Welcome to Part 2 of our exclusive interview series with the cast of the upcoming BL K-Drama “Boys Be Brave”, featuring actors Jung YeoJun & Ahn SeMin!

For those who might not know, Kpopmap is working closely with the production team of the BL drama “Boys Be Brave”, which is based on the BL webtoon “Roommates” by Seok Young.

So, Kpopmap had the chance to visit the filming set of “Boys Be Brave”, interview the cast – handsome rookie actors Kim SungHyen, Nam SiAn, Jung YeoJun, and Ahn SeMin, the director of the drama Lim HyunHee (of “Our Dating Sim” fame) and scriptwriter Lee SinWon.

We also played some fun games with the actors of the BL drama “Boys Be Brave” and picked out the cutest behind-the-scenes moments for BL fans all over the world. These contents will be unveiled on our YouTube channel soon!

Until then, check out our exclusive interviews unleashing the endless charms of actors Kim SungHyen, Nam SiAn, Jung YeoJun, and Ahn SeMin.

Previously, in part 1, we spoke to Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn about their heart-fluttering chemistry on screen in “Boys Be Brave”, aegyo attacks, and more.

In this article, we will share our conversation with Jung YeoJun and Ahn SeMin, who shone brightly and couldn’t stop complimenting each other during the interview! Both actors showed their adorable charms and consideration for each other as they opened up about working on their first BL drama “Boys Be Brave”, why they chose the project, and more.

In case you missed it, “Boys Be Brave” tells the story of three friends – JinWoo (Kim SungHyen), KiSub (Nam SiAn), and Sunny (Jung YeoJun) who can never confess their love to their crush and InHo (Ahn SeMin), who is the complete opposite and never hesitates to express his feelings honestly.

The BL drama charts the characters’ journeys as they move towards self-acceptance and learn how to confess despite their inner wounds.

With elements of slice-of-life, romance, comedy, and growth, this BL drama is one that you definitely do not want to miss.

So, without further ado, let’s get into our interview with Jung YeoJun & Ahn SeMin!

Hello. I am actor Jung YeoJun, playing the role of Choi Sunny in “Boys Be Brave”.
Jung YeoJun
Hello. I'm actor Ahn SeMin, who portrays 'InHo,' a character honest with his emotions, in “Boys Be Brave”.
Ahn SeMin

You might remember Jung YeoJun from the recent K-Drama "Like Flowers In Sand", where he drew viewers' attention. He has also acted in "Rookie Cops". Jung YeoJun is working independently, confidently making his place in the acting world.

Ahn SeMin, on the other hand, has acted in "The Red Sleeve", "School 2021" and most recently, "Our Love Triangle". He is signed to fantagio and is making moves in the entertainment industry.

Both actors showed their bright and hard-working personalities on the set of "Boys Be Brave" and were incredibly sweet to our staff, making us fall in love with them even more. Call us biased, but we are rooting for Jung YeoJun and Ahn SeMin with all our hearts!

How these talented rookie actors came together for this BL drama was the first thing we were curious about as we started this interview.

The reason I chose this project is because of the character Choi Sunny. The three-dimensional character, which combines a fun story with a poignant narrative, deeply resonated with me.
Jung YeoJun
When I first read the script, I found it fascinating because all the characters felt so alive. Also, I decided to join this project with the desire to challenge myself with a new genre that I haven't tried before.
Ahn SeMin

Sunny is an optimistic part-timer who cannot forget his brief yet stormy relationship with InHo during their high school days. However, he cannot face his feelings. When InHo, who was studying abroad, suddenly abandons everything and appears in front of him, his monotonous life is turned upside down as he asks him to go on just three dates.

Both Sunny and InHo are very interesting characters and completely opposite of each other. This naturally led us to wonder if the actors and their respective characters shared any personality traits.

Sunny is like looking at my early twenties. In the early twenties, everyone is uncertain about the future. I was the same, and it seems like Sunny was also going through the process of finding that out. Through that, he probably grew more as a person, right? When portraying Sunny, I tried a lot to express those aspects—not just love but also worries about the future and the immaturity of a 20-year-old boy.
Jung YeoJun

Indeed, one of the key defining characteristics of Sunny is that he has a colorful and happy personality, living up to his name. However, deep inside, he hides his real emotions and loneliness, which adds a dimension of depth to his character.

When I think about it, it seems like there is a lot of darkness when Sunny is alone. (Especially when he's in the semi-basement room alone...). Working for money is one reason, but I think it's also because he doesn't want to be alone, so he works wherever he can and meets his friend KiSub.
Jung YeoJun

Over the course of the BL drama "Boys Be Brave", we witness Sunny's character development as he accepts his own imperfections and learns to love both himself and others.

I think the key difference between the Sunny from high school and the current Sunny lies in how much weight he carries regarding the harsh reality.
Jung YeoJun

Thus, Sunny is a character who grounds the dreamy narrative of the BL drama "Boys Be Brave" and brings realism into the mix. Sure, we all love a fairytale romance, but sometimes, life gets in the way. We asked actor Jung YeoJun what advice he would give to Sunny if he were friends with his character in real life, and his answer is something all of us need to hear sometimes.

I want to say, “You are a truly precious person. Difficult times will pass”.
Jung YeoJun

Then, what advice do you have for young people who are also going through and struggling with something similar to Sunny?

Right now, it may feel incredibly tough, but as time passes, it will become nothing, so don't worry too much!
Jung YeoJun

Of course, on a lighter note, we also asked about actor Jung YeoJun's own confession style, as opposed to his character Sunny's!

I like you 😊 (I'm the honest type)
Jung YeoJun

Do you hear that? It's the sound of the butterflies in our stomachs! 🦋🦋

Now, as for InHo, he is a character scriptwriter Lee SinWon wanted the other three characters to aspire to be - someone who is honest about their emotions and isn't afraid to express them to the ones they love.

Actor Ahn SeMin plays InHo with a certain flair and quiet certainty, but his own dating style is quite different.

InHo is a character who really likes Sunny and is straightforward in his approach, but I have a personality that prefers to slowly get to know someone. Unlike InHo, I get to know them gradually and express my feelings naturally. If I were to go on three dates like InHo, I would have dates where we enjoy delicious food, have many conversations at a cafe, go to an amusement park, and also watch a movie.
Ahn SeMin

Everyone, if you want to go on such heart-fluttering dates with Ahn SeMin, you can start lining up now! 😍💐

Back to "Boys Be Brave", at first glance, InHo may appear like he has nothing to lose as he confesses to Sunny. However, he left behind a world of opportunities to come to Sunny because he missed him and wanted to be with him. This requires a level of courage and initiative that is hard to imagine and, hence, makes InHo a complex character with layers of charisma.

It doesn't seem easy to give up work or the opportunity for a role in a project because of love. I believe that when opportunities come, it's more important to seize them.
Ahn SeMin

To actors Jung YeoJun and Ahn SeMin, "Boys Be Brave" was indeed a great opportunity, and they seized it at once. Naturally, relentless effort and hard work went into this work, requiring a deep understanding of each other's characters to better bring out the genuine emotions of their own.

I think I had a lot of conversations with the director and actor Ahn SeMin, who plays the role of InHo. Above all, I constantly contemplated to immerse myself in the past story with InHo, striving to understand the journey of Sunny’s character from the past to his complex emotions in the present.
Jung YeoJun
I analyzed the script diligently for the character InHo and while reading, contemplated deeply on his determination and emotions for Sunny.
Ahn SeMin

Just as we expected, both actors mentioned that their approach towards their characters involved empathizing with each other's characters. This must have been significantly impactful in building chemistry on screen and imbuing their romance in "Boys Be Brave" with the kind of conviction and honesty that can move the audience and tug at their heartstrings. However, given their adorable first impressions of each other, it seems like creating this lovely dynamic wasn't too hard of a task after all.

When I first saw actor Ahn SeMin, his eyes were so beautiful, hehe.
Jung YeoJun
When I first saw actor Jung YeoJun, he seemed sharp and full of charisma, making it difficult to approach him. However, he initiated the conversation and took care of me, so I think we naturally became closer.
Ahn SeMin

If that does not scream effortless chemistry, we don't know what does!

Seok Young, the author of the original webtoon "Roommates" on which "Boys Be Brave" is based, even mentioned that when she visited the filming set of "Boys Be Brave", Sunny and InHo's chemistry was even better than she had imagined!

Looks like we might already have the BL couple of the year in our hands! 💖

We cannot forget, though, that as easy as our actors make it look, the process of filming is always a labor of love and dedication. Still, the experience remains etched in the actors' hearts as pleasant memories.

There wasn't anything particularly challenging during the filming, but shooting outdoors in the cold weather is something that will be memorable for a long time. After the last shoot, I want to exercise diligently and also take a short trip.
Ahn SeMin

With the amount of sincerity, commitment, and dedication that is going into "Boys Be Brave", it would be best to hear from our actors themselves about what they think will be the highlight of the BL drama "Boys Be Brave" for viewers.

Please look forward to the emotional scenes between Sunny and InHo, and wonder if Sunny and InHo will have a happy ending. (No spoilers)
Jung YeoJun
I think the viewing highlight will be the ‘push and pull’ where InHo continues to honestly express his feelings and Sunny pushes him away.
Ahn SeMin

Finally, to conclude our interview, check out actors Jung YeoJun and Ahn SeMin's warm words for viewers all over the world.

If you don't watch “Boys Be Brave”, you'll regret it~
Our actors, staff, and director worked hard during the winter to create a great piece, so we ask for a lot of attention and love. Thank you! ~
Jung YeoJun
This is a work that was created with the passion and affection of the director, writer, actors, and all the staff who worked together. “Boys Be Brave” is a story that starts off joyfully and happily but evolves into a poignant and heartwarming narrative! We ask for your much-appreciated attention and love. And please support InHo as well. Thank you!
Ahn SeMin

We don't know about you, but Jung YeoJun and Ahn SeMin have totally won us over. 💘

With a touching and relatable story of youthful love and confession, "Boys Be Brave" will be coming to your screens on April 25. You can watch it on Viki.

We know how much our audience is a fan of BLs. We see the love every day, and we’re always thrilled to create new and special content for you. So, this time, we sat down for an exclusive interview with BL K-Drama “Boys Be Brave” actors Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn to give you the best insider scoop on all things BL, “Boys Be Brave”, and more.

For those who might not know, “Boys Be Brave” is an upcoming BL K-Drama based on the popular webtoon called “Roommates” by Seok Young. The webtoon received immense love from readers for its simple yet meaningful storyline and art, adorned with characters that felt relatable and heart-fluttering at the same time.

Years after its serialization, the webtoon got picked up for a K-Drama adaptation, helmed by director Lim HyunHee of “Our Dating Sim” fame and emerging writer Lee SinWon. This BL K-Drama is called “Boys Be Brave” – telling the story of three friends who are falling deeper and deeper in love yet are unable to confess, and one young man who is the complete opposite and opens up his heart at once.

As such, the drama will feature two couples – JinWoo & KiSub on the one hand and Sunny and InHo on the other.

KiSub is a handsome and popular boy next door who moves into his friend JinWoo’s house! You see, he is curious about JinWoo, who likes him but does not confess to him.

A playful push and pull begins when JinWoo reveals that despite having a crush on KiSub, he’s totally not his type. What does KiSub do? If you're curious, find out when "Boys Be Brave" airs in April. Trust us, you do not want to miss this!

From watching this couple bicker to witnessing their domestic bliss, “Boys Be Brave” assures a memorable experience that will make you want to confess to your crush too!

Then, we have Sunny – a bright and optimistic part-timer whose life is turned upside down when his friend from high school, InHo appears in front of him after a long time.

After an unexpected encounter, InHo moved abroad to study but can't forget Sunny. So, he returns abruptly and asks Sunny to go out with him. However, Sunny rejects his advances until InHo pleads with him to go on just three dates.

As these young men navigate their feelings for each other and come to terms with their own hearts, a gentle romance blooms that will satisfy all your BL needs.

JinWoo and KiSub are played by rookie actors Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn, whereas Sunny and InHo are played by Jung YeoJun and Ahn SeMin, also fresh faces in the industry.

Kpopmap had the chance to visit the filming set of the BL drama “Boys Be Brave”, interview the cast and production team behind the scenes, and play some fun games with the actors – which you can see on our YouTube channel very soon!

With the refreshing earnestness of newcomers who are eager to show their potential to a global audience, all four actors had a lot to share with fans through our interview. They were also unbelievably kind to our staff on set, which just makes them even more endearing.

In this article, we’ll be sharing our conversation with the JinWoo and KiSub couple, that is, actors Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn, followed by Part 2, where we speak to Jung YeoJun and Ahn SeMin!

So, if this is your first time getting to know Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn, look no further than this interview to find out all you need to know about these young stars! Let’s get into it!

Hello. I am Kim SungHyen, who plays the role of JinWoo in “Boys Be Brave”. Nice to meet you.
Kim SungHyen
Hello, I am Nam SiAn, who plays the role of KiSub in “Boys Be Brave”. ^^
Nam SiAn

“Boys Be Brave” is both Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn’s first BL K-Drama. We were curious about why both actors chose this project and their answers were as impressive as we expected.

The solid storyline and well-developed characters were appealing. While challenging myself to the new genre of BL, I felt that I could showcase various aspects of myself.
Kim SungHyen
When I looked beyond the characteristics of the BL genre and focused on the storyline of the script, it was excellent. When I first met the director, she had a profound understanding of the work, which made me confident and willing to choose it.
Nam SiAn

The actors’ answers are reflections of the fact that BL, and Korean BL dramas in particular, are rising in popularity not just as a niche genre among a limited audience but also as a significant medium for expression and representation of queer relationships in the mainstream. Beyond the fact of being a BL, K-Dramas like “Boys Be Brave” tell innately human stories that anyone can relate to and feel comforted by.

Specifically, in the case of “Boys Be Brave”, the drama is a plot-driven story, but its real charm lies in its characters. Let’s allow the actors to introduce their characters themselves, shall we? It might reveal some aspects that we didn’t even notice at first glance! Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn also went into detail about how their own personalities are similar to or different from their characters' dispositions.

JinWoo is a character with a perfectionist tendency who lives his life according to the plan he has set for himself. However, one day, he falls for KiSub, who is totally his opposite and who he believes is not suitable for him, and starts to be swayed by him. Eventually, he reaches a point where he denies his own feelings. In reality, there are aspects of my personality that are similar and others that are different (from JinWoo). Basically, I share a similar disposition of being cynical, thoughtful, and experiencing inner conflicts. However, I am different from the image (JinWoo's) of being indecisive or having difficulty revealing one's true feelings in front of someone specific. That's because speaking sincerely is not difficult for me.
Kim SungHyen

In the BL K-Drama “Boys Be Brave”, JinWoo is a perfectionist who dreams of having the perfect relationship with the perfect partner. He even has an ideal type checklist. We were curious about Kim SungHyen’s thoughts about his character’s hopes for such perfect love and if such a thing can even exist in real life. We also asked the actor about the kind of love he wants and his ideal type.

I don't consider this kind of love as perfect love. I don't wish for love as a specific form. Despite being a practical and realistic person, I believe in destiny and romance, especially when it comes to love. I just love the act of loving. I hope for someone who is my "most intimate person”.
Kim SungHyen

In the beginning, KiSub shows a one-dimensional clumsiness, but as the story progresses, he learns to express his own emotions and find his identity. KiSub dislikes complicated emotions and situations, so he often portrays a positive image. I feel that within me, there are similarities with his clumsiness and the tendency to express positivity towards others.
Nam SiAn

As you can tell, both the actors and the characters they portray are incredibly unique, distinct, and special in their own way. For instance, JinWoo might appear uptight and judgmental, but he just finds it hard to accept his own feelings and open up. Similarly, KiSub may seem like just another good-looking popular guy who has to get what he wants, but he is actually a gentle soul who wants to be loved.

The characters are not only well-written but also imbued with deep meaning and emotion. Portraying such characters requires effort, nuance, and detail that could not have been easy to achieve. We assume this includes thorough discussions with the director to convey her vision, taking care of one's health and skin to bring out the most shining visuals, and so much more. On this, both Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn shared their respective approaches to playing their characters, including challenges faced and more.

Before the shoot, I had many discussions with the director about character development. There were aspects of JinWoo's personality that I personally found hard to accept, but the director provided clear guidance, and I trusted and followed it well. Since JinWoo might not be a character commonly seen or easily empathized with, I focused on delivering him as a "believable" character to the audience. I approached JinWoo as a character slightly younger than his actual age to make him more relatable. I typically don't engage in ad-libs on set.
Kim SungHyen
It was challenging to change my tone of voice, different from my natural voice, to portray the character. I think I went to the dermatologist almost every week for the first time. I believed that having clear skin would serve as the basis for portraying (KiSub’s) handsomeness. Also, on set, the director, hair and makeup team, and costume team did a great job of making KiSub look handsome and charming!
Nam SiAn

If you were friends with your characters in real life, what love advice would you give them?

[To JinWoo] You're not perfect either.
Kim SungHyen
[To KiSub] I would advise him to follow his heart without worry and go and confess! Don't let go!
Nam SiAn

What about your own confession style?

I am the direct type.
Kim SungHyen
I am the direct type!
Nam SiAn

Alexa, play ‘JIKJIN’ by TREASURE!

Jokes aside, seeing how the actors brought their characters to life, we were even more curious about the filming process and if there were any memorable scenes or outtakes on set.

There's a scene in the drama where I have to get on a train. It had a strange thrill because there was only one chance to get on and off the train. Passengers were looking at us from inside, and I was afraid of getting on and having the door close.
Kim SungHyen
A memorable scene is the one where I slyly enter JinWoo's house saying it’s cold.
Nam SiAn

Don't these answers make you look forward to the mentioned scenes even more and wish the BL K-Drama “Boys Be Brave” was airing already? Are you also swooning, just thinking about how JinWoo and KiSub’s chemistry and longing will transpire on our screens? Well, apparently, it wasn’t that difficult for the actors to get along well for their chemistry to develop in the drama because they’re all around the same age.

At first, naturally, there was some awkwardness and parts where we were adjusting, but as time went on and we faced challenges together, we became close and got along well. SungHyen is also a very good friend, so I think we matched well. Before the reading, we (the cast) met, had meals together, drank coffee, and built friendship.
Nam SiAn

After working together for so long with co-actors, the production team, staff members, and more, we can imagine goodbye must have been difficult. So, the actors shared some words for everyone who worked together on “Boys Be Brave”.

It was a great time because I was able to work with great staff and actors. We will meet again. The director was a humane and friendly director who communicated well with the actors.
Kim SungHyen
During our time together, the staff and actors listened to me a lot and took great care of me, so parting with them is truly regrettable.
Nam SiAn

Nam SiAn further shared how he would be spending his daily life once filming was complete.

First of all, I want to get the sleep I've been putting off at home!!
Nam SiAn

Finally, the BL K-Drama “Boys Be Brave” is coming soon, so let’s hear about the points to look forward to in the upcoming BL K-Drama!

I think the points of interest lie in how JinWoo, who is meticulous in every aspect, and KiSub, who goes with the flow, change for each other and how the characters' actions and emotions change. Also, KiSub's endless aegyo attack on JinWoo could be one more fun point!! ^^
Nam SiAn

We cannot wait to see the heart-fluttering and butterfly-inducing charms of JinWoo and KiSub. All the hard work the actors and the team have put into this work will surely be repaid with much love and attention from fans all over the world.

To conclude this interview, Kim SungHyen and Nam SiAn had a few words for fans who are looking forward to the BL K-Drama “Boys Be Brave”.

We worked hard. Please show a lot of interest.
Kim SungHyen
Firstly, four of our male actors, each with different charms, are taking on their first BL drama challenge. As the four of us come together, I think our characters blend exceptionally well in every scene. People with charms that you can't find anywhere else have gathered here, so it's a must-watch!! Surely, you'll find yourself watching it two or three times ^^, so please show lots of love to "Boys Be Brave"! And Happy New Year, thank you!
Nam SiAn

"Boys Be Brave" premieres on April 25. You can watch it on Viki.

Will you be watching "Boys Be Brave"? We know we'll be tuning in this spring!

Is your drama watchlist ready for April? If not, don't worry. We are here to help you make your selection for the new month.

Make sure to check out our K-Drama recommendations list, as well. Let's have a look at the web dramas streaming this month.

Here is a selection of 4 web dramas streaming in April not to forget to watch. (This list only includes web dramas).

Note: Web dramas starting on the final days of March have been included as they will air throughout April.

 

1. "Please Teach Me"

When: From March 29

Cast: Lee SangMin, Park HyeongSeop

Genre: BL, Romance

Summary: The lovely story of DoYoon, an ace acting student, and SiWoo, a famous idol actor, who cross paths in an acting workshop class.

Why look forward to it?: This drama stands out from other BLs because it takes on a unique format. The drama will be made up of multiple episodes in vertical format (in the format of reels) and thus be that much more accessible to K-BL fans as they can watch the drama more easily on their phones. On top of the unique format, fans are also looking forward to seeing Park HyeongSeop on screen again after the success of "Jun & Jun" and Lee SangMin after his last drama "Why R U?", too.

 

2. "Love Is Like A Cat"

When: From April 1

Cast: Mew Suppasit, JUST B's GeonU, JUST B's JM, Kim KyoungSeok

Genre: BL, Romance, Comedy

Summary: "Love Is Like A Cat" is a Thai-Korean romance between P'Uno, who has trauma because of dogs and is now scared of animals, and Lee DaeByeol, who is working as the director of a dog kindergarten and his employee JiMin.

Why look forward to it?: Not only are BL fans looking forward to the crossover between K-BL and Thai BL, especially with this star-studded cast, but fans have been raving about how unique the storyline is, too. Many are ready to get their cheeks hurting from laughing and smiling too hard whilst watching this comedy.

 

3. "Gray Shelter"

When: From April 11

Cast: Lee JaeBin, Jang WooYoung

Genre: BL, Romance

Summary: Cha SooHyuk is focused only on his survival, without any grand goal. He reunites with Lee YoonDae, who he was very close with. YoonDae was living with his girlfriend but now has nowhere to go. They end up living together.

Why look forward to it?: Many are looking forward to seeing Lee JaeBin on screen again after his successful acting in "Choco Milk Shake". The behind-the-scenes stills of the drama have also shown a lot of chemistry between the characters even ahead of the drama's release, raising anticipation.

 

4. "Boys Be Brave"

When: From April 25

Cast: Kim SungHyen, Nam SiAn, Jung YeoJun, Ahn SeMin

Genre: BL, Romance, Youth

Summary: JinWoo, is a young man who finds himself living with his crush, KiSub, who entered his home uninvited and crashed on his couch for a little too long. The narrative also explores the relationship between Sunny and InHo, who hold onto a secret from their high school days.

Why look forward to it?: Not only is the cast of this BL drama being praised for their all-around handsome visuals and visual chemistry, but the drama is being highly anticipated by fans of the webtoon it is based on. Not to mention that the director, Lim HyunHee, is also the director of the hit K-BL drama "Our Dating Sim" which guarantees the entertainment factor of this drama.

Which web drama will you be adding to your Korean web drama watchlist for April?