Cho Yi-hyun and Choo Young-woo’s highly anticipated reunion in Head Over Heels was already making waves before its premiere. The drama ranked No. 9 on Good Data Corporation’s list of the most buzzworthy dramas in the third week of June, just ahead of its official June 23 debut.
What Is Head Over Heels About?
Set against the backdrop of youthful optimism and age-old folklore, Head Over Heels blends fantasy and romance in a story that’s as touching as it is suspenseful. Choo Young-woo plays Bae Gyeon-woo, a talented high school archer cursed with relentless bad luck and an ominous death sentence. He has only 37 days left to live. Park Sung-ah, played by Cho Yi-hyun, is a high schooler who moonlights as a shaman known as the “Cheonji Fairy.” When their paths cross, a wild and determined mission begins: can she rewrite his fate and save her first love?
If the concept sounds a little familiar, that’s because it taps into the same emotional beats as Lovely Runner. The heroine races against time and fate to save the man she loves, no matter the cost. Adding even more emotional depth is Pyo Ji-ho (Cha Kang-yoon), Gyeon-woo’s close friend whose affection for Sung-ah complicates their already fragile dynamic. The result? A whirlwind triangle of fate, friendship, and young love.
The Cast: First Loves, Curses, and Charisma
Cho Yi-hyun as Park Sung-ah
Cho Yi-hyun brings a grounded yet mystical energy to Park Sung-ah, a high school student living a secret life as the shamanic “Cheonji Fairy.” The role came to her like destiny as she’s long been intrigued by themes of fate and spirituality. She found the duality of Sung-ah’s character both challenging and rewarding, describing the experience as a pivotal growth as an actress.
Cho Yi-hyun spent three months training with a real-life shaman advisor, studying ritual movements, traditional chants, and the inner energy needed to convincingly portray a spiritual guide. One particular ritual scene, both physically and emotionally intense, was a major moment she felt needed to feel “real, not just symbolic”.
Choo Young-woo as Bae Gyeon-woo
As Bae Gyeon-woo, Choo Young-woo portrays a high school archer trapped under the weight of a death curse and chronic misfortune. The character, reserved and emotionally guarded, distances himself from others out of fear that his bad luck might harm them. Choo Young-woo described Gyeon-woo as complex, kind at heart but prickly on the surface, much like a hedgehog.
To bring authenticity to the role, the actor underwent intensive archery training and impressed even national-level athletes with his skills. His dedication paid off as he didn’t require a body double for any archery scenes.
Cha Kang-yoon as Pyo Ji-ho
Cha Kang-yoon plays Pyo Ji-ho, a steady and emotionally layered character who finds himself in the middle of a delicate love triangle. Ji-ho is kind and supportive, especially to Sung-ah, but harbors a quiet longing that complicates his loyalty to Gyeon-woo.
Off-screen, Cha Kang-yoon had a deeply meaningful experience working on the drama. During a team dinner, he was moved by the director’s encouragement, a moment that revealed the familial atmosphere behind the scenes. Cho Yi-hyun added that it was Choo Young-woo who treated the team that night, highlighting the cast’s real-life camaraderie.
Choo Ja-hyun as Yeom Hwa
Choo Ja-hyun takes on the role of Yeom Hwa, a character created specifically for the drama and not present in the original webtoon. A shaman who clings to existence as a ghost, Yeom Hwa plays a key role in challenging and supporting the younger characters. Though she jokes about “harassing the main leads,” her presence in the narrative adds humor and emotional weight.
Filming with the younger cast proved to be a revitalizing experience for Choo Ja-hyun, who was struck by their sincerity and passion. “They were all so pure and passionate, it made me feel young again,” she quipped.
Veterans like Kim Mi-kyung, Yoon Byung-hee, Lee Soo-mi, and Gil Hae-yeon round out the cast, portraying senior shamans and family figures who guide—and occasionally haunt—the younger generation.
What Makes Head Over Heels a Must-Watch?
A Unique Genre Fusion
Helmed by The Cursed, The Whirlwind, and If You Wish Upon Me director Kim Yong-wan and written by Yang Ji-hoon, the drama defies simple labels. It’s a romantic comedy with a fantasy touch, a coming-of-age tale with supernatural stakes, and an emotional rollercoaster with laughs and tears in equal measure.
Director Kim shared, “The story of an 18-year-old shaman trying to save her first love—not just from ghosts, but from people who are scarier than ghosts—is both whimsical and powerful. You’ll want to root for her from the start.”
Screenwriter Yang added, “No matter how cursed Gyeon-woo’s life seems, Sung-ah refuses to let go. That’s the heart of the story, a tale of unshakable love in the face of impossible odds.”
Spellbinding Chemistry
Whether the emotional tension between Sung-ah and Gyeon-woo or the rivalry-tinged camaraderie with Ji-ho, the leads’ chemistry is magnetic. One major reason to tune in? The chemistry between Cho Yi-hyun and Choo Young-woo is undeniable and familiar. The two previously starred together in School 2021, where their electric dynamic left viewers clamoring for more. Now, reunited in a richer and more emotionally charged story, their synergy is even stronger.
Cha Kang-yoon’s character adds a gentle rivalry to the mix, creating a triangle that’s emotionally nuanced rather than cliché. Fans can look forward to complex bonds and unpredictable twists.
Veteran Powerhouse Support
From Kim Mi-kyung’s sharp-witted General Dongcheon to Yoon Byung-hee’s talisman-wielding Kkotdoryeong, the veteran ensemble adds humor, gravity, and cultural richness. According to writer Yang, “Their performances were so charismatic during test shoots, I went back and rewrote all the shaman scenes.”
When and Where to Watch Head Over Heels
The first episode of Head Over Heels airs June 23 at 8:50 p.m. KST on tvN, with global streaming available on Prime Video. New episodes will follow every Monday and Tuesday.
Whether you’re here for the star-crossed romance, the ghost-busting action, or the rich lore of Korean shamanism, Head Over Heels has something for everyone.
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Featured Image Credit: tvN Drama Official X
