August: A Documentary for the Soul
An adaptation of the novel Castle in the Time, this C-drama is one of the most highly anticipated productions that stars the versatile Chinese actor Zhang Zhe Han and the Korean queen of rom-coms Park Min Young.
The story revolves around Xu Zhen (portrayed by the beautiful Park Min Young), a witty paleontologist student who wishes to reunite her divorced parents. Worried that her ailing father is running out of time, she tries to get closer to her estranged mother, who is a leading film director in Chinese cinema. In an attempt to do so, Xu Zhen successfully secures a job as a production assistant for the movie “Castle in the Time”, directed by her mother.
The drama’s hero is Gu Chi Jun. Gu Chi Jun (played by the handsome and talented Zhang Zhe Han) is a popular actor and quite narcissistic and stubborn man, but undeniably charming with a gentler side. Xu Zhen gets entangled with Gu Chi Jun after stumbling upon his embarrassing rejection by his ex-girlfriend. Despite Gu Chi Jun's multiple attempts to force Xu Zhen out of the company, she becomes his personal assistant and an unexpected love story blooms between the two.
The romantic rival of Gu Chi Jun, Lin Jin Xiu (Xu Ke), is a long-lost childhood friend of Xu Zhen. He and Gu Chi Jun now play a tug of war to win Xu Zhen over. And as it is with love triangles, watching the comedic duo compete promises to keep viewers entertained throughout.
To add a twist, the C-drama also introduces the element of mystery. Through a series of incidents, Xu Zhen uncovers some dark secrets of the company she works for and fears danger lurking around her. Will Gu Chi Jun do whatever it takes to protect Xu Zhen? Viewers are curious to see if this couple can withstand the impending storms.
Although Castle in the Time wrapped up its production in 2016, it went through many twists and turns and was shelved away for many years. Zhang Zhe Han starred in many hit Chinese dramas since then and is now topping Itunes music charts with his Mandopop songs, while Park Min Young continues to shine in her versatile Korean drama roles.
Fans of both Zhang Zhe Han and Park Min Young are thrilled to watch these two in a captivating and innocent love story, as their strong chemistry is guaranteed to make hearts flutter.
Castle in the Time was released on LaLa TV Japan on December 27, 2023 and on Monomax Thailand on January 18, 2024. Hopefully, international OTT streaming platforms will soon bring this hidden gem to global fans.
Special thanks to Lily Alice @MDL
