New KBS Drama '심우면 연리리' Explores Urban Family's Rural Struggles

KBS 2TV's new mini-series '심우면 연리리' (translated: 'Sim Woo Myun Yeon Ri Ri') is set to premiere on March 26, 2026, at 9:50 PM. The drama presents a comedic yet poignant tale of a city family that finds themselves uprooted and struggling to adapt to life after being relocated to the seemingly idyllic rural village of Yeonri-ri.

Starring 박성웅 (Park Sung-woong) and 이수경 (Lee Soo-kyung), the show follows the story of 성태훈 (Seong Tae-hoon), a successful manager at a food conglomerate, who is unexpectedly transferred to the rural area after a corporate setback. His wife, 조미려 (Jo Mi-ryeo), and their three sons must also adjust to their new life, leading to a series of humorous and heartwarming moments.

'심우면 연리리' is directed by 최연수 (Choi Yeon-soo) and written by 송정림 (Song Jeong-rim) and 왕혜지 (Wang Hye-ji), known for their previous works that blend family dynamics with humor and drama. The series is set to consist of 12 episodes and will also be available for streaming on the OTT platform Wavve.

The narrative begins with 성태훈, who is portrayed by 박성웅, arriving at the village dressed sharply, complete with sunglasses, which sharply contrasts the rustic surroundings. This visual sets the stage for his character's struggle to fit into the new environment, which is met with resistance from the local village head, 임주형 (Im Joo-hyung), played by 이서환 (Lee Seo-hwan). Im's character is depicted with a wary attitude toward the new arrivals, declaring, "성태훈이 절대 도와주지 마이소" (Seong Tae-hoon will absolutely not be helped), establishing immediate tension.

The show promises to explore the comedic aspects of rural life and the serious challenges the family faces, including their internal conflicts. 성태훈's wife, 조미려, is portrayed by 이수경, who embodies the role of a 'super mom' attempting to hold the family together during these tumultuous changes. The couple's three sons, 성지천 (Seong Ji-cheon), 성지상 (Seong Ji-sang), and 성지구 (Seong Ji-gu), also navigate their own challenges, experiencing a culture shock that leads to moments of confusion and humor.

During a press conference held on March 25, 박성웅 emphasized the depth of the drama, stating, "This work is not just a simple healing drama. It is about families who have no choice but to farm together, rediscovering the meaning of family and finding true significance of life." His co-star 이수경 echoed these sentiments, sharing that playing a mother was a new challenge for her, but one she embraced with enthusiasm.

Adding to the complexity of the narrative is the budding romance between 성지천, played by 이진우 (Lee Jin-woo), and 임주형's daughter, 임보미 (Im Bo-mi), portrayed by 최규리 (Choi Gyu-ri). Their innocent relationship provides a counterbalance to the adult conflicts, offering moments of light-heartedness and youthful romance.

With the first episode set to air soon, viewers can expect a mix of laughter and heartfelt moments, encapsulating the challenges of adjusting to a new life and the importance of family bonds. The show's promotional material has already generated buzz, with a highlight video released just before the premiere, teasing the comedic misadventures that await.

Critics are particularly interested to see how the show balances its comedic elements with the more serious themes of family dynamics and personal growth. The dynamic between 성태훈 and 임주형 promises to be a focal point, with their rivalry hinting at a larger narrative about community and acceptance.

Fans of the cast and genre are eagerly awaiting the premiere, and with KBS 2TV's reputation for quality programming, '심우면 연리리' is poised to become a must-watch series this spring. The series will air every Thursday at 9:50 PM, and with its engaging storyline, it aims to draw viewers into the lives of its characters and the unique challenges they face.

The anticipation surrounding '심우면 연리리' reflects a growing interest among audiences for stories that blend humor with heartfelt family dynamics, making it a timely addition to the K-drama lineup.