Capturing the reality of turning 30: new K-drama "Give You a Dream" marks Hyeri’s return to romantic comedy after 5 years

Key points

• The new drama “Give You a Dream,” starring Hyeri and Hwang In-youp, is set to premiere on July 13, 2026.
• The story follows a genius film director and a reporter struggling to make a living as they reunite at 30.
• Hyeri returns to romantic comedy for the first time in 5 years, playing an ordinary reporter who has forgotten her dreams.
• Hwang In-youp takes on the role of a genius film director who reunites with his first love to complete the film they left unfinished.

ENA’s new romantic comedy “Give You a Dream,” starring Hyeri and Hwang In-youp, recently shared its latest update: the series will officially premiere on July 13. Ever since news of their collaboration was announced, this fresh, visually striking pairing has generated plenty of discussion on social media. Now, with the first teaser and posters released, the sight of them in fresh blue-and-white school uniforms has sent anticipation soaring with its youthful energy.

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An unfinished school film and the realities of being 30

“Give You a Dream” has an especially interesting premise, centered on the bittersweet romance of two people reuniting after a long time apart. It follows genius film director Woo Soo-bin, who returns after realizing his dreams, and reporter Joo Yi-jae, who has long forgotten hers and is rushing around to make a living. As students, the young pair shared the same dream, leaving behind an unfinished film and a romance that had yet to end. When they meet again at the crossroads of 30, the youthful stirrings buried by time, along with the frustrations of reality, seem to awaken once more, creating a lighthearted yet heart-fluttering sense of connection.

Joo Yi-jae: A determined reporter beneath a weary exterior

Hyeri plays Joo Yi-jae, who was once a fearless, ambitious, spirited teenager. After reality dealt her harsh blows throughout her 20s, she becomes an ordinary reporter at 30, rushing around every day to make a living. Hyeri portrays the character’s determination and helplessness beneath her weary exterior with striking realism.

Woo Soo-bin: A genius film director who escaped a stifling reality

By contrast, Hwang In-youp’s Woo Soo-bin takes an entirely different path. He successfully escapes a stifling reality, bravely pursues his dreams, and returns to Korea at 30 as a genius film director whose work has swept overseas film festivals. Yet he still carries his first love from those days in his heart. When this accomplished director meets again with a reporter working hard to make a living, their tension on and off camera will be the drama’s biggest draw.

Rather than portraying its leads as perfect idols whose lives always go smoothly, the drama realistically depicts the confusion and setbacks of adulthood. For many working women today, Joo Yi-jae’s experience of “running around to make a living and forgetting her dreams” speaks directly to the challenges of everyday life. If it resonates with you, consider adding it to your K-drama watchlist.

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