South Korean actor Chae Jong Hyeop is set to return to Japanese television with his second lead role in a J-drama. The upcoming series The Rules of Vacation (working title), produced by Japan’s OTT platform ABEMA, has officially confirmed its premiere date and released new teasers generating buzz among fans.
The romantic drama follows Hoshino Midori, a woman exhausted by her busy daily life. She travels to a seaside villa where she meets a mysterious caretaker named Nishigami. Through their encounter, she begins to rediscover what truly matters in life. Chae Jong Hyeop takes on the role of Nishigami, the enigmatic manager of the beachside villa. Japanese actress Hashimoto Kanna, often called the “Thousand-Year Idol” for her long-standing popularity, plays Hoshino Midori.
Premiere Dates and Streaming Platforms
The Rules of Vacation will first air on ABEMA on July 27, 2026. The series will then become available for global streaming on Netflix starting July 31, 2026. This dual-platform release strategy allows both domestic Japanese viewers and international audiences to watch the show. New episodes are scheduled to air every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8 p.m. Japan time.
New Poster and Teaser Trailer Revealed
ABEMA recently released a poster and teaser trailer for the drama. The poster highlights Nishigami’s mysterious appeal through his unreadable gaze and calm expression, creating a feeling of tension mixed with romance. The teaser video shows strong eye contact and quiet chemistry between Chae Jong Hyeop and Hashimoto Kanna, giving viewers a preview of their developing connection at the villa. Brief scenes of ocean waves and intimate conversations build expectations for the emotional story the pair will bring to life.
Chae Jong Hyeop’s Growing Popularity in Japan
This new drama marks Chae Jong Hyeop‘s second leading role in a Japanese production. He first gained widespread recognition in Japan through the 2024 TBS drama Eye Love You. In that series, he played Yoon Tae-o, a cheerful Korean student living in Japan. His performance made him the first Korean actor to headline a prime-time Japanese drama, a significant achievement in the competitive industry.
Following the success of Eye Love You, Chae Jong Hyeop earned the nickname “Hyopsama” from Japanese fans. The show topped Netflix Japan’s TV rankings and TVer’s integrated chart right after its release. He held a fan meeting in Tokyo in May 2026 and has another scheduled in Osaka in August.
What to Expect from ‘The Rules of Vacation’
The drama is being described as a summer “detox romance”. The story takes place in Tatsumi Village, where Nishigami works as a caretaker managing the villa area. Chae Jong Hyeop‘s character is described as a figure shrouded in mystery, with a lonely yet composed expression that sparks curiosity about his hidden past. This role shows a different side of the actor compared to his previous warm and familiar image.
Hashimoto Kanna brings vulnerability and strength to her role as Midori, perfectly matching Chae Jong Hyeop‘s mysterious presence. The pairing of these two popular stars from Korea and Japan has already become a talking point among fans. Some netizens have shared mixed reactions online, with comments like “The hair looks weird,” “I like both, but they don’t match,” and “The project seems promising”.
“The height difference worries me,” one commenter wrote, while another said, “Looks fun”.
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Chae Jong Hyeop’s Busy 2026 Schedule
Besides his Japanese drama, Chae Jong Hyeop also stars in the Korean drama In Your Radiant Season, which premiered earlier in 2026. He plays Sunwoo Chan, a man who lives each day like an exciting summer vacation, opposite actress Lee Sung Kyung. The actor continues to build his career across both Korean and Japanese entertainment industries.
The Rules of Vacation is produced by ABEMA, Japan’s largest online video service. The series aims to break away from typical melodrama formats and offer a fresh take on romance. With its seaside setting and emotional depth, the show is positioned as a standout summer release.
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