Three years ago, critics and viewers would have been skeptical about an upcoming drama broadcast through a cable television network. Now, things are different, and JTBC’s new drama “Madame Antoine,” has arrived with a unique story and unbelievable cast.JTBC has dubbed the genre of the drama as “psychological rom-com,” with female lead Han Ye-seul taking on the role of a fraud fortune-teller, who believes in her own definition of true love. Her love interest is played by model-turned-actor Sung Joon, a psychologist who wants to prove “true love” doesn’t exist, but is merely a subject to be dissected in experiments. He might be “tall,” but he won’t fall for her tall tales.
The depiction of their characters make the plot seem stereotypical, only thinly veiled by a “fortune-telling” factor to make it into something “special.” However, “Madame Antoine” is not a typical rom-com because it digs into the mortal wounds of special individuals. Its genre might be romantic comedy, but there’s an edge of darkness to its bright surface.At a press conference, Han Ye-seul’s high-pitched attractive voice brightened the mood of the event. Sung Joon and Han looked comfortable with each other, as they answered various questions thrown at them by the press. Boy band 2AM member Jeong Jinwoon was also present for his role as Sung Joon’s brother on-screen.
When asked whether the cast believed in “true love,” which is one of the main themes of the drama, they became one in their belief; they all believed in the power of true love. Sung Joon also spilled the beans on his kissing scene with Han, wittily saying that it was not him, but the director who wanted him to kiss the actress passionately.
The cast also made an eccentric promise -- when the drama’s ratings exceed 10 percent, the male cast will give their fans personal love advice, in private.Psychological rom-com “Madame Antoine” will air its pilot episode on Jan. 22 at 8:30 p.m. on cable channel JTBC. By Jung Min-kyung ()Related article: ‘Madam Antoine’ couple show off chemistry