Actors and cast members of TV Chosun’s drama “No Next Life” recently gathered for a production presentation, offering insights into the show and its themes. The event took place at the Stanford Hotel Korea Grand Ballroom in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, where Kim Hee-seon, Han Hye-jin, Jin Seo-yeon, Yoon Park, Heo Joon-seok, and Jang In-seop shared their experiences.
“No Next Life” is a comedic drama that follows the lives of three friends in their early forties who are navigating the challenges of adulthood. The show explores their struggles with repetitive routines, childcare, and monotonous work lives, while also highlighting their journey through a period known as “bulhok”—a time of instability and confusion often associated with turning forty.
Kim Hee-seon plays Jo Na-jeong, a former show host who once earned a high salary but now finds herself balancing motherhood and career interruptions. Han Hye-jin portrays Koo Joo-young, an art center planning director who appears to have everything together but faces personal challenges in her marriage and attempts to start a family. Jin Seo-yeon takes on the role of Lee Il-i, an associate editor at a magazine who still holds onto dreams of marriage despite the realities of adult life.
During the event, the actors discussed their experiences working together on set. Han Hye-jin highlighted the fun of having three female actors on the same project, noting that Kim Hee-seon brought strong leadership to the group, while Jin Seo-yeon was affectionate and caring. Kim Hee-seon praised Jin Seo-yeon for organizing a group chat and taking care of the team’s health, and she also appreciated Han Hye-jin’s calm presence during chaotic moments.
Jin Seo-yeon shared her thoughts on the dynamics between the female actors, stating that there was no jealousy or tension among them. She mentioned that the actors were all confident and comfortable in their own skin, which made the set a pleasant environment.
The discussion also touched on the term “young forty,” which has become a buzzword in recent years. Originally used to describe middle-aged people with youthful tastes, the term has taken on a more mocking tone, referring to those who act younger than their age. Kim Hee-seon expressed her views on this, saying that she is nearing the end of being a “young forty” and that the term has been distorted from its original meaning. She emphasized the importance of living appropriately for one’s age, calling it a blessing.
Han Hye-jin added that seeing Kim Hee-seon’s beauty and confidence at her age inspired her, and she hopes the show will resonate with viewers by showcasing the challenges and growth of women in their forties.
“No Next Life” premiered on TV Chosun at 10 p.m. on the day of the event and will air every Monday and Tuesday. The drama will also be available on Netflix. Its broadcast time overlaps with tvN’s romance drama “Nice to Not Meet You,” starring Lee Jung-jae and Im Yi-jin. This series has gained attention due to the actors’ 18-year age gap.
When asked about the competing series, Kim Hee-seon humorously suggested that if their drama surpasses a 5% rating, the main actors would offer free hugs and coffee trucks. She also joked about the romantic elements of “Nice to Not Meet You,” asking, “What’s so annoying? Do you empathize with the romance of those two?”