Korean Actor Chae Jong-hyeop Returns to Japanese Romance With "The Vacation Principle"
- Disha Paul
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
Just two years after winning over Japanese audiences with Eye Love You, Korean actor Chae Jong-hyeop is making his return to Japanese television with another romantic drama. This time, he stars alongside Japanese actress Hashimoto Kanna in The Vacation Principle, a heartwarming series that blends romance, healing, and mystery against the backdrop of a peaceful seaside town.
His latest project has already caught the attention of fans across Korea and Japan, not only because of its refreshing storyline but also because it continues a growing trend of Korean actors leading Japanese dramas.
As streaming platforms bring audiences closer than ever, collaborations like these are becoming one of the most exciting developments in Asian entertainment.
Chae Jong-hyeop Plays a Mysterious Caretaker
The Vacation Principle follows Hoshino Midori (Hashimoto Kanna), a hardworking woman whose busy life suddenly comes to a standstill after losing her job. Hoping to clear her mind and figure out what comes next, she travels to her late grandmother's seaside villa for what she believes will be a quiet escape from reality.
There, she meets Nishigami (Chae Jong-hyeop), the reserved caretaker looking after the property. Although he appears gentle and dependable, Nishigami carries a secret that slowly begins to unravel as he and Midori spend more time together.
What starts as an unexpected meeting gradually turns into a heartfelt story about healing, rediscovering happiness, and finding love when it's least expected.
His Second Japanese Drama After Eye Love You
This marks Chae Jong-hyeop's second leading role in a Japanese drama following the success of Eye Love You in 2024. The series made history by casting him as the first Korean actor to lead a TBS prime-time romantic drama, introducing him to a whole new audience in Japan.
His natural chemistry with co-star Fumi Nikaido and his warm, understated performance earned him widespread praise, quickly making him one of the most beloved Korean actors among Japanese viewers. His popularity even led fans to affectionately nickname him "Hyeop-sama," reflecting just how warmly he was embraced.
With The Vacation Principle, Chae Jong-hyeop once again steps into a romance that highlights his signature charm while allowing him to showcase a different side of his acting.
Why Korean-Japanese Romantic Dramas Are Becoming So Popular
In recent years, collaborations between the Korean and Japanese entertainment industries have become increasingly common. Instead of limiting actors to productions within their own countries, creators are now bringing together Korean and Japanese stars to tell stories that appeal to audiences across Asia.
The global success of streaming platforms has played a major role in this shift. Viewers who once watched only K-dramas are now discovering Japanese series, while Japanese audiences continue to embrace Korean actors through the Hallyu Wave.
As a result, producers have found new opportunities to create romances that combine the emotional storytelling of Korean dramas with the calm, slice-of-life atmosphere often found in Japanese television.
For fans, these collaborations offer something refreshingly different. Rather than choosing between K-dramas and J-dramas, they get to experience the strengths of both industries in a single story.
Where and When to Watch The Vacation Principle
The Vacation Principle premiered in Japan on July 27, 2026, through ABEMA, with new episodes released multiple times each week.
For international viewers, the drama is also available on Netflix in selected regions, making it easier for global audiences to follow Chae Jong-hyeop's latest romantic series alongside its Japanese broadcast.
Final Thoughts
From Eye Love You to The Vacation Principle, Chae Jong-hyeop continues to prove that heartfelt stories can connect with audiences regardless of language or country. His latest drama not only marks another exciting chapter in his career but also reflects the growing popularity of Korean-Japanese collaborations, a trend that many fans hope to see more of in the coming years.
As more actors begin crossing borders for new projects, these collaborations could become a defining part of Asian entertainment, introducing viewers to fresh stories, new chemistry, and a wider appreciation for both industries.
Would you like to see more Korean actors star in Japanese dramas, or is Chae Jong-hyeop your favourite crossover actor so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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