The SBS Wednesday-Thursday drama Dynamite Kiss became a global hit thanks to the incredible chemistry between lead actors Jang Ki Yong and Ahn Eun Jin, according to the production team.
The 14-episode romantic comedy, which ended on December 25, tells the story of Go Da Rim (Ahn Eun Jin), who lies about being a mother to get a job, and team leader Gong Ji Hyuk (Jang Ki Yong), who falls for her. The drama’s final episode recorded a personal best viewership of 6.9% and, after its global release on Netflix, topped the Netflix non-English TV global rankings for two weeks in a row (November 24–December 7).
Director Kim Jae Hyun shared his reaction to the international response, saying, “We received much more love than expected, which was honestly surprising. I didn’t know the overseas reaction would be this strong.
As a director, I am just grateful.” Writers Ha Yoon Ah and Tae Kyung Min added, “We watched nervously, almost like praying, knowing it would be broadcast simultaneously on Netflix. We sincerely thank all the viewers who cherished this work.”
Kim explained that the drama’s success was partly due to its light and approachable storytelling. “Our main principle was to make an ‘easy drama.’ We wanted it to be fun, exciting, and understandable even for children,” he said, adding that flashy or complex storyboards were intentionally avoided. The writers also noted that they wanted a realistic female lead entering the male lead’s world, with early hardships shown realistically, while interactions with Gong Ji Hyuk stayed lighthearted and entertaining.
The director also praised the actors’ unique strengths. About Ahn Eun Jin, he said, “She absorbs her surroundings and expresses feelings delicately within herself.” About Jang Ki Yong, he explained, “He reorganizes his environment and circumstances into his own rhythm and has the energy to move the whole scene.” Kim added, “After four episodes, I realized this difference would become the drama’s strongest weapon.”
He concluded, “‘Dynamite Kiss’ changes tone instantly, which makes it challenging. We needed amazing performers, and these two delivered perfectly. Scenes that make viewers laugh in a single moment were completed thanks to their excellent timing and ad-libs. Working with such talented actors is always an honor.”
The drama’s combination of record ratings, global Netflix success, and the leads’ perfect chemistry has cemented its place as one of the most talked-about Korean dramas of the year.
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