Netflix’s highly anticipated series Slowly and Intensely, starring Gong Yoo and Song Hye-kyo, is finally preparing to unveil itself to the public at the end of this year. With a massive production budget of 80 billion won, attention is focused on how global fans will respond.
Netflix has officially confirmed that the series ‘Slowly and Intensely’ will premiere globally on Friday, December 11.
The series has already generated immense expectations due to the collaboration between acclaimed writer Noh Hee-kyung, renowned director Lee Yoon-jung, and a powerful star-studded cast featuring Song Hye-kyo, Gong Yoo, Kim Seol-hyun, and Cha Seung-won.
Set against the backdrop of the 1960s and 1980s—an era rife with savagery and violence in the South Korean entertainment industry—’Slowly and Intensely’ follows the growth stories of individuals who had nothing but threw themselves entirely into pursuing dazzling success.
The cast includes Song Hye-kyo as ‘Min-ja’, who endured a poverty-stricken childhood doing any odd job necessary before jumping into the music industry; Gong Yoo as ‘Dong-gu’, Min-ja’s childhood friend who stays by her side and runs alongside her to achieve her dreams; Kim Seol-hyun as ‘Min-hee’, who possesses a bold personality, paves her own way to success, and becomes entangled in a love-hate relationship with Min-ja; and Cha Seung-won as ‘Seok Gil-yeo’, a top composer of the era who can turn even a rookie singer into a top star. Their journey of overcoming hardship from the bottom of life to reach their goals is expected to resonate deeply with viewers worldwide.
The newly released release-date poster draws attention by displaying the lives of the characters unfolding like a panorama centered around a turntable.
The poster depicts adult ‘Min-ja’ and ‘Dong-gu’ working as waiters and various other jobs as they grow into rookie managers, reflecting their past struggles with poverty and raising curiosity about their journey and future challenges. Meanwhile, ‘Min-hee’ singing with sparkling eyes and ‘Seok Gil-yeo’ passionately playing the saxophone heighten anticipation for the special musical synergy the two will create. In addition, ‘Yang-ja’ (Lee Ha-nui) singing with a desperate yet vibrant expression and ‘Mal-soon’ (Na Moon-hee) carrying the joys and sorrows of passing years in her gaze heighten expectations for the rich and diverse narratives created by these distinct characters.
Brought to life by writer Noh Hee-kyung and director Lee Yoon-jung, alongside a story of ambitious growth and powerful performances from a trusted cast, ‘Slowly and Intensely’ will premiere on Netflix on Friday, December 11.
Meanwhile, Song Hye-kyo returns to the screen with ‘Slowly and Intensely’ following her role in last year’s film ‘Dark Nuns’. This also marks her first project since leaving UAA, her longtime agency of 14 years, and joining a new agency earlier this year. Gong Yoo returns to acting after a two-year hiatus following the Netflix series ‘The Trunk’, his cameo in ‘Squid Game Season 2’, and now ‘Slowly and Intensely’. This marks the first time Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo are starring opposite each other, heightening interest in their upcoming chemistry and acting synergy.
As a period drama, ‘Slowly and Intensely’ reportedly boasts an industry-estimated production cost of 80 billion won. Given the massive scale of the production, audiences are eager to see what kind of spectacular visuals and solid storyline it will deliver.
