Han Ji-hyun Shines in 'First Love with Earphones', Praised for Delicate Portrayal and Endearing Visuals

Actress Han Ji-hyun has once again proven her solid acting prowess. Appearing in the 2025 KBS2 one-act drama project 'Love: Track', specifically in the episode titled 'First Love with Earphones' (written by Jung Hyo, directed by Jung Gwang-soo), Han Ji-hyun took on the leading role of Han Young-seo.

'First Love with Earphones' tells the story of Han Young-seo (played by Han Ji-hyun), a third-year high school student who consistently ranked first in her class in 2010. Her life takes a turn when she meets the free-spirited Ki Hyun-ha, confronting her dreams and love.

Young-seo lives the life of a top student with a brilliant mind, but inwardly, she is a high schooler filled with a yearning for freedom and rebellion against society. The broadcast depicted Young-seo, who had been studying intensely to achieve the goal of 'entering a prestigious law school' set by her mother, unable to hold back tears due to the accumulated pressure and loneliness.

Han Ji-hyun vividly portrayed the character's exhausted heart through silent tears, as Young-seo, who had become an 'isolated island,' let go of her weariness.

Furthermore, Han Ji-hyun heightened the immersion of the drama by convincingly portraying Young-seo's journey as she begins to understand the emotions of first love while discussing music taste and dreams with Hyun-ha, simultaneously harboring aspirations of becoming a lyricist.

The audience's attention was also drawn to Han Ji-hyun's acting details, as she captured the character's transformation: Young-seo, who was always cold and sensitive, confronting the emotions of dreams and love, and ultimately growing into an adult lyricist, regaining a warm smile and vitality.

Han Ji-hyun's pure and innocent visuals amplified the drama's innocence and refreshing aura. Her solid acting skills evoked viewers' memories of their own first loves and moments when they earnestly pursued their dreams, however clumsily.

Towards the end of the drama, Young-seo's narration, 'The reason I am here now is because there was someone who believed in me more than I believed in myself. That person was you,' and her simple 'Thank you' to Hyun-ha were enough to deliver a profound resonance to the audience.

Han Ji-hyun shared her thoughts, stating, 'It was a time when I could wear a school uniform again and revisit the fluttery feelings of my school days. I hope this drama serves as a warm time for viewers to quietly recall those days left in a corner of their hearts.'

Additionally, she is set to captivate viewers with her irreplaceable charm as fashion designer Song Ha-young in the upcoming MBC drama 'Brilliant Your Season,' scheduled to air in 2026.

Following the broadcast, online communities and social media buzzed with positive reactions to Han Ji-hyun's acting and presence. Comments included, 'Han Ji-hyun's acting has really improved,' 'She's a perfect fit for the Young-seo character,' and 'Her pure and refreshing vibe suits her so well.' Many praised her ability to effectively portray the excitement and wistfulness of first love.