Shocking claim ignites buzz: Actor Heo Nam-joon stoked hype for his next project with a bold ratings guarantee, declaring the new SBS Friday–Saturday drama Brave New World will soar — and backing it up with an eye-catching public promise.
At the Brave New World press conference on the 7th, director Han Tae-seop and cast members Lim Ji-yeon, Heo Nam-joon, Jang Seung-jo, Kim Min-seok, and Lee Se-hee shared fresh behind-the-scenes stories and teased the series’ tone.
Heo, who plays chaebol Cha Segye — a "monster born of capitalism" — unpacked his role: "He might look nearly villainous on the surface, but he’s someone with a lot to protect, and his human side really stands out." He added, "It’s a character I’ve never tried before. Maybe not as much as Lim Ji-yeon, but I worked hard to blend comedy, romance, and genre flair. I’m confident it’ll pay off."
The stakes are high. Brave New World follows SBS’s powerhouse Friday–Saturday lineup, a proven ratings magnet. Its predecessors, Taxi Driver 3 and Phantom Lawyer, earned peak ratings of 14.2% and 7.6%, respectively — fueling expectations that all eyes will be on the new show’s numbers.
Heo forecast a ratings surge, saying, "The on-set vibe is amazing, so I think the ratings will follow," boldly predicting a peak above 20%. The cast then rolled out playful pledges: Kim Min-seok promised to serve as the asking reporter’s manager for two weeks if they cross 20%, while Lee Se-hee vowed to handle that reporter’s makeup — sending the room into laughter. Lim Ji-yeon, Heo Nam-joon, and Jang Seung-jo also pledged to appear at Gyeongbokgung in their drama costumes, cranking up fan anticipation.
Centering on an unpredictable romance between rookie actress Shin Seori (played by Lim Ji-yeon), who becomes possessed by the spirit of Joseon’s most notorious femme fatale Kang Dan-sim, and chaebol Cha Segye, Brave New World premieres on the 8th at 9:50 p.m.