[Photos] Nam Ji-hyun puts bold spin on sex-toy rom-com ‘Let Me Tremble,’ premiering Oct. 15

A universal romance beyond its provocative premise, with richly drawn characters

The series borrows a bold premise, but at its core lies a deeply familiar emotional story between a man and a woman. Actress Nam Ji-hyun uses the unusual device of “sex toys” to tap into emotions audiences can relate to.

At a production presentation for the “TVING” original series “Let Me Tremble” held Oct. 14 at Stanford Hotel in Sangam, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Nam Ji-hyun highlighted what sets the series apart. “The premise itself may feel new and unfamiliar, but the story of the two leads is an ordinary, warm love story that could happen around us,” she said. “I had been feeling a deep thirst for the “romantic comedy” genre lately, and I decided to join because I felt this series truly represents the genre at its best.”

Kim Jae-young, who plays her romantic counterpart, also spoke candidly about his first reaction to the script. “I was admittedly a little taken aback by the character’s unusual profession, but as the story unfolded, I became captivated not by the provocative elements but by the rapid pace at which two people with completely opposite personalities grow close,” he said.

Set to premiere on Oct. 15, “Let Me Tremble” follows Gong Yeon-su (Nam Ji-hyun), an advertising agency employee who holds an extremely conservative view of relationships, and Dokgo Dal (Kim Jae-young), the open-minded founder of a sex-toy startup. Their business relationship gradually draws them into each other’s lives.

Clashing values and finely built emotional arcs drive the direction

Director Kim Ye-ji made a particular effort to present a potentially sensitive subject in a way that would appeal to a broad audience. “Rather than getting caught up in the provocative nature of the premise, I focused on the story of two men and women who clash over their different values and grow through that conflict,” Kim said. “I thought forcing the premise into an artificially sophisticated package could instead alienate viewers, so I devoted considerable attention to striking the right tone and manner for the series.”

Nam Ji-hyun plays the eldest daughter of a traditional head family who categorically rejects relationships without love, while Kim Jae-young portrays a free spirit who refuses to follow the conventional sequence of male-female relationships. The contrast between them is stark.

Nam Ji-hyun described her character as “a multidimensional person who, beneath her firm convictions, fears she may be trapped in a narrow world and constantly tries to push past her limits.” She added, “She can be stubborn and often makes mistakes, but her determination to overcome them resonates with the lives of people today. I approached the role with a deep sense of responsibility.”

Kim Jae-young said he struggled to portray the bold and aggressive Dokgo Dal because “in real life, I’m cautious and slow when it comes to dating.” Still, he recalled, “The more I immersed myself in the character, the more I fell under his unabashed charm, and I felt a real sense of creative catharsis.”

Eight-year reunion creates chemistry and offers viewers gentle comfort

The two leads identified the fierce clash between their characters’ opposing values as one of the series’ central draws. “Of all the “romantic comedies” I’ve worked on, this is the one in which the male and female leads collide most logically and intensely,” Nam Ji-hyun said. “It goes beyond a simple emotional squabble and shows them trying to persuade each other, which gives every line unusual weight.” Kim Jae-young likewise expressed confidence, saying, “Even their clashes are portrayed as compelling, and the romance that emerges as those layers of storytelling build will feel highly convincing to viewers.”

The two actors previously played siblings in the tvN drama “100 Days My Prince”. They reunite as romantic partners eight years later in this series, promising more mature chemistry. “Thanks to our previous connection, our rapport on set was exceptionally good,” Nam Ji-hyun said, thanking Kim Jae-young for keeping the atmosphere lively. Kim Jae-young returned the compliment: “Nam Ji-hyun, who once felt like a younger sister to me, has grown into a mature actress with considerable depth. She became a tremendous source of support throughout filming.”

Beneath the provocative surface, “Let Me Tremble” offers sincere comfort and is expected to give viewers harmless laughs and heartfelt moments. Director Kim called it “a well-made drama that viewers can enjoy comfortably with a warm smile,” while Nam Ji-hyun described it as “a warm, tenderhearted series that would be perfectly fine to watch on public transportation or with your family,” appealing for broad public interest.