[Comprehensive] "Supporting All Choices of Pregnancy and Working Moms"... 'Myeoneuragi 2' Park Ha-sun Welcome

Photo by KakaoTV

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Iseul] "I support any choice. There is no right answer." (Director Lee Kwang-young)

The hit content 'Myeoneuragi,' which led the success of the native online video service (OTT) KakaoTV, is returning with a sequel.

'Myeoneuragi,' praised for its detailed emotional changes and realistic depiction of a daughter-in-law newly entering the harsh in-law world, in season 2 embraces issues such as pregnancy and the worries of working moms, delivering greater empathy and comfort.

Director Lee Kwang-young stated at the KakaoTV 'Myeoneuragi2...ing' online production presentation held on the morning of the 7th, "I wanted to expand the stories of mothers, including pregnancy, childcare, and divorce."

The sequel to 'Myeoneuragi,' which was released on KakaoTV in November 2020 and gained popularity, 'Myeoneuragi2...ing' depicts the pregnancy story of the couple Min Sa-rin (played by Park Ha-sun) and Mu Gu-young (played by Kwon Yool). Through the growth diary of the pregnant Min Sa-rin, it aims to convey empathy and comfort. The honest and cool eldest daughter-in-law Jung Hye-rin (played by Baek Eun-hye) faces childcare challenges that do not go as planned as she becomes a working mom.

On this day, Director Lee Kwang-young said, "I wondered if Min Sa-rin overcame the difficulties she faced in season 1, and if so, how she overcame them. But is perfect overcoming even possible? Even if I change, if the people around me do not change, I will face the same hurdles."

He continued, "As a director, I tried not to give a definitive answer. The characters probably have over a million choices, and if I give an answer, the essence of the work becomes blurred."

He emphasized, "There is no right answer," adding, "I want to say that any choice is okay, and I want to comfort all choices."

Season 1 of 'Myeoneuragi' drew empathy through its realistic depiction of the K-in-law world. Season 2 expands into the story that unfolds after the protagonist Min Sa-rin becomes pregnant.

Director Lee Kwang-young said, "When people get married, the part that those around them most expect and worry about is pregnancy, and since it was something I seriously considered myself, I became interested." He added, "Regardless of gender, the husband Mu Gu-young is someone waiting for a child, and the wife Min Sa-rin is in a situation where she has to accept an unplanned pregnancy."

Park Ha-sun, who plays the protagonist Min Sa-rin, said, "In dramas and media, pregnancy is always portrayed as a joyful event, but I think there is an unconscious pressure to feel that way." She empathized strongly, saying, "Nowadays, many people feel anxious about pregnancy due to work and other circumstances. Not only married women but also unmarried women have such anxieties."

She added, "New things will unfold for Min Sa-rin," and hinted, "In season 1, I wondered why she was so frustrated and unable to speak up, but in season 2, she will beautifully and well express what she wants to say."

Regarding setting the eldest daughter-in-law Jung Hye-rin, who received great support for her straightforward actions in the previous installment, as a working mom, Director Lee Kwang-young said, "Even senior colleagues around me who do their jobs perfectly say, 'Raising children does not go as planned.' I was curious about how Hye-rin, who speaks her mind, would navigate the situation as a working mom."

Meanwhile, the 'goguma' (literally 'sweet potato,' used to describe a frustrating or stifling character) husband Mu Gu-young is expected to change in season 2. Kwon Yool, who plays Mu-young, said, "Each character's story expands in this season, providing greater fun," and added, "When I first received the season 2 script, I was surprised by how much Gu-young had changed. On set, the staff sometimes cried and sometimes felt relieved."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.