“Heavenly Ever After”: A Touching Afterlife Romance with Kim Hye-ja and Son Suk-ku
JTBC’s new weekend drama “Heavenly Ever After” touches viewers’ hearts with a touching story of a couple who reunite in the afterlife, led by veteran actress Kim Hye-ja.
Blending romance, comedy, and healing elements, the drama made a strong debut with a 5.8% viewership rating. Its unique setting in the afterlife, and exploration of love that transcends death, sparked major buzz from the very first episode.
The story begins with Lee Hae-sook (played by Kim Hye-ja), a feared loan shark in the marketplace who leads a secret double life as a loving wife at home. After spending over 40 years caring for her paralyzed husband, Go Nak-joon (Park Woong), Hae-sook dies a year after his passing and enters heaven. She arrives in her 80-year-old form, just as her husband once said she was most beautiful at that age. However, in heaven, she is shocked to find Nak-joon (now played by Son Suk-ku) appearing as a young man in his 30s. This surprising reunion sets the stage for a transcendent romance beyond life and death.
Promotional stills released before the premiere showcased the powerful presence of Kim Hye-ja and Lee Young-ae in a bustling marketplace scene, highlighting their dynamic teamwork amid chaos. The teaser further heightened anticipation by featuring Hae-sook meeting a grim reaper, Lee Young-ae guarding a funeral hall alone, and Hae-sook’s smiling portrait, signaling the beginning of the heavenly journey.
Interest is also growing in the drama’s OST. Fans are speculating about the possible involvement of singer Lim Young-woong and the lyrics of the theme song, although no official details about the soundtrack have been released yet.
“Heavenly Ever After” brings to life the afterlife—a place many have imagined at least once—with a refreshing mix of humor and emotion. Featuring the long-awaited return of Kim Hye-ja, Son Suk-ku’s unexpected charm, and a one-of-a-kind posthumous romance, the show airs every Saturday and Sunday night and is well worth watching.
