Xiumin and Exy Reflect on Emotional Finale of Time-Slip Drama ‘Heo’s Diner’
‘Heo’s Diner’ Concludes With Gratitude and Memories
The time-travel K-drama ‘Heo’s Diner’, which premiered on March 24 and aired for five weeks on multiple streaming platforms, wrapped up its successful run, leaving viewers with laughter, tears, and a touch of nostalgia. The series, produced by WhyNot Media and streaming on Netflix, Wavve, Watcha, and Tving, depicted the story of Heo Gyun, a historical figure from the Joseon Dynasty who accidentally travels to modern-day Korea.
Xiumin: A Role to Remember
EXO’s Xiumin portrayed the lead role, Heo Gyun, blending historical gravitas with modern charm. Reflecting on the project, he shared, “As the series aired, countless memories from the shoot resurfaced, and I realized how happy those moments made me. This drama taught me so much as an actor—it’ll remain unforgettable.”
He highlighted a particularly emotional scene in the final episode, where his character reappears as a college student, saying, “That scene made me unexpectedly emotional.” His favorite line? “‘I never forget anything I’ve seen once!’ That perfectly captured Heo Gyun’s genius.”
Exy Finds Strength in Her Role
Exy, leader of the girl group WJSN, took on the role of Bong Eun-sil, the daughter of a humble diner owner. She called her experience “bittersweet,” saying, “Playing Eun-sil felt like closing the door on a warm, precious space. But she made me stronger, and I’m more excited than sad about what’s next.”
She continued, “For me, this was a rare long-term acting project, making it both challenging and fulfilling. It marked the beginning of my 30s in the most radiant way. I sincerely thank everyone who stood by Eun-sil.”
Lee Seon Explores Shadows and Complexity
Actor Lee Seon stole scenes by switching between dual roles—I Yi-cheom and Lee Hyuk—representing ambition and moral ambiguity. He recalled, “This drama came to me during a time of personal artistic struggle. It was a guiding light that gave me purpose and energy.”
He singled out a tense moment in episode five—involving Lee Hyuk confronting Mi-sol in the restaurant—as his most memorable scene. “It required intense focus due to the long dialogue and marked a pivotal moment for my character’s unraveling.”
Lee Soo-min Rides Duality With Grit and Grace
Actress Lee Soo-min mirrored narratives of past and present, playing both the Joseon courtesan Maechang and present-day CF star Jung Mi-sol. She fondly recalled her horseback entrance: “I thought I’d be confident after a horseback lesson in Jeju, but acting on the horse was nerve-wracking!”
She added, “This script quenched my thirst for a new acting challenge. Though I’m sad it’s over, I’m grateful for the love. I’ll keep striving for even better roles.”
A Flavorsome Drama With Heart
Directed by Oh Hwan-min and written by Sung So-hyun, ‘Heo’s Diner’ blended compelling performances with delectable imagery of Korean food, earning praise for its creativity and emotion. With a unique blend of historical intrigue and modern reflection, the show succeeded not only through plot, but through the heartfelt sincerity of its cast.
The full episodes are currently available on Netflix, Wavve, Watcha, and Tving.