Ji Chang-wook and Imada Mio Are Taking Romance to the Countryside in “Merry Berry Love”
Ji Chang-wook is back in his romance era, and this time, things are getting a little more international. The actor stars alongside Japanese actress Imada Mio in Merry Berry Love, a Korea-Japan romantic comedy set on a dreamy Japanese island. The series brings together an unexpected pair, a strawberry farm, plenty of awkward encounters and, of course, the kind of slow-burn romance fans will probably be screaming about. The drama is scheduled to premiere globally on Disney+ on October 7, 2026. Read on for more details!
Ji Chang-wook’s Character Needs a Serious Reset
Ji Chang-wook plays Lee Yu-bin, a Korean spatial designer whose seemingly successful career takes a major hit. With his professional life falling apart, he leaves Korea and heads to a quiet Japanese island, hoping to start over.
Enter Karin Shirahama, played by Imada Mio. She is a hardworking strawberry farmer who has a completely different lifestyle from Yu-bin. And let’s just say their first meeting is not exactly giving “love at first sight.”
Instead, the two get off to an awkward and slightly chaotic start. But as Yu-bin becomes involved in Karin’s everyday life, their relationship gradually begins to shift. What starts as an unexpected meeting slowly turns into something neither of them saw coming.
Strawberry Fields and a Slow-Burn Romance? Say Less
One of the biggest charms of Merry Berry Love is its setting. Forget the usual busy city streets- the drama takes viewers to a peaceful island surrounded by nature and strawberry fields.
Yu-bin also finds himself doing something very different from his polished professional life: working on Karin’s farm. Their contrasting personalities and lifestyles create plenty of opportunities for funny moments, misunderstandings, and, eventually, romantic sparks.
The series is also notable as the first joint production between CJ ENM and Japan’s Nippon TV, adding another layer to its Korea-Japan collaboration.
Ji Chang-wook Is Back in His Rom-Com Bag
For fans who have been waiting to see Ji Chang-wook in a lighter romance, this drama could be exactly what they ordered. His return to rom-com territory comes after Welcome to Samdal-ri, while his pairing with Imada Mio gives the show a fresh dynamic.
With an island setting, strawberry farms, awkward chemistry, and a romance that takes its sweet time to bloom, Merry Berry Love already has all the ingredients for a seriously cute watch.
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