The Korea Times close
National
  • Politics
  • Foreign Affairs
  • Multicultural Community
  • Defense
  • Environment & Animals
  • Law & Crime
  • Society
  • Health & Science
Business
  • Tech
  • Bio
  • Companies
Finance
  • Companies
  • Economy
  • Markets
  • Cryptocurrency
Opinion
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Thoughts of the Times
  • Cartoon
  • Today in History
  • Blogs
  • Tribune Service
  • Blondie & Garfield
  • Letter to President
  • Letter to the Editor
Lifestyle
  • Travel & Food
  • Trends
  • People & Events
  • Books
  • Around Town
  • Fortune Telling
Entertainment
& Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
Sports
World
  • SCMP
  • Asia
Video
  • Culture
  • People
  • News
Photos
  • Photo News
  • Darkroom
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
  • The Korea Times
  • search
  • Site Map
  • E-paper
  • Subscribe
  • Register
  • LogIn
search close
Entertainment & Arts
  • K-pop
  • Films
  • Shows & Dramas
  • Music
  • Theater & Others
Mon, August 8, 2022 | 06:31
Shows & Dramas
Korean remake of BBC sitcom 'Uncle' is more family-oriented: director
Posted : 2021-12-10 17:02
Updated : 2021-12-11 09:08
Print Preview
Font Size Up
Font Size Down
From left, actors Lee Sang-woo, Jeong Hye-jin, Lee Kyung-hoon, Oh Jung-se, Lee Si-won and Hwang Woo Seul-hye pose during an online press conference for TV Chosun's new drama, 'Uncle,' Thursday. Courtesy of TV Chosun
From left, actors Lee Sang-woo, Jeong Hye-jin, Lee Kyung-hoon, Oh Jung-se, Lee Si-won and Hwang Woo Seul-hye pose during an online press conference for TV Chosun's new drama, "Uncle," Thursday. Courtesy of TV Chosun

By Kwak Yeon-soo

Actor Oh Jung-se, who has demonstrated his ability to balance both comedic and dramatic roles in hit TV shows, including KBS's "When the Camellia Blooms," tvN's "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" and "Jirisan," is returning to the small screen to play a loser whose music career never took off.

Adapted from a BBC comedy series of the same title, TV Chosun's new drama "Uncle" tells the story of unemployed musician Jun-hyuk (Oh) who forges an unlikely alliance with his 12-year-old nephew, Ji-hoo (Lee Kyung-hoon), after being forced into looking after him by his overbearing sister Jun-hee (Jeon Hye-jin).

Director Ji Young-soo described the series as a coming-of-age story that follows the 30-something failed musician as he grows up and rescues his sister and nephew, who are struggling to make ends meet.

Asked about how it differs from the original British series, he said, "Compared to the original series that takes humor to absurd levels, the remake version is more emotional and it centers on the rift in the family to reach a wider audience.

Oh explained that Jun-hyuk is not good with children and lacks a sense of responsibility, but he is taught to be a grown-up by his nosy nephew.

"I was drawn to the warm exploration of a family told in a humorous way. I saw similarities between Jun-hyuk and me. He is immature but incredibly charming," he said during an online press conference for the series, Thursday.

Jeon Hye-jin, who portrays Jun-hyuk's chaotic sister Jun-hee in the upcoming series, explained that "Uncle" is a comedy about grief. She elaborated that every character is struggling with some sort of trauma.

"I decided to do this drama because of Oh. Until now, I have portrayed highly successful professionals with strong egos. In contrast, Jun-hee faces trouble ahead as a single mom who has nobody to lean upon," she said.

Lee Kyung-hoon, who left a strong impression with his debut role in the 2020 feature "Beyond That Mountain," landed the role through an audition.

"I really wanted to be part of Uncle because Ji-hoo plays such an important role in the drama. Ji-hoo is an adult-like child who just wants to play like other kids. I also focused on showing off his musical talents," he said.

The child actor expressed gratitude to Oh and Jeon. "Before filming, I met with Oh and read through the script together. I'm also thankful to Jeon for acting like my real mom. She kept nagging me to stop playing games and study. She often carried around snacks for me," he said.

"Uncle" will air on TV Chosun Saturdays and Sundays at 9 p.m.



Emailyeons.kwak@koreatimes.co.kr Article ListMore articles by this reporter
 
LG
  • Citizens excited about refurbished Gwanghwamun Square
  • DSME hit with $970-million lawsuit from Japanese oil company
  • The fate of Sontag Hotel
  • [INTERVIEW] 'Taiwan is part of China,' says Chinese ambassador
  • Hyundai aims to develop own automotive semiconductors
  • Gov't considers slashing tariffs on imported produce ahead of Chuseok
  • KAI, Hanwha, SK, Hyundai Rotem contribute to Danuri project
  • Woori Bank to invest $7.7 million in 10 promising startups
  • 'Gov't should help manufacturers digitize fast to overcome global supply chain risks'
  • Envoy wary of creating Asian version of NATO
  • Interactive News
  • With tough love,
  • 'Santa dogs' help rebuild burnt forests in Andong
  • 'Santa dogs' help rebuild burnt forests in Andong
    • Brad Pitt to visit Korea to promote new film 'Bullet Train' Brad Pitt to visit Korea to promote new film 'Bullet Train'
    • [INTERVIEW] Jung Woo-sung was initially hesitant to take on role in 'Hunt' [INTERVIEW] Jung Woo-sung was initially hesitant to take on role in 'Hunt'
    • Hallyu research should be conducted beyond Korean perspective: scholars Hallyu research should be conducted beyond Korean perspective: scholars
    • 'The Red Sleeve' director debuts new thriller 'The Red Sleeve' director debuts new thriller
    • OTT platforms struggle amid declining number of users OTT platforms struggle amid declining number of users
    DARKROOM
    • Ice is melting, land is burning

      Ice is melting, land is burning

    • Tottenham 6-3 Team K League

      Tottenham 6-3 Team K League

    • Afghanistan earthquake killed more than 1,000

      Afghanistan earthquake killed more than 1,000

    • Divided America reacts to overturn of Roe vs. Wade

      Divided America reacts to overturn of Roe vs. Wade

    • Namaste: Yogis to celebrate International Yoga Day

      Namaste: Yogis to celebrate International Yoga Day

    The Korea Times
    CEO & Publisher : Oh Young-jin
    Digital News Email : webmaster@koreatimes.co.kr
    Tel : 02-724-2114
    Online newspaper registration No : 서울,아52844
    Date of registration : 2020.02.05
    Masthead : The Korea Times
    Copyright © koreatimes.co.kr. All rights reserved.
    • About Us
    • Introduction
    • History
    • Location
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us
    • Products & Service
    • Subscribe
    • E-paper
    • Mobile Service
    • RSS Service
    • Content Sales
    • Policy
    • Privacy Statement
    • Terms of Service
    • 고충처리인
    • Youth Protection Policy
    • Code of Ethics
    • Copyright Policy
    • Family Site
    • Hankook Ilbo
    • Dongwha Group