Pocheon-si Gwanin-myeon, transformed into a rural village drama set in 1992
Spoiler
| Naeway Economy TV = Reporter Yang Sang-hyeon | = In the second half of 2024, JTBC's new drama 'Quiet Sales' has begun filming on a drama set in Gwanin-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do. 'Quiet Sales' is set in the fictional rural village 'Geumje-gun' in the 1992 drama, and centers around four women who jump into door-to-door sales of adult products.
The streets of Gwanin-myeon, stationery stores, bookstores, and snack bars recreate the atmosphere of 1992, making it feel like you’ve gone back in time. Except for the place name ‘Geumje-gun,’ it’s not much different now than it was then.
The drama is a remake of "Brief Encounters," which aired on ITV in the UK in 2016, and is notable for its unique take on the taboo subject of sexuality.
◇ The Independence and Growth of the Bangpan Sisters
'Silent Sales' tells the story of the independence, growth, and friendship of four women, known as the 'Bangpan Sisters', who go into the business of selling adult products door-to-door. The drama is set in the conservative and oppressive society of 1992, and is set to be a heartwarming film as the women find themselves, achieve financial independence, and strengthen their friendships.
◇ Character introduction and actors' transformation
In this drama, Lee Se-hee plays the role of Lee Joo-ri, a single mom and 'it girl' of Geumje. Lee Joo-ri, who runs a beauty salon and enjoys wearing unconventional clothes, is a strong-willed person who responds to men who give her sinister looks with a smile. She started out as a door-to-door salesperson for fun, but gradually discovered her abilities and grew into a confident youngest sister who supports her older sisters.
Kim So-yeon plays Han Han-sook, a housewife who, after marrying her first love and living a quiet life, discovers her hidden marketing talent when she starts selling adult products door-to-door amidst financial difficulties. This marks Kim So-yeon's return to JTBC dramas after a nine-year hiatus, and there are high hopes for her transformation.
Yeon Woo-jin plays Kim Do-hyun, a police officer who returns from the United States. Do-hyun, who grew up in a wealthy family and graduated from an Ivy League university, was quickly promoted from the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul, but for some reason, he was sent back to Geumje Police Station. His hidden secret adds to the drama's mystery.
Kim Sung-ryung plays Oh Geum-hee, an elegant woman, a cultured woman who graduated from Ewha University who is now spending her free days trying to find herself by selling adult products door-to-door to help Jung-sook. Kim Sun-young plays Seo Young-bok, a mother of multiples, who keeps her humour despite her poverty and is the liquorice that makes the Bangpan Sisters laugh.
◇ Production team's expectations and ambitions
The production team expressed their expectations for this drama, saying, "Kim So-yeon, Yeon Woo-jin, Kim Sung-ryung, Kim Sun-young, and Lee Se-hee will summon the 90s. They will breathe life into the differentiated material and dramatic story with their excellent acting." They also said, "Please pay a lot of attention to the Bangpan Sisters' growth story, where they build a strong friendship through the medium of 'adult product door-to-door sales' in a conservative rural town and move on to a better life."
JTBC's new drama 'Quiet Sales' is scheduled to air in the second half of 2024. Expectations are high for the kind of emotion and fun this drama, set in a rural village in 1992, will bring.
◇ Pocheon is gaining attention as a drama filming spot
Popular dramas in Pocheon, a screen made by nature
Meanwhile, Pocheon City is loved as a filming location for many TV dramas thanks to its beautiful natural scenery. Some of the most popular TV dramas include "Moon Lover - Bobo Kyungsim Ryeo", "Legend of the Blue Sea", "Hwayugi", "Romantic Doctor Kim Sabu", and "Love Crash Landing". All of these dramas are filmed at various spots in Pocheon and showcase the city's charm to viewers.
'Lovers of the Moon' is famous for its scenes filmed at Cheonju Lake in Pocheon Art Valley. The clear blue waters of Cheonju Lake and the majestic rock walls of the lake enhanced the fantasy atmosphere of the drama. Legend of the Blue Sea was also filmed in Pocheon Art Valley, and the exotic scenery added to the mystical atmosphere of the drama.
"Hwayugi" was filmed in the unique scenery of Pocheon Art Valley, which provided viewers with impressive scenes. The drama utilised various natural elements of the Pocheon Art Valley to create a unique mise-en-scene.
'Romantic Doctor Kim Sabu' was filmed in Pocheon's Seongsan Lake Stone Wall Hospital. The tranquil scenery of Mount Sanjeong Lake combined with the emotional scenes of the drama captivated viewers' hearts.
'Love Crash Landing' was filmed in various locations, including the sky bridge in Pocheon, and the beautiful natural scenery of Pocheon often appeared as the backdrop of the drama. The drama has played a big role in publicising the charm of Pocheon.
An official from Pocheon City said, "The natural scenery of Pocheon has inspired the drama crew, and we will continue to spare no effort to help Pocheon City be chosen as a filming location for various works."
Pocheon is like a screen created by nature, and many drama fans experience the charm of Pocheon by visiting the scenes in the drama. It is hoped that Pocheon will continue to be loved as a backdrop for various dramas.