Choi Kang Hee is making a k-drama comeback. The actress, who appeared in "Level 7 Civil Servant" and "Protect The Boss," has confirmed her participation in a new drama that has been described as a medical romance.
Following the latest k-drama trend of highlighting mental health issues, her new drama, "Heart To Heart" will highlight the issue of social phobia. K-drama viewers saw Jo In Sung as a man with his delusions in "It's Okay It's Love," Joo Won as a doctor with Asperger's Syndrome in "Good Doctor" and are in store for a few upcoming dramas that feature multiple personalities.
In "Heart to Heart," Choi Kang Hee will play Cha Dong Ho, a woman who is so anxious about social interactions that she blushes furiously. People who have social phobia are more than shy. They become overwhelmingly self-conscious when confronted with certain social situations.
To become more invisible and avoid certain kinds of interactions, Cha Dong Ho takes over the identity of her elderly neighbor. Dressing up as a grandmother makes it easier to leave the house.
But adopting an unflattering disguise is not a plan that will work forever. And love will complicate things, as it always does in k-dramas. Lee Dong Gun, last seen in "Future's Choice" with co-stars Yoon Eun Hye and Jung Yong Hwa, is up for the role of Choi Kang Hee's love interest. The role he is considering it that of a doctor, but there is no word yet as to what kind of doctor he will be. Will he be her psychiatrist, as Gong Hyo Jin was to Jo In Sung in "It's Okay, It's Love?"
Although Choi Kang Hee is not shy in real life, she is nervous about greeting her k-drama fans after not seeing them for a while.
"I'm really nervous to see everyone in a new drama after such a long time," said Choi Kang Hee.
The drama will give her a chance to work with director Lee Yoon Jung again. The actress and director worked together on "Beating Heart" ten years ago. She only appeared in two episodes of that drama.
"It's a great honor to be able to work with Lee Yoon Jung PD again and a brilliant staff," she said. "I believe I will be able to show something new through this project so my anticipation is great."
"Heart to Heart" will premiere in January.
