Song Joong-ki is back in the romance game! After years of focusing on thrillers and crime dramas, the Hallyu star is returning to his romantic roots with the highly anticipated K-drama “My Youth.” In a candid press conference revelation, the actor opened up about why he chose to embrace love stories again after his marriage to Katy Louise Saunders, proving that sometimes the heart wants what it wants.
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Song Joong-ki’s Romance Journey: From Descendants to My Youth
Song Joong-ki’s romance career has been nothing short of fascinating. His breakthrough romantic role in “Descendants of the Sun” not only catapulted him to international stardom but also led to his real-life romance with co-star Song Hye-kyo. However, following their divorce, the actor strategically shifted toward more intense genres, making his return to romance all the more meaningful.
Song Joong-ki’s Genre Evolution Table
| Period | Notable Projects | Genre Focus | Personal Life Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016-2017 | Descendants of the Sun | Romance/Military | Marriage to Song Hye-kyo |
| 2018-2022 | Vincenzo, Space Sweepers | Thriller/Action | Post-divorce career pivot |
| 2023-2025 | My Youth | Romance/Melodrama | Marriage to Katy Louise Saunders |
“My Youth” Character Appeal: Grounded in Reality
Sun Woo Hae represents a departure from Song Joong-ki’s recent character choices. During the September 4 press conference, he explained his attraction to the role: “Looking back at the characters I’ve played, many of them felt like they weren’t really grounded in reality. That made me want to take on a more everyday, relatable character, one that could actually exist in real life.”
This shift toward relatability marks a significant evolution in Song Joong-ki’s artistic choices, suggesting a more mature approach to Korean drama character development.
Key Character Elements in My Youth:
- Realistic Portrayal: Everyday character that audiences can relate to
- First Love Reunion: Rekindling romance with Chun Woo-hee’s Sung Je-yeon
- Adult Perspective: Mature take on young love and second chances
- Emotional Depth: Complex relationship dynamics after years of separation
The Romance Genre Return: Personal and Professional Motivations
“I never meant to avoid doing romance projects,” Song Joong-ki clarified, dispelling rumors about deliberately avoiding the genre. His enthusiasm is palpable as he admits, “I think melodrama is always the most desired genre that actors want to be part of. I’m not sure about others, but that’s definitely how I feel.”
This genuine passion for romantic storytelling, combined with his current personal happiness, creates the perfect storm for what could be his most authentic romantic performance yet.
Marriage Impact on Career Choices
Song Joong-ki’s marriage to Katy Louise Saunders appears to have brought stability and confidence that allows him to return to romance without the emotional baggage of his past. His careful project selection during his bachelor years showed a desire to establish himself beyond romantic leads, but now he’s ready to embrace love stories again.
Post-Marriage Perspective Shifts:
- Emotional Security: Stable personal life enabling romantic role comfort
- Artistic Freedom: Less pressure to avoid certain genres
- Mature Storytelling: Interest in more sophisticated romantic narratives
- Character Relatability: Desire for grounded, realistic portrayals
Chun Woo-hee Partnership Dynamic
The pairing with Chun Woo-hee in “My Youth” represents a strategic casting choice that prioritizes acting chemistry over typical visual couple appeal. Chun Woo-hee’s reputation for nuanced performances complements Song Joong-ki’s evolved acting style perfectly.
Their characters’ reunion story resonates deeply with the actor, who noted: “I personally think, and this might just be my personal taste, that the word ‘reunion’ sparks a fluttering feeling.”
This sentiment reflects both personal growth and professional insight into what makes compelling Korean romance narratives.
Industry Impact and Expectations
Song Joong-ki’s return to romance signals a broader trend in K-drama where established stars are revisiting genres that defined their early careers, but with added maturity and life experience. This evolution could inspire other actors to embrace genre flexibility rather than typecasting limitations.
Expected Reception Elements:
- Fan Enthusiasm: Long-awaited return to beloved genre
- Critical Interest: Mature approach to familiar territory
- Commercial Potential: Proven star power in romance category
- International Appeal: Global fanbase excited for romantic comeback
“My Youth” Production and Release Strategy
JTBC’s investment in “My Youth” demonstrates confidence in Song Joong-ki’s romantic appeal and the enduring popularity of reunion-themed love stories. The drama’s positioning as a September 2025 highlight release suggests significant promotional backing.
The project represents careful collaboration between established talent and proven storytelling formulas, enhanced by contemporary perspectives on love and relationships.
Future Romance Projects Potential
This successful return to romance could open doors for more sophisticated love stories in Song Joong-ki’s career trajectory. His emphasis on realistic, relatable characters suggests future projects might explore modern relationship dynamics in Korean entertainment.
For comprehensive K-drama coverage and industry insights, visit Pinkvilla’s entertainment section for the latest updates on Song Joong-ki and other Hallyu stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Song Joong-ki avoid romance dramas after “Descendants of the Sun”?
A: Song Joong-ki clarified that he “never meant to avoid doing romance projects” but naturally gravitated toward thrillers and action dramas like “Vincenzo” and “Space Sweepers” after his divorce from Song Hye-kyo. His career choices during this period focused on establishing himself beyond romantic leads, but he always maintained that “melodrama is always the most desired genre that actors want to be part of.”
Q: What makes “My Youth” different from Song Joong-ki’s previous romantic roles?
A: Unlike his previous characters that “weren’t really grounded in reality,” Song Joong-ki’s role as Sun Woo Hae in “My Youth” represents an “everyday, relatable character, one that could actually exist in real life.” The drama focuses on first loves reuniting as adults, offering a more mature perspective on romance compared to his earlier military-romance hybrid in “Descendants of the Sun.”
