Meet the cast of ‘Heartbeat’, the K-drama blending vampires with rom-com

Through the years, vampires have taken the centrestage through wildly successful TV shows, movies, and books. There is a lot to look forward to in Heartbeat as well, which has vampires who are centuries old, trying to blend in and navigate modern-day Seoul. In Heartbeat, the lead goes from being a vampire to a half-human half-vampire when he is awakened a day earlier than scheduled from a planned 100-year stupor he undertakes to transform into a human

In the first episode of HeartBeat, Ok Taec-yeon — who plays vampire Seon Woo-hyul — turns wistful when asked why he is determined to become a human being. “I want to experience love that makes my heart beat,” he declares.

Woo-hyul’s quest for love, and a beating heart is the focus of this new Korean romantic comedy series, which stars actor and South-Korean boy band 2PM member Taec-yeon with Won Ji-an, Park Kang-hyun, and Yoon So-hee.

Through the years, vampires have taken the centrestage through wildly successful TV shows, movies, and books. There is a lot to look forward to in Heartbeat as well, which has vampires who are centuries old, trying to blend in and navigate modern-day Seoul. Woo-Hyul too, goes from being a vampire to a half-human half-vampire when he is awakened a day earlier than scheduled from a planned 100-year stupor he undertakes to transform into a human.

In an interview with The Hindu, the four lead actors from the quirky, fantasy rom-com say that there is a lot that appealed to them about the show, and their characters.

“Woo-hyul is someone who dedicates his entire life to love. I think that’s his biggest appeal. I hope I’m as charming as him!” says Taec-yeon. “As for similarities — if I were to ask myself, am I willing to give it all just for love? I’d have to say no. I won’t be able to do that. But he’s so set on his goal and purpose and I would like to mirror that,” he adds.

There is plenty of charm, and a lot of comedy in the first two episodes thanks to him. In his quest to become a human, we see Woo-hyul exposing himself to bright sunlight, attempting to stuff his face with garlic, and repeatedly praying to the gods through the years to grant his one wish.

For his potential romantic interest, Joo In-hae played by actor Won Ji-an, trudging through a mostly thankless job, and getting conned by her shady landlord only adds to her struggles. There is however another facet to this hardened, wary character that Ji-an says she enjoyed playing. “What appealed to me the most is the twist she has in her personality. While she has tenacity and fierce will in life, she has another side of wanting to take down her guard. I thought that was endearing,” says Ji-an, who will be next seen in the hotly anticipated sequel for Squid Game’.