Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo Join Forces in an Upcoming Drama!
Netflix's upcoming series ‘Slowly and Intensely(English working title)’, currently in production with an investment exceeding 70 billion KRW (approximately $47.78 million USD), has captured significant attention in the Korean drama market. Industry insiders reveal that filming for the series has commenced, generating buzz with its star-studded cast and large-scale production by Studio Dragon, which is banking on the drama to bolster its earnings and stock value.
Written by renowned screenwriter Noh Hee-kyung and starring Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo, ‘Slowly and Intensely’ is a Netflix original set against the backdrop of the 1960s-70s broadcasting industry. The story delves into the lives of stars on stage and the broadcasting professionals behind them, promising a compelling period drama with a richly layered narrative.
This marks Song Hye-kyo’s third collaboration with Noh Hee-kyung, following ‘Worlds Within’ (2008) and ‘That Winter, the Wind Blows’ (2013). Gong Yoo reunites with Producer Lee Yoon-jung, who previously helmed the iconic hit ‘Coffee Prince’.
Studio Dragon disclosed on December 17 that it had signed a production supply contract for ‘Slowly and Intensely’, with the contract amount exceeding 10% of its 2022 revenue of 753.1 billion KRW—estimated to be over 75.3 billion KRW ($51.40 million USD). This marks the company’s largest-scale contract since ‘Mr. Sunshine’ in 2018, signaling a potential turning point after a period of sluggish performance.
The drama has already begun filming, with Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo actively participating. Song recently appeared on the YouTube channel ‘Fairy Jae-hyung’, debuting a short hairstyle for her role. She remarked, “I cut my hair for Noh Hee-kyung’s period drama.” Spanning 22 episodes, the series is set to premiere globally on Netflix, with the release date yet to be announced. Its unique period setting and distribution through a global OTT platform are expected to boost its chances of international success.
Noh Hee-kyung, known for hits like ‘Our Blues,’ ‘Dear My Friends,’ and ‘It’s Okay, That’s Love,’ is widely regarded as one of Korea’s most celebrated writers. Producer Lee Yoon-jung, acclaimed for her nuanced storytelling in ‘Coffee Prince,’ ‘Cheese in the Trap,’ and ‘Golden Time,’ brings her expertise to the project. Together, they aim to deliver a groundbreaking drama, supported by the performances of two A-list actors, Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo.
Critics view ‘Slowly and Intensely’ as a revival of the well-crafted Korean period drama, showcasing Netflix’s commitment to enhancing its original content quality.
With top-tier casting, a solid script by Noh, and Lee’s meticulous direction, the series is expected to resonate with global audiences. Beyond its commercial prospects, the drama is poised to serve as a benchmark for the global position of Korean dramas, further solidifying their influence in the international entertainment landscape.