The script reading for Channel A’s highly anticipated weekend drama, Check-In Hanyang, has been revealed, drawing attention as fans get their first glimpse of the exciting cast, including popular youth actors Bae In Hyuk, Kim Ji Eun, Jung Gun Joo, and Park Jaechan.
This new historical coming-of-age romance series, written by Park Hyun-jin and directed by Myung Hyun-woo, is set to premiere on Saturday, December 21, at 7:50 PM. Produced in collaboration with PONY CANYON, Check-In Hanyang presents a fresh take on Joseon Dynasty life, focusing on “Yongcheonru,” the largest inn in the era, which follows the bold motto, “The customer is king.” The series promises a unique perspective on youth, ambition, and romance within a historical setting, attracting attention for its innovative plot and a cast of rising young stars.
On November 12, the series held its official script reading with writer Park Hyun-jin, director Myung Hyun-woo, the production staff, and the full cast. This gathering was the first time the ensemble cast brought their characters to life together, generating a vibrant atmosphere as they explored the series’ mix of romance, comedy, and political intrigue.
Bae In Hyuk captivated those in attendance by portraying Prince Muyeong-gun Lee Eun, who enters Yongcheonru under the alias Lee Eun-ho, concealing his royal identity. Bae’s performance conveyed a dynamic range, seamlessly shifting between his character’s regal charisma and the inexperience of a young man encountering life outside the palace for the first time. His ability to shift between romance, comedy, and political drama impressed the production team and cast members.
Kim Ji Eun, taking on the role of Hong Deok-su, a bold woman posing as a man for reasons yet to be revealed, brought a vibrant energy to the reading. Known for her versatility in recent projects like Love Next Door, The Veil and One Dollar Lawyer, this is Kim Ji Eun’s first historical role, yet she delivered a confident and engaging performance. Her character is expected to add a strong layer of humor and wit to the drama, and her fresh, unique charm promises to be one of the show’s highlights.
Jung Gun Joo, portraying Chun Jun-hwa, joins her in a complex love triangle that unfolds with depth and tension. Known for his affectionate and playful demeanor, Jung’s character is also deeply conflicted as the heir to Yongcheonru, which adds further intrigue to his storyline and piques curiosity about his character’s development.
Park Jaechan, who plays Go Soo-ra, a straightforward and outspoken youth from Hanyang, showcased impressive range and depth, immersing himself into a character who speaks his mind without hesitation. Park’s transformation for Check In Hanyang has already generated anticipation. His character, representing the more outspoken youth of the era, provides a unique lens into the values and aspirations of the time.
The chemistry among the young cast members infused the script reading with energy, creating an atmosphere filled with laughter, especially as the actors’ visuals and on-screen dynamics complemented each other naturally. This on-site camaraderie, which seemed effortlessly genuine despite being their first group reading, has heightened anticipation for the series, with fans eager to see how this talented ensemble brings the story to life.
Adding gravitas to the series, veteran actors like Kim Min-jung, Kim Eui-sung, Yoon Je-moon, and Han Jae-seok enrich the drama’s political and social backdrop. Kim Min-jung, who makes a special appearance as Seol Mae-hwa, the formidable general manager of Yongcheonru, commands attention with her strong presence. Kim Eui-sung takes on the role of Cheon Bang-ju, the real power behind the inn, a man whose thirst for authority injects tension into the storyline. His seasoned, charismatic portrayal brings a unique intensity to the character’s ambitions, heightening the stakes. Yoon Je-moon, playing Oh Yeong-rak, the Minister of War, and Han Jae-seok, in the role of King Lee Hyeon-wi, add further depth by portraying the political conflicts that underpin the narrative.
Additionally, a talented supporting cast rounds out the Yongcheonru family, including Kim Yoon-bae (as Bang Sa-seon), Kim Young-joon (as Yoo Soo-in), Choi Min-cheol (as Jo Seung-ryang), Jeong Eun-pyo (as Jang Sook-soo), and Jeon Hye-yeon (as Ji Yeon-hee), all of whom bring distinctive personalities and memorable interactions to the ensemble. Other key characters, such as Kim Young-sun as Jwa-pan-daek, Im So-yoon as Goo-sil, and Bae Jae-won as Beom-ho, contribute to the humor and vibrancy of the world around the main characters, promising an engaging viewing experience.
The production team of Check-In Hanyang expressed excitement, noting that the synergy between young and experienced actors brought a high level of energy to the script reading. The actors’ commitment and focus throughout the session, resembling an actual shoot, kept the production team engaged from start to finish. The production team promises a drama rich in humor, romance, and suspense, adding that audiences can look forward to passionate performances that capture the complex emotions of youth and the intensity of political ambition.
Channel A’s Check-In Hanyang is set to premiere on December 21 and will be available exclusively on Lemino in Japan. Fans are eagerly awaiting this new historical drama, which promises an intriguing mix of youthful romance, personal growth, and high-stakes political battles within a fresh and imaginative setting.
