On April 28, 2025, FANTASTICS's Yusei Yagi and former Nogizaka46 member Kyoko Saito graced the stage at the first episode pre-screening and talk event for the MBS/TBS Dramaism series 'Suspicious Partner' held in Tokyo. This event marked the debut of the Japanese remake of the hit Korean drama that originally aired in 2017, starring Ji Chang-wook.
'Suspicious Partner' intertwines romance and suspense, focusing on a cool prosecutor, Haruto Tateishi (played by Yagi), and a quirky legal apprentice, Sakura Miyashita (played by Saito), whose lives become entangled in unexpected ways. The show promises to deliver a blend of love comedy and mystery, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
The drama will begin airing on TBS every Tuesday at 1:28 a.m. starting April 29, 2025, and on MBS at 0:59 a.m. on the same day. At the event, Yagi expressed his excitement about being part of this remake. "When I received the offer to be in a remake of a popular Korean drama, I was thrilled. I aimed to stay true to the original while also adding our unique touch," he said, reflecting on the challenge of living up to the beloved original.
Saito shared her enthusiasm for the project, stating, "I was really happy to hear about this opportunity. I watched the original from start to finish and felt honored to be part of this remake. I hope both fans of the original and new viewers will enjoy it."
When discussing the unique aspects of the Japanese version, Yagi highlighted the balance between comedy and suspense. "Although it’s a love comedy, it also features significant suspense elements. I believe viewers will find themselves engrossed in the story and its twists," he remarked.
Saito, on the other hand, emphasized the individuality of the characters. "All the characters are unique and charming. I hope viewers will pay attention to each of them," she said, showcasing her passion for her role and the ensemble cast.
Reflecting on her character, Saito noted the challenges she faced. "Sakura is a very bright and high-energy character, which is quite different from my usual tone. Raising my energy level every day was unexpectedly tough, but the great atmosphere on set helped me a lot," she explained.
As the conversation continued, Saito expressed her gratitude for the collaborative spirit among the cast and crew. "I really appreciate everyone’s support. It made it easier to maintain high energy throughout filming, from early morning to late at night," she added.
Yagi and Saito shared their favorite scene from the first episode, which they both agreed was the bus meeting scene. Saito described it as a pivotal moment that symbolizes the beginning of their characters' journey. "This scene is not only the first in the series but also a significant moment for us as actors. It was memorable for me as it helped me grasp my character's essence," she said.
They also reminisced about the funniest moments during filming. Both actors recalled a scene where Takashi Takasugi's character enters while Yagi and Saito's characters are sleeping on the sofa, greeting them with a cheerful "Good morning!" They laughed about how difficult it was to keep a straight face during that scene, which required multiple takes due to their uncontrollable giggles.
Saito concluded the event by expressing her excitement about the series. "I’m thrilled to have shared this experience with all of you today. There are 12 episodes to look forward to, and I believe every episode will keep you entertained with its unexpected developments. I hope you enjoy the behind-the-scenes stories as much as the show itself!"
Yagi echoed her sentiments, stating, "Knowing that everyone watching is experiencing this for the first time is thrilling. We hope you’ll be excited for the next episodes, and we’re all committed to making this production the best it can be!"
As anticipation builds for 'Suspicious Partner,' viewers can look forward to a refreshing take on a beloved story, blending romance, humor, and suspense into a captivating narrative. The drama aims to resonate not only with fans of the original but also with new audiences eager for engaging storytelling.
