'Soundtrack #2' tells classic yet realistic love story

From left, actors Sohn Jeong-hyuk, Geum Sae-rok and Noh Sang-hyun pose during the press conference for Disney+ romance original series “Soundtrack #2,” held at The Ambassador Seoul in Jung District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Disney+

The new season of the Disney+ romance original series “Soundtrack” will infuse a dose of reality into the classic romance story.

“I think the strong point of ‘Soundtrack #2’ is the realism; it will make viewers empathize more. It will make you relate 300 percent. This is the type of work that will get you emotionally immersed,” series’ director Kim Hee-won said during a press conference, held at The Ambassador Seoul in Jung District, Seoul, Wednesday.

The six-part romance series, which released its first two episodes on Wednesday, revolves around a rekindled relationship between Ji Su-ho (Noh Sang-hyun) and Do Hyun-seo (Geum Sae-rok), who dated for six years in the past. The narrative unfolds four years after their breakup, as Do teaches the piano to Ji, now a successful CEO.

When the two get themselves involved in a musical project with a musician called Kei (Sohn Jeong-hyuk), the three come to stay together under the same roof during the project and find themselves entangled in a love triangle.

The new season is co-directed by the previous season’s director, Kim, who is known for leading the hit crime series “Vincenzo” (2021), and director Choi Jung-gyu, who previously led the crime series “The Devil Judge” (2021).

A scene from the series “Soundtrack #2” / Courtesy of Disney+

Kim expressed that she wanted to show a classic romance tale with an emphasis on music. “There are many stories structured like this. So I wanted to show a truly classic love story rather than doing something new. I did a lot of research on taking new approaches,” she said.

“Since music is the series’ theme, I focused on the flow of music and the story together to develop the plot. My goal was to make the familiar story feel refreshing through the actors' performances and cinematography.”

Geum plays the piano tutor who had to give up on love amid her stark reality.

“Hyun-seo is a very realistic character. She once dreamed of becoming a successful pianist but faces difficulties as she’s confronted with reality. Giving up her dream, she chooses to accept reality and try to make the best of her life, diligently working part-time jobs,” she said.

“The love Hyun-seo portrays includes romantic love between a man and a woman, but it’s also about her love for her own dreams. I tried to capture her thoughts on whether giving up on her dreams is truly a mistake in her life.”

Noh, who made a strong impression with the Apple TV+ series “Pachinko,” is taking on his first lead role with the series. The actor plays the CEO of a content creation company who built a successful business after their breakup.

“There was a sense of pressure and burden from taking the lead role, but it was a new challenge. I took part with an excited heart, taking one step at a time working together with directors and co-stars,” he said.

“I think the emotions of the excitement of reuniting with a lover naturally showed as I played the character, rather than trying to purposely express them with my eyes. You'll be able to see a different side of me compared to the characters I've portrayed before. The character has a playful and bright-spirited side to him.”

“Soundtrack #2” will release two episodes every Wednesday.