"Dear Hyeri" Writer Praises Cast, Talks About Scriptwriting Process, Drama's Message, And More

Sep 05, 2024

The scriptwriter for the upcoming drama “Dear Hyeri” has shared her thoughts on the script and cast!

“Dear Hyeri” is a healing romance drama that revolves around Joo Eun Ho (Shin Hae Sun), an announcer who develops dissociative identity disorder following the disappearance of her younger sibling and her breakup with her longtime boyfriend Hyun Oh (Lee Jin Uk).

Scriptwriter Han Ga Ram discussed her writing process, saying, “If the saying, ‘A writer projects themselves onto their characters,’ holds true, then the protagonist Hye Ri is a lot like me. She may not have much, but she finds happiness easily. I used to think everyone could easily find happiness, but I’ve learned that’s not true for everyone. Even people who have a lot can struggle to be happy. That’s why I wrote ‘Dear Hyeri’—to show that happiness can come simply from being with loved ones.”

Amid the buzz around Shin Hae Sun’s dual role in a unique romance, her character as Eun Ho has dissociative identity disorder. Scriptwriter Han Ga Ram explained her message about this condition: “I wanted to show that having a lot but being unhappy, like Eun Ho, and having little but being happy, like Hye Ri, both illustrate that a life that seems ideal doesn’t guarantee happiness, and a life that seems sad isn’t necessarily unhappy. Happiness is fair.”

In the drama, Shin Hae Sun takes on two roles: Joo Eun Ho, a 14-year veteran announcer with zero presence, and Joo Hye Ri, a parking lot attendant. Lee Jin Uk plays the star announcer Jung Hyun Oh, Kang Hoon stars as news announcer Kang Joo Yeon, and Jo Hye Joo portrays Gen Z announcer Baek Hye Yeon, who has unrequited feelings for Kang Joo Yeon.

The writer praised the cast, saying, “The actors fully embodied their characters in a way that goes beyond just fitting the roles or delivering great performances. They seemed to grasp even the unspoken parts of the script.” She added, “Simply thanking them for their portrayals feels inadequate. I deeply admire all the actors in ‘Dear Hyeri.’”

Amid the excitement over Shin Hae Sun and Lee Jin Uk portraying a couple in an eight-year relationship, writer Han Ga Ram praised their on-screen chemistry. “What more can I say?” she said, enthusiastic about their pairing.

The drama features two types of romance: an eight-year relationship between Joo Eun Ho and Jung Hyun Oh, and a first-love romance between Joo Hye Ri and Kang Joo Yeon. The writer explained, “I wanted to create empathy through these different relationships, hoping viewers will connect with both long-term romance and first love. I recall a line from a drama saying, ‘Romance is like the hope for adults.’ While we can’t always be in love, I hope this show provides a glimpse into that experience. I want viewers to see that even adults can have hope and excitement for tomorrow through the drama.”

“Dear Hyeri” stands out for its messages of comfort and hope through its characters and story. Writer Han Ga Ram explained, “Before I began, I asked myself, ‘Should I explore what happiness means through Eun Ho and Hye Ri?’ As I wrote their love stories, the message evolved to: ‘We are all lonely, so let’s all find happiness.’ I believe the drama’s message wasn’t just my creation; it came from the characters as they lived out their stories. The idea that ‘happiness is close and quite simple’ is a gift from all the characters in this show.”

Writer Han Ga Ram highlighted the unique aspect of the drama, noting it’s about wounds and healing. She explained, “It’s not just a sweet and beautiful story but a romance that explores deeper pain while still being strangely beautiful. Ultimately, it’s a story about finding growth and resolution.”

Writer Han Ga Ram also praised Director Jung Ji Hyun, saying, “What I admire most about Director Jung Ji Hyun is his ability to enhance the script with his direction. I had high expectations for the visuals, and he not only filled in the script’s gaps but also clarified its less detailed parts, making each scene richer. It felt like he took my rough draft and turned it into something polished and appealing.” The writer also highlighted the director’s distinctive directing skills in the romance genre, noting, “While many scenes are memorable, the breakup scene between Eun Ho and Hyun Oh stands out the most.”

Finally, writer Han Ga Ram said, “There were times when just one good drama could brighten a dull day. I hope ‘Dear Hyeri’ becomes that kind of show for viewers. I want it to make everyday routines more exciting, spark anticipation for tomorrow, and inspire viewers to get up from their seats.”