EXID Hani Returns to Acting in New KBS Drama Love Is Coming After 3-Year Hiatus
Actor and former EXID member Hani, also known as Ahn Hee-yeon, is returning to television after a three-year hiatus. The production team for the upcoming KBS 2TV weekend drama 사랑이 온다 (Love Arrives) confirmed her casting and released footage from the project’s recent script reading. Hani will portray Han Gyu-rim, a character who manages a side dish shop to support her family after a period of financial hardship.
Did You Know? Hani’s return to acting marks her first major project following the indefinite postponement of her marriage to psychiatrist Yang Jae-woong, which was originally scheduled for September 2024.
Why the return to screen is significant
The casting serves as a formal resumption of Hani’s career following a period of professional inactivity. The actor previously stepped back from planned broadcast appearances after the postponement of her wedding, which followed a patient death incident at a psychiatric clinic where Yang Jae-woong served as the director. Hani’s return to the spotlight began earlier this year through a series of EXID reunion concerts, including a performance in Taipei this past May, where she expressed gratitude to fans via social media.
Expert Insight: Hani’s transition back to a high-profile weekend drama suggests a strategic attempt to refocus on her professional portfolio. By selecting a role defined by resilience—a character she describes as “strong and full of love”—the actor appears to be aligning her public comeback with themes of growth and personal perseverance.
What viewers can expect from the new drama
사랑이 온다 is a family-oriented series that centers on characters overcoming past wounds to find new paths to happiness. According to the production team, the narrative focuses on the growth of the lead character, Han Gyu-rim, as she navigates the struggles of maintaining her family’s livelihood. Hani stated that she found the character’s trajectory “welcoming and joyful,” which provided the motivation to accept the role.
The series is scheduled to premiere on July 25. The cast includes actors Ha Seok-jin, Park Yu-na, Bae Jung-nam, Kwon Hae-hyo, Yoon Yoo-sun, Ryu Seung-soo, and Jin Kyung. Following the premiere, it is likely that the show’s performance will determine the pace of Hani’s continued presence in the television industry, given the high visibility associated with weekend drama slots.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role will Hani play in the new drama?
Hani plays Han Gyu-rim, a character who works at a side dish shop and struggles to support her family after their household falls into financial crisis.
When does the drama premiere?
The first episode of 사랑이 온다 is scheduled to air on July 25.
Why did Hani take a break from acting?
Hani suspended her planned broadcasts and postponed her wedding following a patient death incident at a medical facility where her fiancé, Yang Jae-woong, was the director.
Are you looking forward to seeing Hani take on this new character in her return to television?