Chae Jong Hyeop and Lee Sung Kyung are currently pulling viewers into a deeply emotional story with their new drama, In Your Radiant Season. The series, which arrived on February 20, 2026, on MBC and Disney+, has already started to climb the ratings and buzz charts. Playing the role of Seon Woo Chan, Chae Jong Hyeop portrays a character who hides significant physical and emotional pain behind a bright, sunny exterior. The actor recently shared his thoughts on what drew him to this specific project and how his partnership with Lee Sung Kyung helped bring the complicated narrative to life.
According to the actor, the script immediately made him pause and think about his own life journey. He noted that the core theme of the story felt incredibly relatable, even with the dramatic events that the characters face. The drama follows the lives of two people whose pasts are tied together by a tragic accident in the United States seven years ago. While Chae Jong Hyeop plays an animator named Seon Woo Chan who lost his hearing in one ear and parts of his memory, Lee Sung Kyung plays Song Ha Ran, a cold and professional fashion designer who has shut down her emotions to avoid further loss.
Chae Jong Hyeop Speaks On The Emotional Weight Of Seon Woo Chan
Chae Jong Hyeop explained that the specific wording used to describe the drama was what first caught his eye. He was particularly moved by the central question the show asks: “What season is your life passing through now?” This prompted him to think deeply about the different phases people go through, moving between the warmth of summer and the cold isolation of winter. He mentioned that he wanted to show the contrast between his character’s past as a struggling student and his current persona as a cheerful, “golden retriever” type of animator.
The actor faced the challenge of portraying a character with a hidden disability. After the accident seven years prior, Seon Woo Chan suffers from hearing loss in his left ear and is often triggered by high-frequency noises. Chae Jong Hyeop expressed that he worked hard to show how these physical scars impact Woo Chan’s mental state, especially when he reunites with Ha Ran in Seoul. He shared that his goal was to make the audience feel the warmth Woo Chan tries to give to others despite his own inner darkness.
“The logline caught my attention first. The phrase ‘What season is your life passing through now?’ made me fall into deep thought. I was drawn to how the story shows the past and present through a turning point.”
Working Relationship Between Chae Jong Hyeop And Lee Sung Kyung
The chemistry between the two leads has been a major talking point since the first two episodes aired. Chae Jong Hyeop praised Lee Sung Kyung for her ability to shift between a bright, lovable version of her character in the past and the icy, guarded professional she is today. During the poster shoots and early filming, the two actors spent a lot of time coordinating their movements and gazes to ensure the “radiant chemistry” was visible on screen. Chae Jong Hyeop mentioned that because his character spent so much time looking at Ha Ran from a distance in the past, he focused on making his gaze feel deep and full of longing.
Lee Sung Kyung also shared her positive experiences on set, noting that the atmosphere was often cheerful despite the heavy emotional scenes. She wore 15 different outfits in the first episode alone to help establish her character’s high-standing position in the fashion world at Nana Atelier. The duo’s natural comfort with each other was evident during behind-the-scenes footage, where they were seen laughing between serious takes. Chae Jong Hyeop added that working with such a seasoned actress in the romance genre helped him stay immersed in his role.
Plot Revelations In Your Radiant Season Episode 1 And 2
The premiere episodes delivered a major twist regarding the relationship between the lead characters. It was revealed that Lee Sung Kyung’s character, Song Ha Ran, was actually in a relationship with Woo Chan’s roommate, Kang Hyuk Chan, seven years ago. Because the two roommates shared the same nickname, “Chan,” and Woo Chan often replied to messages on his roommate’s behalf, a massive misunderstanding was created. This confusion was only settled when the tragic explosion occurred, killing Hyuk Chan and leaving Woo Chan with permanent injuries.
In the present day, Woo Chan realizes that the person he was messaging all those years ago was Ha Ran. When they meet again at a project meeting, Ha Ran does not recognize him, but Woo Chan is determined to help her “thaw” from her emotional winter. The second episode ended with a direct confession from Woo Chan, where he asked for permission to openly treat her well. This moment has set the stage for a romance focused on healing and mutual salvation.
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Streaming Details And Global Schedule For In Your Radiant Season
For global audiences wanting to follow the story of Seon Woo Chan and Song Ha Ran, In Your Radiant Season is currently available on multiple platforms. The drama consists of 12 episodes in total and follows a standard weekend release pattern.
- South Korea: Airs on MBC every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST.
- Global Streaming: Available on Disney+ in various regions including the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
- India: Fans can watch the episodes on Disney+ Hotstar starting at approximately 6:20 PM IST on release days.
The drama is scheduled to conclude its run on March 28, 2026. So far, the production has seen a positive response, with viewership ratings starting at 4.4% nationwide. Fans are particularly praising the lyrical atmosphere and the way the show uses the four seasons to symbolize the emotional states of the characters.
Also Read: Our Universe Scores Massive Global Success With Number 1 Rank In 142 Countries On Viki
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