Acclaimed South Korean actor Namkoong Min is set to make his highly anticipated return to the KBS network after a seven-year absence, taking on the leading role in the upcoming weekend mini-series The Completion of Marriage.
The production team and star-studded cast gathered at The Saint venue in Sindorim, Seoul today to officially introduce the project. The launch event saw lead actors Namkoong Min, Lee Seol, Kim Dae-myung and Lee Sang-hee appear alongside director Kim Jeong-hyun.
Exploring the fragility of relationships
Director Kim shared insights into the central themes of the series, explaining how the script challenges traditional notions of domestic life.
«Many people get married, and though I am married myself, I often find myself questioning if there is truly such a thing as a ‘completion’ to marriage,» Kim remarked.
He added that the narrative explores the unpredictable obstacles couples face, a theme reflected in the meticulously designed promotional imagery.
The director expressed immense satisfaction with his ensemble cast. He praised Namkoong Min for capturing the intricate nuances of his character, while noting that Lee Seol approached her role without any hesitation. Audiences can also expect a dramatic transformation from Kim Dae-myung, an actor traditionally known for gentle roles, who portrays a terrifying antagonist in this narrative.
Behind-the-scenes synergy
Namkoong Min, whose last venture with the broadcaster was the 2019 hit Doctor Prisoner, expressed strong optimism regarding his television return. He revealed that the compelling nature of the narrative instantly won him over.
«The script felt right from the very beginning, and I read through all four initial parts without stopping,» he said, noting that the accessible storytelling would likely resonate with a broad audience.
In the series, Namkoong Min portrays Kang Tae-joo, a neurosurgeon and hospital director navigating the complexities of becoming a father after four years of marriage. Drawing on his 25 years of industry experience, the actor noted that while the intense genre demands significant emotional depth, he maintains a healthy boundary between his personal life and the heavy immersion required on set.
Co-star Lee Seol, who plays hospital chairperson Go Se-yoon, shared her enthusiasm about reuniting with Namkoong Min following their previous collaboration on Our Movie. She expressed gratitude for his guidance, mentioning that she frequently sought his advice and rehearsed lines with him during production breaks.
Box office rivalries
The cast also teased the suspenseful elements of the plot, with Kim Dae-myung hinting that his character’s dark motivations are tied to seasonal elements designed to offer viewers a thrilling escape from the summer heat.
When asked about competing against the rival SBS drama Agent Kim Reactivated, which has already crossed the 15% viewership mark, Namkoong Min offered a lighthearted perspective.
Making a humorous nod to his own classic KBS comedy Good Manager (originally titled Chief Kim), he joked that watching the rival show felt bittersweet but entertaining. He noted that while the broadcast schedules overlap on Saturdays, The Completion of Marriage has a distinct advantage on Sundays.
The Completion of Marriage is scheduled to broadcast its premiere episode on Saturday, July 4 at 9:20 pm.
