Yoo Young-eun

Yoo Young-eun (Korean: 유영은; born 1990) is a South Korean television director that started her career in KBS. She worked as assistant director in drama like Descendants of the Sun, Queen of Mystery, Manhole, and Queen of Mystery 2. Her directorial debut as main director was in KBS Drama Special 2018, and she also worked on KBS Drama Special 2019 and KBS Drama Special 2020. In 2019, She received the 22nd Gender Equality Award for KBS Drama Special — Socialization: Understanding of Dance. She also directed television series How to Buy a Friend (2020) and won the 243rd PD of the Month Award. Her first historical drama, Bloody Heart, was screened at the 31st Energa Camerimaju International Film Festival and was longlisted in 2022 Rose d'Or Awards.

Career

Yoo started her career as director in KBS Drama Department. She worked as assistant director in drama like Descendants of the Sun, Queen of Mystery, Manhole, and Queen of Mystery 2.

In 2018, Yoo had the opportunity to be the main director for the KBS Drama Special 2018. She directed two one-act dramas, "Too Bright for Romance" and "Dreamers." Yoo made her official directorial debut with the fourth installment of KBS Drama Special 2018, "Too Bright for Romance," which aired on October 5, 2018. The drama was based on Kim Geum-hee's novel of the same name, which had won the grand prize at the 7th Young Artist Award in 2016. Yoo reunited with Choi Kang-hee for this drama, and the cast also included Lee Won-keun, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project.

Yoo then directed the seventh installment of KBS Drama Special 2018, "Dreamers," which aired on October 25, 2018. Written by Baek So-yeon), Dreamers depicts the story of Jin-wook (played by Lee Hak-joo) and Se-young (played by Kim Sae-byeok) who lose their loved ones and try to escape reality through dreams. In both dramas, Yoo cast Kim Joo-hun after being impressed by one of his theater performances.

In 2018, Yoo had an opportunity to be main director for KBS Drama Special 2019 Socialization: Understanding of Dance. Yoo was awarded Minister Award (Grand Prize) in the drama category at the 22nd Media Award for Gender Equality for her directing on the drama.

In 2020, Yoo, along with actors Lee Sang-yeob and Lee Yoo-young, collaborated in KBS Drama Special Trace of Love. The drama, written by Jeong Hyun, portrays a heartfelt examination of a past relationship. The plot revolves around Lee Joo-young, an assistant manager at an architectural office, who is joined by her ex-boyfriend Ji-seop, played by Lee Sang-yeob, as they both delve into the remnants of their past romance. The drama offers viewers an opportunity to closely observe the intricacies of their journey.

In 2020, Yoo directed her first series, How to Buy a Friend, which is based on the Daum webtoon 'Friendship Contract' by Laad Kwon and aired on KBS2 from April 6 to 14, 2020. The story follows two teenagers who enter into a contractual relationship: Heo Don-hyuk (Shin Seung-ho) promises to protect Park Chan-hong (Lee Shin-young) from his bully in exchange for help in uncovering the truth behind his girlfriend's suicide. Yoo received favorable reviews for her sensuous and beautiful visualization and won the 243rd PD of the Month Awards.

In 2022, Yoo directed her first 16 episodes historical drama Bloody Heart. The series is a 2022 South Korean television show starring Lee Joon, Kang Han-na, Jang Hyuk, Park Ji-yeon, Heo Sung-tae, and Choi Ri. It aired on KBS2 from May 2 to June 21, 2022, every Monday and Tuesday. The show is also available for streaming on Disney in selected regions. Yoo explained that the Korean title 'Red Single Heart' refers to an unchanging, sincere heart, and promised an entertaining drama exploring the implications of a heart turning red. The series gained popularity for its stunning visuals and the outstanding performances of the actors who embodied their characters perfectly.

In 2023, Yoo was reported as the director of the upcoming Hong Sisters' OTT romantic comedy Can This Love Be Translated?, which is set to premiere on Netflix in 2025. On June 27, 2024, Netflix confirmed the production of the series and revealed the casting of Kim Seon-ho, Go Yoon-jung, Sota Fukushi, Lee Yi-dam, and Choi Woo-sung. Go Youn-jung departed for Japan on June 24, 2024, for filming. Production preparations were completed in June 2024, with filming starting shortly after in various locations such as Japan and Italy. The aim was to wrap up filming by early 2025. Trii Studio, a subsidiary of Imaginus, is overseeing the production. Ryu Hyung-jin, vice president of production company Imaginus, disclosed that Studio Sot, run by the Hong Sisters, and Trii Studio, managed by female creators Kim Jin-yi, Lee Na-jeong, and Lee Yoon-jung, are both under the umbrella of Imaginus, under the leadership of CEO Choi Jin-hee. Studio High will handle the visual effects of the drama.