Shining: Park Jinyoung and Kim Minju Reunite as Each Other’s First Love in JTBC’s New Romance Drama
JTBC is set to unveil its highly anticipated new drama Shining this March, a heartfelt story that captures the journey of two young souls who once shared a private world of their own. Written by acclaimed screenwriter Lee Sook-yeon and directed by Kim Yoon-jin, the series explores how first love can become a guiding light, shaping trust, direction, and the meaning of life itself.
At the center of this emotional tale are two rising icons of youth romance—Park Jinyoung and Kim Minju—whose casting has already sparked excitement among drama fans. Both actors are stepping into roles that promise to highlight their emotional depth and undeniable chemistry.
Park Jinyoung as Yeon Tae-seo: A Man Grounded in Reality
Park Jinyoung takes on the role of Yeon Tae-seo, a subway train driver known for his precise outlook on life. Tae-seo lives by the motto “Just survive today safely”, focusing less on dreams or distant ambitions and more on the reality in front of him. Independent and determined, he has successfully built the self-reliant life he always longed for.
However, his carefully constructed world begins to shift when he unexpectedly reunites with his first love from his teenage years, Mo Eun-ah. This encounter stirs subtle yet profound waves in his daily routine. Behind Tae-seo’s cool and composed exterior lies a tender vulnerability, and Park Jinyoung is expected to deliver a nuanced performance that reveals the character’s hidden emotional layers.
Kim Minju as Mo Eun-ah: A Passionate Woman Rediscovering Her Path
Opposite Jinyoung, Kim Minju portrays Mo Eun-ah, Tae-seo’s unforgettable first love. Eun-ah is a former hotelier who now manages a traditional guesthouse in Seoul. She is brimming with enthusiasm, depth, and charm, embodying a character who is both resilient and endearing.
Her life has been a series of small triumphs and significant setbacks, shaped by her determination to live with purpose. In the midst of her journey, fate brings her face-to-face once again with Tae-seo, the boy she once loved at nineteen. This reunion forces Eun-ah to confront the love she lost and the direction she seeks in adulthood. Kim Minju’s transformation into this layered character is one of the drama’s most anticipated highlights.
A Story of First Love Rediscovered
Shining is not just about nostalgia—it’s about how youthful emotions evolve into adult realities. The drama revisits the tender summer when Tae-seo and Eun-ah first met, capturing the bittersweet emotions of teenage love. Now, as adults, they must navigate the complex feelings that resurface when past memories collide with present lives.
Viewers are left wondering: How will the countless memories they once shared shape their current selves? What changes will their reunion bring to their lives, and can first love truly illuminate the path forward?
The Creative Power Behind Shining
The synergy of the creative team adds even more weight to the anticipation. Director Kim Yoon-jin, known for the visually stunning dramas Our Beloved Summer and Say You Love Me, brings his signature artistry to Shining. Screenwriter Lee Sook-yeon, celebrated for her poignant storytelling in One Fine Spring Day and On the Way to the Airport, ensures emotional depth and authenticity.
Together with the irreplaceable youth stars Park Jinyoung and Kim Minju, Shining promises to be a drama that resonates deeply with audiences, blending heartfelt storytelling, breathtaking visuals, and the timeless allure of first love.
Read: Our Unwritten Seoul (2025) Review: Park Bo-young’s Healing Slice-of-Life Gem
