Think Tangerines Was Big? Everyone’s Betting on This New K-Drama to Top It

Upcoming KBS2 drama ‘24-Hour Health Club’ (also 24 Hour Gym or Pump Up the Healthy Love) is already generating buzz ahead of its premiere on April 30 at 9:50 p.m. KST. Following the success of For Eagle Brothers, KBS is eyeing another hit series with the release of its first teaser sparking excitement among fans.

Starring Jung Eun-ji and Lee Jun-young, 24-Hour Health Club (Korean title: 24시 헬스클럽) is a heartwarming and humorous “muscle-growth romance” that takes place inside a fitness center. The story follows Do Hyun-jung (played by Lee Jun-young), a no-nonsense gym owner with a passion for discipline and transformation, and Lee Mi-ran (Jung Eun-ji), a recently heartbroken beginner who stumbles into the gym after a tough breakup.

Love and Laughter at the Gym

The teaser, released April 1, showcases the duo’s first awkward-yet-charming meeting. Mi-ran, emotionally drained from her relationship, joins the gym and is quickly pulled into Hyun-jung’s intense world of fitness. The teaser shows a hilarious contrast between her hesitance and his serious commitment—he catches her mid-fall with a romantic gaze, only to bluntly ask her to weigh herself seconds later.

His bold promise, “I’ll change your life,” sets the tone for what promises to be a drama full of transformation, emotional healing, and quirky gym chemistry.

From Hel-lini to Gym Buff?

Mi-ran, a self-proclaimed “hel-lini” (a Korean slang term for gym newbies), begins a reluctant fitness journey under Hyun-jung’s 24/7 watch. As unexpected challenges arise, their bond strengthens through shared struggle, discipline, and slow-burn chemistry.

💬 Early Reactions:

The teaser quickly went viral, with netizens saying:

“Jung Eun-ji looks so good!”

“This is going to be hilarious and touching.”

“Their chemistry is already fire.”

“Can’t wait for Lee Jun-young in a rom-com!”

“Rom-com queen Jung Eun-ji is back!”

Lee Jun-young's Busy Schedule

Lee Jun-young is also gaining attention for his role in the Netflix series ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ (폭싹 속았수다), starring IU and Park Bo-gum. He plays Park Young-beom, the ex-lover of IU’s character Geum-myeong, delivering an emotional performance that made waves in the drama’s recently released final episodes.

Actor Lee Jun-young has captivated audiences with his portrayal of Park Young-beom in the Netflix series When Life Gives You Tangerines. His character, a devoted and earnest young man deeply in love with Yang Geum-myung (played by IU), has resonated with viewers, particularly during the series' second act (episodes 5–8).

In these episodes, Lee Jun-young's depiction of Young-beom's unwavering affection and innocence adds both humor and emotional depth to the narrative. His performance has been praised for its authenticity, with audiences drawn to the character's endearing persistence.

Lee Jun-young's compelling performance in this series underscores his versatility as an actor and his potential for future leading roles in the industry.

‘24-Hour Health Club’ premieres April 30 at 9:50 PM on KBS2.