Cast and Characters
While You Were Sleeping features a lead ensemble including Lee Jong-suk as Nam Hong-joo, Suzy as Jung Jae-chan, and Jung Hae-in as Han Woo-tak. The series also stars Kim Hye-yoon and Lee Sang-yeob in key supporting roles, with the cast list confirmed by the production company and network press releases. The show is a fantasy romance thriller that intertwines the lives of these characters through shared prophetic dreams, as detailed on the official network page SBS Official Site.
The casting lineup was finalized ahead of the 2017 premiere, with the lead actors' agencies confirming their roles through public statements and press conferences. Lee Jong-suk, Suzy, and Jung Hae-in are among the highest-profile actors in the Korean drama industry, and their involvement contributed to the series' early visibility and viewer interest metrics.
Plot and Streaming
The story follows a prosecutor, a reporter, and a police officer who share recurring dreams about a catastrophic accident. They attempt to change the future based on these visions, creating a narrative structure centered on fate, choice, and interconnected destinies. The plot progression is documented in episode guides and recaps on major entertainment databases.
While You Were Sleeping is available for streaming on platforms including Netflix and Viki, with availability varying by region. The series was produced by Studio Dragon and aired on SBS, with episodes also accessible through digital purchase platforms like Amazon Prime Video and iTunes Netflix. The show's distribution strategy combined free-to-air television with global streaming to maximize international reach.
Ratings and Production
The drama achieved peak nationwide viewership ratings above 20 percent during its run, according to Nielsen Korea and AGB Nielsen Media Research data. These ratings placed it among the higher-performing Korean dramas of its broadcast season, with consistent viewership across its 16-episode run.
The production was handled by Studio Dragon and SBS, with the screenplay written by Park Hye-ryun and directed by Oh Choong-hwan. The series aired from September to November 2017, and its production budget and advertising partnerships were reported in industry trade publications Forbes. The show received nominations at major Korean drama awards, including the Baeksang Arts Awards and the SBS Drama Awards, for acting, writing, and popularity categories.