Actors behind 'The Fabulous' talk of friendship and hard work

Friends can sometimes be better than lovers, especially in the cut-throat world of fashion, as shown by SHINee's Minho and actor Chae Soo-bin in Netflix's upcoming original series "The Fabulous."

From left, Park Hee-jung, Minho of SHINee, director Kim Jung-hyun, Chae Soo-bin and Lee Sang-un pose for photos at the press conference of "The Fabulous" held in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Wednesday. [NETFLIX]

Friends can sometimes be better than lovers, especially in the cut-throat world of fashion, as shown by SHINee's Minho and actor Chae Soo-bin in Netflix's upcoming original series "The Fabulous."

“This show is about four close friends who navigate the hard-boiled world of fashion, each with their own dreams,” said director Kim Jung-hyun at a press conference in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, on Wednesday.

“From time to time, when something isn’t working out, I feel that a good friend is even better than a love interest. Friends support you and lift you up, and can be the best assets we have to survive.”

The main cast including Minho, Chae, Lee Sang-un and model Park Hee-jung attended the press conference along with the director Kim.

The first episode of “The Fabulous” airs on Netflix on Dec. 23, and is produced by Gill Pictures. The director was the producer behind hit series such as “Hotel Del Luna,” (2019) “A Korean Odyssey,” (2017-2018) and “Gu Family Book” (2013).

Minho plays Ji U-min, a photographer who puts on an indifferent face but is actually very committed to his job. This contrasts Minho’s usual image as an idol in the K-pop scene, but Minho said it was not awkward for him to play the role and he studied a lot to prepare.

“I feel that my attitude toward being in front of the camera changed after I learned about the inner workings of what goes on behind the cameras,” Minho said at the press conference.

Chae’s character, Pyo Ji-eun, is the opposite of Minho and works as a fashion marketer at a big brand called Audrey. She was once in a relationship with U-min, but remains friends with him after having broken up before the plot of the show begins.

“My character is someone who has loved pretty things since she was little, and wants to pursue her dreams in the world of fashion along with her childhood friends,” said Chae.

Minho and Chae also talked about fellow cast member Lee Sang-un, who was selected through an open audition. For actor Lee Sang-un in particular, the show is a little extra special. Having landed smaller roles in the past, Lee said that he was thrilled to have landed the role when he got the call from the producer, for which he even danced and sang in the open audition.

Park Hee-jung, a professional model in the Korean fashion industry, will play model Ye Sun-ho .

“I had a lot to learn from Minho and our other cast members even though I am from the industry,” said Park. “Minho especially is very experienced in being in front of the camera.”

BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]