“Riding Life” Unveils a Candid Look at the Trials of work and Parenting
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March 3, 2025, 10 p.m. KST
The new drama “Riding Life” has captured audiences with fresh stills featuring Jeon Hye jin, who portrays lee Jung Eun—a dedicated marketing professional in the beauty industry and a devoted mother. The series centers on Jung Eun’s relentless efforts to balance a career with the arduous demands of raising her 7-year-old daughter, Seo Yoon, who is ambitiously preparing for the “7-year-old exam” required for entry into elite language academies.
Set in the high-pressure education hub of Daechi District—a locale whose relentless academic culture finds echoes in major U.S. cities where private tutoring and after-school programs are common—the drama delivers a humorous yet thought-provoking exploration of modern parenting. The narrative, which also spotlights Jung Eun’s interactions with her mother, Yoon Ji Ah (portrayed by Jo Min Soo), underscores the challenges many American parents face when managing professional responsibilities alongside their children’s educational needs.
Jeon Hye Jin’s performance resonates on a worldwide level. Much like working parents in metropolitan areas such as new York or Los Angeles who juggle hectic careers and their children’s demanding schedules, Jung Eun embodies the duality of professional confidence and maternal vulnerability.her story highlights the ubiquitously challenging reality of balancing high-stakes educational pursuits with everyday family emergencies.
As a person who is interested in education [just like Jung Eun], the script caught my attention. It tackles realistic topics, and I was both moved and surprised while reading it.Jeon Hye Jin
The drama further mirrors real-life experiences when Jung Eun must abruptly leave her work upon receiving a call from her daughter’s school—a scenario many U.S. parents recognize from their own lives. Such moments, where personal and professional realms collide, infuse the narrative with authenticity and emotional depth.
There are scenes where Jung Eun gets a call from her daughter or her daughter’s kindergarten and has to rush out. I’ve had similar moments on set, so I realy connected with those scenes.Jeon Hye jin
In her effort to craft a multifaceted character, Jeon Hye Jin delved into the contrasting worlds her character inhabits. She explains, At work, Jung Eun is a seasoned professional with experience and skill, which makes her confident. But as a mother, it is indeed different. Unexpected things like a sitter quitting or disappearing happen. There is always some insecurity, and things don’t go as planned. I think these everyday challenges will bring more realism to the character of Jung Eun.
Reflecting on her own experiences, the actress admitted, I’m living my own version of it now,
and acknowledged her initial lack of familiarity with the intense education culture before undertaking research via YouTube and mom forums. She added, But I’m not as passionate about education as Jung eun, [so after deciding to join the drama], I watched YouTube videos and joined mom forums to learn more about it.
Expanding on the series’ thematic core, Jeon Hye Jin summarized the narrative’s broader appeal: ‘Riding Life’ is our story.Jung Eun represents all working moms, but also the emotions of all parents raising children. Through Jung Eun, viewers will see how we change as we go from being parents to becoming school parents.
The drama not only exposes the intense pressures within the academic world but also invites viewers to consider the evolving role of parents in modern society. Critics might argue that such portrayals exaggerate everyday challenges; however, the story’s grounding in authentic experiences provides a credible narrative that resonates with diverse audiences. With relatable real-world parallels—ranging from unexpected disruptions in daily routines to the mounting pressure of ensuring children receive the best education—”Riding Life” stimulates discussion on issues such as work-life balance, educational equity, and the mental health of parents.
“Riding Life” will premiere on March 3, 2025, at 10 p.m. KST. In anticipation of the new series, viewers are encouraged to revisit Jeon Hye jin’s compelling performance in the drama “Not Others,” which further exemplifies the dynamic between professional endeavors and parenting challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is “Riding Life” about?
“Riding Life” is a drama that provides a candid look into the challenges of balancing a demanding career and the responsibilities of parenting. The series focuses on Lee Jung Eun, a dedicated marketing professional in the beauty industry who also strives to meet the high expectations of raising her 7-year-old daughter, seo Yoon.
Who plays the lead role in the series?
Jeon Hye Jin stars as Lee Jung eun,portraying a dynamic character who navigates the dual pressures of a bustling professional life and the unpredictable challenges of motherhood.
What challenges does Jung Eun face in the series?
Jung eun struggles to balance her high-stakes career in marketing with the demanding task of preparing her daughter for the “7-year-old exam” to enter elite language academies. The series also depicts unexpected disruptions such as work emergencies triggered by her daughter’s school calls, mirroring real-life parenting dilemmas.
How does the drama reflect real-life parenting experiences?
The drama draws parallels with the hectic schedules of working parents in major cities like New York and Los Angeles. It portrays realistic scenarios such as handling unexpected leave from work to deal with family issues, thereby highlighting the continuous adjustments parents make in both professional and personal realms.
When can viewers watch “Riding Life”?
The drama is scheduled to premiere on march 3, 2025, at 10 p.m. KST.
How did Jeon Hye Jin prepare for her role as Jung Eun?
To authentically portray the character, Jeon Hye Jin engaged in research by watching YouTube videos and joining mom forums. Despite not being as passionate about education as her character, she embraced the challenge to better understand the dynamics of balancing work and parenting.
