Sung Kang and Ahn Eun-jin explore long-term love in new K-drama

Sung Kang and Ahn Eun-jin star in KBS2's highly anticipated rom-com Not You, but Other Love, which premieres on September 12, 2026. This new mini-series explores the emotional complexities faced by a long-term couple as they grapple with the pressures of marriage and the specter of separation.

The press conference held on September 7 in Guro-gu, Seoul, featured director Hwang Seung-ki alongside the leading actors, who shared insights about their characters and the thematic essence of the show. Director Hwang emphasized that the drama does not solely focus on the aspects of a long-term romance but instead investigates the inner emotions of people in love, presenting a relatable narrative for all viewers, regardless of their relationship status.

Sung Kang embodies Nam Goong-ho, an affable team leader at a confectionery company who has spent a decade dreaming of a future with his girlfriend. Kang described the script as both engaging and layered, noting that the characters' emotions are primarily expressed through subtle actions and nuances rather than solely through dialogue. "It’s a project where I believe I can capture the true essence of the character and convey how real people in love behave," he remarked.

Ahn Eun-jin plays the role of Imido, a once-promising indie film director whose career has hit a standstill, causing her to lose confidence. She loves Nam Goong-ho deeply but finds herself torn between her dreams and reality.Reflecting on the script, she stated, "It felt like a story we could all relate to. If we connect with the characters' emotions, I believe everyone will find something to resonate with."

The on-screen chemistry between the two leads was a focal point, as both actors prepared extensively to depict a realistic portrayal of a couple who have been together for ten years. Sung Kang shared, "I felt like I knew Eun-jin so well by the time we started filming. Just looking into her eyes brought our characters to life effortlessly." Likewise, Ahn added that intricate character development was essential for making their long-standing relationship believable. "We needed to convey that sense of comfort and familiarity that comes with a decade of being together," she noted.

Supporting roles include Lee Joo-an as Han Tae-seung, a lawyer who finds himself complicating the emotional landscape for Imido, and Jo Ah-ram as Park Soo-ah, a co-worker who frequently clashes with Nam Goong-ho.

Amidst the excitement surrounding Not You, but Other Love, Kang also anticipates the pressure of returning to the screen after winning the Best Actor award at the 2025 MBC Acting Awards for Undercover High School. He acknowledges the expectations stemming from that accolade but remains determined to deliver a performance that aligns with his strengths and authentic vision.

Director Hwang Seung-ki, confident in the potential success of this series, highlighted its relatable script and strong cast as foundational elements for connecting with audiences. He likened the show's approach to love to examining it through a microscope, focusing on the fundamental aspects that resonate universally.

As the fall K-drama season approaches, excitement builds for Not You, but Other Love, a series destined to carve out its own space in the landscape of romantic dramas, shedding light on the intricate tapestry of long-term love.