Held online At the production presentation of 'Riding Life', director Kim Cheol-gyu explained, "Daechi-dong is a symbol of private education. This work deals with the story of kindergarten students and their mothers, who are at the center of private education, and grandmothers, the generation above them. What is unique about this drama is that the focus of private education is on kindergarten students."
As the background for choosing the material, director Kim said, "As the term '7-Year-Old Examination' suggests, it satirizes Gangnam parents. Lee Soo-ji's video is also gaining great popularity. Scenes of her solving TOEIC problems, reading the Queen of England's speech, and discussing Nietzsche's philosophy in English are common in Gangnam academy areas. "The starting point of this drama was the question of how to view this reality." This drama aimed to reflect reality and approached it realistically without exaggeration. Director Kim said, "We recruited an actual academy and used it as the main set, and filmed in the Daechi-dong academy district. Familiar places will appear. As we deal with the issue of private education for young students, we approached it cautiously and put a lot of thought into striking a balance between representing reality and protecting children."
Jeon Hye-jin plays the role of Jeong-eun, a working mother, and Jo Min-soo, who happens to take care of her grandchildren. I played the role of Jia. They seek to reflect the lives of working mothers and grandparents in modern society.
Jeon Hye-jin expressed her thoughts on the work, saying, "The setting of Daechi-dong academy was a very noteworthy subject. It was heartbreaking and sad. I was also attracted to the story focused on the mother-daughter relationship."
Jeon Hye-jin said, "I have been riding continuously since my children were born. Jeong Eun and I think they are about 70% similar. I am not as passionate about education as Jeong-eun, but I am still trying my best, but I don't think I can do it as well as Jeong-eun." She also said, "I want to give my support and support to all mothers. “I want to let people know that I am doing my best. Sometimes the path may be wrong, and I may regret it, but I want to support them.” Minsoo Jo said, “I have finally started living my own life after working as a child psychotherapist, but this is a reality that many people face, and I often see grandparents burdened with kindergarten. “I want to show you,” he said.
There were worries about the role of a grandmother, but Cho Min-soo was drawn to the charm of ‘Riding Life’ and decided to appear. “We are telling our own story, and we wanted to express them as human beings, not as grandmothers and grandfathers. We thought about how to reflect the situation faced by the older generation in our work. Although it is not perfect, we wanted to express just and humane love,” he said.
Although the drama delivers a heavy message, it is expected to entertain viewers with a light and cheerful atmosphere. Director Kim explained, "Although it started off seriously, this drama is warm, cheerful, and lovely."
Jung Jin-young played the role of Lee Young-wook, who becomes fascinated by Ji-ah while taking charge of riding for her grandson Min-ho. He said, "As the world becomes more difficult these days, many stories make us feel tired. However, our work is a gentle story that follows the emotional line. The melodramatic elements are especially prominent."
'Riding Life' will begin its first broadcast on ENA at 10 PM on March 3.