Netflix has officially confirmed the production of its new original series Slowly, Intensely (working title), announcing a star-studded cast including Song Hye-kyo, Gong Yoo, Kim Seol-hyun, Cha Seung-won, and Lee Ha-nee.

Set in South Korea's entertainment industry from the 1960s to the 1980s-a time marked by both brutality and ambition-the series will follow the stories of those who risked everything for success. Slowly, Intensely is penned by renowned screenwriter Noh Hee-kyung, known for beloved dramas such as Our Blues, Dear My Friends, It's Okay, That's Love, That Winter, The Wind Blows, and The World That They Live In. With Noh's name alone, expectations are high for another masterpiece. Director Lee Yoon-jung, who helmed Coffee Prince, Cheese in the Trap, and Heart to Heart, will be leading the production.

The casting lineup is just as remarkable. Song Hye-kyo, who has consistently delivered iconic roles in The Glory, Encounter, Descendants of the Sun, and That Winter, The Wind Blows, will undergo another dramatic transformation in this new series.

She plays Min-ja, a woman who has endured a harsh and tumultuous childhood, making her emotionally stronger than most. As she fights her way through life, she takes a daring leap into South Korea's budding music industry in search of opportunity. This marks Song Hye-kyo's third collaboration with writer Noh Hee-kyung, following The World That They Live In and That Winter, The Wind Blows, fueling anticipation for her performance.

Gong Yoo, celebrated for his roles in Goblin, Coffee Prince, The Age of Shadows, Train to Busan, and most recently Squid Game Season 2 and Trunk, will play Dong-gu. A childhood friend of Min-ja, Dong-gu experiences countless ups and downs alongside her before joining her in the world of music. Though unpredictable and impulsive, he is deeply loyal to Min-ja, willing to support her through anything. Gong Yoo reunites with director Lee Yoon-jung for the first time since Coffee Prince, adding another layer of excitement.

Kim Seol-hyun, who has built her acting career with Shop of the Lamp, Summer Strike, The Killer's Shopping List, and films like The Great Battle, Memoir of a Murderer, and Gangnam 1970, will play Min-hee. Tied to Min-ja in a love-hate relationship since childhood, Min-hee's character will showcase a wide range of emotions-from innocent devotion to sharp defiance.

Veteran actor Cha Seung-won, known for Believer 2, Night in Paradise, One Ordinary Day, Tyrant, and The Greatest Love, will play Gil-yeo, the most powerful composer of the era. Every artist he touches becomes a star. Following his role in Our Blues, Cha Seung-won reunites with writer Noh Hee-kyung to deliver what is expected to be another unforgettable character.

Lee Ha-nee, who has captivated audiences with Alienoid, Killing Romance, Phantom, Extreme Job, and the The Fiery Priest series, will portray Yang-ja-Min-hee's mother and an aspiring singer. Despite financial struggles and harsh realities, she refuses to abandon her dreams, bringing determination and passion to her role.

Slowly, Intensely will be released exclusively on Netflix.

Meanwhile, its production company, Studio Dragon, reportedly signed a contract with Netflix for the series' development, with an estimated budget exceeding 75 billion KRW (approximately $56 million).

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