Jung Kyung-ho to Star in Romance Drama "Romance at Forty" After Four Consecutive Hits

Actor Jung Kyung-ho has been confirmed as the lead of a new romance drama titled "Romance at Forty," extending his remarkable run of successful projects that has made him one of Korean television's most bankable stars.

According to an exclusive report by MyDaily on March 4, Jung Kyung-ho will play Na Yi-jun, a star news anchor at a major broadcasting network. Na Yi-jun is described as someone who grew up in an ordinary middle-class family, earned a perfect score on his college entrance exam, and became the network's youngest-ever anchor — a seemingly flawless man whose life takes an unexpected turn when he develops early andropause syndrome at the age of forty.

A Story About Late-Blooming Love

"Romance at Forty" centers on men and women entering their forties who have supposedly reached the age of being unmoved by temptation — the literal meaning of the Korean word for forty, "bulhok." Yet against all expectations, these characters find themselves irresistibly drawn to one another in what the production describes as a bewitching love story.

The drama follows two central characters who have reached forty without ever truly experiencing romance. Na Yi-jun, the star anchor battling early andropause and plummeting self-esteem, is forced to collaborate with a rival third-rate variety show writer. Together, they attempt to rescue a last-place broadcast program, only to inadvertently revive each other's long-dormant romantic instincts in the process.

Four Consecutive Hit Dramas

Jung Kyung-ho's casting carries significant weight given his extraordinary track record over the past several years. Beginning with the cultural phenomenon "Hospital Playlist," the actor went on to star in "Crash Course in Romance," "Attorney Noh Mu-jin," and most recently "Pro Bono," achieving four consecutive commercial and critical successes. This winning streak has established him as a guaranteed hit actor whose name alone attracts viewer interest.

Each of these projects showcased different facets of Jung Kyung-ho's range, from the warm ensemble comedy of "Hospital Playlist" to the sharp legal drama of "Pro Bono." With "Romance at Forty," the actor appears ready to explore the romantic comedy genre through a mature, mid-life lens — territory relatively unexplored in Korean dramas.

Production Details

The drama is being produced by How Pictures and will be directed by Lee Chang-min, whose credits include the JTBC series "Agency" and the Netflix original "Cashero." The involvement of Lee Chang-min, known for his polished visual storytelling and strong character-driven narratives, suggests the production aims to balance lighthearted romance with genuine emotional depth.

Further casting details, including the female lead, have not yet been announced. Industry observers are closely watching to see who will be paired with Jung Kyung-ho in what promises to be one of the year's most anticipated romance dramas.

A Fresh Take on Mid-Life Romance

Korean dramas have increasingly explored stories centered on characters in their thirties and forties, reflecting shifting viewer demographics and a growing appetite for mature storytelling. "Romance at Forty" joins this trend while adding a distinctive comedic twist through its premise of an andropause-stricken anchor and an underdog writer forced into an unlikely partnership. The drama's central theme — that love can arrive unexpectedly at any age — carries universal appeal that could resonate strongly with both domestic and international audiences.

With his consistent ability to elevate every project he joins, Jung Kyung-ho's addition to "Romance at Forty" signals strong potential for yet another hit that resonates with viewers seeking relatable, character-driven storytelling.