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3 clusters · 11 sources · 12 days · First seen · Last updated

K-Drama “The Affair Was Just the Beginning” gains praise

Overview

South Korean actress Kim Hye Soo was announced on 29 July 2026 as the lead of the black‑comedy drama “The Affair Was Just the Beginning,” playing influencer‑CEO Kyung Hee. The series, produced by Coupang Play and directed by Lee Chang Hee, premiered on Coupang TV on 31 July.

To prepare for the role, Kim—who is 56—engaged in a fitness routine including underwater exercises to maintain a youthful appearance. She also took an active interest in the character’s wardrobe, with co-star Kim Ji Hoon noting that she personally funded some of the fashion to ensure it met the influencer aesthetic. The plot follows a seemingly perfect influencer couple and their neighboring doctors whose lives become entangled in affairs, divorce, and dark secrets.

Following its release, the 18+ series rose to the top of popularity lists on streaming platforms, receiving global praise for its suspenseful, “brain‑hacking” script and unconventional storytelling. Critics and viewers have highlighted the high‑profile cast—including Cho Yeo Jung, Kim Ji Hoon, and Kim Jae Chul—as well as the high-fashion styling featuring luxury brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Fendi. Kim’s performance has been specifically lauded for its psychological depth, depicting the character’s transition from a confident socialite to an unstable individual navigating a relentless cycle of deception.

Entities

Kim Hye Soo · Coupang Play · The Affair Was Just the Beginning · Lee Chang Hee · The Affair was the Beginning

Timeline

  1. 11 days ago

    [CULTURE] 5 sources
    Kim Hye Soo stars in trending South Korean film ‘The Affair Was Just the Beginning’

    Actress Kim Hye Soo is receiving global acclaim for her role in the suspenseful mature-rated film ‘The Affair Was Just the Beginning’.

  2. 21 days ago

    [CULTURE] 4 sources
    Korean drama “The Affair Was Just the Beginning” garners strong viewer praise

    The 18+ Korean drama *The Affair Was Just the Beginning* on Coupang TV draws praise for its twist‑filled plot, strong cast led by Kim Hye Soo, and bold storytelling.

  3. 23 days ago

    [CULTURE] 5 sources
    Kim Hye Soo returns in new series 'The Affair was the Beginning

    Kim Hye Soo, 56, stars as influencer CEO Kyung Hee in the new Coupang Play drama 'The Affair was the Beginning', directed by Lee Chang Hee and set to debut on July 31.

Sources

afamily.vn · comunicados.co · erzsebetter.hu · gamek.vn · kenh14.vn · lifestyle.liputan6.com · m.afamily.vn · m.kenh14.vn · m.soha.vn · nowjakarta.co.id · soha.vn

This summary has been updated 2 times: see revision history