Upcoming series 'Social Savvy Class 101' sparks strong chemistry and real-life romance

The cast and director of the upcoming teen romance series “Social Savvy Class 101” are confident in their chemistry — with some of it even sparking real-life romance. The show promises viewers a lighthearted, friend-like drama experience.

From left, singer and actor Son Dong-pyo, actors Choi Keon, Kim Na-eon, Kim Woo-seok and Han Chae-lin pose for a photo during a press conference for web series ″Social Savvy Class 101″ held at Ilchi Art Hall in southern Seoul on Tuesday. [NEWS1]

The cast and director of the upcoming teen romance series “Social Savvy Class 101” are confident in their chemistry — with some of it even sparking real-life romance. The show promises viewers a lighthearted, friend-like drama experience.

“Our drama aims to be an easy-to-watch series,” director Bae Ha-neul said during the series’ press conference held at Ilchi Art Hall in southern Seoul on Tuesday.

Directed by Bae, the teenage romance series revolves around a high school outsider, Kim Ji-eun, running an anonymous community app and getting to know the secrets of her school friends while she gets deeply entangled with the school’s “social savvy” group.

The series features now-disbanded boy band X1’s Kim Woo-seok, portraying Kang Woo-bin, the school’s social king, Kang Na-eon as Ji-eun, who appeared in Tving original “Pyramid Game,” Choi Keon as Lee Dong-min, Song Dong-pyo of boy band Mirae as Mo Bong-gu and Han Chae-lin as Min Seol-hee.

The series is set to be first released on KT Alpha’s TV channel Cinema Paradise (translated). It premieres on Nov. 10, and will also appear on streaming platforms like Wavve, Tving, and Watcha on Nov. 11.

Scenes from upcoming drama series ″Social Savvy Class 101″ [SOCIAL SAVVY CLASS 101]

The teenage romance show grabbed public attention a week before its release after news broke out that its cast members are in a real-life romance, as actor Kim and Kang confirmed their relationship on Friday saying that they “carefully developed a romantic relationship after working together on the project.”

The two seemed to be careful of mentioning their relationship, but showed gratitude toward each other.

“Although I got great energy from all the actors, I learned the most and received the strongest energy from the chemistry [with Na-eon],” Kim said, while also adding an apology to the series’ crew.

"I feel sorry for drawing attention due to personal matters before the drama's release.”

Kang echoed Kim's sentiments and showed her gratitude toward him as an actor, saying that Kim was an actor that created a “comfortable” environment for her to focus on her role.

While many teenage series today delve into dark or provocative themes, the upcoming series distinguishes itself with a softer approach, according to the actors and director.

“I found the script to be quite nostalgic rather than provocative, and reading it made it easy to immerse myself and really enjoy it,” Kim said.

Scenes from drama series ″Social Savvy Class 101″ [SOCIAL SAVVY CLASS 101]

The series was also a reunion for Kim and Son, as they were former members of boy band X1. Kim revealed that he knew Son’s casting before the actor heard the news. “I got unintentionally spoiled without an actual spoiler," Son said with a laugh.

“Even though X1 had a short history, the members are very close, almost like family. So, when I heard the news that Son would be working with me, I was really happy,” Kim said.

The series is also actor Choi’s debut. He recommended that viewers focus on each character as each of them has their own charm.

“I believe that the viewers will get a sense of truly becoming friends with the characters,” the actor said.

Son also teased that many of the characters have interesting narratives and their own secrets.

“Each character has their own backstory and secrets, so I think it will be more interesting for the viewers when they also follow how those stories and mysteries unfold.”

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]