Even after 19 years, the romantic comedy ‘My Lovely Samsoon’ continues to be celebrated as a legendary work in the genre, and it is set to make a comeback in 2024 with a new version.
As part of Wavve’s ‘New Classic’ project, the ’[Director’s Cut] My Lovely Samsoon 2024 (4K)’ will be released as an 8-episode series on September 6 KST.
# The Timeless Power of a New Classic that Resonates with All Generations
Back in 2005, there was a reason why we all loved ‘Samsoon.’ She wasn’t exceptional in anything, and she didn’t have much to her name, but she worked harder than anyone at what she loved, and she gave her all to the emotions of love. Samsoon provided a comforting energy for people like her, who were trying to live their lives to the fullest despite their struggles. Even now, 19 years later, in 2024, Samsoons still live among us. ‘My Lovely Samsoon’ continues to tell them not to be discouraged but to get up, live passionately, and love even more passionately. Director Kim Yoon Chul remarked, “I was relieved to see that Samsoon doesn’t seem outdated even after all this time,” and expressed his hope that “Samsoon’s healthy confidence will resonate with the new generation as well.”
Because of this, ’[Director’s Cut] My Lovely Samsoon 2024 (4K)’ is highly anticipated to provide both the viewers who consider the original series as their all-time favorite rom-com, and the new ‘MZ generation’ audience, with a joyful experience that revisits the core essence of romantic comedies and the healing energy of Samsoon.
# Reuniting with ‘Samsoon’ in 2024
’[Director’s Cut] My Lovely Samsoon 2024 (4K)’ is a reimagined version of the original, which was considered the “starting point of romantic comedies,” a “legend in the genre,” and the “fundamental rom-com.” Director Kim Yoon Chul, who was also the original director, returned to work on this project with a set of guiding principles.
First, the original 16-episode series was condensed into 8 episodes without compromising the story. As a result, some of the side plots were reduced, allowing for a greater focus on the work and love between Kim Sam Soon and Hyun Jin Hun. This approach also aligns with the current trend of binge-watching on streaming platforms, appealing to modern audiences. Second, dialogues and actions that were prevalent in 2005, often considered clichés, were carefully edited. Third, like recent series, each episode ends with a “hook” that makes viewers eager to watch the next episode, adding a “new flavor” to the 2024 version.
# A Meaningful Tribute to the Legendary Performances of Yeo Woon Gye and Kim Ja Ok
One of the most significant aspects of this series is that it allows audiences to revisit the performances of two now-deceased actors. Yeo Woon Gye, who played the manager of the French restaurant 'Bon Appetit' run by Hyun Jin Hun (played by Hyun Bin), and Kim Ja Ok, who portrayed Kim Sam Soon’s (played by Kim Sun Ah) mother, Park Bong Sook, are two actors whose performances left a lasting impact.
Yeo Woon Gye’s character, the restaurant manager, always helped Jin Hun regain his composure with a mature perspective whenever he acted out or struggled with emotional pain. Meanwhile, Kim Ja Ok’s character was the "nation’s mother," offering unwavering support to Sam Soon, even though she was strict with her daughters. This series offers a meaningful opportunity to revisit their memorable performances.
In addition to seeing the younger versions of top actors like Kim Sun Ah, Hyun Bin, Jung Ryeo Won, and Daniel Henney—who now dominate the Korean entertainment industry—viewers can also enjoy the nostalgia of spotting famous actors in their minor roles from that era.
# Enhanced Visual and Audio Experience
Wavve's 'New Classic Project' is a groundbreaking initiative to recreate iconic dramas from the early 2000s in 2024, overseen by the original creators. This innovative project is made possible by Wavve's extensive library, which sets it apart from global OTT platforms.
The project enhances viewers' engagement by improving the technology used. The visual quality of the original content, which was provided in SD, has been upgraded to 4K through upscaling and DI renewal, adding to the visual enjoyment. The sound quality has been improved, and subtitles are provided, ensuring that the entire library can be enjoyed as if it were a new release.
The iconic OST also returns with a fresh twist. The memorable song that begins with “The hidden you...” which accompanied the heart-fluttering romance scenes between Sam Soon and Jin Hun, will be remade as a duet by Lee Mu Jin and SOLE. The song 'Be My Love' will be entirely arranged and performed by composer and producer Go Gu Reum (Koh Hyung Seok). Viewers can start binge-watching the upgraded 2024 version of Samsoon when it is released on September 6th.
Meanwhile, the 'My Lovely Samsoon 2024' OST album, featuring the songs by Lee Moo Jin and SOLE 'She is' and Go Gu Reum's 'Be My Love,' will be released on various online music platforms on September 4 at 6 PM KST, reinterpreting the emotions of the 2000s with a modern touch.
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