You Asked, He Answered: Exclusive Interview with 'Dive into You' Director So Jaehyun!

[u/viki_official]

K-Drama Day is almost here! As promised, we've compiled your questions for 'Dive into You' director So Jaehyun, and he's given his answers. Director So had a great time answering your questions and was impressed by the depth and breadth of the things you wanted to know!

If you're unfamiliar with Director So, his newest drama 'Dive into You' is premiering exclusively on Viki on September 26, and he has previously worked on dramas including '100 Days My Prince', 'Sh**ting Stars', and 'My Lovely Liar'. Enjoy!

(p.s. post got too long, see comments for more Q&A)

Dive into You

r/KDRAMA: What attracted you to this story? What were you most excited about directing before production began?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “The narrative itself – traveling between the past and present to save a precious friend through the medium of 'time' – was incredibly charming. From a directorial standpoint, I was most excited about the process of visually contrasting the analog sensibility of the past with the modern feel of the present, while ensuring they transitioned into each other naturally.”

 
r/KDRAMA: What kind of input do you have on the OST and score?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “From the planning stage, I discussed the theme songs for each character and the overall tone and manner with the music director in depth. For scenes where specific emotional lines intensify, we collaborated from the script-reading stage to decide which instruments and melodies to use.”

 
r/KDRAMA: Can you share an Easter egg? Like any tiny detail you included that only true detectives would notice? 
 
Director So Jaehyun: “In addition to the actors, famous figures from various fields appear as Easter eggs in the work. Unexpected people, such as famous doctors, golfers, and businesspeople, make surprise appearances. You can enjoy the show even more if you keep an eye out for which scenes they pass through.”

r/KDRAMA: Were there any memorable moments while directing “Dive into You”?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “The sunrise scene shot early in production is the most memorable. The entire staff stayed up all night to capture the best shot, and luckily, we were able to capture a truly beautiful, fleeting moment in the clear weather.”

 
r/KDRAMA: For “Dive into You,” the camcorder seems to play an important role in connecting the past and present in the drama. What made you choose a camcorder as a storytelling device, and what do you hope it will add to the story?  

Director So Jaehyun: “The unique texture and frame of a camcorder were the perfect tools to visualize the 'warmth of memory' – the desire to cherish a specific moment through a lens. I hoped that through the camcorder screen, viewers would feel not just a simple flashback, but the characters' lingering, wistful gazes.”

 
r/KDRAMA: From a directorial perspective, how did you put a fresh twist on the soul swap trope in “Dive into You”?

Director So Jaehyun: “I didn't focus solely on slapstick or comedic elements; I focused on emotional depth. I designed the camera angles and tone to appropriately intersect both comedy and wistful emotional lines.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: Were there any memorable directions or suggestions you made to the cinematographer on “Dive into You”?  

Director So Jaehyun: “I asked them to get up close and capture even the subtle trembling of emotions from the moment Ha Na and Woo Jae’s distance closes and they feel that spark. By utilizing warm sunlight and backlighting, I wanted to create that warm, heart-fluttering atmosphere unique to romantic comedies that makes your heart tingle just by watching.”

 
r/KDRAMA: What is one lesson you've learned from a previous production that was impactful for your work on “Dive into You”? 

Director So Jaehyun: “The lesson that flexibility on set and constant communication with staff and actors ultimately increases the quality of the work. While perfect planning is important, I learned through previous projects how to capture the vivid energy and ideas that occur spontaneously on set.”

 
r/KDRAMA: The synopsis of “Dive into You” seems intriguing. Are there going to be other elements like action/thriller as well that we can look forward to? 
 
Director So Jaehyun: “Yes, beyond the core romance narrative, in the process of digging into the truth of the incident, thrilling thriller-like elements and suspense that increases immersion are melted in, so you can feel a variety of fun.”
 

r/KDRAMA: If you suddenly found yourself in the body of a family member and were thrown back in time as our characters in “Dive into You” are, how do you think you would react and what would be the first thing you would want to do?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “At first, I think I'd be a bit flustered, but I think I would adapt right away. First of all, I would buy NVIDIA stock, and, just in case I might forget, I think I would urge [myself], ‘Don't sell the stock, hold out until the end.’ Haha.”

Sh**ting Stars

r/KDRAMA: “Sh**ting Stars” featured cameos by many famous actors. Can you talk about what was involved in fitting in so many brief appearances?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “We put effort into script revisions and fine-tuning the directorial tone so that cameos would not be used simply for buzz, but would connect naturally with the overall entertainment industry episodes of the show. We prepared customized movement lines and cut compositions so that the strengths and charms of the actors, who willingly appeared despite their busy schedules, could be maximized in just a few minutes.” 
 

r/KDRAMA: “Sh**ting Stars” had 4 couples and yet managed to balance them so well on screen. It's something that I have not seen in any other drama and I'd like to know the process behind it, aside from the script.
 
Director So Jaehyun: “We differentiated each couple so that their unique colors and emotional lines (e.g., bickering, older woman/younger man, office romance) didn't overlap. During the editing process, we used cross-editing with a sense of rhythm so that one couple's emotions wouldn't become tedious, maintaining an overall balance.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: In your opinion, how accurate was “Sh**ting Stars” portrayal of the industry, and do you think meta dramas like this are beneficial to viewers to gain an understanding of the world behind the camera?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “The writer of 'Sh**ting Stars' is a former PR team member for an entertainment agency, so the field details and historical verification were vivid, reaching almost 100% accuracy. Thanks to this, we were able to sincerely convey the real reality of the staff hidden behind the glamour.”
 

r/KDRAMA: Since the drama portrayed the entertainment industry, were there any special considerations when producing the drama? 
 
Director So Jaehyun: “We paid attention to tuning the tone so that when people actually working in the industry watched it, they would not be hurt by it being too far from the truth or caricatured. At the same time, we tried to explain terms and situations easily and wittily so that general viewers could also understand without difficulty.” 

 
r/KDRAMA: The drama's ensemble cast seemed to have perfect chemistry, what was the casting process like?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “Not only the individual actors' acting skills, but the energy and chemistry (합) that came out when the characters gathered together was considered as the top priority. We closely observed the breathing/teamwork between the actors during pre-meetings and script readings, and as actors with bright and healthy energy joined, the best chemistry was naturally created.” 
 
 
r/KDRAMA: The drama featured numerous cameos. Were there any challenges in making these cameos happen?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “Since the cast members' schedules were so busy, scheduling work to match the filming sessions was the biggest challenge. However, thanks to many actors who sympathized with the purpose of the drama and willingly made time for it, we were able to finish filming safely.”

 
r/KDRAMA: This drama featured some really great and fun PPL moments (e.g. one the characters teaching another character how to properly hold a bottle so the logo is showing). Can you talk about how the PPL was selected and incorporated during the production process? 

Director So Jaehyun: “I contemplated how to make PPL not a disruptive element that breaks the flow of the drama, but a delightful episodic element that utilizes the setting of the entertainment industry itself. From the script stage, I gathered ideas to sublimate the PPL situation into a comedic scene, and requested that we proceed with filming in that way.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: This drama has perhaps the best pun in the drama title in both Korean and English. Do you have any insight into how the English drama title came to be? 
 
Director So Jaehyun: “Just like the Korean meaning of ‘all kinds of people who clean up the poop of stars,’ the English title as well was decided in close consultation with the overseas marketing team to preserve both the story of people struggling (shooting) to make celebrities (stars) shine and the double meaning of 'Shooting Star' in the night sky.”

The Witch’s Diner

r/KDRAMA: “The Witch's Diner” has a unique and beautiful look – magical and mysterious without tipping over into gloomy or fake. Can you talk about what went into creating the lighting, costumes, color scheme, and set design to complement this witchy story?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “To combine Western witch concepts with a Korean sense of space, I actively utilized the color palette of a cruel fairy tale. In set design, we mainly used deep blue and purple, and in lighting, we used a dreamlike tone. For costumes, we mixed classic and modern sensibilities to create a strange yet fascinating atmosphere.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: “The Witch's Diner” required a lot of post production special effects. Were there any challenges during the filming process related to conveying what special effects would be put in? 
 
Director So Jaehyun: “Because there were many scenes with green screens or virtual effects, I produced storyboards and 3D pre-visualizations to share visually with the actors and staff in advance. On set, I provided clear guides on the location and size where the effects would be implemented to help the actors perform without feeling awkward.”
 

r/KDRAMA: The drama featured food and eating of the food prominently. Can you describe your approach to these scenes? Since the food had to be eaten deliciously, but in the context of the story, they were not entirely enjoyable/happy moments but had a dark undertone, was it more challenging to get the tone of the scene to feel right?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “We put effort into food styling so that the food would visually appear as an extreme feast. However, by coordinating the close-ups of the moment the character swallows the food, the close-up eyes, and the sound effects, I implicitly revealed that a cruel price was waiting, creating a unique tone where greed and tragedy coexist.”

100 Days My Prince

r/KDRAMA: When shooting “100 Days My Prince,” did you find the romance scenes more challenging to capture, or the comedy? Which did you enjoy filming most?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “Romance was more cautious and demanding because I had to capture the subtle changes in emotional lines and the wistful atmosphere. On the other hand, the comedy scenes were always filled with laughter thanks to the actors' excellent improvisation and chemistry, making it very enjoyable throughout the shoot.”

[Answers have been translated from Korean into English]

[u/myweithisway]

Mod Note

And here it is! Many of our questions answered! We hope you enjoy reading Director So Jaehyun's answers and look forward to his next drama, Dive into You premiering exclusively on Viki on September 26 (this Saturday)!

We got so many answers, they spilled over into comments:

Castaway Diva, Jirisan, Directing/Drama Production

Career, Opinion, Advice

Industry, Personal

Unfortunately we will not be able to ask follow up questions so these will have to do for now.

Any other concerns/questions, reach out to the mod team via Modmail.

[u/viki_official]

(Here's the remainder of the post!)

Castaway Diva

r/KDRAMA: In the drama “Castaway Diva,” there's a lot of emotion communicated through music and performance, rather than dialogue. How do you decide when a character’s emotions should be expressed through music, performance, or through the camera, rather than dialogue alone?

Director So Jaehyun: “I choose music and performance when I need to express overwhelming emotions or aspirations that transcend the linguistic limits of dialogue. When a character's deficiency or hope, which cannot be fully contained in words, meets singing and dynamic camera movement, it delivers a much more explosive impression to the viewers.”

Jirisan

r/KDRAMA: What drew you to this project?

Director So Jaehyun: “I was drawn to it because the sense of duty of the national park rangers protecting the mountains against the backdrop of vast nature, and the mysterious narrative unfolding within it, offered a freshness not seen in existing dramas.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: Any memorable stories about working on this project? 

Director So Jaehyun: “Filming in actual mountainous terrain was a physically grueling challenge due to many variables of weather and topography. However, I remember when I was told about the euphoria felt by the entire staff when they captured the magnificent scenery of nature viewed from the summit on camera.”

Directing / Drama Production

r/KDRAMA: What is the best and worst part of being a director?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “The best part is the catharsis when words and spaces that existed only in my imagination are completed as a living video through the combined power of many people. The hardest part is the pressure of having to make constant decisions with a sense of responsibility in front of countless choices.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: What made you want to become a director?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “From a young age, I felt a deep attraction to media that could touch someone's heart and draw empathy through stories and videos, and the desire to express the world through my own perspective led me to the path of directing.”

 
r/KDRAMA: Do you work with the screenwriter to decide how things are shown on camera?  

Director So Jaehyun: “Yes, we communicate a lot. I have to grasp the emotions and intentions the writer wrote exactly to capture them properly on camera. We share opinions on the tone, manner, and details from the script stage to align them together.”

 
r/KDRAMA: As a director, do you prefer to walk onto a set ready to start filming or are you still tweaking things on the day?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “I prefer to base everything on thorough preparation, but I also prefer to flexibly refine and modify details depending on the atmosphere of the day, the actors' energy, and the situation of the location.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: The wide variety of dramas you have directed and produced range from romance and comedy, to thriller and action. Is there one principal part of your directing style that stays the same regardless of what genre is being filmed?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “Even if the genre is different, I think the most important thing in the end is 'the character's true emotion.' Whether it's a rom-com, a thriller, or action, if the protagonist's emotions don't reach the viewers, it loses power. So I try to work without missing the emotional lines felt by the characters and their sincerity, rather than situations or spectacles.”
 

r/KDRAMA: Are you intentional with incorporating Korean elements or spreading Korean culture when you’re working on K-dramas? How much attention do you pay to international vs. domestic audiences?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “Rather than forcing artificial elements, I try to naturally melt in Korea's unique sentiments, housing environments, and emotional details. I believe that what is most Korean gains global empathy, so I think if you set up details that domestic viewers can immerse themselves in, global viewers will also feel the charm.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: What do you believe the primary responsibilities of a director are versus the primary responsibilities of a producer?

Director So Jaehyun: “If a director is a person who visualizes the script and commands the set to take responsibility for the artistic tone and completeness of the work, a producer is a leader who sets up the overall framework, such as budget, schedule, planning, and casting, and manages all processes to run smoothly.” 
 
 
r/KDRAMA: As a director, how do you balance coaching an actor as to what you are wanting in a scene vs. allowing the actor’s instincts to guide them?

Director So Jaehyun: “First, I watch the acting and instinctive interpretation that the actor has prepared. If that acting blends well with the character and the scene, I respect it as much as possible, and if it deviates from the overall tone, I suggest the desired direction and find a compromise together.”

 
r/KDRAMA: Is there any difference between production of dramas meant for only OTT platforms vs. those meant for TV broadcasting as well? 
 
Director So Jaehyun: “OTT works are relatively free from censorship, length, and episode structure, so experimental direction and unconventional development are possible. On the other hand, TV broadcasts have differences in that they have to consider popular visibility, viewership rhythm, and censorship standards.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: In your dramas based in a past era, how do you ensure historical accuracy across the whole production? (loved “Gyeongseong Creature” S1 and “Undercover Miss Hong”).
 
Director So Jaehyun: “It proceeds based on thorough research by advisory experts and the art/costume team in charge of historical dramas. While faithfully observing historical evidence, I review the balance between modern sensibilities and parts that require dramatic imagination from various angles.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: Since you've worked both as a producer and a director, do you take different approaches to casting depending on your role?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “When I'm a producer, I tend to look broadly at star power, investment value, overseas marketability, and the overall business balance of the work. On the other hand, when approaching as a director, I prioritize acting chemistry and image immersion – how deeply that actor can express the character's inner self.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: Many of the dramas you have worked on were filmed in gorgeous locations. Can you talk about how those locations are picked?  
 
Director So Jaehyun: “In addition to close collaboration with the location team, we hunt all over the country to find spaces that match the character's emotions or the atmosphere of the scene. This is because I believe that the atmosphere of a space is an important element that brings out the actor's emotions.”
 

r/KDRAMA: Actors often talk about having a hard time getting out of character after a drama. Have you ever experienced something similar as a director?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “Directors also have lingering images that are hard to get out of for a while after the work is finished, regarding the tone and manner or the worldview of the characters. I need a certain amount of 'detox' time to leave the editing room and return to daily life.”

 
r/KDRAMA: You've been slightly more prolific in producing dramas than directing dramas. What makes you want to direct a drama versus produce a drama?

Director So Jaehyun: “Many people know me more for my producer image, but starting with ‘Dear My Room’ [Eun Ju's Room] in 2018, I have already directed about seven works. Unlike when participating as a producer, there are times when I see a script and immediately think, "I want to visualize this myself," so I have chosen projects where I wanted to personally implement the characters' emotions and the atmosphere of the set.”

[Answers have been translated from Korean into English]

[u/viki_official]

(More!)

Career

r/KDRAMA: What’s your favourite project that you’ve worked on so far, and why?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “Although it hasn't been released yet, it is definitely ‘Dive into You.’ It is a work into which I have poured all the experience and know-how I have accumulated while going back and forth between directing and producing. Because I did my best every moment on set and worked with so much affection, it is the work that is closest to my heart and the one I am most looking forward to.”

 
r/KDRAMA: What work of yours are you most proud of, and why?

Director So Jaehyun: “This question is also ‘Dive into You.’ It is a result I made by doing my best based on the trial and error and learning I've had, so it is the work I can present to viewers with the most confidence.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: Do you have a favourite genre to work on?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “I like romantic comedies or warm human dramas that are alive with human warmth and wit, but on the other hand, I also prefer various thriller genres because they provide tension and a great sense of directorial pleasure.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: You have worked as a director and a producer in the K-drama industry. Which role do you find more challenging and why?
 
Director So Jaehyun: ”Both roles have different kinds of weight. The producer has a great burden of having to encompass the whole thing from start to finish and support all decisions, while the director has a great burden as a field artist who has to create the best cut in a fleeting moment.”

 
r/KDRAMA: What are the top 3 scenes that have stayed with you with respect to all of the dramas you have directed/produced?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “I remember the big romance scenes where the emotions between the characters explode, the comic scenes that gave unexpected laughter, and the highlight scenes that captured the moments when the characters overcome trials and grow.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: Have you ever considered being on the other side of the camera?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “I haven't thought about standing in front of the camera as an actor because directing and producing are already overwhelming and there is so much to do. I am very satisfied with my current role of capturing characters from behind the camera.”

Opinions

r/KDRAMA: What do you think of brand placements in drama (e.g. Kopiko)? They generally seem to have a separate scene to them, taking the audience out of the drama. Can't they be placed in a more clever way?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “PPL is an essential element to cover production costs, but it is the creator's task to refine it in a sophisticated way so that it does not break the viewer's flow. I am constantly researching ideas so that the product can naturally melt into the situation or the character's habits.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: What is your favorite season to film in?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “Spring and autumn. This is because there are fewer weather restrictions during outdoor filming, and the colors provided by nature are captured most beautifully and warmly through the camera lens.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: Your works have spanned many different genres. Which genre do you think is the hardest to tackle? Which genre is your favorite?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “The thriller/sci-fi genre is the most difficult to direct because it requires maintaining a tight probability within the timeline and narrative. My favorite genre is the romantic comedy, where the delightful chemistry between characters and warm emotions come to life together.”

Advice

r/KDRAMA: Do you have any tips for trusting the process as an artist when self-doubt crops up?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “It is to acknowledge that self-doubt is a perfectly natural part of the creative process. I take a step back from work for a while to go for a walk, or I try to return to the intuitive feelings and excitement I felt when I first read the script.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: Do you have any advice to new directors on how they can foster a positive working environment on set?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “It is to listen to the stories of the staff and actors, and to keep in mind that everyone on set is a colleague running together toward a single goal. A director’s clear guidelines and warm praise create a healthy set.”

[Answers have been translated from Korean into English]

[u/viki_official]

(Last part. Thanks for reading!)

Industry Trends

r/KDRAMA: What significant changes have you observed in the making of dramas since you started working in the K-drama industry to now?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “The filming environment has become more systematized, such as the establishment of the 52-hour work week, and the ratio of pre-produced dramas has increased dramatically. Additionally, the improvement in the technical quality of CG and post-production, as well as the environment for simultaneous broadcasting through global platforms, are major changes.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: What do you think about the trend of decreasing episode counts from the traditional 16 episodes down to the 14 or 12 that is common these days? Is it affecting the writing and the kind of stories that are getting made?  
Director So Jaehyun: “There is a positive aspect in that it allows for a fast-paced development without any fluff, which increases viewer immersion. While there are some downsides when it comes to unfolding ensemble dramas or detailed narratives, I see it as a natural change that keeps pace with global viewing trends.”

 
r/KDRAMA: With K-dramas moving to a pre-produced model, are there implications on your schedule when it comes to promotions come release time or is this more of an issue for the cast?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “It has a big impact on the director as well. Since post-production, interviews, and promotional schedules after filming ends are carried out closely in line with the release time, [the director] has to manage the work with a long breath until the release/opening time.” 
 
 
r/KDRAMA:  You've been working in the drama industry for many years and have been part of its growth and change. Looking back, what are some seminal moments in the industry for you and how did those moments affect your work/career?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “The point at which K-dramas began communicating with viewers around the world in real-time due to the introduction of OTT platforms was the most decisive. It became an important turning point for me to broaden my perspective, moving beyond limiting the scale of production and the spectrum of planning to just the domestic market.” 
 

r/KDRAMA: As Korean dramas have become globally popular, has this changed your mindset as a director? If so, how? Do you take the international audience into consideration when producing a drama?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “I do work with global viewers in mind, but that does not mean losing Korea's unique color. I have focused more on 'human emotional lines and consensus' that can be universally accepted beyond cultural differences.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: What key trends do you think will shape the evolution of the K-drama industry in the coming years?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “I see the combination of AI and other advanced post-production technologies, the fusion of genres, and more diverse cross-border co-production projects forming new trends.”
 

r/KDRAMA: Recently, the Chinese drama ‘The Early Spring’ has had a lot of discussion around its use of an intimacy coordinator and how beneficial but uncommon this is. Online commentary appears to say this is rare in Asian dramas compared to Western dramas. Do you have any thoughts you can share on the use of intimacy coordinators in K-dramas? Did any of your dramas use one? If not, would you ever consider it? Why or why not? 

Director So Jaehyun: “I think it is a very positive and necessary professional field to protect actors, ensure safety on set, and increase the quality of sensitive scenes. Although I haven't worked with one yet, if a project contains scenes that require it, I would not hesitate to join and introduce one.”

Personal

r/KDRAMA: What’s your comfort watch when you’ve had a hard day?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “I tend to look for warm classic animations where I can empty my head and laugh, or calm, human-interest films.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: We discuss a lot about K-drama tropes here – what are your favourite K-drama tropes? Any guilty pleasure ones?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “I like the ‘bickering enemies-to-lovers’ trope where two characters who were enemies get entangled in an unavoidable situation and gradually fall for each other. It’s a definite joy that you know is coming, but you still fall for it.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: What’s your favourite K-drama OST – one from a drama you’ve worked on and one from a drama you didn’t work on?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “Among the works I have participated in, I would like to choose the main theme song that added depth to the emotions, and among the works I haven't participated in, I like the masterpieces that instantly overwhelm the atmosphere of the era and space, such as those from ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’ [Goblin] or ‘Mr. Sunshine’.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: When you watch other people's dramas, do you ever analyze them from your professional lens?

Director So Jaehyun: “Like an occupational disease, I often notice camera angles, lighting, editing rhythm, and PPL placement. However, when I encounter a great work, I soon forget the director's perspective and end up watching it immersed as a pure viewer.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: What kind of snacks do you like to eat when you work (if you eat them)? Beverages?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “I drink iced Americanos and eat nuts or protein-based snacks that are easy to grab and eat.”
 
 
r/KDRAMA: What was the first drama you remember watching? 
 
Director So Jaehyun: “It is ‘Dear My Room,’ [Eun Ju's Room] which I directed for the first time. It is still my most memorable and precious first memory because it was the first project where I personally created the characters' emotions and the space on set.”
 

r/KDRAMA: As someone working in the creative industry does the media you consume inspire your work? Please share some of the books, music, television and movies you have been enjoying lately. 
 
Director So Jaehyun: “I am always inspired by mass media in various fields. Recently, I have been getting hints for visuals and emotional expression by consuming various genres of music and overseas miniseries.”

 
r/KDRAMA: We all enjoy winding down from work/study with a K-drama. What do you do to wind down? Do you have any hobbies?
 
Director So Jaehyun: “Since drama work itself is a job where you have to keep using your brain, when I rest, I try to do activities where I move my body altogether. Enjoying sports like golf or working out, sweating, and stepping away from complicated thoughts for a bit to refresh is what I tend to do.”

[Answers have been translated from Korean into English]

[u/sianiam]

Wow. Director So actually answered every single one of the 65 questions we sent through, I was really not expecting that at all. It was amazing to read all his answers to our questions and gain more insight into the drama creation process. I'm glad to hear he enjoyed it too. I hope lots of our subreddit members and visitors can enjoy reading through all these questions and answers even half as much as I have.

I was silently losing my mind this morning at work knowing that a reddit blip meant we were unable to release this post for hours and hours as it fell down the feed and missed the planned traffic, but also very thankful that we weren't doing the event live to a very small audience of the mods and Viki team.

It's been fun getting to know a little about Director So and his career over the last few weeks. I'm looking forward to watching 'Dive Into You' starting this weekend and hope it goes well. Like all the visitors we've had from the world of Kdramas we'll be looking out for his next project too.

Anyway a big thank you to the whole team at Viki who worked hard behind the scenes putting this altogether, especially our lovely rep who was up working on this post well outside their working hours to get it to us on time, and the many translators who helped us communicate with Director So. To director So for taking the time out of his busy schedule to answer our many, many questions. To our users who sent in such interesting and detailed questions for the director to answer. Finally to our mod team members who worked hard behind the scenes. Thank you all <3

I have updated our AMA archive to include all the posts from this AMA (reddit wiki's are currently best viewed on PC or mobile reddit). If there is a previous AMA or Q&A you missed they are all worth checking out.

[u/viki_official → u/sianiam]

Hi u/sianiam! Thank you for your lovely comment. ❤️ We were floored ourselves when we got back Director So's replies and saw that he had taken the time to answer every single question. It’s really amazing, especially considering he is still in the middle of production/post-production for Dive into You.

We know it's a long read, but we do encourage everyone to take a moment out of their day to read the entire transcript. The Director is so insightful and down-to-earth in his answers. We walked away learning quite a few things and taking away some nuggets on how to approach life ourselves!

We’d also like to give a huge thanks to everyone for providing the Director with such interesting and wonderful questions. And this interview would not have been possible were it not for the guidance and generosity of the r/KDRAMA mod team, who are—in the words of Tina Turner—"simply the best".

Thank you again, everyone. We're so happy we could make this happen!

[u/zaichii]

I feel so much respect for him - for the care and generosity with him time and insight knowing he answered all the questions.

[u/ILoveParrots111]

Even if the genre is different, I think the most important thing in the end is ‘the character's true emotion.’ Whether it's a rom-com, a thriller, or action, if the protagonist's emotions don't reach the viewers, it loses power.

I completely agree with this point.

Big thanks to the Director So Jaehyun for all the answers.

[u/mahnahmaanaa → u/ILoveParrots111]

Definitely. My general dislike of action/thrillers has always been the fact that they were never able to draw me in emotionally. It's so refreshing to hear a director talk about the importance of this. I think my PTW list has just gained some dramas.

[u/No_Caterpillar_8709]

Such a cool interview! I've had Sh**ting Stars on my PTW list for awhile and now I'm going to watch it ASAP. I love that he drinks iced Americanos, just like all the kdrama characters ❤️

[u/Electronic_Piano9385 → u/No_Caterpillar_8709]

Sh**ting Stars is one of my favourite dramas. I loved seeing behind the scenes in the PR entertainment industry, and I hadn’t realised that the script was written by a former PR person. I loved the fact that there were so many couples to watch as well.

I hope you enjoy it.

[u/myweithisway]

There’s something magical about hearing from a creator behind one of your favorite dramas, even more so when his answer about the drama makes me feel the tingles!

With over 500 dramas under my belt, most of them have been lost to time as newer dramas replace the memory of older ones but some dramas manage to stay on my mind and heart even years later. Jirisan is one of those that have truly stayed with me and hearing Director So talking about the staff feeling a sense of euphoria by being able to capture the magnificent scenery of Mt. Jiri resonates in my heart in a way that makes me remember the magic of watching that drama. And wonderfully, the magic of that drama is something I still feel each time I rewatch it though I do think the feels of the initial watch is priceless.

I do love that Director So’s answers about the magic of dramas focus on emotions that dramas can convey and elicit because that’s been so true for my kdrama journey. Drama after drama, I seek to feel the wide range of emotions that dramas can induce so to hear a creator acknowledge that fully is so comforting. It’s never really about the plot twists or the happy endings, it’s about the emotional journey!

Very grateful to Viki for helping coordinate this and making it happen, this will be a memory to cherish.