Chae Jong-hyeop is set to return to Japanese screens in a fresh romantic tale that builds directly on his breakthrough success there. The actor takes on the lead role as the mysterious caretaker in The Rules Of Vacation (working title), offering audiences another chance to see his range in cross-cultural storytelling. The series blends seaside serenity with emotional depth, positioning it as a standout summer J-drama release.
The drama, produced by Japan’s ABEMA, follows Hoshino Midori (Hashimoto Kanna), who becomes exhausted by her busy life and falls in love with the mysterious caretaker Nishigami at a seaside villa. Through this relationship, she rediscovers the meaning of her life. Chae Jong-hyeop portrays Nishigami, the enigmatic manager of the beachside villa, bringing depth to the intriguing character.
The newly released teaser trailer spotlights intense eye contact and quiet tension between Chae Jong-hyeop and Hashimoto Kanna, teasing their evolving romantic connection at the villa. Brief glimpses of ocean waves and intimate conversations heighten expectations for the emotional layers the pair will explore. Hashimoto Kanna brings vulnerability and strength to her role, perfectly complementing Chae Jong-hyeop’s enigmatic presence.
The teaser poster effectively captures Nishigami’s mysterious charm through his unreadable gaze and calm demeanor. This visual creates a perfect sense of tension and romance that draws audiences in immediately.
The Rules Of Vacation is scheduled to premiere on ABEMA on July 27, with streaming availability on Netflix beginning July 31. This dual-platform release ensures broader accessibility for international viewers eager to follow the story. The timing aligns well with summer viewing habits, potentially boosting its appeal across audiences in Japan and beyond.
Chae Jong-hyeop previously gained widespread popularity in Japan through his leading role in Eye Love You. He portrayed Yoon Tae-o, a cheerful Korean student in Japan whose inner thoughts remain a mystery to the female lead due to her telepathic ability, sparking a unique romance. This performance marked him as the first Korean actor to headline a prime-time Japanese drama.
Building on his success with Eye Love You, Chae Jong-hyeop continues to demonstrate his versatility as an actor comfortable in cross-cultural productions. His ability to convey subtle emotions makes him an ideal choice for the complex character of Nishigami. Fans of romantic dramas can expect another standout performance that blends charm with intrigue in this new project.
Chae Jong-hyeop’s growing presence in Japanese entertainment highlights the increasing collaboration between Korean and Japanese talent. His previous work has paved the way for more opportunities in the industry. With Hashimoto Kanna as his co-star, the series benefits from strong leading performances that elevate the material.
The teasers already signal The Rules Of Vacation will deliver a visually stunning escape filled with quiet passion and personal growth, making it a must-watch for followers of Chae Jong-hyeop’s J-drama journey.
