Meet members of 'Ex-girlfriend Club'

Actors starring in tvN’s new drama “Ex-girlfriend Club” before a press event at Times Square in Yeouido, Seoul, Thursday. They are, from left, Jang Ji-eun, Song Ji-hyo, Byun Yo-han, Lee Yoon-ji and Ryu Hwa-young. / Courtesy of CJ E&M

By Kwon Ji-youn

They say men want to know who their current girlfriend’s ex-boyfriends were, and women want to know who their ex-boyfriends are dating now. Cable network tvN’s new drama, “Ex-girlfriend Club,” revolves around one ex-girlfriend whose job entails shooting a film based on the stories of her ex-boyfriend’s other ex-girlfriends.

It does not feature a star cast, but all five actors boast individuality. The supporting actresses in particular stood out in the highlights that were screened during a press event at Times Square in Yeouido, Seoul, Thursday.

“I was surfing the web when I came across a photograph of a wedding wreath that was inscribed with the following: ‘In hopes you will stop cheating ― from your ex-girlfriends,’” said producer Kwon Seok-jang. “It’s an original drama, which means neither the viewers nor the writers know what’s coming. We are able to make changes as we stumble upon new ideas. I think this makes it a worthy watch.”

Byun Yo-han, the only male character in “Ex-girlfriend Club,” is coming off a successful tvN series with “Misaeng,” which aired last year.

“I didn’t even flip through the scenario before deciding to join producer Kwon,” Byun said. “There was a lot of pressure at first, since this is my first leading role. But the results can’t always be great, and so I’m trying to enjoy the experience.”

Another of Byun’s ex-girlfriends will be portrayed by Lee Yoon-ji, who is returning to the small screen after tying the knot in September.

“If I had been cast in this ungainly role six months ago, I don’t think I could have pulled it off the way I am now,” Lee said. “Marriage has loosened me up a lot.”

Jang Ji-eun, though 28, said she cut her hair short to fit the role of a 34-year-old divorcee and Byun’s first love, while Ryu Hwa-young will portray a young and provocative ex.

With that said, Song Ji-hyo, in the role of Byun’s most recent ex-girlfriend and producer of the controversial film, may find it difficult to get attention _ and it does not help that her character too closely resembles the 33-year-old actress’ preceding role on tvN’s “Emergency Couple.”

“This was something that worried me when I was cast,” Song said. “I gave it a lot of thought, and I’m especially grateful to the producer and to Byun, who have helped me mold a completely new character. The overall ambience might be similar, but I’m confident they have become two very different roles.”

Song says her confidence is rooted in the “chemistry” among the five actors.

“We get along extremely well,” Song said. “Five years ago, I was the kind of person who shied away from social interaction, but my appearance on ‘Running Man’ has changed this significantly.”

“Ex-girlfriend Club” will air on Friday and Saturday nights, beginning May 8, around the time KBS’s “Producer,” starring Kim Soo-hyun, Kong Hyo-jun, Cha Tae-hyun and IU, is set to air.

“I don’t know much about ‘Producer,’ so my focus will solely be on our production and what I can do to make it more fun,” Kwon said. “Our work with ‘Ex-girlfriend Club’ has been enjoyable thus far, and I’m hoping our viewers will enjoy it, too.”