JTBC's New Drama Explores Afterlife Journey With Humor

JTBC's new Saturday-Sunday drama 'A Family's Grave' (directed by Kim Seok-yoon, written by Lee Nam-gyu and Kim Soo-jin) is set to premiere on April 19, 2025, at 10:40 PM. The drama features Lee Hae-seop (played by Kim Hye-ja), who arrives in heaven at the age of 80, reuniting with her younger husband, Go Nak-joon (played by Son Seok-gu), who appears in his 30s. This unique narrative explores themes of life, death, and the human connections that transcend them.

In the lead-up to the premiere, the production team released stills showcasing Lee Hae-seop's dynamic journey to the afterlife. The drama promises an unpredictable adaptation to heaven, filled with both humor and heartfelt moments. The story begins with Lee Hae-seop's death, where she embarks on a journey to the afterlife, guided by a mysterious figure. As she boards the train to the afterlife, her face reflects a mix of anxiety and anticipation, uncertain whether her destination is heaven or hell.

Upon arriving at the heavenly station, Lee Hae-seop's bewilderment continues as she navigates through security, still grappling with the reality of her new surroundings. The production team hints at a significant scene involving a large gift box delivered alongside her, which, when opened by a staff member at the heavenly support center, reveals a sleeping Lee Hae-seop, stirring curiosity among viewers.

As the story unfolds, Lee Hae-seop ultimately arrives at the heavenly house where her beloved husband awaits. With a heavenly manual in hand, her gaze towards the house reveals a blend of excitement and nostalgia. The reunion between Lee Hae-seop and Go Nak-joon is anticipated to be both comical and touching, setting the stage for the emotional core of the series.

The production team has expressed high hopes for the first episode, particularly highlighting the unusual encounter between the seasoned fighter Lee Hae-seop and her successor, Oh Ryeong-pal (played by Lee Jung-eun). They stated, "Viewers can look forward to how Lee Hae-seop imagines death and the subsequent heaven. The story, which seamlessly blends reality and imagination, is sure to captivate audiences with its delightful and warm narrative."

During the online production presentation held on April 18, 2025, director Kim Seok-yoon emphasized that the project was crafted with Kim Hye-ja in mind from the very beginning. He shared, "We focused on how to create a piece that allows Kim Hye-ja to pour her heart into her performance. It’s a tailored project that aims to showcase her incredible talent."

Kim Hye-ja, reflecting on her role as Lee Hae-seop, expressed her passion for acting, stating, "Acting is the only thing I want to do, and I find joy in it. I am grateful for the support of my fellow actors, which makes the process easier." She described the drama as a portrayal of beauty not only in heaven but also in the human world, revealing that she had a joyful year filming it. "Considering my age, this might be my last project. I’m thankful for the happiness this year has brought me. No one can guarantee what my next project will be," she added, evoking a sense of poignancy.

Son Seok-gu, who plays Go Nak-joon, described his character as a devoted husband and a postal worker in heaven. He noted the unique nature of his role, stating, "It’s not something that can be planned. I just hope to do my best and see how it resonates with viewers." Meanwhile, Han Ji-min, who reunites with director Kim after previous collaborations, expressed her excitement about being part of the project, saying, "I would do anything for Kim Seok-yoon. It’s a privilege to work with such talented individuals. If I didn’t have a role, I’d even volunteer as a staff member!"

Ryu Deok-hwan, who joins the cast, shared his surprise at being offered a role alongside Kim Hye-ja. He felt it was an opportunity he couldn’t miss, stating, "When I was contacted, I was shocked to learn that Kim Hye-ja would be involved. I felt that turning this down would be foolish."

As the story progresses, viewers can expect to see Lee Hae-seop's journey unfold against the backdrop of the afterlife, where themes of connection and the significance of relationships are explored. Director Kim Seok-yoon elaborated, "This work is based on the premise that death is not the end of life. It’s about the continuation of life after death and the new beginnings that come with it. I want to depict the importance of human connections and how they evolve over time, regardless of whether they are good or bad."

With the premiere just hours away, excitement is building around 'A Family's Grave.' The production team has promised a fast-paced narrative filled with deep emotional currents, ensuring that viewers will be drawn into the story. Han Ji-min remarked, "The first episode progresses rapidly, and if you keep up, you’ll find yourself swept into a whirlwind of emotions. It’s going to be a happy weekend for viewers!"

As the clock ticks down to the premiere, Kim Hye-ja confidently declared, "You won’t regret watching this series. I guarantee it!" 'A Family's Grave' is poised to deliver a unique blend of humor, warmth, and profound storytelling, making it a must-watch for audiences this weekend.