Lee Sang-yi, Han Ji-hyeon spice up their romance in 'Spice Up Our Love' spin-off on Prime Video
Spin-offs are rare in the K-drama world. Fans are often left to rewatch their favorite scenes over and over again until they find their next drama obsession. Lucky for fans of No Gain No Love on Prime Video, the romantic-comedy series starring Shin Mina, Kim Young-dae, Lee Sang-yi, and Han Ji-hyeon, the kilig is extended in Spice Up Our Love.
In this spin-off, writer Nam Ja-yeon, played by Han Ji-yeon, wakes up in the body of her novel’s female lead Seo Yeon-seo. What’s more surprising is she gets to meet her male character Kang Ha-jun, who looks like her hater Bok Gyu-hyun. The love-hate trope gets comical when Nam Ja-yeon tries to get out of the situation, resisting Kang Ha-jun’s efforts to win her affection.
The cast of Spice Up Our Love talked to PhilSTAR Life about their unique fantasy romance that blends characters from two different stories.
Lee Sang-yi (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha), who plays Kang Ha-jun in the body of Bok Gyu-hyun, says it’s his first time working on a spin-off series.
“It felt so good to be able to tell the story of Nam Ja-yeon and Bok Gyu-hyun in more depth, which might not have been enough in the main series. I hope there are more opportunities for these small attempts and creativity,” he said.
Han Ji-hyeon (Cheer-Up, The Penthouse), who also plays dual characters as the novelist Nam Ja-yeon and her female protagonist Seo Yeon-seo, talks about the charms of their own spin-off.
“It is a story where I try to run away from the ridiculous world that doesn’t make sense. It also includes a warm and sweet story where Ja-yeon’s wounds are comforted,” Han refers to the backstory of Nam Ja-yeon of No Gain No Love.
Dual characters, supportive partners
Playing two characters in a story can be quite a challenge for any actor but Lee Sang-yi is all praises for his costar.
“I think she is an actor with excellent preparation and instant concentration. Despite many situations in which concentration can be broken due to various internal and external factors, Han Ji-hyeon showed tremendous concentration at every moment. And I also felt respect when I saw her always prepared so perfectly,” he described.
Meanwhile, Lee Sang-yi proved to be the most supportive partner: "reliable, warm, and supportive," Han Ji-hyeon claimed.
"He has been a supportive person whenever I feel down. He is humorous but not irreverent, he helps me a lot when acting, and he is like a source of support to me," she said.
Viewers can look forward to funny and heartwarming scenes, including these memorable moments.
For Han Ji-yeon, the scene where she was speaking on the rooftop of the hospital at the end was the most memorable for her. “While filming this scene, it felt like someone I had relied on was leaving me. Lee Sang-yi spoke his lines in a touching way, which hurt a lot but was also a great source of comfort.”
Aside from this touching scene, Lee Sang-yi recalled a funny time during their shoot. “There are about three scenes of me sleeping, and I fell asleep so deeply that I couldn't remember each time.”
Message for Pinoy K-drama fans
The stars of Spice Up Our Love have a special message for Filipino K-drama fans, who have supported them from No Gain No Love.
“Hello, Philippines fans. Did you enjoy watching No Gain No Love and Spice Up Our Love? Thank you so much for always supporting and loving me. I hope you always have a great day, stay healthy, and encounter many happy things (heart),” Han Ji-yeon said.
“I will go! I want to spend time with fans and talk to them,” Lee Sang-yi added.
We’ll certainly look forward to that!
Spice Up Our Love is now streaming on Prime Video. Aside from this spin-off, check out our list of thrilling offerings to watch this October.