Get ready for television’s most shocking transformation! Lee Young Ae returns to the small screen on September 20, 2025, in KBS2’s “Walking on Thin Ice,” where she portrays an ordinary housewife who becomes entangled in the dangerous world of drug dealing. This isn’t your typical crime drama – it’s a heart-wrenching exploration of how far a mother will go to save her family.
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Walking on Thin Ice Story That Will Keep You on Edge
“Walking on Thin Ice” tells the story of the dangerous partnership between Kang Eun Soo (Lee Young Ae), a mother determined to protect her family, and Lee Kyung (Kim Young Kwang), a teacher who secretly leads a double life. When Eun Soo’s husband’s terminal illness plunges the family into financial ruin, she stumbles upon a mysterious bag filled with drugs worth hundreds of billions of won.
What follows is a gripping tale of desperation, moral compromise, and the lengths a parent will go to for their child’s future. This KBS weekend drama promises to redefine the crime thriller genre with its emotional depth and realistic portrayal of ordinary people pushed to extraordinary circumstances.
Cast & Character Breakdown
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Young Ae | Kang Eun Soo | Ordinary housewife turned reluctant drug dealer |
| Kim Young Kwang | Lee Kyung | Teacher with a secret double life as drug dealer |
| Park Yong Woo | Supporting Role | Key supporting character in the criminal underworld |
| Lee Soo Bin | Eun Soo’s Daughter | Teenager caught between family loyalty and moral conflict |
| Lee Kyu Sung | TBA | Recently confirmed addition to the cast |
Why This Drama is Different
Unlike typical crime dramas that glorify the criminal lifestyle, “Walking on Thin Ice” focuses on the human cost of desperate choices. The story depicts Eun Su (Lee Young Ae), an ordinary housewife, who, struggling to cover the medical costs of her terminally ill husband, stumbles upon drugs worth hundreds of billions of won and steps into the world of crime to sell them.
The drama’s strength lies in its realistic portrayal of financial desperation – a theme that resonates with many families facing medical bankruptcies and economic hardship. Lee Young Ae’s return to television after her acclaimed performance in “Maestra: Strings of Truth” adds gravitas to this already compelling narrative.
Production Excellence
Directed by Song Hyun Wook and written by Jeon Young Shin, “Walking on Thin Ice” brings together a creative team known for their nuanced character development and realistic storytelling. The drama takes over KBS2’s Saturday & Sunday 21:20 time slot, positioning it as a premium weekend offering.
The series promises high production values with intense action sequences balanced by emotional family moments, creating a viewing experience that’s both thrilling and deeply moving.
The Complex Family Dynamic
One of the drama’s most intriguing elements is the family conflict it explores. Kim Young Kwang will cause an unexpected rift in Lee Young Ae’s relationship with her daughter when the teenager discovers her mother’s partnership with her own crush. This adds layers of teenage angst and family betrayal to an already complex narrative.
The show doesn’t just focus on the criminal activities but delves deep into how these choices affect family relationships, trust, and the moral fabric that holds families together.
Where and When to Watch
Premiere Details:
- Date: September 20, 2025
- Time: 21:20 KST (Saturday & Sunday)
- Network: KBS2
- Streaming: Available on KOCOWA+ for international viewers
For Korean drama enthusiasts, this represents one of the most anticipated releases of the year, combining stellar acting with socially relevant storytelling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is “Walking on Thin Ice” based on a true story?
A: While “Walking on Thin Ice” is a fictional drama, it draws inspiration from real-world issues like medical bankruptcy and family financial crises. The show’s creators have crafted a realistic scenario that many families can relate to, making the desperate choices feel authentic rather than sensationalized. The drug dealing aspect serves as a dramatic vehicle to explore themes of moral compromise when facing impossible circumstances.
Q: How does Lee Young Ae’s character transformation compare to other crime drama protagonists?
A: Unlike typical crime drama protagonists who often embrace their criminal transformation, Lee Young Ae’s Kang Eun Soo remains conflicted and reluctant throughout her journey. The character maintains her moral compass while being forced into increasingly compromising situations. This creates a more complex and sympathetic protagonist who viewers can empathize with, even when disagreeing with her choices. It’s this internal struggle that sets the drama apart from traditional crime series.
