Bitter Sweet Hell


Bitter Sweet Hell is a 2024 South [Korean television series] written by Nam Ji-yeon, directed by Lee Dong-hyun, and starring Kim Hee-sun, Lee [Hye-young (actress, born 1962)|Lee Hye-young], Kim Nam-hee, and Yeonwoo. It aired on MBC TV from May 24, to June 29, 2024, every Friday and Saturday at 21:50. It is also available for streaming on Viu in selected regions.

Synopsis

The series tells the story of Noh Young-won who is recognized as the country's best family psychological counselor. When her career and family are threatened by an unknown blackmailer, she tries to protect her family by joining hands with her mother-in-law.

Cast and characters

Main

Supporting

Young-won and Sa-gang's family

People around Young-won

  • Choi Jeong-in as Ra-kyung

People around Sa-gang

People around Jae-jin

Others

Extended

  • Bae Woo-jin

Production

Development

Bitter Sweet Hell was originally scheduled for release in the second half of 2023, under its former title Gaslighting. Kim Seung-woo, who wrote and directed the 2019 film Bring Me Home, was initially announced to participate as the creator and director of the series.

Casting

Actress Kang Hae-rim was initially confirmed to play the role of Lee Se-na. However, in October 2023, it was revealed that filming for the series was temporarily halted in August. After filming about five episodes of the series, reorganization began due to lead actress Kim Hee-sun's movie promotion schedules and the production company was changed from JPX Studio to Red Nine Pictures. She had to drop out of the series during the production suspension period. In January 2024, it was announced that actress Yeonwoo had joined the cast, taking over Kang Hae-rim's role.
In November 2023, it was revealed that the director was also changed to Lee Dong-hyun, who directed She Knows Everything and Doctor Lawyer.