Why did Rio Yamashita pick Song Ji Hyuk? 'Love Like a K-Drama' star wants to overcome language barriers on screen

'Love Like A K-drama' star Rio Yamashita thought Song Ji Hyuk's Japanese diction was excellent which would help her in getting ready for the mini-series
'Love Like a K-Drama' star Song Ji Hyuk paired up with Rio Yamashita (Instagram/@xornjsz1 and @rio_yamashita_official)
'Love Like a K-Drama' star Song Ji Hyuk paired up with Rio Yamashita (Instagram/@xornjsz1 and @rio_yamashita_official)

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: 'Love Like A K-drama' is a new Netflix dating series that has four couples of Korean actors and Japanese actresses auditioning for six mini K-dramas. While the opening episode had some touching couplings, Rio Yamashita and Song Ji Hyuk's connection eventually won them the season's first mini-series.

Ji Hyuk drew everyone's attention when he demonstrated his Japanese-speaking abilities. The K-drama star was clearly the front-runner for Japanese actresses Rio, Ayano Kudo, and Nozomi Bando, with 5 years of experience in Japanese shows, plays, and musicals.

'Love Like A K-drama' stars Rio Yamashita and Song Ji Hyuk (Netflix)
'Love Like A K-drama' stars Rio Yamashita and Song Ji Hyuk (Netflix)

Ji Hyuk was aware that his possible love partner for the miniseries could struggle to perform in Korean, which will be their second language. He promises the girls that he will be there for them and that they will conquer any problems as a team.

He intended to help his co-star in any way he could so that they might remember this event fondly for the rest of their lives. Furthermore, he let the girls choose, and Rio jumped in!

Rio was previously aware of Ji Hyuk's work, which added to his astonishment. Supernova' she says, is how she knows him.

Rio admired Ji Hyuk's Japanese-language diction.

He discusses how he had previously played on stage in Japan as a member of a boy band and how he hopes to work as an actor in Japan.

Rio explains in her confessional how they were able to converse so quickly since he spoke Japanese. She thinks it's fantastic, despite the fact that she doesn't speak Korean very well. She anticipates that it will be quite beneficial.

'Love Like A K-drama' stars Rio Yamashita and Song Ji Hyuk (Netflix)
'Love Like A K-drama' stars Rio Yamashita and Song Ji Hyuk (Netflix)

'Love Like A K-drama' star Song Ji Hyuk was part of boy group Supernova

Ji Hyuk, the eldest male cast member, was born on July 14, 1987. The 36-year-old started as a member of the six-member boy group, Supernova, in 2007.

Supernova has mostly been active in Japan in recent years, however, they previously partnered with T-ara in 2009.

Ji Hyuk made his acting debut in the 2010 film 'A Love Song To You' and most recently participated in the historical romance series 'The Secret Romantic Guesthouse' (2023), starring 'The Glory's Shin Ye Eun.

'Love Like A K-drama' star Song Ji Hyuk (Instagram/xornjsz1)
'Love Like A K-drama' star Song Ji Hyuk (Instagram/xornjsz1)

'Love Like A K-drama' star Rio Yamashita has starred in over 15 productions

Rio, the most senior and accomplished actress, is from Tokushima, Japan. After applying for a talent agency, she entered the entertainment industry and finally became a model in 2007.

She won her first main part in 'Love Letter' in 2008 and has since starred in at least 15 projects, including the TV version of the Gannibal comic series. It will be available on Disney Plus in December 2022.

'Love Like A K-drama' star Rio Yamashita (Instagram/rio_yamashita_official)
'Love Like A K-drama' star Rio Yamashita (Instagram/rio_yamashita_official)

What is 'Love Like A K-drama' about?

How can four actors and actresses living in a Seoul flat try to cultivate friendship and romance while auditioning for six short K-dramas be able to reconcile their jobs and love? Will they be able to appear in a series with their ideal partnership, or will they be forced to watch their spouse kiss another actor?

With only a minimal understanding of Japanese and depending on a smartphone translation tool to communicate, the male actors try to open their hearts to the female Japanese cast.

'Love Like A K-drama' cast (Netflix)
'Love Like A K-drama' cast (Netflix)

Episodes 1-4 of 'Love Like A K-drama'are currently streaming on Netflix

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