The reunion of actors Kim Ji Won and Kwak Dong Yeon is creating quite a buzz among drama fans.

The popular tvN weekend drama 'Queen of Tears' is winning hearts with the undeniable chemistry between Kim Ji Won and Kwak Dong Yeon, who are portraying siblings on screen.

In the drama, they're playing the roles of Hong Hae In and Hong Su Cheol, the third generation of the wealthy Queens Group. Hong Hae In, the elder sister, is seen 'educating' her naive younger brother, Hong Su Cheol, showcasing a realistic sibling dynamic.

Whenever Hong Su Cheol acts immaturely, Hong Hae In steps in with her tough love approach, earning her the nickname 'cider'.

Viewers are finding amusement in Hong Su Cheol's 'education' by his sister, Hong Hae In. Comments like "Karma of a previous life", "There was a reason for it", "Still, their relationship as siblings was not good", "Su Cheol was reborn as a younger brother", "Reincarnation of 'Queen of Tears' siblings" are flooding in, showing viewers' deep engagement with the show.

This is partly because they once starred as lovers in KBS 2TV's 'Fight for My Way' back in 2017. Clips from the drama where they shared screen space are being revisited online due to the popularity of 'Queen of Tears'.

In 'Fight for My Way', Kwak Dong Yeon played Kim Ji Won's perennial exam-taker boyfriend, who was financially supported by Kim Ji Won but ended up cheating on her.

Choi Aera (played by Kim Ji Won) is working at a department store info desk and is struggling to support Kim Mu Gi, but Kim Mu Gi ends up having an affair with a woman from the exam village. This, coupled with a surprise pregnancy, left viewers fuming.

The reference to their past drama is adding to the viewers' immersion, causing laughter. Expectations are high for what kind of synergy they will show in 'Queen of Tears', which has reached a turning point.

'Queen of Tears', starring Kim Soo Hyun, Kim Ji Won, Park Sung Hoon, Kwak Dong Yeon, and Lee Joo Bin, tells the story of Hong Hae In (Kim Ji Won), the third generation of the Queens Group chaebol and the queen of the department store, and Baek Hyun Woo (Kim Soo Hyun), the son of a market leader and the prince of the supermarket, as they navigate a crisis as a three-year-old couple and start to fall in love again.

Recently, it has been enjoying great popularity, recording an average of 20.9%, peaking at 22.7% based on the metropolitan area households, and an average of 19%, peaking at 20.6% based on national households.

Source[1]

Lee Kyung Gyu's star-making influence goes beyond Kang Ho Dong, as Hong Jin Kyung shares how he helped her kickstart her career.

On the April 24 episode of KBS 2TV’s Problem Child in House, legendary comedian Lee Kyung Gyu appeared as a guest—and a touching story from the past was revealed.

Hong Jin Kyung surprised everyone when she said, “He’s the teacher for all of us. Personally, he’s the one who helped me debut.” She even pinned a carnation flower on his chest to show her gratitude.

Lee Kyung Gyu smiled and said, “I still remember when Hong Jin Kyung walked up the stairs onto the stage for the first time.”

Hong Jin Kyung then shared her journey to becoming a star. “I joined a supermodel contest, but only the top 3 winners were noticed in broadcasting. I got a special prize, so I had no chance to be on TV."

She continued, "At first, I was just a backup for a show. But somehow, I became a regular the next week. I never knew why."

She added, "I thought the PD gave me a shot. But then one day, I randomly met Kyung Gyu sunbae, and he told me it was actually him who recommended me.”

Kim Sook asked with a smile, “So Kyung Gyu sunbae said nice things about you to the PD?”

Lee Kyung Gyu playfully replied, “Don’t say it in such a childish way,” making everyone laugh.

He then explained more seriously, “The show was Scoop TV Entertainment, and I was pretty much the main MC. When Jin Kyung showed up, I saw her determination and passion."

He added, "While others didn’t seem serious, she really stood out. I told the PD, ‘She seems unique. Why not keep her on the show?’”

Kim Jong Kook chimed in, “So if the main MC said that, doesn’t that mean you basically got her in?”

That made Lee Kyung Gyu happy. He grinned and replied, “Exactly! You speak well. Be like him!”

He added, “After that, Jin Kyung’s career took off. She started doing shows with Lee Young Ja and just kept going.”

Fans are now calling Lee Kyung Gyu not only a top MC, but also a quiet star-maker behind the scenes!

Source: [1]