Ha Seok Jin Dishes On Working With Hani, The Appeal Of “Love On The Menu,” And More
Ha Seok Jin has shared insight into his forthcoming drama “Love on the Menu”.
“Love on the Menu” is a family romance that follows Kim Moo Jin (Ha Seok Jin) and Han Gyu Rim (Hani), two former lovers who reunite eight years after a painful breakup. As they reconnect, they mend their fractured families and build a warm, shared life together.
Ha Seok Jin plays Kim Moo Jin, a perfectionist and prickly owner and head chef of an Italian restaurant. Although he appears to have it all, he was hopelessly devoted to his first love, Han Gyu Rim, and never stopped loving her. After she abruptly ended their relationship, he went to Italy and established himself as a successful chef. Eight years on, he reunites with his first love, setting his life on an unexpected new course.
Ahead of the drama’s debut, Ha Seok Jin explained why he chose the project, saying, “It’s been a long time since I’ve come across a weekend drama with such a warm-hearted story that appeals to audiences of all ages. What drew me in was that it goes beyond a simple romance between a man and a woman to explore family, relationships, the choices we make, and feelings that never truly fade.”
Describing his character, Ha Seok Jin said Kim Moo Jin has the appeal of someone who is “tough on the outside but soft on the inside.” “He appears composed, yet he is surprisingly inexperienced with certain emotions. He may look perfect, but in reality he is far from it — that contrast is what makes Moo Jin so appealing,” he explained.
He went on to describe Han Gyu Rim’s place in Moo Jin’s heart, saying, “To Moo Jin, Han Gyu Rim isn’t simply a first love he misses. She’s someone he has never truly been able to move on from, no matter how much time has passed.”
When asked how similar he is to his character, Ha Seok Jin smiled and estimated their likeness at “about 60 per cent.” “We’re alike in being rational and logical at work, and we both naturally bicker with close friends. But Moo Jin is much more honest and straightforward about his emotions than I am,” he said.
Ha Seok Jin also shared a behind-the-scenes anecdote about working with his co-star Hani. “Before our first day of filming, we went for a walk along a mountain trail, which really helped us get over any awkwardness. As we portray two people who reunite after eight years apart, we are working hard to find the right emotional rhythm for our characters,” he said.
He also hinted at the fun camaraderie viewers can expect with Min Jin Woong, who plays Kim Moo Jin’s best friend of 20 years, Park Jung Woo. “We’re friends in real life, so the rhythm of our conversations comes naturally, and we’ve been having a lot of fun filming together,” he shared.
Concluding the interview, Ha Seok Jin said, “Because this is a long-form drama, I want to develop Kim Moo Jin’s character gradually and allow viewers to get to know him over time.” He added, “’Love on the Menu’ is a drama about long‑forgotten feelings beginning to stir once again. I hope viewers will enjoy watching it on weekend evenings and find moments that resonate with their own hearts.”
“Love on the Menu” premieres on 25 July at 8pm KST.
In the meantime, watch Ha Seok Jin in “To My Beloved Thief” below:
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