INTERVIEW: Ahn Bo Hyun and Lee Joo Been Talk Chemistry, Comedy, and the Heart of New K-Drama Spring Fever

Prime Video’s upcoming Korean romance comedy Spring Fever is already generating buzz ahead of its January 5 premiere, and its leads Ahn Bo-hyun and Lee Joo-been say viewers can expect warmth, laughter, and a surprising amount of heart.

In an exclusive interview, the actors open up about embodying their characters, their dynamic on set, and why this series feels like a “warm spring breeze after a long winter.”

Discovering Yoon Bom and Sun Jae-gyu

Lee Joo-been plays Yoon Bom, a high school teacher who relocates to a small rural town after a painful turning point in her life. “She’s introduced as mysterious and guarded,” Lee says, adding that Bom’s duality—aloof on the outside, soft-hearted within—was one of the most intriguing parts of the role.

Ahn Bo-hyun steps into the role of Sun Jae-gyu, a spirited but misunderstood man raising his nephew Han-gyul. “He’s extraordinary in a way that can easily be misinterpreted,” Ahn explains. “He always finds himself at the center of bizarre events in the town.”

Both actors approached their roles with distinctive methods. Ahn leaned into his real Busan dialect—one of Jae-gyu’s defining traits—while also embracing the physicality the character demanded. “Viewers will see a whole spectrum of Jae-gyu, from chaotic energy to surprising tenderness,” he says.

For Lee, the challenge was mastering Bom’s emotional shifts. “She fluctuates between dark and moody to bubbly and full of energy,” she says. “Balancing that contrast was something I worked hard on.”

Even before meeting, each actor visualized the other in the role. Ahn admits he repeatedly asked the director who would play Bom. When he learned it was Lee Joo-been, he immediately saw the fit. “Only Joo-been could bring Bom’s emotional range to life the way she did,” he says.

Lee echoes the sentiment: “When I read Jae-gyu on the page, Ahn Bo-hyun instantly came to mind. It made me anticipate our chemistry even more.”

Laugh-Out-Loud Filming and Unscripted Surprises

The duo recalls a set full of spontaneous moments—some scripted, others completely unexpected. Ahn highlights a comedic scene where he pretends to be a conglomerate family’s youngest son, one of many instances where improvisation kept the atmosphere lively.

Lee shares a standout memory involving a subway chase scene filmed without extras or warnings. “I ran into a real subway car screaming lines, and everyone stared at me like I’d lost my mind,” she laughs. “It was embarrassing but unforgettable.”

Physical comedy was another major component. “Sometimes I felt like we were shooting a sports drama,” Ahn jokes. “The crew took full advantage of my physical abilities.”

Why Spring Fever Is the K-Drama Comfort Viewers Need

Despite the humor, both actors emphasize that Spring Fever is ultimately a healing drama. “It’s a story designed to let your mind and soul rest,” Ahn says. Filmed largely in Pohang, the series features sweeping seascapes and a soothing small-town atmosphere—visuals that complement its themes of recovery, second chances, and unexpected connection.

Lee describes the series as warm and easy to watch. “It’s lighthearted without heavy emotional baggage,” she says. “Viewers waiting for a warm spring breeze after winter will find comfort here.”

The admiration between the leads is evident. Ahn praises Lee’s dedication, recalling long hours under the scorching sun. “She never complained—not even once,” he says. “Her professionalism kept the team going.”

Lee, meanwhile, expresses awe at Ahn’s athletic ability. “There was a chase scene where he wasn’t supposed to catch me,” she recalls. “But he did—effortlessly. I thought, ‘This man could’ve been a professional athlete.’”

Looking Ahead: Roles They Want Next

Ahn expresses interest in exploring more diverse roles—especially villains and comedies—after enjoying the playful tone of Spring Fever. Lee says she wants to try portraying a doctor next. “Mostly because scrubs and a white coat look so cool,” she laughs.

Three Words That Describe Spring Fever

Both actors choose: Healing, Macarons, and Passion.

“Macarons have a hard shell but are soft inside,” Lee explains. “That’s exactly like Bom and Jae-gyu.”
Ahn adds, “Every character in this drama pursues their goals passionately, each in their own way.”

As anticipation builds for its global premiere on Prime Video, Ahn and Lee hope viewers around the world will embrace Spring Fever for the heartfelt and humorous story it is.

“Think of it as a drama that lets you breathe a little easier,” Ahn says.
Lee adds, “Prepare to laugh and cry with us—we had fun making it, and we hope you feel that joy too.”