Kan Hyewon from IZ*ONE stars alongside Akaso Eiji in the new drama 'Kimbap and Onigiri,' exploring cultural differences in love.
September/30/2025 12:15Related Groups & Members
Kan Hyewon, from IZ*ONE, will co-star with actor Akaso Eiji. Today (30th), details of the drama 'Kimbap and Onigiri - The Two Who Fall in Love Are Similar Yet Different' were announced through official X and other channels. The lead is Akaso Eiji, with Kan Hyewon cast as the heroine. The show will start airing on TV Tokyo's 'Drama Premier 23' slot from January 12, 2026. Like 'kimbap' and 'onigiri,' which look similar but taste different, it is a pure love story between two people who are drawn to each other while being confused by the cultural and value differences between Japan and Korea. Akaso Eiji plays the protagonist, Taiga Hase, who was once expected to be a star in university ekiden but faced setbacks due to poor performance. Now, he works part-time at a small restaurant without any special dreams, living a dull life. Meeting the Korean heroine leads him to confront his life and take a step towards the future. Kan Hyewon plays Park Rin, a graduate student who came from Korea to study animation and struggles daily between her dreams and reality in unfamiliar Japan. This will be her first appearance in a Japanese terrestrial drama, and she is already attracting attention. The series will also be exclusively available on Netflix for worldwide streaming at the same time as each episode airs, with catch-up broadcasts planned on TVer and Lemino. Kan Hyewon, who was active in the girl group IZ*ONE formed through Mnet's 'PRODUCE48,' has since appeared in various works as an actress, captivating fans. In April of this year, she was selected as a model for the Japanese women's fashion brand 'SNIDEL,' actively engaging in activities in Japan. Akaso Eiji held his first Korean fan meeting in October 2023 and appeared on KangNam's YouTube channel 'Town Friend KangNami' in July, gaining popularity in Korea.
Related Articles
On MBC's 'Radio Star', Kim Ji-hoon shared his dream of becoming a singer, recalling his time as an SM trainee. Despite shifting to acting, he still aspires to sing, inspired by Park Hyo-shin. He practices diligently and refuses to release music he doesn't believe in, promising to sing on a future episode.
On October 15, a charity event for the 20th Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign took place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul. The event featured numerous K-pop stars, including members of BTS, BIGBANG, and Stray Kids, as well as popular actors, creating a glamorous atmosphere. The event highlighted the importance of breast cancer awareness and showcased the unity of the entertainment industry.
On the afternoon of the 15th, a charity event for the 20th Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign was held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, attended by K-pop artists including aespa, IVE's Wonyoung, Yujin, LE SSERAFIM's Kim Chaewon, and others. The event highlighted the importance of awareness and support for breast cancer.
The Korean film 'Hear Me: Our Summer' portrays the sparkle of youthful love and life's dilemmas, featuring Hong Kyung and No Yoon Seo. It opens in Japan on September 26, 2025. The story follows Yongjun, who falls for Yorum, a swimmer with a hearing disability, as they navigate their feelings and dreams amidst summer adventures.
Yena, formerly of IZ*ONE, shared her thoughts on collaborating with Jin from BTS during an MBC variety show. She expressed surprise at being chosen for the song 'Loser' and described her experience as world-class, especially enjoying the hospitality she received, including delicious meals. She humorously noted that while the stage and fans were amazing, the food stood out to her.
On MBN's 'Dongmakase', Kwon Eunbi shared her heartfelt story of gratitude towards her brother, who secretly helped fund her education. She fulfilled her promise by covering all costs for his wedding, showcasing her love and commitment to family. Despite her success, she respects her brother's independence and refrains from offering further help, highlighting their strong bond.
The Korean film 'Hear Me: Our Summer', releasing in Japan on September 26, 2025, beautifully portrays youthful love and life's uncertainties. It features unique communication through sign language, focusing on emotional connections rather than words. The film has received positive acclaim for its fresh storytelling and sound design.
Choi Yena, former member of IZ*ONE, was officially invited to Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2026 women's collection in Paris. She impressed with a stylish black and white outfit and debuted a new short haircut. The event featured many celebrities, and Yena participated in photo sessions, showcasing her versatility as she continues to shine in music and acting.
On the afternoon of the 26th, the '2025 Gangnam Festival x Catwalk Global Trend Festa Seoul' took place at COEX in Gangnam, featuring a fashion show by the brand 'ZAGAE'. Notable attendees included Kep1er's Huening Bahiyyih, Wanna One's Ha Sung Woon, and various other stars from K-pop and acting.
The VIP screening of the film 'Shikatanai' in Seoul attracted numerous stars, including Lee Byung-hun and Son Ye-jin, who supported their partners. Lee Byung-hun shared insights about their chemistry, noting their long-standing friendships. The film tells the story of a man facing unexpected challenges after losing his job, striving to protect his family.
