An autumn holiday in France with JTBC’s The Package
by tipsymocha
Something about the fall weather always gives me cabin fever, but since I can’t actually go on holiday, I’m hoping that JTBC’s upcoming travel drama The Package will vicariously satisfy my need to get on a plane. The fully pre-produced drama starring Lee Yeon-hee (Reunited Worlds) and Jung Yong-hwa (Three Musketeers) was filmed last year in various locations in France, which should provide for a beautiful backdrop that is already evident from its recently released poster and stills.
I particularly love the poster of the leads bicycling on a pier in the northern seaside town of Deauville. The saturated colors make everything look so vibrant and I can just imagine how good the crisp sea breeze would feel if I were on that boardwalk. The tagline above the two leads reads, “An unfamiliar place, an unfamiliar person, and an unfamiliar offer.”
The stills gives us our first look at the rest of the titular package tour members, who are described as a troublesome, loud group of people. Over the course of the ten-day tour, which will have them visit other towns in the Normandy region like Mont Saint-Michel and Honfleur, the group will face unexpected events that disrupts their holiday.
Lee Yeon-hee will play the tour guide who took the job in order to pay for her studies in Paris. She will develop an attraction to Jung Yong-hwa’s character, who starts the series distracted by the problems he left behind in Korea but becomes more romantically aware of his package tour guide. He’s described as a bit of a problematic guest who causes an accident as soon as he arrives in the airport, drawing the ire of the rest of his travel group. Aw, I feel for him, especially since he’ll be the only solo tour member.
The first of our three tour group couples is Choi Woo-shik (Fight My Way) and Ha Shi-eun (Oh Hae-young Again). He’s a perennially failing entrepreneur, while she’s a game designer, and they’ve been together for so long (ten years!) that the couple is currently straddling that awkward line between dating and marriage. They’re at a crossroads and will have to decide whether they will marry or break up after this trip is over. On the other hand, Ryu Seung-soo (Falsify) and Park Yoo-na (Sassy Go Go) are in an unspecified relationship that is the subject of much speculation within the tour group. At times attentive towards each other, and at times awkward, they are completely oblivious to the curiosity of the other travelers.
And last but not least, Jung Gyu-su (Ruler—Master of the Mask) and Lee Ji-hyun (Grand Prix) play an old, unhappily married couple. He sounds like a stubborn old fart who finds reasons to complain about anything and everything, while his long-suffering wife has spent most of her adult life caring for him. There’s also Yoon Park (Introverted Boss), a mysterious man who isn’t a member of the package tour, but arrives in France to find Lee Yeon-hee. The only hint he has to aid his search is a single picture of her, which doesn’t sound particularly helpful, but color me intrigued.
The synopsis and location of The Package personally elicit expectations of a contemplative, slice-of-life vibe, but then I remembered the writer, Chun Sung-il, and his action-heavy credits (Chuno, Runaway Plan B, Level 7 Civil Servant). His established writing style hasn’t exactly lent itself to subtlety so I’m pretty interested to see how the show turns out with his script and the two PDs who co-directed the show, Jeon Chang-geun (What’s With this Family) and Kim Jin-won (Wonderful Season, Nice Guy). If nothing else, I’m sure the show will be beautiful to look at.
JTBC’s The Package will premiere on October 13, and will air on Fridays and Saturdays after Age of Youth 2 ends. Now, off to look up more flight options for holidays I can’t take! (*cries*)
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Tags: Choi Woo-shik, Jung Yong-hwa, kim Tera, Lee Yeon-hee, Ryu Seung-soo, The Package, Yoon Park
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1 yuelie
September 13, 2017 at 2:37 PM
I live in France...*sigh*...but not there! :(
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UmbrellaMan
September 13, 2017 at 3:56 PM
You're French?? I had no idea! Always wanted to visit! Even took French in high school. Course don't remember a thing...
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kethysk
September 14, 2017 at 5:41 AM
lol. I understand your disappointment. When "Goblin: the Lonely and Great God" aired last year and it became clear they filmed in Canada, I was soooo sad! like, "Why didn't you tell me you were in Quebec?!?! I would have gone there!"
(I'm in Canada and an 8hr drive from their filming site in Quebec city).
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hannaehh
September 14, 2017 at 6:28 AM
Comment was deleted
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Eldalis
September 14, 2017 at 6:13 AM
I'm French too xD It's so strange because after years of watching Korean dramas in France, a Korean drama set in France is going to air while I'm now studying in Korea.
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TM
September 14, 2017 at 10:11 AM
I live in France too. The drama will probably give us vacation suggestions
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juti
September 14, 2017 at 4:02 PM
Me too I live in France and the Mont-Saint-Michel isn't that far from where I live, it's funny to think that they were so close haha
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vannerie
September 15, 2017 at 4:37 AM
It's about an hour from us to Deauville. We're in Corsica this week though!
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2 blues
September 13, 2017 at 2:55 PM
France setting would be soooooo beautiful, I imagine. For some reason I feel warm instead the setting season is fall.
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3 del^o^
September 13, 2017 at 3:04 PM
oh i can't for this drama ??
jung yong hwa oppa I will always support and cheer for you .....oppa hwaiting
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Del ^o^
September 13, 2017 at 3:11 PM
*can't wait *
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4 am1993
September 13, 2017 at 3:13 PM
I was excited to get news from this drama because of Choi Wooshik and Yoon Park, and the rest of the cast...then I remembered who the writer was...I still have nightmares from the horribleness that was Level 7 Civil Servant.
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5 sujeongi
September 13, 2017 at 3:39 PM
I remember Jung Yong-hwa and Yoon Park talking about this drama in tvN's Life Bar talk show. They had to spend like a month or so in Mont Saint-Michel and didn't have anything to do there except drinking wine every evening and playing silly games. Tour packages are not my cup of tea, but I like watching JTBC's Carefree Travellers, so a drama version of it sounds alright to me. Especially with the casts in this :)
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redfox
September 13, 2017 at 10:48 PM
I hope they didn´t play the game that a group of american students once played.
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6 Jen
September 13, 2017 at 5:34 PM
I'm excited for these..It's sort of a healing tour so I'm game to watch those type of series in a world fullnm of drama..lol..
Cant wait to watch Jung Yong Hwa and they make a pretty couple.
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7 urnaa
September 13, 2017 at 5:47 PM
Wish lead was Yoon Park, then it would be totally different.
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8 hpn88
September 13, 2017 at 6:13 PM
yes finally an airdate. thank god. its kind of funny that yoon park's drama will air after AOY2.
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9 hello spring
September 13, 2017 at 6:23 PM
The top poster is just beautiful. I'm excited for this drama but more for Yonghwa. It has been a while since he was in a drama and I've been seeing comments about his improved acting in TTM as well.
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10 Nessie
September 13, 2017 at 7:01 PM
Lol and here I thought it would be a variety show of being in France haha
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11 nofrilldaffodil
September 13, 2017 at 7:28 PM
I'm actually finding this premise very fresh and unheard of in dramaland. Is it just me? Well either way I'm definitely looking forward to it, it would be a nice change from all the police/lawyer/doctor dramas. Now we have a tour guide!
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12 toramona
September 13, 2017 at 7:48 PM
OOOoOO pre-produced drama. C'mon drama world at least make half of the drama's pre-produced. Pleeeaasse
I'm here for Oh Jung Yong-hwa, Choi Woo-shik and Ha Shi-eun. I'm into the premise but I'm scared of Lee Yeon-hee. Her acting in Reunited World made me take a break from the show. I really hope she's more comfortable with Oh Jung Yong-hwa(they're closer in age) and having the script complete helps her acting. I am trying to be hopeful.
Anyways it looks BEAUTIFUL.
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13 hannaehh
September 13, 2017 at 7:52 PM
After watching Lee Yeon-hee in Reunited Worlds, I hope she's better here as she's quite expressionless in RW.
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14 Cheshire Cat
September 13, 2017 at 8:02 PM
The premise reminds me of a movie called 'My Life in Ruins' which was about a tour group in Greece. If this is anything like that movie I think I'll really like it.
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15 UmbrellaMan
September 13, 2017 at 8:36 PM
Glad to see Choi Woo-shik back in action. This sounds like a promising series set in a beautiful location.
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16 rori0711
September 13, 2017 at 10:08 PM
This drama felt like a fresh breath of air. The cast, especially Jung Yonghwa who's last seen in 2014, the OTP, the premise and that beautifully shot poster was making me anticipate The Package.
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17 supermonica
September 13, 2017 at 10:26 PM
Such a beautiful, beautiful poster. Makes me want to go on a vacation myself. As someone who works closely with the travel industry, I am just happy that the heroine's a tour guide and the supporting roles are members of her tour group. It's good to know that more groups of the population are getting represented in kdramas, beside those who are doctors, lawyers, prosecutors, polices, chefs, chaebols, and white-collar workers.
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18 Yongxwinterwoods
September 13, 2017 at 10:26 PM
@Urnaa FYI its JYP PICTURE that begging for yonghwa to staring this drama, the fact that Yoon park is under JYP.
Ofcourse its not Questionable since yonghwa is so ceazily popular In China,Japan,Korea,international! he also has many big fanbases!! He's debut chinese movie Cook Up a Storm ranked at no.2 in box office!! That is the fact that yonghwa is more selling and profitable!! since this drama sure spend a lot of money,so if they want profit and money money money its make sense they cast yonghwa!!!
Also YONGHWA CAN ACT!! always showing impressive improvement everytime he's coming back with new projects!! has been playing lead roles 3rd time!! Hearstrings(2011), TTM(2014) and this The package(2017) unlike he's band mate!! This is he's comback drama after freaking 3 Years!! Unlike Yoonpark that you can see him playing more than 2dramas in a year!
You can continue winning,crying,praying for yoonpark as lead in other dramas but not here please respect! Chiao adios i'm done!!!
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19 redfox
September 13, 2017 at 10:43 PM
road trips, I love them, one: because it takes people out of comfort zone and makes them more alert; two: because the situation can change at any point and they have to face the change and adapt; and three: because it really puts people close together (yet in a tour bus some people might not speak to each other till the end of the tour, but since this is a small circle, I expect them all to get to know the other. also, a road trip can bring unexpected situations and problems, in a tense situation the true nature of people comes out and you can see who is a true problem-.solver and who is just a wimp. in short, I wish more dramas were road-trips, because it is a great way to open human nature. But I guess it is also kind of expensive so more reserved for movies.
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20 spazmo
September 13, 2017 at 10:45 PM
okay, i just have to say that the poster is weird (photoshopped)... they don't cast shadows...
: D
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21 Ginger
September 13, 2017 at 10:58 PM
Hope they'll show as many of the beautiful attractions in Normandy as possible. Besides Mont St Michel, Honfleur, Deauville, surely they'll visit Etretat for the white chalk cliffs especially l'Aiguille. And Rouen for the Cathedral, the memories of Jeanne d'Arc.. And Giverny for Monet's garden? I won't mind whatever story and plot there'll be, just show me more Normandy!
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cotcotte
September 14, 2017 at 12:38 AM
Another fan of Normandy here! Every summer holidays I spend one or two weeks in a new Normandy town. My favorite ones : Trouville and Honfleur. It'll be fun to watch a drama set in places that I know!^^
Plus I really like Choi Woo Shik.
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Ginger
September 14, 2017 at 3:12 AM
How I envy you. Been there one summer only, and loved every place. Honfleur is really lovely and picturesque. Would really like to visit again.
I love all the leads -- Jung Yung Hwa, Choi Woo Shik and Yoon Park. Hopefully seeing them touring around can bring back all the good memories.
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22 cantbothertologin
September 13, 2017 at 11:04 PM
Nice colours in the poster. But I'm really only interested in Choi Woo-shik. And since he's just a supporting lead, I'll pass on this.
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23 Listen to Yonghwa solo albums summer calling and do disturb
September 13, 2017 at 11:18 PM
Its been freaking 3 years !!!! Welcome back My darlin Yonghwaaaaa your back more gorgeous than ever!!!! *imagining my self hugging his sexy delicious body* *slap
Sob sob i've been waiting for this dramas! THANKS A LOT FOR @Tipsymocha for writing article about this drama nicely ~~
The story is so interesting but not really like the writer past projects but the pd's is so good, the cast also convinced for it story and their roles.
FYI this drama is 70 minutes per episode and been airing in tv festival in paris now, you can search on twitter @jtbcthepackage or #Thepackage on twitter to follow up with this drama!
Please please someone recap this dramaaa The package
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hello spring
September 13, 2017 at 11:53 PM
I sincerely hope the English sub for this will be fast for the benefit of the non-SK fan like me. It's just so sad that Yonghwa's recent TV appearances are not subbed yet (i.e Life Bar, Island Trio, etc). Seems like BOICE's "sub team" is inactive lately.
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24 Yonghwa akgae
September 13, 2017 at 11:25 PM
Glad to see Yonghwa back!! I'm not a kdrama lovers, amd only watching my.bias drama seriously, whtever yonghwa in i'll watching it till the end! ugh i even watching a terrible mirae choice till the very end just for you babyyy
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25 San Maru x Yoon So so
September 13, 2017 at 11:30 PM
Praying for @Lollypip recap The Package, anyone will be ok atleast not a biased writer
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26 Kiss Yong lips
September 13, 2017 at 11:35 PM
Heol who are you wherever you are... Fans of the package cast can u leave many comments under everytime the package related dont be a silent reader since your fave i coming... show your antuciassm !! ??
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kiss yong lips
September 13, 2017 at 11:38 PM
I mean under every the package related articles, since your fave is coming *keyboard will be damned
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hello spring
September 13, 2017 at 11:46 PM
Agree! Let's show our full support to The Package especially to Yonghwa. This guy has been working hard to improve and be the best in his craft. Come on BOICEs it is time @jyheffect0622 feel our undying support. We've been letting him down lately :(
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kiss yong lip
September 14, 2017 at 12:07 AM
This drama been hype by yonghwa fans and some boice too in twitter,ig,weibo etc., but it seems everyone in the fandom*boice is strting to biased since all cnblue boys have a drama comeback this year... so they will stand and support the member that they like the most
The fanwars also make it worse, some boice like to put down yonghwa writing bad comments about him, and praised jungshin,jonghyun,minhyuk acting only this fandom is mess, and their jealousy towards yonghwa popularity and succes and all turned them to be evil..
Idk since most of kpopers dont go to a dram asites, must be lazy
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hello spring
September 14, 2017 at 12:29 AM
That is a sad truth :( How can BOICEs hate Yonghwa??? He is such a beautiful person. You can see his personality in Island Trio where he is well-loved by the casts and production crew. He is so giving.
I remember that when he guested in Life Bar he mentioned that he almost did not take this drama because of the ordeal he had from the insider trading scandal. While he was acquitted, (anti) fans still put the blame on him. I feel so sorry for him that he had to go through that. But at least now he is letting himself have fun again. Have you checked his recent IG updates where he surfs, learns to play sax, etc.
No matter what, I will stay with him.
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allin
September 14, 2017 at 10:28 PM
This BOICE doesn't hate Yonghwa, I love him. As do most BOICE. Let's not start that here.
27 Hallyu prince JYH
September 13, 2017 at 11:53 PM
I'm nervous everytime reading my bias articles and comment section in drama site like this, since my bae is idol actor, and some so called kdrama lovers who judging like an acting expert likely to put down idol actor/actresses. Beside a real actor or model turn actor can be terrible more than idols too.
But my bae Can act, not an oscar worthy atleast he's decent and always showing impressive acting improvement evertytime he's back with new project!! ??
The Package fighting!! ??
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28 4yellow
September 13, 2017 at 11:58 PM
I think I'm going to enjoy this one. I hope it cheers me up and not miss age of youth too much.
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29 Give ma boy proper kiss scenes puhles
September 14, 2017 at 12:20 AM
Lee yeonhee looks more matching with Yonghwa, more than her previous one...
There is also so many good The Package Fmv on youtube, and this two highly praising from knetz for their visuals, This probably will be my first ever Watching Lee yeonhee drama!! I hope she's showing a good performance with yonghwa... there's no doubt about the chemystri since yonghwa is good at built chemystri... also i'm hoping for a kissing scenes please ? since yonghwa is a lead with lee yoonhee and the one of pd come from nice guy pd... beside i'm not sure yonghwa will taking another drama since next year he'll be enlisting !! ??
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30 missjb
September 14, 2017 at 12:35 AM
I think I'm the only one are waiting this drama to come because of my fav PD nim haha.... aftelong hiatus, i can't wait to watch this drama.
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Sera The Ms Temper
September 14, 2017 at 12:58 AM
I'm waiting for his next drama Just Between Lovers as well. I may waiting for that one more than this one tbh.
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31 jillian
September 14, 2017 at 12:37 AM
I am looking forward to this just because of the potential beauty of the scenery. I love France and looking forward to seeing more of it through this drama.
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32 Kosan95 renaxpakfaisal
September 14, 2017 at 12:39 AM
@Tipsymoscha oh my god you write the article this long so nicely, and not sound so biased, i love reading your review! Thank's you so much ??
It'll be more perfect if you also introducing their roles ✌✌ but since the premiere is still far, so its ok too to introducing it latter since even the teaser video is not out yet ??
I already know everything of this drama so far, character and their motive reading it on twitter.
Cant wait for the video teaser to come out!!! This drama sure will give a fresh air to dramaland!!
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33 Listen to Yonghwa beautiful voice
September 14, 2017 at 12:52 AM
Uhm i wish i can trust the writer, please be good dramaaaa!!!! Heard that The Package phografer and ost team is come from dots team!!!
I'm kinda wanna see Yonghwa with my fave Kim Jiwon,Jungsomin,park boyoung etc. Some of trendy actress....
But i'm ok with lee yeonhyee too beside so unfamiliar and never watching her in anything..
She kinda loos like shin sekyung but Lee yoonhee is way more prettier imo... my expectation for this drama is high but not so sure about everything ??
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34 mmmmm
September 14, 2017 at 3:44 AM
Wow it's Yong Hwa!!! It's been ages since I last saw him, so this is quite a good news!
Yonghwa and France equal ❤️.
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35 lex
September 14, 2017 at 5:40 AM
I love that all the characters have their own story! I hope the writers get to explore each one of them. Jung Yong Hwa and Lee Yeon Hee look visually stunning together then you add the beauty of France as a backdrop? Totally sold! Looking forward to the premiere.
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36 thekimchikorner
September 14, 2017 at 11:36 AM
This drama wasn't actually on my radar until a few days ago when more information and pictures were released. The story is actually really intriguing and stands out from a lot of the other dramas airing right now! Besides...I have to give anything starring Yong-hwa a chance lol :)
https://www.thekimchikorner.com
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37 Ceteena
September 14, 2017 at 6:41 PM
Imagine walking in Paris and stumbling upon this crew. . .
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38 Sharie
September 14, 2017 at 8:41 PM
Wow, Age of Youth 2 and then The Package? I absolutely adore these slice-of-life dramas. Unfortunately I've got midterms... maybe I'll indulge afterwards? :)
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39 Mimo
September 15, 2017 at 2:03 AM
Lee Yeon Hee looks so much better here than in RW! This drama looks beautiful and I get Miss Korea vibes from LYH in this so I'm sure I'll like her acting and chemistry here!
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