'Way Back Love' to explore human life with kind-hearted grim reaper
Tving's upcoming original series, "Way Back Love," delves into love and the human experience through the story of a compassionate grim reaper guiding souls to their final moments, the cast shared Tuesday.
The six-episode fantasy romance follows Hee-wan (Kim Min-ha) and her first love, Ram-woo (Gong Myoung), who mysteriously reappears — not as the boy she once knew, but as a supernatural being tasked with leading the deceased to the afterlife. Last year, "Way Back Love" was invited to the Busan International Film Festival's On Screen section, which spotlights highly anticipated series set for streaming release.
Gong Myoung, known for his endearing performances in "Be Melodramatic" and his comedic turn as a detective in box-office hit "Extreme Job," said he drew inspiration from iconic grim reaper portrayals in Korean media.
"I had many discussions with the director about how I could be portrayed as a grim reaper. While referencing the characters of my seniors, I thought about how I could bring a different feel to the role. Since the grim reaper in 'Way Back Love' is different from existing characters, I studied the script extensively," Gong said during a press conference in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. He cited the performances of Ha Jung-woo ("Along with the Gods") and Lee Dong-wook ("Guardian: The Lonely and Great God") as key references.
Director Kim Hye-yeong described Ram-woo as a reaper unlike any seen before. "Kim Ram-woo is a grim reaper who gives people a chance. Our story features a kind-hearted grim reaper who provides an opportunity to fulfill unfinished memories and love while being with them for a week," he explained.
Kim Min-ha spoke about capturing the emotional complexity of Hee-wan, a once-outgoing woman whose personality shifts drastically after Ram-woo's departure.
"The character has both bright aspects and deep, dark extremes coexisting. I wondered how to portray this naturally, but since I also have those extremes within me, I was able to relate to Hee-wan more," she shared.
Kim, whose latest projects included blockbuster Disney+ series "Light Shop," also reflected on her tendency to choose work centered around love.
"The projects I want to work on always seem to have 'love' as their foundation. 'Light Shop' explores crossroads and the courage of making choices in the afterlife. It was a story I had been contemplating and wanted to express, so I was grateful when it came to me in script form."
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