Lee Hye-ri slips back into school days for Dream to You's first love

Lee Hye-ri plays Joo Yi-jae in ENA's drama 'Dream to You.' She began her acting debut in 2012 with SBS' 'Tasty Life' and, as a 15-year veteran actress, portrayed the character's memories of first love with a natural blend of youthful innocence and mature emotions in scenes where she wears a school uniform.

Joo Yi-jae is a reporter who nurtured dreams during her school days but later succumbed to reality and works at a broadcasting station. After reuniting with her successful first love, Woo Su-bin (Hwang In-youp), 15 years later, she is forced to lie, prompting her to reflect on her dreams and love. Lee Hye-ri brought the character to life with a performance oscillating between comedy and romance. She delivered a powerful performance in scenes where she angrily confronts a PD who exploited her, her clothes torn, as well as in scenes where she sings while drunk and runs around wearing a puppet costume, adding energy to the drama.

The drama began airing on July 13, 2026, with ratings of 2.7% for episode 1, 2.8% for episode 2, and 2.9% for episode 3. While some viewers expressed disappointment with Lee Hye-ri's vocal delivery and line delivery, her expressiveness in the romantic comedy genre and chemistry with Hwang In-youp received positive feedback.

The drama portrays the journey of two individuals who took different paths as they meet again and resolve past wounds and misunderstandings. The story centers on a person who achieved their dreams and another who gave up on theirs, as they give each other courage and comfort to reclaim lost dreams and love. Realistic dilemmas surrounding film production and various episodes at the broadcasting station unfold together, creating a heartfelt romantic drama interwoven with first love, growth, family bonds, and friendship.

The drama 'Dream to You' is produced by KT Studio Genie and Content Planner, with Yu Seon-dong directing and Eunha writing the script. The main cast includes Hwang In-youp (Woo Su-bin), Lee Hye-ri (Joo Yi-jae), Baek Sung-chul (Sim Yu-geon), Lee Yul-eum (Oh Hana), Lee Sang-yeob (Seo In-wook), and Layeon (Choi Sa-rang). Baek Sung-chul plays a pivotal role in the relationship between the two main characters, creating new changes in Su-bin and Yi-jae's relationship through their choices and conflicts, adding tension to the drama. Lee Yul-eum's character also becomes a central figure, entangled with the main characters and adding vitality to the story.