The Production Team of “Navillera” Orchestrates an Inspiring and Sincere Coming-of-age Story

Navillera is directed by Han Dong-hwa, whose no-nonsense approach and genre-crossing expertise can be seen in B ad Boys, Squad 38, Bad Guys: Vile City and Miss Lee. His previous drama series Miss Lee, in particular, sets him apart as a down-to-earth storyteller.

The teaser trailers for Navillera are already stoking curiosity for how faithful he will be to this beloved story. These short glimpses into the characters’ emotional depth are earning viewers’ trust in Han’s meticulous execution of his craft.

The script is by writer Lee Eun Mee, whose debut full-length drama Tunnel put her in the front ranks of innovative modern female genre screenwriters, such as Kim Eun-hee. These two visionaries — Han Dong-hwa and Lee Eun Mee — are expected to bring a dynamic realism to this story of a journey into adulthood and the pursuit of forgotten dreams.

The series features special ballet performances of Don Quixote Basilio variation, Swan Lake, Le Corsaire, Spartacus and Coppélia. These moving sequences will play a big part in how the series will deliver a rich big screen sensory experience. With mesmerizing scenes intricately woven into this sincere and inspirational story of mentoring and friendship between two people, Navillera will make a lasting impression on viewers.

Cast of Characters

Sim Deok-chul / Age 70, Retired Postal Worker

He’s gentle. He’s kind. He’s not too timid to voice his opinions. He was born in the same year as the eruption of the Korean War. His father, who was a worker at a rice store, did whatever he could to provide for his family. He instilled in his firstborn Deok-chul the belief that his livelihood should depend on the use of a pen rather than on physical labor.

Deok-chul passed the civil examination to become a postal worker in 1977. He married Hae-nam, and they raised three kids: Seong-san, Seong-suk and Seong-gwan. Providing for the family was all he ever knew. He was diligent in his role as a father and a husband. It didn’t matter what long-forgotten dreams he harbored.

Then, on the cusp of turning 70, he chanced upon Chae-rok dancing. Deok-chul silently watched the young man radiating joy as he practiced his craft. Deok-chul’s own heart raced as his long-forgotten dream of being a ballet dancer stirred from a deep slumber. Perhaps a final shot at his dream was in order.

“Yes, I will learn ballet!”

Lee Chae-rok / Age 23, Student on Leave at the Dance Academy

He is somber. He is surly. His father Mu-yeong is a soccer coach. At age six Chae-rok began his strenuous training in the sport under his father’s wing. It wasn’t until the college admission exams came around that he realized he had no knack for soccer. Then what should he do? He never thought he’d find anything he’s passionate about.

That changed the moment he watched Seung-joo perform D on Quixote , and he began his career in ballet at age 19. Unforeseen events, however, soon devastated his whole family, leaving Chae-rok alone. He spent the next four years dancing at a ballet studio. Although he was talented enough to enter the dance academy after only one year of study, Chae-rok was facing a slump now.

One day, he meets Deok-chul, who claims that he wants to learn ballet. Chae-rok dismisses the 70-year-old and his impossible dream. But before long, Deok-chul is dancing next to Chae-rok. And he’s good. He inspires. He radiates. And from him, Chae-rok receives acknowledgement and praise he never once received from his own father.

“Do you really think so, Deok-chul?”

Choi Hae-nam / Age 72, Deok-chul’s Wife

Her children’s lives are her life. That’s why she still dotes on them even though they’re all grown up. She studies their fortunes in the cards at the start of every month. She feeds them the customary red bean porridge on the winter solstice and ogokbap during the Great Full Moon Festival. She delivers them a constant supply of miyeokguk soup and bone broth throughout the year. Caring for the children gives her enough of a headache, but now Deok-chul is making trouble instead of watching TV as he usually does.

“Honey, what is it that you want to do now?”

Sim Eun-ho / Age 23, Deok-chul’s Granddaughter

She grew up in competitive Daechi-dong and is still living the life devised by her father, Seong-san. She always excels in what she is told to do, never deviating from the given path and never failing in anything. At the same time, she has nothing she wants to do. No interests. No dreams. She just kept her nose in the books as she was told, never imagining any kind of a future dream for herself. And much to her father’s expectation and delight, she gets her foot into a big corporation, a coveted internship at Hyogyeong Group. She thought that was the end of the road. But she gets lost on her path due to an unexpected turn of events.