Ji Chang Wook and Japanese actress Mio Imada have opened up about their experience working together in Merry Berry Love, a romantic comedy that brings Korean and Japanese storytelling together. In a recent interview, the two stars discussed their first impressions of each other, the language differences they encountered on set and how exchanging cultural experiences helped shape their performances.
The series marks the first joint drama project between Japan’s Nippon TV and South Korea’s CJ ENM. Filmed in Fukuoka, Japan, the show follows two people from different backgrounds whose unexpected meeting gradually develops into a heartwarming romance.
Ji Chang Wook Opens Up About Language Differences on Set
Ji Chang Wook admitted that he initially wondered whether communicating with his Japanese co-star would be difficult because they came from different countries. However, the presence of interpreters helped the cast navigate any potential language barriers, making the experience more comfortable than he had anticipated. The actor also described the collaboration as a refreshing experience, particularly because it was his first time working on a Japanese co-production and sharing the screen with Japanese actors in this setting.
For Ji, the unfamiliar environment offered plenty of opportunities to learn something new. Rather than allowing the differences to become obstacles, he embraced the experience and enjoyed discovering how another entertainment industry approached the production process. Imada shared a similarly positive perspective. She explained that the filming process was not as different from her previous experiences as she had expected. The two actors also enjoyed teaching each other about their respective languages and cultures. According to Imada, these everyday exchanges helped create a natural atmosphere that ultimately benefited the drama.
Mio Imada Praises Ji Chang Wook’s Personality and Performance
Imada recalled that Ji Chang Wook appeared kind and cheerful when they first met. She said his personality made a positive impression on her and helped establish a comfortable working relationship. She also praised the way he brought his character, Lee Yu Bin, to life, explaining that the actor made the character feel even more lovable through his performance.
Ji, meanwhile, initially thought Imada was somewhat shy. As they spent more time together, he discovered that she was actually very funny. He also felt that her bright, positive personality suited Karin Shirahama, the character she plays in the series. Their contrasting first impressions eventually gave way to an easygoing rapport, helping them build the on-screen connection central to the romantic comedy. The actors’ conversations were not limited to rehearsals and filming. They also shared lighter moments while exploring local food and discussing everyday experiences, allowing their working relationship to develop naturally.
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Japanese Dialogue and Fukuoka’s Local Food Made Filming Memorable
One of Ji’s challenges in Merry Berry Love was delivering Japanese dialogue. His character is a Korean spatial designer who is not particularly proficient in Japanese, making the language difference an important part of the story. Ji joked that the role was a perfect fit because he was playing someone who was also not very good at Japanese. As the story progresses, his character gradually speaks more Japanese, creating opportunities for both humour and emotional connection.
Imada praised Ji’s ability to adapt when Japanese dialogue was adjusted on set. She noted that changes were sometimes made to make the wording sound more natural, and she was impressed by how quickly he responded to those revisions. Ji answered her compliment with his characteristic humour, saying that since he was being paid for the job, he had to do his best. Filming in Fukuoka also produced memorable moments away from the script. Imada recommended chilled fried chicken as a local specialty, prompting Ji to joke that she talked about fried chicken so often that she could be its ambassador. The playful exchange offered a glimpse into the relaxed atmosphere the two actors shared during production.
What Is Merry Berry Love About?
Merry Berry Love follows Lee Yu Bin, a successful Korean spatial designer who loses his wealth and status after an incident. Hoping to rebuild his life, he travels to a Japanese island, where he meets Karin Shirahama, a young farmer devoted to growing strawberries. Their first encounter is far from smooth, but misunderstandings gradually give way to a developing relationship. As Yu Bin and Karin get to know each other, they begin navigating differences in language, nationality and personal outlook.
Ji Chang Wook plays Yu Bin, while Mio Imada portrays Karin. The supporting cast includes Nam Yoon Su as Park Gu Nam and Rinka Kumada as Mari Mizuno. The series premiered on October 7, 2026, and is available on Disney+, with episodes released weekly. It also airs on Nippon TV in Japan. By bringing together actors from South Korea and Japan, the romantic comedy explores how people can build connections even when they do not share the same language or cultural background.
Final Take
Ji Chang Wook and Mio Imada’s experience filming Merry Berry Love highlights how cultural exchange can become an important part of a cross-border production. From learning about each other’s languages to navigating dialogue changes and sharing laughs over local food, the actors found ways to make their collaboration enjoyable. Their experiences also reflect the central theme of the series: meaningful connections can grow across differences, one conversation at a time.
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