Kang Hoon and Kim Hye-jun to Star in tvN’s Newest Romance ‘The Beloved’s Employee’

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Korean dramas always have a unique way of portraying the realities of fans' lives. In 2026, tvN is set to release "Beloved Employee," a romantic comedy adapted from the popular webtoon "My Oppa is an Idol." This drama isn't just a typical office romance, but a love letter to those who have ever dreamed of working alongside their favorite idols.

For Nam Da Reum, her life revolves around one thing: Lee Chan, a member of the idol group she has supported for 11 years. But what happens when luck brings her into the same company as her idol? The prologue depicts the contrast between a fangirl's high expectations and the harsh realities of the working world, where the line between "fan" and "coworker" becomes blurred.

The drama is set in the competitive South Korean fashion industry. The story focuses on a fashion startup called Apello. This setting was chosen to convey a modern, dynamic, and stylish feel. Behind the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, the drama explores the corporate side of life as an idol transitions into a business executive.

Beloved Employee Movie Synopsis

Nam Da Reum is the definition of a true fan. To be in the same circle as Lee Chan, he turned down an offer from a conglomerate company and chose to join Apello. Unfortunately (or fortunately), he often finds himself dealing with Kang Ha Gi, Apello's CEO, known for his cool, perfectionist nature and his hatred of even the slightest disturbance in his office.

Conflicts begin to escalate when Lee Chan officially takes over as one of the directors there. Da Reum is caught between his admiration for his idol and his professional responsibilities under the watchful eye of the fierce CEO Ha Gi. Slowly, Da Reum realizes that the Lee Chan he adores on stage is different from the real him, while the stern CEO actually has a vulnerable side that only Da Reum can see.

Beloved Employee Movie Crew and Production

The quality of this drama is guaranteed by the skilled hands behind the scenes:

• Director: Kim Jung Sik (Success with Work Later, Drink Now, and Strong Girl Nam-soon). He is known for his ability to blend comedy with just the right emotional touch.
• Screenwriter: Adapted from an original work by a webtoon writer, developed by a talented team of writers at tvN.
• Production House: Produced by Studio Dragon, the production giant behind global hits like Queen of Tears and Crash Landing on You.

Main Cast and Characters of Beloved Employee

• Kang Hoon plays Kang Ha Gi, the CEO of Apello. He is logical and cold, but possesses a strong tsundere charm.
• Kim Hye Joon plays Nam Da Reum, a cheerful and persistent new employee. She represents K-Pop fans in real life.
• Cha Woo Min plays Lee Chan, a top idol trying to prove his worth in the business world.
• Yuna (ITZY) plays Chae Ri, a top actress who has a mysterious relationship with Lee Chan, adding spice to the rivalry.

Reasons to Watch "Beloved Employee"

• High Relatability: For anyone who has ever been a fan (K-pop fans), this drama reflects the feeling of "wanting to be close but still having to be professional."
• Kang Hoon's Chemistry: After successfully stealing the show in "The Red Sleeve" and "A Time Called You," this is a leading role that will explore Kang Hoon's romantic comedy side to the fullest.
• Aesthetic Visuals: Given the setting of a fashion company, viewers will be treated to highly fashionable costumes and set designs.

"Beloved Employee" Release Schedule and Estimated Ratings

• When to Air: The drama is scheduled to fill the Saturday-Sunday slot on tvN in the second half of 2026.
• Movie Rating: Referring to its genre and source material, this drama will likely be rated 15+ (Teen). Analysts predict that viewership ratings will reach double digits, given the massive fanbase of the original webtoon.

"Beloved Employee" isn't just about a love triangle between an employee, a CEO, and an idol. This drama is a journey of self-discovery beyond the fandom. It's a story about appreciating the people behind their public personas and how professionalism can grow alongside personal passion.