The World That They Live In
Jung Ji Oh (Hyun Bin) and Ju Jun Young (Song Hye Kyo) are passionate drama directors working in the fast-paced world of television production. While Ji Oh is a disciplined and perfectionist director who values artistic integrity, Jun Young is an ambitious and talented woman striving to prove herself in a male-dominated industry. Despite their contrasting personalities, their shared love for storytelling and past romantic history bring them together in an emotionally charged workplace. As they navigate the cutthroat entertainment industry, they must deal with demanding actors, tight deadlines, and unpredictable production challenges. Alongside them, veteran director Song Gyu Ho (Uhm Ki Joon), seasoned actress Yoon Young (Bae Jong Ok), and assistant director Yang Soo Kyung (Choi Daniel) all struggle to balance personal lives with their demanding careers. Love, ambition, and personal sacrifices intertwine as these professionals strive for success while dealing with unresolved emotions and heartbreak. Directed by Pyo Min Soo, The World That They Live In offers a unique glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of Korean drama production. Hyun Bin’s portrayal of the brooding yet passionate Ji Oh and Song Hye Kyo’s dynamic performance as the determined Jun Young create an undeniable chemistry, making their love story both realistic and deeply engaging. The drama explores not just the romance between the leads but also the friendships, rivalries, and intense pressures of working in the entertainment industry. Will Jung Ji Oh and Ju Jun Young rekindle their love, or will their careers and personal differences drive them apart? The World That They Live In (2008) is a must-watch for fans of workplace romance, heartfelt storytelling, and an inside look at the challenges behind creating K-dramas.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 그들이 사는 세상
🌎 Also Known As: Worlds Within
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: Broadcasting Industry, TV Production, Workplace Romance, Professional Life, Love Triangle
✍ Screenwriters: Noh Hee-kyung
🎬 Directors: Pyo Min-soo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: October 27, 2008 – December 16, 2008
📅 Airing Days: Monday & Tuesday
📺 Original Network: KBS2
⏰ Duration: Approximately 65 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Emotional Reunion: Jung Ji Oh and Ju Jun Young’s heartfelt reunion after a misunderstanding showcases their deep connection and the complexities of their relationship.
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Behind-the-Scenes Challenges: A scene where the production team faces unexpected setbacks during filming, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.
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On-Set Romance: The subtle development of romance between assistant directors adds depth to the storyline, reflecting the intertwining of personal and professional lives.
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Conflict Resolution: A heated argument between Ji Oh and Jun Young about creative differences, leading to personal growth and mutual understanding.
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Mentorship Moments: Veteran actress Yoon Young mentoring rookie actress Jang Hae Jin, illustrating the nurturing relationships within the industry.
Filming Locations
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Seoul Broadcasting Studios: Authentic studios in Seoul were used to depict the bustling environment of drama production.
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Han River Parks: Several outdoor scenes were filmed along the Han River, providing a picturesque backdrop to character interactions.
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Insadong Streets: The cultural district of Insadong served as a location for casual meet-ups between characters, adding cultural richness.
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Namsan Seoul Tower: Featured in romantic scenes, offering panoramic views of Seoul, symbolizing the highs and lows of relationships.
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Gangnam District: The modern architecture of Gangnam was utilized to represent the fast-paced life of the characters.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Contemporary Wardrobe: Characters donned stylish, modern outfits reflecting their roles in the fashion-forward entertainment industry.
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Neutral Tones: A palette of neutral colors was used to emphasize realism and the everyday life of the characters.
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Minimalistic Set Design: Sets were designed with simplicity to keep the focus on character interactions and narratives.
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Handheld Camera Work: The use of handheld cameras provided an intimate, documentary-style feel to the storytelling.
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Natural Lighting: Emphasis on natural lighting enhanced the authenticity of scenes, aligning with the drama’s realistic approach.
Themes and Messages
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Love and Ambition: Explores how personal relationships are affected by career aspirations in a competitive industry.
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Behind-the-Scenes Reality: Sheds light on the challenges and intricacies of producing television dramas.
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Personal Growth: Characters evolve through their professional and personal experiences, highlighting resilience.
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Work-Life Balance: Addresses the struggle of maintaining personal relationships amidst demanding careers.
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Mentorship and Legacy: Highlights the importance of guidance and the passing of wisdom within the industry.
Interesting Facts
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Real-Life Couple: Lead actors Hyun Bin and Song Hye Kyo developed a romantic relationship during filming, attracting significant media attention.
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Industry Insight: The drama offers an authentic glimpse into the South Korean television industry’s workings, as the writer Noh Hee-kyung drew from real experiences.
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Critical Acclaim: Praised for its realistic portrayal of industry professionals and their lives beyond the screen.
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Cameo Appearances: Features cameos by real-life directors and writers, adding authenticity to the narrative.
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Cultural Impact: Inspired discussions about the realities of the entertainment industry among viewers and critics alike.
Awards
Here are the awards received by the Korean drama “The World That They Live In”:
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2008 KBS Drama Awards:
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Best Supporting Actor: Um Ki-joon for his role in “The World That They Live In”.
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Best Supporting Actress: Bae Jong-ok for her performance in “The World That They Live In”.
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These accolades highlight the exceptional performances of the supporting cast in the series.
Real-Life Loves on Set
A real-life romance blossomed between lead actors Hyun Bin and Song Hye-kyo during the filming of “The World That They Live In” in 2008. Their relationship became public in 2009, and they dated for approximately two years before parting ways in early 2011.
Trailer
Music / OST
Gallery
