Ha Seok Jin recently shared his thoughts on his upcoming KBS2 weekend drama “Love on the Menu,” giving fans a closer look at what to expect from the family romance series. The actor plays Kim Moo Jin, a successful Italian restaurant owner who reunites with his first love after eight years. In a new interview, he talked about working with Hani, why he chose this project, and how his character differs from his real-life personality.
The Story Behind ‘Love on the Menu’
“Love on the Menu” is a family romance drama that follows two former lovers who meet again eight years after a painful breakup. Ha Seok Jin plays Kim Moo Jin, the owner and head chef of an Italian restaurant. On the outside, he seems to have everything—good looks, wealth, and talent. But he never got over his first love, Han Gyu Rim, played by Hani.
Han Gyu Rim works at a side-dish shop and supports her struggling family alone. Her family lost their comfortable life, and now she juggles many part-time jobs while taking care of her younger siblings. The drama explores how these two people, carrying deep emotional wounds, try to rebuild their lives and relationships.
The series is written by Lee Kyung Hee and directed by Hong Seok Goo. It will air on KBS2 every Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m. KST.
Why Ha Seok Jin Chose This Drama
Ha Seok Jin explained that he picked “Love on the Menu” because it had been a long time since he came across a weekend drama with a story that appeals to viewers of all ages.
“What drew me in was that it goes beyond a simple romance between a man and a woman to explore family, relationships, the choices we make, and the feelings that never truly fade.”
He described his character Kim Moo Jin as someone who is “tough on the outside but soft on the inside.” He also mentioned that Moo Jin seems composed but is surprisingly inexperienced with certain emotions.
“He appears perfect, but in reality, he’s far from it—that gap is what makes Moo Jin so appealing.”
When asked about Han Gyu Rim’s place in Moo Jin’s heart, Ha Seok Jin said:
“To Moo Jin, Han Gyu Rim isn’t simply a first love he misses. She’s someone he has never truly been able to move on from, no matter how much time has passed.”
How Much Ha Seok Jin Relates to His Character
Ha Seok Jin shared that he and his character are about 60 percent similar. He explained:
“We’re alike in that we’re both rational and logical at work, and we both naturally bicker with close friends. But Moo Jin is much more honest and straightforward about his emotions than I am.”
Building Chemistry with Hani
One of the most talked-about aspects of the drama is the chemistry between Ha Seok Jin and Hani. The actor shared a behind-the-scenes story about how they prepared for their roles.
“Before our first day of filming, we went for a walk together on a mountain trail, and that really helped us get past any awkwardness. Since we’re portraying two people who reunite after eight years apart, we’re working hard to find the right emotional rhythm for our characters.”
The production team also praised the natural chemistry between the two leads. They said the refreshing vibes between Ha Seok Jin and Hani will make the early episodes more engaging.
What the Posters and Teasers Reveal
The drama has released character posters that show Kim Moo Jin and Han Gyu Rim alone in their own spaces, expressing loneliness and emptiness. The posters use a blurred focus to capture their emotions.
Kim Moo Jin’s poster shows him leaning back on a sofa with a deep sense of loneliness. Han Gyu Rim’s poster captures her in a quiet atmosphere, working at the side-dish shop.
The production team explained:
“We wanted to visually express the emotions of two people who have endured lonely times in their own places. Please look forward to seeing what kind of comfort and change this unexpected relationship will bring to each of them.”
A teaser video also dropped, showing Han Gyu Rim sharply rejecting Kim Moo Jin. She tells him about her difficult reality—being poor, having no savings, and supporting four younger siblings. She warns him:
“Holding onto me means you’d be holding the worst possible card you could play.”
Despite her rejection, Kim Moo Jin responds firmly:
“No, I don’t want to.”
He then embraces her and says, “I’m not running away.”
Fan Reactions to the Drama
Fans have been reacting strongly to the teasers and posters. Many expressed their excitement about Ha Seok Jin and Hani’s pairing. One fan commented on social media:
“Ha Seok-jin crying while making that vow? THAT’S what peak acting looks like”
Another fan wrote:
“Hani’s fake smile breaking when she’s alone? I felt that in my SOUL”
Viewers have also been talking about Ha Seok Jin’s cold expression in the promotional material, with many speculating that there is deep longing and hurt behind his serious look.
The Strong Supporting Cast
“Love on the Menu” also features a solid supporting cast. Park You Na plays Han Gyu Young, Gyu Rim’s younger sister who has a very different personality. Bae Jung Nam plays Jo Heung Sik, Gyu Rim’s longtime male best friend who brings warmth and comic relief.
Other cast members include Lee Joo Yeon, Min Jin Woong, Kwon Hae Hyo, Yoon Yoo Sun, and Ryu Seung Soo. Lee Joo Yeon plays Jang Seo Hyun, a fashion designer who has feelings for Kim Moo Jin since childhood. But Moo Jin sees her only as family.
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When and Where to Watch ‘Love on the Menu’
“Love on the Menu” premieres on July 25, 2026, at 8 p.m. KST on KBS2. The drama will air every Saturday and Sunday.
For international viewers, the drama will be available on streaming platforms. Ha Seok Jin and Hani fans can also watch their previous works like “To My Beloved Thief” and “Hit the Spot” on Viki.
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