In recent years, K-dramas have taken the Indian audience by storm. From cheering on Su Ho and Seo Jun in ‘True Beauty’ to swooning over stars like Park Seo Joon, Cha Eun Woo, and Jung Hae In, Indian fans have truly embraced the world of Korean drama. But what goes on behind the scenes to bring these characters and stories to life?
We spoke to South Korean producer Song Jinsun, who has worked on iconic hits like ‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim’ and ‘True Beauty’, to find out more about what it takes to create a K-drama. Her shows have touched hearts worldwide, including in India, where they enjoy a passionate fanbase. In an exclusive and heartfelt conversation with Namaste Hallyu, Song PD opened up about her journey, creative process, and her hopes for future collaborations.
When asked about ‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim,’ which has become a fan favorite, even in India, Song PD reflected on the fun atmosphere that shaped the series. “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim’ was just pure fun from start to finish,” she said. “Our writers and I laughed constantly while building the episodes, and I think that joyful energy reached the audience.”
One sweet memory I treasure is when Park Seo Joon, in full character as Young Joon, recorded a video message—complete with his signature expressions and tone—to cheer on our writing team. It brought us so much happiness behind the scenes.
Speaking of memorable performances in the show—those moments that made her think, “That’s it. That’s the one.”—Song PD highlighted the talents of the lead actors. “Park Seo Joon and Park Min Young were simply phenomenal. On set, they constantly pitched ideas, especially for the scenes where their characters momentarily part ways,” she shared. She went on to explain how Park Seo Joon chose a line that perfectly captured his character Young Joon’s unique emotional tone and nailed the delivery. Park Min Young, on the other hand, impressed Song PD with her radiant charm and presence, which lifted everyone’s spirits on set.
Another popular show by producer Song Jinsun, ‘True Beauty’, had fans choosing sides between #TeamSuHo and #TeamSeoJun. While deeply immersed in the production process, Song PD confessed she, too, found herself drawn to Su Ho. “I confess—somewhere during those repeated viewings, I fell under Su Ho’s spell.”
Cha Eun Woo’s face is practically hypnotic! While Seo Jun was an equally compelling character, I believe the ending was always meant to be what it is.
Shifting focus to another one of her works, Song PD reflected on her experience with ‘Connect’, starring Jung Hae In. She shared how the actor revealed a different side of himself in the drama.“Hae In is not only incredibly talented, but also capable of grounding the most surreal scenes with authentic emotion. He’s a true actor’s actor, and I’m grateful to have worked with him,” she said.
Seeing Jung Hae In’s flawless face transform into a creature intrigued audiences in a whole new way.
Having worked with renowned Japanese director Takashi Miike on ‘Connect’, Song PD is no stranger to international collaborations. She emphasized that the key to a successful partnership lies in a shared vision. “Honestly, aside from the language, I don’t see major differences. When you’re working with professionals who are genuinely excited about the same story, ideas flow naturally—sometimes even without words. It’s all about sharing that spark and shaping the story with mutual understanding and respect,” she added.
As a producer who began her journey as a cartoon story writer, Song Jinsun is deeply connected to the source material of adaptations. “I always try to stay true to the source material, but I also enjoy filling in the emotional gaps—what happens between panels, between lines,” she explained. “That’s where the soul of the adaptation lives,” she stated.
The transition from cartoon story writing to producing was a natural shift for Song PD. She shared how producing is “creative storytelling on a whole new level, and I love it.”
I truly enjoyed being a story writer, but producing felt like destiny. It’s a more active, wide-ranging role—where I get to discover story seeds, nurture them, and bring them to life visually.
Like all creative people, Song PD has her own sacred rituals, and her creative process is a blend of inspiration drawn from everywhere.
My creative ritual? Read everything. Watch everything. Take notes endlessly. I even consume the most random stuff—because I believe creativity isn’t about following rules, but about layering experiences until something new emerges from within.
Song PD shared that she consciously avoids repeating herself, even when presented with numerous offers for similar projects. “After ‘Secretary Kim,’ I received so many offers for ‘secretary-themed’ dramas—but I turned them down. Even if I explore different genres, what matters most is that it’s a good story about real human emotions,” she said, adding that she is open to any genre as long as the story moves her.
Looking ahead, Song PD is excited about the possibility of collaborating on a Korea-India project. “I deeply admire India’s cultural richness and diversity. I hope to collaborate soon—not just to make something ‘Indian’ or ‘Korean,’ but to tell a truly great story,” she shared.
What matters most to me is: who’s the creator? What’s their vision? I’d love to co-create a smart, emotionally layered drama or film that weaves together our different storytelling strengths.
Her admiration for Indian cinema runs deep, particularly for actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Aditya Roy Kapur. “I loved ‘My Name Is Khan,’ ‘Dangal,’ ‘Black,’ and ‘The White Tiger.’ I’m a fan of Shah Rukh Khan and Aditya Roy Kapur, and I really admire Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s beautiful, soulful direction,” she explained.
If given the chance to co-produce a drama with an Indian team, Song PD would choose a genre that focuses on real human emotions. “A realistic human drama like ‘Dangal,’ or a deeply emotional romance like ‘Black,’ would be amazing. But I’d also be thrilled to experience the grand scale of something like ‘Baahubali.’ That kind of epic storytelling is unforgettable,” she added.
At HaJI, the creative collective led by Song PD alongside writer Park Kyung Soo, collaboration is key to pushing creative boundaries. “HaJI is a creative collective built on trust between veteran writers and producers. We’re open to collaborating with anyone if the story is right,” she said.
If there’s an Indian novel or original concept you’re excited about, send it over—we’ll develop it into a great script together.
Song Jinsun sees the value in collaboration, believing that a producer’s role is to bring everything together. “Writers and directors think deeply about the story. As a producer, I manage everything from beginning to end—making sure it all comes together. That’s why we all need each other. I believe we’re all creators in our own right, and when we trust one another, we can take bold steps into new storytelling adventures.”
Finally, when asked to describe her creative style as a flavor of chai, Song PD chose rosemary citrus green tea, adding, “It’s aromatic, awakens the senses, clears the mind, and sparks unexpected inspiration. Just like storytelling should.”
As she wraps up, Song PD has a message for her Indian audience: “K-dramas are built on emotion. I hope they continue to touch your hearts and bring strength to your everyday lives. I’ll keep working hard to create better, more meaningful dramas. Until we meet again—through stories!”
Connect with us on Instagram | X | YouTube for more content, interviews, & news.
