Son Naeun Dishes On Navigating Family In "Romance In The House," Her Character's Relationship With Minho, And More

Jul 31, 2024

Son Naeun has shared her thoughts on her role in JTBC’s upcoming drama “Romance in the House”!

Penned by Kim Young Yoon of “My Secret Romance” and directed by Kim Da Ye of “My ID Is Gangnam Beauty,” “Romance in the House” depicts the journey of individuals who were once estranged but strive to reunite as a family, recognizing the profound effort, introspection, and tears required. Ji Jin Hee stars as Byun Moo Jin, who was divorced by his wife 11 years ago when his business collapsed, while Kim Ji Soo plays Byun Moo Jin’s ex-wife Geum Ae Yeon, who raised her two children alone while navigating through all kinds of hardships.

Son Naeun shared how she was drawn to the show’s unique setting. “The script tells the story of a family that loves intensely, resents each other, and eventually heals through one another. It was both engaging and heartwarming,” she remarked. As Byun Mi Rae, the eldest daughter who supports her family with a spirit of sacrifice, Son Naeun continues to expand her acting range.

Describing Mi Rae as a responsible daughter, Son Naeun noted, “She is a wonder woman who especially wants to protect her mother, an irreplaceable friend and her long-time hero.” She highlighted Mi Rae’s strength as her most compelling trait, adding, “Mi Rae, who matured earlier than others, always put her family first. Over time, she becomes more honest with her emotions and grows stronger.” This journey of personal growth resonated deeply with Son Naeun. The actress shared, “Watching her overcome her wounds and find herself made me see her as a character worth emulating. I felt a strong desire to grow alongside her, which is why I wanted to be part of the drama.”

To perfectly embody Mi Rae, Son Naeun put in tremendous effort, shedding the glamour of her previous roles. Mi Rae is an office worker who commutes daily and works as a merchandiser at a large supermarket, alternating between desk and field work. This role required her to wear everyday, comfortable attire, including sneakers and her hair tied back with a yellow rubber band. Son Naeun also listened to office workers’ stories and observed people on the streets to capture natural speech, gestures, and walking styles, aiming to create a relatable Mi Rae. This dedication to realistic acting heightens anticipation for Son Naeun’s performance.

Son Naeun expressed excitement about the dynamics between Mi Rae and her parents. “I hope viewers focus on what ‘family’ means to each of the three characters,” she said. “Despite family conflicts, they heal those wounds through their relationships and find happiness. This journey will be both entertaining and touching.”

Regarding her interactions with Ji Jin Hee, Son Naeun observed, “Moo Jin sees Mi Rae as a harsh and cold child, so he often gets angry with her. But Ji Jin Hee was very patient and considerate, allowing me to fully express Mi Rae’s emotions.” As for Kim Ji Soo, she said, “I also spent considerable time with Kim Ji Soo before filming to build their on-screen relationship.” She shared, “At some point, Ae Yeon felt like my real mom, and I relied on her a lot on set.”

In contrast to the intense family drama, Mi Rae’s heart-fluttering romance with Tae Pyeong (SHINee’s Minho) adds another layer to the story. She said, “When Mi Rae and Tae Pyeong first meet as co-workers, the situation unintentionally leads to Mi Rae’s secrets being revealed, which brings them closer.” She continued, “Expect exciting and heartwarming episodes as Mi Rae will move from showing her physical wounds to opening up about her emotional wounds.”

Finally, she described the drama as “a warm and delightful drama that lets viewers laugh and cry together.” She added, “I hope watching our show with your family helps you appreciate the love and importance of family.”