Mystery Deepens Around Han Ji-min’s Character in JTBC’s ‘Beautiful Than Heaven’
JTBC’s weekend drama ‘Beautiful Than Heaven’ is winning audiences with its delightful humor and heartwarming storyline. Set in a heaven that closely mirrors our real world, the show not only evokes empathy but also prompts viewers to reflect on life through the lens of death.
The series presents profound emotional connections, including the story of Lee Hae-suk (played by Kim Hye-ja), who is moved by lifelong relationships—like the one with her late husband Go Nak-jun (Son Suk-ku) whom she reunites with in the afterlife. It’s these enduring ties that underscore the importance of bonds that transcend blood relations.
Among the most intriguing story arcs is the appearance of Somyi, an unidentified woman who shows up unannounced at the heavenly residence of Lee Hae-suk and Go Nak-jun. Portrayed by actress Han Ji-min, Somyi only remembers Nak-jun’s name, stirring immediate curiosity and suspicion as she turns the couple’s peaceful paradise upside down.
As tensions rise, Nak-jun reveals his encounter with Somyi on a train to the afterlife and a rescue from Hell Station. This revelation sparks various theories about Somyi’s identity. Nak-jun begins to question if she might be a Hell escapee after receiving reports of such individuals from the Heaven Support Center. Moreover, Lee Hae-suk starts seeing similarities between Somyi and Lee Young-ae, played by Lee Jung-eun, which only deepens her anxiety.
However, a surprising twist comes when Park Cheol-jin (Jeong Seon-cheol), a new church member in heaven, confesses he is from Hell. Additionally, glimpses of Lee Young-ae in an unknown realm—not in the afterlife—take viewers by surprise.
Other subtle clues include the reactions of three stray dogs—Jjajang, Jjamppong, and Mandu—who sense that Somyi has a different smell than other residents. Even the couple’s feline Sonia shows no unfamiliarity with her, suggesting a deeper, hidden connection.
At the show’s press conference, director Kim Seok-yun revealed that Han Ji-min was not initially cast. “She wanted to be part of the series, so we created a new character for her,” he explained. Han Ji-min added, “If Kim Seok-yun directs it, I’d do anything—even work as a crew member. Participating alongside Kim Hye-ja was a dream come true.”
With mounting suspense and emotional depth, ‘Beautiful Than Heaven’ continues to keep viewers riveted and eager for answers about Somyi’s mysterious past and her role in this afterlife tale.
