Netflix's new original series "Beauty in the Beast" (working title) recently released photos from its first script reading, with lead actors Kim Min-ju, Lomon, and Moon Sang-min all in attendance, officially kicking off the production of this teen fantasy romance drama.
"Beauty in the Beast" is a youth fantasy romance set in a school, telling the story of Min-soo, a girl who hides the secret of being able to transform into a wolf, and her encounters with her university senior Hae-joon and another werewolf boy, Do-ha, leading to a series of events. The drama is directed by Jin Hyuk, who previously directed "The Legend of the Blue Sea" and "Lady Temperament," and the script is written by Kim Han-sae, who worked on Netflix series such as "Extracurricular Activities" and "Glitch." The production team and the high production value make it highly anticipated.
The story unfolds as Min Soo begins her university life. As a werewolf, she was rigorously trained from a young age to suppress her emotions and instincts, solely to avoid revealing her true identity to others. This long-term self-restraint gradually acclimatizes her to societal rules, yet also fuels her longing for an "ordinary life." Stepping onto the university campus, this seemingly free yet unpredictable space, becomes the starting point for a change in her destiny.
Kim Min-ju plays the female lead, Ha Min-soo. This character carries the secret of an ability that cannot be revealed, living cautiously while still retaining a curiosity about the world. She yearns for the ordinary life of a normal person, longing to go where she wants to go and do what she wants to do. This coexistence of repression and longing constitutes the core emotion of the character.
Moon Sang-min plays Hae-joon, Min-soo's senior from university. On the surface, he has a cold expression and sharp eyes, giving people a feeling of being unapproachable, but in reality, he has a gentle personality, thus being called a "large dog-like senior." Hae-joon, who is usually indifferent to others, frequently notices Min-soo's abnormal behavior in front of him, and gradually develops an inexplicable concern for her.
Lomon plays Do-ha, a free-spirited werewolf boy. In stark contrast to Min-soo, Do-ha never hesitates when faced with desires and choices. He feels both anxious and unable to take his eyes off Min-soo, who has long suppressed her self, creating tension in their relationship.
Judging from the first publicly released script reading, *Beauty in the Beast* attempts to explore identity, emotional repression, and self-expression during adolescence, building upon a fantasy setting. As production progresses, this series, blending elements of school life, fantasy, and romance, is seen as another significant foray into youth-themed dramas by Netflix.


