Fans of Korean melodrama have something exciting to look forward to in 2026. Acclaimed director Ahn Pan Seok, known for hits like Something in the Rain, One Spring Night, and Secret Love Affair, is back with his latest project, Love Expert.
The drama has officially cast rising stars Choo Young Woo and Kim So Hyun as its leads and is set to premiere on ENA, with exclusive free VOD streaming on KT Genie TV.
Love Expert tells the story of two graduate students whose paths cross in a robotics lab. Choo Young Woo plays Park Min Jae, a former high school swimmer whose athletic dreams ended after losing his right leg to illness. Having given up swimming, he finds a new purpose as a PhD student in robotics. Min Jae struggles to express his emotions and seem awkward and distant—until he meets the vibrant Im Yoo Jin.
Kim So Hyun portrays Yoo Jin, a student in Clothing and Textiles who faces unexpected setbacks after exposing an unfair incident in her department. Labeled a “troublemaker,” she finds her original path blocked, but discovering Min Jae and the world of robotics opens a new chapter in her life.
Director Ahn Pan Seok is known to capture realistic emotions and build deeply relatable romantic stories. Writer Min Hyo Jung, known for beloved works like Cat on the Roof and Full House, is penning the script.
Both leads have expressed excitement about working on the series. Choo Young Woo shared, “I’m so happy to be able to participate in a project directed by the respected Director Ahn Pan Seok. I am preparing diligently for this work, trying to approach it in a slightly more academic way.” He added, “Since I get to work with a great script, excellent actors, and wonderful staff, I will go meet Min Jae with a happy heart. Please look forward to it.
Kim So-hyun also commented on her role, saying, “It is truly an honor and very exciting just to have the opportunity to work with Director Ahn Pan Seok. In addition, Yoo Jin’s bold charm, which will be shown in Love Expert, also drew me in.”
Both actors are at the peak of their careers. Choo Young Woo received praise for projects like,The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call and The Tale of Lady Ok. Kim So Hyun continues to impress with versatile performances in dramas such as Good Boy, Serendipity’s Embrace, and My Lovely Liar.
Love Expert will air as a Monday-Tuesday drama on ENA in 2026, with free VOD streaming available on KT Genie TV.