Kim Hye-ja is set to captivate audiences once again as she stars in the new JTBC Saturday-Sunday drama, A Wonderful World Better Than Heaven, which premieres on April 19, 2025, at 10:40 PM KST. The series revolves around Lee Hae-sook, portrayed by Kim Hye-ja, who finds herself in heaven at the age of 80, reuniting with her husband, Go Nak-joon, played by Son Seok-gu, who has returned to his 30s. This unique premise promises to deliver a heartwarming blend of humor and emotion as it explores themes of love and second chances beyond death.
Director Kim Seok-yoon has expressed his excitement about casting Kim Hye-ja as the lead, stating, "This project was created with Teacher Kim Hye-ja in mind as the protagonist." He noted her evolution as an actress, mentioning that while she was initially hesitant about comedic roles in her earlier works, she has embraced the comedic elements in A Wonderful World Better Than Heaven. Kim Hye-ja's ability to navigate comedy with grace has been a highlight for the director.
Writers Lee Nam-gyu and Kim Soo-jin have described this drama as the culmination of a trilogy featuring Kim Hye-ja, emphasizing their honor in collaborating with such a revered actress. Lee Nam-gyu remarked, "Completing this work with the best national actress and a figure of our time, Kim Hye-ja, is an infinite honor for us as writers." The anticipation surrounding this project reflects the high expectations set by her previous performances.
As viewers prepare for the premiere, behind-the-scenes images of Kim Hye-ja on set have been released, showcasing her warm smile and unwavering dedication to her craft, even in the face of the early summer heat. Son Seok-gu praised her, saying, "It's hard to explain, but when I see Teacher Kim Hye-ja, I think, 'She is acting.' I enjoyed filming every day, fearing that if I overthought it, I would only hold her back." His admiration for her talent highlights the respect she commands in the industry.
In addition to Kim Hye-ja, the drama features Lee Jung-eun as Lee Young-ae, who is also a pivotal character. Ahead of the show's debut, stills released on April 16, 2025, reveal the dynamic between Lee Hae-sook and Lee Young-ae, described as the 'Il-soo boss' and her successor, respectively. The two characters are notorious among merchants, and their chemistry is expected to bring a unique flavor to the series.
The production team has indicated that the story begins with Lee Hae-sook's death, setting the stage for her journey in the afterlife. They stated, "The first episode will reveal what kind of person Lee Hae-sook is and what kind of life she lived." This exploration of her character is anticipated to resonate with viewers as they witness her transformation and the relationships she navigates in her new reality.
Moreover, the series promises to delve into the themes of 'woman's friendship' as it portrays the bond between Lee Hae-sook and Lee Young-ae. The production team expressed their confidence in depicting the chemistry between the characters, which is expected to be a focal point of the narrative.
With its blend of comedy, drama, and heartfelt moments, A Wonderful World Better Than Heaven aims to deliver an engaging viewing experience. Viewers can tune in every Saturday at 10:40 PM KST and Sundays at 10:30 PM KST, beginning April 19, 2025. The show's unique premise and the stellar cast, led by the legendary Kim Hye-ja, are sure to make it a must-watch series this spring.
As the premiere date approaches, the excitement surrounding the show continues to build. With Kim Hye-ja's remarkable talent and the intriguing storyline, A Wonderful World Better Than Heaven is poised to leave a lasting impression on its audience, blending humor and emotion in a narrative that explores life, death, and the bonds that transcend both.
