A leaked behind-the-scenes photo from the set of Song Hye Kyo and Gong Yoo’s upcoming K-drama Slowly and Intensely has caused a stir online, with fans expressing worry over Song Hye Kyo’s noticeably thin frame.
Drama Details and Setting
Slowly and Intensely is a period drama set in the 1960s and 1970s, focusing on South Korea’s music and broadcasting industry after the Korean War. The story follows Min Ja, played by Song Hye Kyo, a woman with a tough childhood who finds passion in music. Gong Yoo stars as Dong Gu, her childhood friend and emotional support. Their journey in the music world sparks a slow-burning romance. The drama, written by Noh Hee Kyung, known for Our Blues and It’s Okay, That’s Love, is a 22-episode series directed by Lee Yoon Jung of Coffee Prince fame. It began filming on January 12, 2025, and is slated for a 2026 release on Netflix. The cast also includes Kim Seol Hyun, Lee Ha Nee, Cha Seung Won, and Kim Jeong Woo. The production budget exceeds 70 billion KRW (about 47.7 million USD).
Leaked Photo and Public Reaction
The leaked image, shared widely on social media, shows Song Hye Kyo with a short haircut styled for her role as Min Ja. She wears a simple khaki jacket and no makeup, a stark contrast to her glamorous looks in dramas like The Glory. Her slim physique drew significant attention, with some fans noting she appeared thinner than in The Glory, where she also lost weight for her role.
What happened to her neck? She looks even thinner than in The Glory. Is that really Song Hye Kyo? She’s still beautiful, but so skinny—her collarbones are protruding.
Many questioned if it was truly her, while others praised her dedication. The photo also featured Gong Yoo, dressed in a matching leather jacket, holding what appeared to be a script as they discussed a scene.
Song Hye Kyo’s Preparation for the Role
Song Hye Kyo revealed on the talk show Yoo Quiz on the Block on January 12, 2025, that she cut her hair short for the drama, describing it as a period piece by Noh Hee Kyung. In interviews, she admitted to an extreme diet for the role, sometimes eating only a few slices of bread daily. This follows her weight loss for The Glory, where she played Moon Dong Eun. Her minimalist, unisex styling in the leaked photo aligns with Min Ja’s character, reflecting the 1960s-70s era.
Gong Yoo and Song Hye Kyo’s Collaboration
This marks the first time Song Hye Kyo and Gong Yoo are working together, generating excitement among fans. Song Hye Kyo is collaborating with Noh Hee Kyung for the third time, having starred in Worlds Within (2008) and That Winter, The Wind Blows (2013). Gong Yoo, fresh from Squid Game 2, reunites with director Lee Yoon Jung after Coffee Prince (2007). Fans have praised their casting, calling it a perfect blend of visuals and talent.
Wow… Song Hye Kyo + Gong Yoo… This is the ultimate combination of visuals and acting skills. The hottest one-two punch in terms of acting from the most talked-about dramas in the past year—this is a must-watch!
This visual pair is unbeatable. They look amazing together, why haven’t they worked together before?
Filming Updates and Fan Encounters
Filming began on January 12, 2025, as reported by Star News. A fan recently spotted Song Hye Kyo and Gong Yoo on set and shared videos online, showing them preparing for a scene. The fan received Song Hye Kyo’s autograph and wrote,
Thank you for the autograph. Actress Song Hye Kyo is beautiful. Wishing the drama a great success.
The clips captured Song Hye Kyo’s short-haired look and her synergy with Gong Yoo, fueling anticipation. Another photo showed them in matching outfits, intensifying buzz about their chemistry.
Supporting Cast and Production
Kim Seol Hyun plays Min Hui, who has a love-hate relationship with Min Ja. Lee Ha Nee and Cha Seung Won take on key roles, adding depth to the story. The drama, initially titled Show Business, explores the lives of stars and behind-the-scenes workers in the entertainment industry. Netflix confirmed the series, describing it as a tale of dreamers chasing success in a gritty era. Filming is expected to wrap in the first half of 2025.
Past Projects
Song Hye Kyo, aged 43, rose to fame with Autumn in My Heart and starred in hits like Descendants of the Sun and The Glory. She recently appeared in Dark Nuns, a supernatural thriller that drew 1.6 million viewers in South Korea. Gong Yoo, 45, is known for Train to Busan, Goblin, and Squid Game. Both were considered for Descendants of the Sun, with Gong Yoo offered the role later played by Song Joong Ki. Song Hye Kyo was married to Song Joong Ki from 2017 to 2019.
Fan Concerns and Her Dedication
While fans admire Song Hye Kyo’s commitment, her frail appearance has sparked concern. Her extreme diet and physical transformation reflect her effort to embody Min Ja authentically. Social media reactions highlight both worry and admiration, with many eager to see her performance alongside Gong Yoo. The drama’s historical setting and emotional depth promise a compelling story.
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Filming for Slowly and Intensely continues, with recent set photos and fan encounters keeping the drama in the spotlight. Song Hye Kyo and Gong Yoo are actively shooting, and the series remains on track for its 2026 Netflix release. Fans are eagerly awaiting more updates as production progresses.
CREDITS: Kenh14 news
