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| Photo Cr. Strongberry |
Twisted Tie is a five-episode 18+ rating Korean BL series produced by Strongberry, directed by Lee Hae-rem, that is set in the polished world of a high-end design agency.
The story centers on Kang Dojin (Ko Taewoon), a demanding, perfectionist team leader who keeps strict order and emotional distance at work and Lee Seonwoo (Kim Dohyun) a new hire and loyal subordinate, who is quickly infatuated with him.
Jealousy and possessiveness quickly cloud the line between professional authority and personal desire in the office with twists and surprising turns. The drama suits viewers who enjoy a tense, spicy, slightly toxic slow-burn compared to a sweet and tidy love story.
Was there anything that especially drew you to your character or that you personally related to?
Taewoon: For me, I could really relate to the work ethic because of how Dojin is also a perfectionist. I could relate to that because Dojin is also a perfectionist. It was really nice to see how detailed and precise he was through his work.
Taewoon’s connection came through Dojin’s drive for precision. Dohyun, meanwhile, was drawn to a very different side of Sunwoo.
Dohyun: So, I thought of Sunwoo as a charming and attractive character. He is really passionate about his work. When it comes to love, he is actually very straightforward. He is really honest. He can also be a bit transparent when showing his love.
Both actors come from the world of music, Taewoon debuting in the group VANNER, while Dohyun is active in MUSTB/BE:MAX, so we turned to how that background shaped their transition to the screen.
Both of you have experience performing on musical stages, for example. What was the biggest adjustment you had to make when expressing yourself through a BL drama rather than on a stage in a musical performance. Thank you.
Taewoon: So normally, when I was still singing, there were a lot of instances when we had to look at the camera, but when acting, you’re not supposed to look at the camera. So sometimes when we were shooting, I mistakenly looked at the camera and we had to do some re-takes, so I feel like those kinds of details are really big. For one of the strengths, since I’m really used to looking at the camera, I know how to adjust myself so that I look better to the camera.
Dohyun: For me, when I was a singer, I would show off to the audience, so that was my performance. But as an actor, I have to change my vibe. My performance changed and I had to show myself more artistically.
Beyond the actors’ own transitions, the drama’s setting adds another layer to the story. Dojin is a team leader and Sunwoo a new hire, so we asked how that dynamic informs their romance.
Twisted Tie combines a workplace hierarchy with same-sex romance. How did that context shape the way you approach how Dojin and Sunwoo experience and express their feelings?
Taewoon: At the company, we’re coworkers. Since I’m the team leader and he’s a new intern, we have different ranks in the company, and there are boundaries. Crossing that boundary can be thrilling. It’s more exciting when we cross that boundary, that line. I feel like that was really interesting for me.
Chemistry on screen often begins with understanding between the actors off screen.
What did you learn about each other during filming that helped you understand your characters better?
Taewoon: Dohyun’s personality is very similar to mine. When we work together, I can notice when he’s comfortable or uncomfortable through my actions. It was really easy to talk and coordinate with him.
Dohyun: So, for me, I knew Taewoon was playing a character who was very different from him. I could see he was struggling a bit with his character. I got to know his personality as we rehearsed and talked together. That’s how I got to know him better.
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All episodes of Twisted Tie are available to watch now through GagaOOLala or iQIYI.
Tickets to a Special Unit and 1:1 Video Call Events for November 14 and 15 are available here!
The Twisted Tie Fanmeeting in Seoul will be held December 5 at H-stage, Hongik Univ. Station. Tickets open November 13 and will be available at https://strongberry.kr
Special thanks to TimelessNotes LIVE and MATCHBOX for the invitation.