New K-Drama Premieres at No.1 — And One Star’s Unexpected Cameo That’s Stirring Buzz!

2025-04-01 11:51

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Breaking Stereotypes with Witty Insurance

tvN’s new Monday-Tuesday drama ‘The Divorce Insurance’ made a splash with its premiere, topping its time slot across cable and satellite channels. The first episode, which aired on March 31, recorded a 3.6% average rating (peaking at 5.1%) in the Seoul metropolitan area, and a 3.2% nationwide average (peaking at 4.3%).

A scene from the drama 'The Divorce Insurance.'  / tvN
A scene from the drama 'The Divorce Insurance.' / tvN

Starring fan-favorite actors 'Lee Dong-wook', 'Lee Kwang-soo', 'Lee Da-hee', and 'Lee Joo-bin', the series had already drawn attention before its premiere thanks to its unique premise. Set inside an insurance company, the drama offers a refreshing blend of office life, romantic comedy, and emotional healing — all centered around the idea of “divorce insurance.”

The premiere episode opens with the main characters — Noh Gi-jun (Lee Dong-wook), Kang Han-deul (Lee Joo-bin), An Jeon-man (Lee Kwang-soo), and Jo Ah-young (Chu So-jung) — promoting the concept of divorce insurance at a wedding fair, only to be met with backlash. When a curious bride-to-be asks if the insurance implies that marriage leads to misery, Noh Gi-jun responds, “It’s quite the opposite. Both marriage and divorce exist for the same goal — to find happiness.”

Lead actor Lee Dong-wook from the drama 'The Divorce Insurance.' / tvN
Lead actor Lee Dong-wook from the drama 'The Divorce Insurance.' / tvN

The story follows Noh Gi-jun, a genius actuary who gets a spark of inspiration from the "god of insurance" in a dream. Despite multiple failures as the head of the Innovative Product Development Team, he seizes a new opportunity when team leader Na Dae-bok (Kim Won-hae), who’s facing divorce, agrees to greenlight the idea. Along with his best friend An Jeon-man, the two set out to develop the product. Things get even more interesting when Kang Han-deul, who’s gone through a divorce herself, joins the team — and even Noh Gi-jun’s ex-ex-ex-wife Jeon Na-rae (Lee Da-hee) unexpectedly transfers in from the Singapore branch. Thus begins the journey of the Divorce Insurance Task Force.

Director Lee Won-seok brings his signature style of witty, visual storytelling, paired with screenwriter Lee Tae-yoon’s unique concept. Lee Won-seok explains, “We approached the topic of divorce in a creative, lighthearted way — but the message is ultimately hopeful and healing.” He describes the show as “a warm, fairy tale-like drama about people who are hurt in relationships, but learn to overcome their wounds.”

Cast members of 'The Divorce Insurance': Lee Dong-wook, Lee Joo-bin, Lee Da-hee, and Lee Kwang-soo. / tvN
Cast members of 'The Divorce Insurance': Lee Dong-wook, Lee Joo-bin, Lee Da-hee, and Lee Kwang-soo. / tvN

Writer Lee Tae-yoon added, “While the theme is divorce, the story is full of moments that will make you smile. I wanted to show not just love, but how people grow after divorce — and the kind of life philosophy that can emerge from that.”

The production team also praised the cast, saying, “Though they look like adults, each character has a childlike sincerity that makes them incredibly charming. It feels like a perfect lineup.”

Lee Dong-wook plays Noh Gi-jun, who has been through three divorces and now charms viewers with a cheerful and quirky transformation. His bickering chemistry with Kang Han-deul and hilarious banter with his best friend An Jeon-man keep the laughs coming.

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Lee Joo-bin brings depth and relatability to her role as the complex Han-deul, while Lee Kwang-soo delivers a grounded and efficient performance as risk surveyor An Jeon-man. Lee Da-hee shines as Jeon Na-rae, with her girl-crush energy and unpredictable personality.

Thanks to its fresh concept, sharp direction, and standout performances, ‘The Divorce Insurance’ has already shaken up the Monday-Tuesday drama scene.

A special appearance by actress 'Cho Bo-ah' is set for Episode 2, which airs tonight, April 1, at 8:50 PM (KST) on tvN. Meanwhile, 'Cho Bo-ah' had been cast alongside 'Kim Soo-hyun' in the upcoming Disney+ drama Knock-Off, but due to the recent controversy involving Kim Soo-hyun and the late Kim Sae-ron, the project has been put on indefinite hold.

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