A recent article published by The Chosun Ilbo examined the growing trend of K-Dramas which feature actresses who are age 30 and over. While the report initially calls these actresses middle-aged, the woman listed are within the age group of 30 through 40-years old.
The article cites that the primary reason for these stars were cast in recent K-Dramas is due to the prime viewer demographic, which women within their '30s and '40s.
In addition to the specific age of the actresses, many of these series focus on career women who are accomplished, but may be struggling with changing currents at the workplace. These K-Drama heroines are generally unlucky in love, after sacrificing their happiness to excel as businesswomen or to care for their families.
The Chosun Ilbo quoted an unnamed source, who is a television producer at KBS, the network that is recently responsible for "Producer" and "I Remember You." "Young viewers no longer sit in front of the TV, so there is no reason to use actors in their teens and '20s to appeal to them," said the television producer.
Successful series like "Pinocchio" or "Who Are You: School 2015," that have starred young actresses including Park Shin Hye and Kim So Hyun. However, these youthful dramas are a joined by the influx of series led by actresses who are 30 and over.
35-year-old actress Gong Hyo Jin recently starred as Tak Ye Jin, a music chart show producer in the KBS2 drama, "Producer." In the series, she was admired by Baek Seung Chan, who was portrayed by 27-year-old actor Kim Soo Hyun.
Soo Ae, the 35-year-old star of SBS' melodrama "Mask," portrays a poor woman who achieves success when she assumes the identity of a deceased heiress. While the age difference is not drastic, she is older than her 33-year-old co-star, Joo Ji Hoon.
Jang Nara is currently starring in the KBS series, "I Remember You." The 34-year-old actress is paired with solo vocalist-turned-actor Seo In Guk, who is 27-years-old.
The report examined a quote from another unnamed television producer, who pointed out the shortage of talented, young actresses. While many stars have a great look, they may fail to produce quality acting, whereas older actresses have proven their potential.
The age difference between the on-screen stars is often weaved into the plot, allowing viewers to have wish-fulfillment through their favorite K-Dramas.
"The Time We Were Not in Love" featured a guest appearance by INFINITE's L (Kim Myungsoo), who seduced Ha Ji Won to excel in the workplace. While his appearance was brief, the 37-year-old actress is paired with two male stars who are younger. 33-year-old star Lee Jin Wook portrays her lifelong friend Choi Won while breakout star Yoon Kyun Sang is Cha Seo Hoo, her ex-boyfriend. Yoon is a 28-year-old actor, who increased in fame following his appearance in "Pinocchio."
"Mask" and "I Remember You" do not directly address the age difference between the stars while "Producer" featured a noona romance or an older woman and younger man love line.
It was recently announced that 30-year-old actress Hwang Jung Eum may rejoin her "Kill Me, Heal Me" co-star Park Seo Joon, to portray love interests in an upcoming drama. Park previously starred opposite 45-year-old vocalist-turned-actress Uhm Jung Hwa in the drama, "A Witch's Romance."
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About the writer: Adrienne Stanley is a contributing editor for KDramastars. She is also a contributing writer for KpopStarz, MTV Iggy, Viki and CJ Entertainment's KCON blog. Her passions include a love of K-pop and Asian drama. When she is not writing, she is hanging out on Twitter (@retrogirladdy).
