After winning over Japanese audiences once, Chae Jong Hyeop isn’t slowing down — he’s heading straight back for round two.
His upcoming Japanese drama “The Rules of Vacation” (working title) has officially locked in a premiere date, and the first teasers are already hinting at another slow-burn romance worth watching.
The Rules of Vacation: Story So Far
Produced by Japan’s ABEMA, the drama follows Hoshino Midori (Hashimoto Kanna), a woman exhausted by her hectic life who falls for a mysterious caretaker named Nishigami at a seaside villa. Chae Jong Hyeop plays Nishigami, the villa’s enigmatic manager — a role the newly released poster frames with plenty of quiet tension and an unreadable gaze.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Title | The Rules of Vacation (working title) |
| Network | ABEMA (Japan) |
| Premiere | July 27, 2026 |
| Netflix Availability | July 31, 2026 |
| Lead Actor | Chae Jong Hyeop as Nishigami |
| Lead Actress | Hashimoto Kanna as Hoshino Midori |
| Genre | Romance |
Why This Matters
Chae Jong Hyeop already made history in Japan as the first Korean actor to headline a drama in the country’s competitive prime-time slot, thanks to his lead role in “Eye Love You.” That breakthrough set expectations high, and this new project — paired with acclaimed Japanese actress Hashimoto Kanna — looks positioned to build on that momentum.
If you’re following his 2026 lineup, don’t miss our recap of his Korean drama In Your Radiant Season opposite Lee Sung Kyung. And for more cross-border K-drama and J-drama crossovers worth tracking, check out our coverage of the growing Korean Wave in Japan through the Inkigayo Tokyo lineup.
Conclusion
With a premiere date locked and chemistry already teased, “The Rules of Vacation” hits ABEMA July 27 and Netflix July 31 — another strong step in Chae Jong Hyeop’s growing international career.
