Ji Chang-wook is returning to the romantic comedy genre with Merry Berry Love, a new Korea Japan co production that brings him together with Japanese actress Imada Mio. The series has confirmed its global premiere for October 7 on Disney+ and will also air on Japanese broadcaster Nippon TV. The project marks the first joint production between CJ ENM and Nippon TV.
Merry Berry Love is directed by Kim Soo-jung and Noh Young-seop, with Kim Soo-jung previously known for Semantic Error. The series follows Lee Yu-bin, played by Ji Chang-wook, a Korean space planner whose successful career suddenly falls apart. Looking for a way to rebuild his life, he ends up on Charo Island in Japan. There, he meets Shirahama Karin, played by Imada Mio, a hardworking farmer who has devoted her life to growing strawberries.
The story focuses on two people who come from very different backgrounds but gradually become important to each other. As Yu-bin adjusts to his new surroundings and Karin continues her life on the island, their relationship develops through everyday situations, misunderstandings and shared experiences. The series is expected to mix romance with lighter moments while also showing how the two characters help each other deal with changes in their lives.
The newly released poster gives a glimpse of the relationship between the two leads. Ji Chang-wook and Imada Mio are seen close to each other, with Yu-bin supporting Karin as she leans toward him. Their expressions and body language suggest that their relationship will slowly move from an unfamiliar meeting to something more meaningful.
The promotional material also shows Ji Chang-wook in a very different setting from his usual polished roles. His character has to deal with difficult farm work, creating several humorous situations as he adjusts to life on the island. The story also features Nam Yoon-soo as Park Gu-nam, a working holiday maker who stays on Charo Island because of love.
For Ji Chang-wook, Merry Berry Love marks his return to romantic comedy after three years. He has previously appeared in popular romance dramas including Suspicious Partner, The Love Method of Urban Men and Women and Welcome to Samdal-ri. Merry Berry Love will premiere worldwide on October 7 on Disney+, while Nippon TV will broadcast the series weekly in Japan.
