said Woo-shik, best known for starring in the acclaimed black comedy film “Parasite.”

Bo-young, a darling of romance dramas and widely recognized for playing the titular character in “Strong Woman Do Bong-soon,” echoed her leading man’s sentiment: “Because we are friends of the same age, we were able to grow close to one another at a faster pace than, I think, anyone else I remember.”

Age is a significant marker of social hierarchy in South Korea, where younger individuals are expected to use honorific speech and show respect to their elders. This dynamic gives rise to the concept of “same-age friends,” making it easier for people born in the same year to interact casually and form friendships.

Park Bo-young as Kim Mu-beeNotably, “Melo Movie” was written by Lee Na-eun, who also penned Woo-shik’s 2021 romantic comedy series “Our Beloved Summer.”

Upon reading the script, Bo-young grew excited to see how Woo-shik would bring Gyeom to life. “I was really excited to meet that character and I thought that he was going to be very similar to how I envisioned the character to be while reading the script,” the actress said. 

“I think once we were on set and I got to meet the character, it exceeded my expectations,” she said.

Choi Woo-shik as Ko Gyeom

Like Gyeom, Woo-shik enjoys watching movies, though not with the same intensity as his character.

“I think before, I used to have those hobbies [like Gyeom] but more and more, nowadays, I find that there are not many things that I deeply love in that sense,” Woo-shik said, adding that he is still searching for something to obsess over.

“Of course, when it comes to watching movies, that’s one thing I love very much,” he said.

Pursuit of dreams

More than just a love story, “Melo Movie” also highlights the struggles of individuals who hope to turn their creative passions—whether in filmmaking, music or writing—into fulfilling careers.

As Pierce Conran, K-drama critic for the South China Morning Post, wrote in his review: “[Writer] Lee [Na-eun] imparts her characters with ambition and desires but also a wariness towards a world that offers uncertain prospects.”

Jeon So-nee as Son Ju-aSo-nee, who was also present during the interview with Jun-young, said viewers would likely find the characters relatable as they struggle with uncertainty about their passions and skills.

“I think the viewers out there will be able to really relate with how none of them are truly confident in their passion or what they’re capable of,” So-nee said.

“I think they are kind of midway, where they do have that confidence and passion, but they’re not fully confident in what they can do,” she added.

Lee Jun-young as Hong Si-junWhen asked for advice for struggling young creatives, Jun-young said: “I hope that if anyone is out there who, like Si-jun, needs consultation or help from others but you are unable to ask for that, just try to do it. At least once, try to reach out to your loved ones and tell them how you really feel.”

So-nee also stressed on the importance of being surrounded by the right people when pursuing one’s dreams, saying, “I feel like what kind of people you surround yourself with is extremely important, and I think the characters in our drama are also able to gain the courage to go on through the people around them.”

“So what I’d say to them is make sure to surround yourself with great people and also make sure you allow yourself to trust them,” she said.