Welcome to Samdalri tells the story of Sam Dahl, who unlike Young Bill, who cherished the local mainstream, rises to success outside the city only to lose it all and return home, seeking solace and healing. The drama revolves around individuals who remain fragile and immature even as adults, providing heartwarming moments and laughter.
Directed by Cha Young Hoon, known for When the Camellia Blooms and Forecasting Love and Weather, and written by Kwon Hye Joo, known for Go Back Couple and Hi Bye, Mama!,
Welcome to Samdalri will be their first collaboration. Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun will take on the lead roles.
Ji Chang Wook has been cast as Cho Young Pil, a meteorologist at the meteorological office on Jeju Island. Cho Young Pil is a notorious troublemaker who challenges headquarters' control. He constantly challenges weather forecasts issued by headquarters and enters into verbal disputes with the head of the Meteorological Office. After losing his mother, haenyeo (a Jeju Island submariner), he follows a dream of becoming a forecaster. He protects and loves Jeju Island passionately, especially his precious "samcheon" (a term used to refer to adults in Jeju dialect). He continues to excel as a weather forecaster despite being labeled a troublemaker.
Shin Hye Sun will give life to the role of Cho Eun Hee or Cho Sam Dal She grew up dreaming of leaving the island as soon as possible, which led her to embark on a tough living assistantship in the fashion photography industry under the pseudonym Cho Eun Hee, where she endured hardships for eight years until she reached the top. However, her hard-earned success crumbles due to a certain incident. Eventually, she returned to broadcasting where she dreamed of success and was still called "Sam Dahl."
Young Bill and Sam Dahl, who were born and raised in Samdalri, have always been inseparable, spending more time together than apart. However, they lost contact for several years due to an unknown accident. As Sam Dall returns to the hometown that Young Pil cherishes, the long-estranged couple will embark on an exciting and intimate journey to rediscover their deep affection and love.
The production team welcomes Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun to JTBC, saying that they expect the two actors, who have bright and cheerful energy, to raise the level of success of JTBC dramas in 2023 with their exceptional performances.
They also stated that Welcome to Samdalri is a drama that focuses on the unique skills of director Cha Young Hoon and writer Kwon Hyo Joo. Amidst a fast-paced world, the drama will encourage viewers to reflect on the value of their lost dreams, memories and the countless connections that pass by.
The series will go on air in the second half of 2023.
