The tvN network has released new images for its upcoming drama Happy Anding, showing its lead trio both in their school days and in their current lives, marked by professional stagnation.
Happy Anding is a coming-of-age drama that follows three comedians who have spent ten years trying to break into the entertainment world without success. After crossing paths with a mysterious woman, the three decide to seek new paths for their lives.
The newly released images allow us to see what Kang Tae Gu (Kang Hoon), Kim Nam Il (Cho Hyun Chul), and Han Jun Seo (Kim Jung Jin) were like during their school days, before adult reality put their dreams to the test.
From promising students to unlucky comedians
In high school, Kang Tae Gu and Kim Nam Il stood out for their natural talent for making people laugh, which fueled a constant rivalry between them due to their shared confidence in their own wit. Han Jun Seo, on the other hand, was the model student, even serving as the student representative.
However, years later, the reality they face is far from those expectations. Once considered young comedy prospects, today they remain unknowns in the industry, having failed to achieve their dream after a decade of attempts.
The new images show Kang Tae Gu with a worried expression while talking on the phone, and Kim Nam Il working as a parking lot attendant. For his part, Han Jun Seo makes a living at a skewer restaurant run by Jung Man Sik (Lee Seo Hwan), his former high school teacher. Despite the financial and personal difficulties they face, the three refuse to give up on their dream of becoming comedians and continue to support each other.
Kang Hoon explains why he joined the project
Regarding the reasons that led him to be part of Happy Anding, Kang Hoon explained: After reading the script, I wanted to be a part of this without a moment's hesitation. What attracted me most was that it tells the story of young people overcoming their pain and growing.
The actor also referred to the trio of comedians known as Asura within the story: They may not have much, but their eyes are full of life. Their passion for their dreams is clearer and more intense than anyone else's.
Regarding his relationship with his co-stars Cho Hyun Chul and Kim Jung Jin, Kang Hoon commented: The three of us are introverts, so at first we were shy about being together, but we got closer as filming progressed. At some point, we started acting like friends who have known each other for years.
Cho Hyun Chul and Kim Jung Jin share their filming experience
Cho Hyun Chul highlighted that he liked that the series does not offer hasty comfort, but conveys the message that it is okay to fail. Describing the relationship between the protagonists as that of friends who keep walking together on the same path, for better or worse, he explained that he paid special attention to how they exchanged dialogue and emotions to convey the feeling of friends who have spent a long time together.
The actor added: Kang Hoon is such a fun person that we connected right away. Kim Jung Jin would also scold us sometimes, which made me very fond of him.
For his part, Kim Jung Jin also expressed his affection for the project: When I first read the script, I empathized so deeply with the characters' emotions that I cried. Regarding the bond between the members of Asura, he noted that although they met as friends, they share and understand feelings that would normally be associated with a family.
The actor also showed his gratitude toward his co-stars: Kang Hoon had many leadership qualities, and I learned a lot by watching Cho Hyun Chul act boldly while still controlling the direction and scope of his performance according to each situation.
Happy Anding release date
Happy Anding will premiere on November 11 at 10:50 PM (Korea time) on tvN.
Frequently asked questions about Happy Anding
When does Happy Anding premiere on tvN?
Happy Anding is scheduled to premiere on November 11 at 10:50 PM Korea time.
Who are the protagonists of Happy Anding?
The drama stars Kang Hoon as Kang Tae Gu, Cho Hyun Chul as Kim Nam Il, and Kim Jung Jin as Han Jun Seo, three comedians who have spent ten years without achieving their dream.
What is Happy Anding about?
It is a coming-of-age drama about three comedians who, after a decade of struggling to succeed, cross paths with a mysterious woman who pushes them to seek new directions in their lives.
Who plays Jung Man Sik in Happy Anding?
Actor Lee Seo Hwan plays Jung Man Sik, Han Jun Seo's former high school teacher, who gives him a job at his skewer restaurant.
What did Kang Hoon say about his role in Happy Anding?
Kang Hoon noted that he decided to join the project without hesitation after reading the script, highlighting that the story is about young people overcoming their pain and growing.
