Actor Hwang In Yeop is well known in the entertainment industry as a devoted fan of dramas. That may not come as a surprise — after all, he works in the drama industry himself, and in a profession like this, loving what you do is practically the primary indicator of whether you're cut out for the job. But Hwang is not just any fan; he is a true connoisseur and enthusiast.

He has shared that as a child, he loved sitting with his parents in the evenings to watch the 10 p.m. series. Born in 1991, Hwang came of age as a viewer right around the turn of the millennium, when the Korean Wave was gathering momentum.

When asked about his favourite dramas, he replies: «Where should I even begin?» — and quickly rattles off titles such as «Goong», «The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince» and «I'm Sorry, I Love You».

Hwang's idol is Jo In Sung. According to journalists who were present, Hwang In Yeop speaks about him with the shyness and excitement of a teenage fan.

«Senior Jo In Sung may not know who I am, but I have always looked up to him and wanted to become someone like him», Hwang In Yeop said. «It would be wonderful if even one person somewhere saw me and began to dream the same way. Now I want to become an actor who can plant dreams in other people's hearts. If just one person on this planet sees me and thinks, 'I want to be an actor too,' that would mean the world to me. I hope that through me, someone feels at least a fraction of that desire. I am so happy to be in this profession. These thoughts are what drive me».

«I have never met Jo In Sung», Hwang In Yeop added. «Our paths have never crossed. But isn't it moving to see your idol still active and going strong? I would love to be friends with him somewhere out there. I used to imagine myself among his 'real friends,' but I never actually thought I would be cast in a project with him. If that ever happened, I think I would be too nervous to act. I have admired him since I was young».

Romantic comedies appear to have had a profound influence on Hwang In Yeop, and he genuinely prefers starring in romance dramas over action films — a genre many male actors his age typically gravitate towards.

At a press meeting in Seoul, Hwang In Yeop admitted that his natural shyness made it difficult for him to master acting. «Since there was no guarantee that attending an acting academy would make me an actor, I didn't really think I would actually become one», he said. «I started with the intention of just trying it for a year, but here I am, having come such a long way. It's amazing».

Widespread recognition came with the 2020 tvN drama «True Beauty», followed by romantic roles in «Why Her?» and «Family by Choice». In the series «Dear X», he took on the tragic role of a star actor — talented yet deeply wounded. His character becomes yet another victim of the villainous female lead, who tramples his heart and causes the death of his grandmother. Ultimately, Hwang's character takes his own life.

After such a heavy role, Hwang In Yeop had the chance to play a purely romantic and comedic character in «Dream to You», opposite Lee Hyeri. Despite the series' relatively modest ratings (ranging from 2.3 per cent to 2.5 per cent), the on-screen chemistry between the leads was so convincing that fans began shipping them. While shipping is often dismissed as the domain of overzealous fans, it is not a distinction granted to just any stars or screen pairings. Many factors must align, and being shipped is, in its own way, a testament to the actors' work — even if a somewhat unusual one.

Indeed, the chemistry between Hwang In Yeop and Lee Hyeri drew considerable attention. Their connection was so believable that social media buzzed with excitement, and journalists recently asked him about it.

When questioned about his relationship with Lee Hyeri, Hwang In Yeop laughed and said:

«When I hear things like that, I'm actually very happy. I think that showing good chemistry between actors is the most important thing in a romantic comedy. I feel that such responses help viewers become even more immersed in the drama, so I'm grateful that people perceived us that way».

That chemistry became even more noticeable when Hwang In Yeop and Lee Hyeri were spotted together at a baseball game.

Videos surfaced showing Hwang In Yeop handing Lee Hyeri his cup after she apparently struggled with a spicy chicken skewer. The brief moment quickly caught attention online, with some viewers noting that they looked like a real couple.

Hwang In Yeop said that neither he nor Lee Hyeri expected the stadium footage to attract so much attention. He had no idea the moment had been captured on video or that it would eventually go viral.

Both actors seem to have taken the audience's reaction in good humour.

«It was raining beautifully that day», Hwang In Yeop recalled. «We did the ceremonial first pitch and had a great time batting. It was my first time at a baseball stadium since elementary school, and it was much more fun than I expected. In the middle of all that, Hye Ri got hungry and started eating, but the food turned out to be spicy. Luckily, my cup was full of cold water, so I handed it to her. That was the moment that got filmed. I had no idea. I think our chemistry is so good that it led to this kind of misunderstanding. We said to each other, 'Wow, has it really gone that far?' It was quite exciting. After that, there was no need to be cautious or anything like that. Hyeri always has the same energy. When you're around her, you naturally get caught up in it. That's how we grew close. It just became a funny story for us. Hyeri and I even discussed the video over the phone. She found it interesting too. Still, we were just showing our good rapport, so I'm glad it came across naturally. There was no special intention behind our actions».

Hwang In Yeop stressed that what pleased him most was gaining a close new friend.

He recalled that he was serving in the military during the period when Girl's Day — Lee Hyeri's group — were especially popular.

«I remember being recommended the music video for 'Expectation' and being told what a beautiful group Girl's Day was», he said. «I already liked Hyeri thanks to the series «Reply 1988», and I had also seen her adorable behaviour on «Real Men», so filming with her was a huge honour for me. I told her that, and she replied, 'Then treat me well'».

I learned so much from Hyeri. I'm very introverted, while Hyeri is an extrovert and a true professional. She often takes the lead. We communicated so well, grew really close, and joked around all the time. She offered many ideas, and I was happy to go along with them. The director was also very supportive. Lee Hyeri was a great senior colleague, a good friend and a wonderful partner».

«Dream to You» marked Hwang's first fully romantic-comedy leading role, and it holds special significance for him.

«I really wanted to star in a romantic comedy. One of my personal goals was to become an actor who could work in this genre. So if you ask me whether I have achieved that goal, I think I have, thanks to «Dream to You», he said. «I believe that while acting skills matter in romantic comedy, it's a genre that allows you to showcase your unique charm. The true essence of an actor comes through in everything they do to express love. It's a genre where there's nowhere to hide. I was simply thrilled to play the lead in a romantic comedy through this project. In the future, I would like to take on more roles in romantic comedies».

Hwang In Yeop added: «The entire process of making «Dream to You» was genuinely enjoyable. After watching the final episode, the director Yoo Sung Dong and I even exchanged messages wishing each other well. I had a great time filming this drama. Hyeri and I talked a lot and supported each other. We often said to each other, 'I'm rooting for you.' I'm really happy to feel like I've gained a good friend».

Reporter: How do you feel about wrapping up «Dream to You»?

Hwang In Yeop: I feel a strong sense of regret and sadness. I called and messaged the director and my fellow actors. I told everyone, «Let's meet again on a future project if the opportunity arises». Everything was good, from start to finish. I think this project will stay in my memory for a long time. It holds deep meaning for me, as it was my first romantic comedy.

Reporter: Weren't you the first one cast in «Dream to You»? Director Yoo Sung Dong called you a veteran of the series.

Hwang In Yeop: The director was exaggerating. However, when I first read the script for «Dream to You», I was intrigued by the premise — the male and female leads dream together of becoming film directors and making a movie. I liked that they were first loves who meet again after 15 years for some reason tied to the past. With the added element of directing, I had very high expectations. I was even more excited because director Yoo Sung Dong and Lee Hyeri had worked together before. I really hoped Hye Ri would be able to convey the atmosphere of a romantic comedy.

Reporter: What has the reaction been from people around you?

Hwang In Yeop: My friends said their wives enjoyed the series. Since my family always evaluates my acting, they pointed out both the good moments and the areas that need improvement. They even joked, «Try to act a little better next time.» Overall, I've heard many people say the ratings were disappointing.

Reporter: As the lead actor, it must have been frustrating that the series ended with a rating of 2.3 per cent.

Hwang In Yeop: I'm disappointed too. I think there's an expectation that if the filming process goes well, the results will follow. Everyone had great chemistry, so I really hoped that would be reflected in the numbers. Still, the ratings were a bit disappointing. While the show was airing, I honestly thought, «I wish more people were watching.» Among ourselves, we said, «We really enjoyed filming, and the process was good, so that's enough.» We also discussed that it's perfectly normal now for viewers to watch a series later — they can binge it on OTT platforms even after the broadcast has ended.

Reporter: What kind of conversations did you have while filming romantic scenes with Lee Hyeri?

Hwang In Yeop: On set, we called each other Joo Yi Jae and Woo Soo Bin. As the story progressed, I became incredibly immersed in my role. At a certain point, the chemistry between us happened naturally, without me having to overthink it. We wanted to create rich scenes, so we discussed our movements and camera angles. Hye Ri takes acting incredibly seriously. There were moments when everything came together naturally, even when I wasn't trying to express it. Later, I thought to myself, «I have a problem.» When you immerse yourself that deeply in a role, you feel empty after filming ends. Feeling that level of immersion, I even worried, «We've already grown so close; when it's all over, I'll probably just be cleaning the house for a while».

Reporter: There's a shirtless scene. Did you prepare specifically for it?

Hwang In Yeop: There was a shirtless scene in episode 4. So I started working on my physique from the very beginning to prepare for filming. However, I didn't realise just how difficult it would be to stick to a diet. It was tough, even though I'm used to maintaining a slim figure from my modelling days. I had to resist the urge to eat everything I wanted in order to keep my muscles defined, and it was really hard. Despite my efforts, my physique was far from what I had envisioned. I should have built up a bit more muscle. Next time, I'll work harder on it. I exercise regularly in my daily life, even though I'm not a big fan of moving around. In summer, I barely go outside because I sweat when I move. But I do it because I have to.

Reporter: At the press conference, you said, «I'm sorry for wearing a school uniform again». What would you do if you had to wear one again?

Hwang In Yeop: I still feel guilty. I don't want to wear a school uniform either. But if a really good script has a very short scene where I'm in uniform, I wonder whether I should turn it down. Could I suggest to the director, «How about using a child actor if it's unavoidable?» I've even had those thoughts. Hyeri looked so good in uniform. Watching Hyeri, who looked just like a regular schoolgirl, I thought, «The problem is me — I'm in big trouble.» During filming, I kept using the most expensive face masks and eating to make sure my cheeks didn't look too gaunt.

Reporter: This is a story about first love in high school. How does it compare to your own first love?

Hwang In Yeop: I couldn't even start a conversation back then. In high school, I just looked at the girl I liked from afar. I did that even when I had the chance to speak. Woo Soo Bin is better than me. Since he acted boldly, I thought, «That's why he's the main character.» I don't think I would have managed even if I went back in time. I kept saying the exact opposite of what I actually felt to my first love. I was a guy with a pathetic side that only I knew about — one that made me cringe.

Reporter: What did you focus on when creating the character of Woo Soo Bin?

Hwang In Yeop: I tried to make Woo Soo Bin as kind as possible. I felt that his charm lay in his ability to stay calm even in situations where he was angry, hurt, or on the verge of losing control. In modern terms, I wanted to be a «stable guy.» In reality, he's about 90 per cent like me. My father is very affectionate and attentive. Having grown up watching him, I often hear people say that I come across as gentle when I speak. Also, I'm the type of person who doesn't use «exclamation marks.» That aspect is similar to Woo Soo Bin.

Reporter: You called romantic comedy a «test,» and yet it's impressive that you didn't shy away from it. Do you think you've performed well so far?

Hwang In Yeop: I was curious to see how I could portray themes often found in other romantic comedies — such as first love or reunion — and how I could show the process of overcoming barriers. I believed that if viewers found Hwang In Yeop competent in this genre, I could move on to the «next stage.» However, it seems I haven't reached that «next stage» yet. It feels like there's still room for improvement. There are certain things a male actor can show, but there are also things I haven't tried yet. It seems I still have more to explore. Since the possibilities for storytelling are endless, I want to enjoy the process.

Reporter: What's the secret behind your chemistry being praised in every project?

Hwang In Yeop: I live by the belief that I should maintain good relationships with my colleagues on set, so that even if we happen to run into each other on the street, I can walk right up and greet them warmly. Only with that kind of relationship do the projects I've invested so much time in retain their meaning. People say I had great chemistry with Jung Chae Yeon in «Семья по выбору», and that's just my nature. I'm not the type to argue with someone and then pretend nothing happened. Because of that, I get along well with most people. I still keep in close touch with the actors I've worked with before.

Reporter: Do you tend to monitor reactions to yourself?

Hwang In Yeop: There was a time when I closely followed entertainment news. However, I found that I developed a lot of self-critical and self-deprecating feelings. Comparing myself to others inevitably lowered my self-esteem. At some point, I stopped watching such news for that very reason. Now I only check fan communication platforms and my Instagram account. I genuinely feel how much my fans love me — for example, at fan meetings. I think it's not worth paying attention to negative comments.

Reporter: What kind of performance can we expect from you in your next project, «Human x Gumiho»?

Hwang In Yeop: I tend to believe in fate. Whether I'm talking to someone, buying something, or doing anything else, I see it all as destiny. I use the word «fate» quite often. After all, didn't I meet these projects and these people through an undeniable force? I believe that a series of coincidences led to a connection that became fate. I don't know why I get cast. If I did, I'd act like a sly fox. Being invited for a role is also fate, because it's a choice. It's all shrouded in mystery.

I play a villain in «Human x Gumiho». Expect a sexy, decadent villain. It's my first time playing a villain, so I think you'll see something new from me. I hope you'll look forward to it.

Sources 1, 2, 3, 4