"Revolutionary Love," cable channel tvN's new romantic comedy, seeks to be a comfort and encouragement to today's young Koreans suffering from unemployment and cutthroat competition.

The cable network unveiled the new 16-episode weekend series in a news conference Thursday that was attended by lead actors Choi Si-won, a member of popular boy band Super Junior, and Kang So-ra of the 2014 hit drama "Misaeng" and 2011 film "Sunny."

Director Song Hyun-wook said the drama tries to cast light on young people's challenges as they move forward in society in a more positive light.

(Yonhap)

While many people paint a "depressing" and "hopeless" picture of Korea, "the characters in the drama, who are all in very different situations, work in their own ways to make positive changes, if small," said the director, who also produced hit dramas such as 2016's "Another Miss Oh."

The story centers around Byun Hyuk (Choi), a third-generation "chaebol" heir who always causes trouble and is considered useless by his stern father and mean brother, and the highly qualified, educated and aggressive Baek Joon (Kang), who makes a living by working part-time jobs. Chaebol are South Korea's family-run conglomerates.

Kwon Je-hoon, played by up-and-coming actor Gong Myung, starts working for the chaebol, the Kang Soo Group, only to find himself cleaning up the messes made by Byun.

"The hard work for me was how I can make the drama touching and funny at the same time. We can't only focus on the comical elements," the director said.

"The drama touches upon many the issues we witness in family life and the workplace. The characters slowly understand each other by putting themselves in other people's shoes. They grow together."

(tvN)

It is Choi's first acting project since he was discharged from the military in August.

"I got to read the script during my last vacation from the military. I liked it because the story deals with heavy topics in a direct and witty manner," Choi said.

Actress Kang said she could connect with her character more easily since she herself once was a temp.

"I worked as a cashier and an assistant to a photographer. I worked in a comic book shop and once distributed promotional fliers on the streets," she said. "I think I've never felt happier on set since the movie 'Sunny.' The character gave me a vicarious thrill."

The director and the actors cited the "bromance" between naive troublemaker Byun and ambitious troubleshooter Kwon, and Choi Si-won's signature funny facial expressions and slapstick humor as things to look for in the new show.

The first episode will be aired at 9 p.m. Saturday. (Yonhap)