Korean dramas often weave together romance, fantasy, and cultural heritage, captivating global audiences with stories that feel both intimate and universal. Head Over Heels (견우와 선녀) is one of the latest examples, a series that blends a tale of love, rivalry, and shamanistic beliefs that have been embedded in Korean culture for centuries. Since its release, the drama has steadily built momentum, ranking in the Top 10 on Prime Video for five consecutive weeks across 52 countries (according to FlixPatrol), a testament to the universal appeal of its story.

At the center of this success is Actor Cha Kang-yoon, who takes on the significant role of Pyo Ji-ho. While not become the main lead of the story, Ji-ho’s presence is important, he is the loyal friend, the quiet rival, and the embodiment of warmth in a story often shadowed by darkness. Actor Cha Kang-yoon describes Ji-ho as someone who set their mind to protect the people he loves, Seong-ah and Gyeon-woo. Ji-ho also a figure who doesn’t rely on supernatural abilities but instead on sincerity, kindness, and unshakable devotion. It is this quiet strength that makes Ji-ho stand out, transforming a second lead role into one of the most memorable characters in the series. Through him, viewers are reminded that even without supernatural strength, love itself can be the greatest power of all.

This interview was conducted via email between July 28 and August 18. Actor Cha Kang-yoon reflects on his path to the role, his encounter with Korea’s shamanistic traditions, and the lessons he carries forward as both an actor and a storyteller.

[One-on-One Interview with Actor Cha Kang-yoon who plays Pyo Ji-ho in Head Over Heels]

Q1. How did you first become involved in Head Over Heels?

A: I had already completely read the original Head Over Heels webtoon years ago, and Pyo Ji-Ho was the character who really caught my attention. So when the offer came in for that role, it felt like a fate. It was one of the genres and characters I had always wanted to try. Reading the script, I realized Ji-Ho was even more captivating than I’d imagined, someone who will stop at nothing to protect Seong-ah. That unwavering loyalty made me want to bring him to life even more.

Q2. What was your first impression when reading the script, especially with its focus on Korean shamanism and traditional beliefs?

A: When I first read it, it felt very refreshing. I didn’t know much about shamanism, things like fortune-telling or spiritual readings at the time. But as I read on, I realized that Korea’s traditional shamanistic beliefs were far deeper and broader than I had imagined

Q3: In your own words, how would you describe what Head Over Heels is truly about?

A: I think it all comes down to the idea that ‘love is stronger than anything.’ In the drama, even the evil forces that seem impossible to defeat are ultimately overcome by the love shared between Seong-a, Gyeon-woo, Ji-ho, and the many others who help them. That’s the heart of the story, while at first it may look like evil prevails in the world, in the end, goodness and love prove to be the stronger force. That’s what makes me love Head Over Heels even more.

Q4: Could you introduce your character, Pyo Ji-ho? What makes him special or meaningful to you? 

A: My character, Pyo Ji-ho, is a friend who has a crush on Sung-ah, a high school shaman, and is a rival to Gyeon-woo, but she is an attractive person who shows friendship beyond that. Sung-ah is a wonderful friend who protects her as a crush, Gyeon-woo is a friend and is active in many fields. The reason I especially cared about Pyo Ji-ho was that he didn't harm Gyeon-woo just because he liked Sung-ah or interfere with them. It's a love triangle, but I think this love triangle made the play even more lovely. This is what's unique about Pyo Ji-ho.

Q5: Pyo Ji-ho isn’t part of the spiritual world himself, but he stays close to it because of his friends. How did you prepare to play someone who stands between ordinary life and the unseen world?

A: I felt he wouldn’t be too bothered by the fact that he can’t see the spiritual world. Ji Ho is a simple person in the best sense — his mind is set entirely on protecting Seong-ah and Gyeon-woo. Of course, he might feel a bit of harmless jealousy over the bond only those two can share, but the spiritual realm itself wouldn’t concern him much.

Q6: Your character is a close friend of a shaman. How did you try to understand and express his support for her, especially as someone outside that spiritual world?

A: For Ji-Ho, it was never about helping “Shaman Seong-ah,” but simply about wanting to be a great source of strength for Seong-ah. Whether she was facing spirits or Gyeon-woo was in danger, he wasn’t thinking about the spirits themselves — just about protecting his friends. I Hope viewers saw him as someone warmhearted and harmless.

Q7: What was the most memorable or emotionally powerful scene for you during filming?

A: The most memorable scene is when Jiho breaks down the window of a warehouse on fire and suppresses the fire. While filming, I learned action movements from the martial arts director, and through the process, I thought that I would like to try the action genre later. Originally, I enjoyed filming because I liked to use my body, so it remains more impressive.

Q8: What kind of collaboration did you have with the director and creative team to shape the emotional layers of Pyo Ji-ho?

A: I received so much support from the director and the production team. Rather than calling it collaboration, I would say I simply embraced the way they cherished both Pyo Ji-ho and Cha Kang-yoon, and tried to express that love through the character of Pyo Ji-ho. Ji-ho is, after all, someone who is full of love. Thanks to the director and staff, I was able to naturally learn what it means to receive love and to give love, and that allowed me to fully bring Pyo Ji-ho to life.

Q9: Pyo Ji-ho is a loyal and pure-hearted friend. How did you express those quiet but strong emotions in your acting?

A: I saw Pyo Ji-ho as an ‘upright pine tree.’ I tried to portray him in a way that felt real, without disrupting the tone that defined him, but ensuring that sincerity could truly be felt.

Q10: What does this project mean to you personally, and how has it impacted you as an actor? 

A: Through this project, I was able to learn a lot about what it means to deliver a performance with a strong sense of ‘character.’ As I read the script and built the role of Ji-ho, I gained many ideas about which aspects to focus on and how best to express them.

Q11: What do you hope international audiences feel or understand about Korean culture through this drama? And what message do you hope to deliver through this drama?

A: Korea has many complex cultures as well as shamanistic beliefs, and I hope it becomes widely known that the more you learn about them, the more interesting they are.

Q12: Lastly, if there’s a message you’d like to share with all your fans, including those overseas, please tell us.

A: Hello, everyone. Thank you so much for enjoying Head Over Heels and for giving your love to Pyo Ji-ho. I hope to grow into a ‘thousand-faced’ actor who can reach you with even more diverse and charming sides. I will continue to do my very best, and I’d be grateful if you keep watching over me. I look forward to greeting you again soon with my next project. Thank you.

For actor Cha Kang-yoon, Head Over Heels was more than just a role—it was a journey into Korea’s cultural traditions and the soul of a character defined by loyalty and love. His previous works, including tvN’s The Midnight Romance in Hagwon (2024), JTBC’s The Art of Negotiation (2025), and tvN’s Resident Playbook (2025), highlight his versatility as an actor. With his most recent role in tvN’s Head Over Heels and the upcoming JTBC 서울 자가에 대기업 다니는 김 부장 이야기 (2025) he continues write a journey that touches hearts in Korea and across the world, connecting cultures through his acting.