'Familiar flavors can be the scariest.' This is the premise of 'Charge Me Up,' a romantic comedy featuring a chaebol heir with a failing artificial heart and a drama writer whose romance is short-circuited by her electric powers. The series is expected to thrill global audiences with its fresh take on K-romantic comedy.
On October 1, a production presentation for the new Netflix series 'Charge Me Up' was held at Hotel Naru Seoul M Gallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul. The event featured director Park Soo-won and lead actors Kim Young-kwang and Chae Soo-bin, who shared insights about the project.
Based on a web novel of the same name, 'Charge Me Up' tells the sweet and electrifying story of Baek Ho-rang (played by Kim Young-kwang), a man whose artificial heart battery is running low, and Na Bo-bae (played by Chae Soo-bin), a woman with electric powers. The series is a collaboration between director Park Soo-won, known for his witty and stylish direction in works like 'City of Drinking Women 2' and 'Postpartum Care Center,' and emerging writer Song Yu-chae.
Director Park expressed his fascination with the premise, stating, "The idea of the female lead having electric powers was very intriguing. The fresh twist of her falling for the only man who doesn't spark her electricity, calling it 'fate's rubber gloves,' sets the stage for a unique story."
He further elaborated on the show's underlying message, saying, "Beyond the simple concept of 'charging,' we focused on the deeper meaning of 'recharging' that resonates with modern individuals. In our busy lives, feeling drained is common, and the emotional comfort of wanting to be recharged or to recharge someone else is the show's greatest appeal."
Kim Young-kwang plays Baek Ho-rang, a chaebol heir and executive at TS Resort, who is a perfectionist in his work. Facing the imminent failure of his artificial heart, he enters an irresistible contract with Na Bo-bae, the only person who can recharge him.
Kim shared, "I was drawn to this project because of the interesting setup and fun situations reminiscent of the romance comics I read as a child. I focused on the costume design to portray the character of a chaebol heir and a planner, paying attention to visual details like wearing stylish silk pajamas as part of my morning routine."
Chae Soo-bin portrays Na Bo-bae, a romance writer whose electric powers prevent her from engaging in physical contact or romance after being struck by lightning. To write a romantic script, she whimsically grabs the hand of Baek Ho-rang, her 'fate's rubber gloves.'
Chae Soo-bin noted, "While the script was fun, I initially had concerns about the genre. However, during our meeting, the director and production team assured me they could create something deliciously familiar, and I was completely convinced. The story is so cute and warm that I felt I had to be a part of it."
Echoing Chae's sentiments, Director Park emphasized the power of the familiar charm inherent in romantic comedies. He remarked, "Just because it's familiar doesn't mean I want to force it into something different. Ultimately, the familiar can be the most daunting. The reason for diet failures often lies in those familiar flavors. I wanted to harness that power to create a true 'rom-com haven.'"
He continued, "I pondered clichés. I aimed to find that 'slight twist' that our cast and crew could bring, as too much deviation would lose the essence of familiarity. For instance, while there are many chaebol characters in dramas, Kim Young-kwang's portrayal of Baek Ho-rang brings a unique and entertaining perspective that only he can deliver."
Director Park expressed unwavering faith in his lead actors, stating, "Kim Young-kwang possesses all the qualities needed for a romantic lead. His visuals and physique are straight out of a comic, and while he may seem prickly to others, he has a playful charm that appeals to women."
Regarding Chae Soo-bin, he added, "The male crew members would unanimously exclaim 'so cute' after every take. She is a smart actress who performs well and is lovely, making her the perfect romantic lead. I feel truly fortunate to work with both of them."
The narrative intricately depicts the evolving emotions of two individuals bound by a contract out of necessity. Park explained, "Initially, they dislike each other but are together out of necessity, starting as a 'hate relationship.' As the story progresses, it transforms into a healing romance that embraces each other's complexes and defenses. The perspective that healing can come from being seen by just one person, rather than seeking validation from the world, is central to their relationship."
In conclusion, Park stated, "While I appreciate works with heavy and serious themes, I hope our drama allows viewers to enjoy a genuine feeling of 'recharging' without overthinking. We have prepared various elements, including the actors' unique charms and delightful expressions of electricity."
'Charge Me Up,' which adds a fresh imagination to the familiar grammar of romantic comedies, will consist of 10 episodes and is set to premiere on Netflix on October 9 at 5 PM, reaching audiences worldwide.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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