Figure skater Cha Jun-hwan returns to acting after 18 years? TVING sitcom 'Palace Land' marks first leading role

Figure skating star steps in front of a new camera

Cha Jun-hwan, South Korea's leading men's singles figure skater, is stepping off the ice and before the public as an actor. TVING officially announced that it will release its original sitcom 'Palace Land', starring Cha Jun-hwan, next year. The casting has drawn attention across the broadcasting and sports industries because it marks his selection for a leading dramatic role, rather than a simple special appearance.

This is not Cha Jun-hwan's first acting challenge. Before emerging as a full-fledged figure skating star, he made his acting debut as a child actor in 2006 and appeared in dramas including 'Miracle' and 'The Return of Iljimae'. In particular, he is returning to acting 18 years after appearing in KBS 2TV's 'That Fool', which aired in 2009, heightening anticipation for the new side of him he will show onscreen. In the series, he will play 'Seong Dae-han', a new cast member at the amusement park 'Palace Land', realistically portraying the fresh-faced, passionate spirit of youth.

Strong production team, young cast promise on-screen chemistry

The sitcom 'Palace Land' humorously portrays the gritty survival stories of part-time workers struggling behind the scenes at an amusement park known as a fantastical world. Rising newcomer Woo Da-bi has been cast as 'Song Ye-jin', a senior cast member who will work alongside Cha Jun-hwan. The series will also feature acclaimed actors Lee Jae-won and Park So-jin, comedian Kim Gyu-won, singer Minseo and Nancy, formerly of the group Momoland, adding depth to the ensemble.

The production team also adds to the project's credibility. Writer Lee Sol is penning the script, while director Yoo Hak-chan will lead the production. Yoo has successfully helmed stylish variety programs such as 'Three Idiots' and 'Candy in My Ear', as well as well-crafted dramas including 'Age of Youth' and 'Top Star Yoo Baek'. His trademark warm, humorous direction is expected to create powerful chemistry with the young characters' lively coming-of-age story.