Namgoong Min Returns with Heartfelt Melodrama Our Movie—Can the ‘Hit Maker’ Break the Mold Again?
Renowned for his string of ratings hits and compelling performances, Namgoong Min is turning heads once more—this time with a bold leap into classic melodrama territory. SBS’s new Friday-Saturday drama Our Movie, set to premiere at 9:50 PM on June 13, marks a striking genre shift for the actor, as he tackles a heartfelt love story that blends life, death, and filmmaking.
At the production presentation held on June 10, Nam Goong Min appeared alongside director Lee Jung-heum, co-stars Jeon Yeo Been, Lee Seol, and Seo Hyun Woo, fueling buzz around the drama’s unique concept and emotional depth.
Our Movie tells the poignant story of Lee Je-ha, a film director with no prospects, and Lee Da-eum, an actress diagnosed with a terminal illness, whose time is measured in days. Played by Nam Goong Min and Jeon Yeo Been, the duo embarks on a cinematic journey to capture her final moments—and unexpectedly find love in the process.
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A Long-Awaited Reunion
The drama also marks a reunion for Nam Goong Min and director Lee Jung-heum, who previously worked together on Distorted. Their renewed collaboration sparked anticipation, with Nam Goong Min sharing, “Back then, we were both new and innocent. Now, we’ve gained experience but kept that passion. It feels great to work together again.” Director Lee warmly echoed the sentiment, humorously calling Nam Goong Min a “universe superstar” and admitting, “I tried to ride his coattails.”
Interestingly, Nam Goong Min initially turned down the project. “I declined three days after reading the script,” he revealed. “But then the director asked me to look at a revised version. I read it, and two days later I said, ‘I’m in.’ It was that good. Something about it made me read to the end without stopping.”
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Can Classic Melodrama Still Work?
Set against a backdrop that some critics call “old-fashioned” due to its limited lifespan trope and film-within-a-film structure, Our Movie is anything but predictable in Namgoong Min’s hands. Known for taking on challenging themes—like the underdog baseball team in Stove League (19.1%) or the grand historical scope of My Dearest (12.9%)—he’s unafraid to breathe new life into genres that others might shy away from.
Namgoong Min acknowledged the drama’s risks. “It’s not a dopamine-fueled, sensational series. It doesn’t have those addictive moments people usually expect. But it turned out exactly how I hoped. I’m proud of this one—even if the ratings are uncertain.”
Emotional Chemistry and Ensemble Power
Co-star Jeon Yeo Been, who plays the terminally ill actor Lee Da-eum, praised Nam Goong Min’s impact. “As I read the script, I could hear the lines in his voice. He treated me as a true partner on set. I even asked him, ‘If you ever need a co-star again, consider me. I’ll be ready.’”
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Director Lee, who made a name for himself with thrillers like Gugyeongi, emphasized a shift in focus for Our Movie: “Instead of heavy camera work, I wanted to showcase raw emotion. I tried to capture the actors’ faces honestly. And Nam Goong Min? He’s the kind of actor who communicates everything without saying a word.”
A Drama for the Season of Emotion
Supporting cast members highlighted the drama’s emotional tone as perfect for early summer. Seo Hyun-woo noted, “It’s a melodrama fit for this season when the breeze turns sentimental.” Jeon Yeo-bin playfully added, “It’ll moisten your heart like the rainy season. It’s like a bowl of Pyongyang naengmyeon—subtle but deeply flavored.”
Nam Goong Min closed the event with confidence: “Yes, it’s a traditional melodrama. But it’s sophisticated, modern, and emotionally rich. I can’t even pinpoint what drew me in—it just pulled me. I’ve returned to SBS after three years, and I’m ready. Please look forward to it!”
With a trusted creative team, a cast brimming with sincerity, and a story that dares to slow down in an age of high-speed storytelling, Our Movie might just surprise viewers—and prove that even familiar genres can feel fresh again in the right hands.
Our Movie premieres on June 13 on JTBC. International fans can watch it on Disney+!
