Native Title	샤이닝
Also Know as	The Shining, Syaining
Director	Kim Yoon-Jin
Writer	Lee Sook-Yun
Distributor	JTBC
Air Time	Friday 20:50 x 2 episodes
Content Rating	15+ - Teens 15 or older
Runtime	10 episodes
Genre	Romance, Melodrama, Youth
Language	Korean
Country	South Korea
Release Date	2026-03-06
End Date	2026-04-03

The Korean drama "Still Shining" (also known as "Shining", original title 샤이닝) emerged as one of the anticipated romantic melodramas of early 2026. Airing on JTBC and available on streaming platforms, the series captured hearts with its tender exploration of first love, personal growth, and the quiet ways people become lights in each other's lives.

Overview

"Still Shining" is a 10-episode romance melodrama that blends elements of youth, nostalgia, and adult realities. Directed by Kim Yoon-jin and written by Lee Sook-yun, it premiered on March 6, 2026, airing Fridays with two consecutive episodes. The story follows characters who once shared an intimate world in their youth, only to reunite years later as adults navigating life's complexities. Themes include enduring bonds, first love's lasting impact, independence, and finding light amid everyday struggles.

Plot Synopsis

The narrative centers on Yeon Tae-seo and Mo Eun-ah, who fall deeply in love as teenagers at age 19. During Yeon Tae-seo's senior year high school summer vacation, he transfers schools and meets Mo Eun-ah. As hardworking young people facing their own challenges, they support each other wholeheartedly – Yeon Tae-seo remains realistic yet idealistic in love, while Mo Eun-ah gains clearer dreams through their relationship. Their youthful days are filled with innocent moments like studying together, riding bicycles, and sharing laughter, becoming each other's confidants and source of light.

Eventually, their paths diverge in a bittersweet breakup, marked by misaligned hearts and the pain of parting. Yeon Tae-seo reflects that breakups feel awful, while Mo Eun-ah suggests not forcing their times to match.

Ten years later, in their thirties, they reunite unexpectedly. Yeon Tae-seo, now an independent subway train driver living faithfully in the present and focused on getting through each day safely, encounters Mo Eun-ah again. She has transitioned from a hotelier to managing a traditional Korean guesthouse in Seoul, remaining passionate, thoughtful, and full of lovable charm as she pursues small goals amid triumphs and setbacks.

Their reunion stirs old emotions, with lingering meaning from their past. The story explores how these ordinary, everyday lives reflect universal feelings – longing, composure in facing struggles, and the possibility of rekindled connections. Supporting dynamics include special bonds, such as Mo Eun-ah's enduring relationship with Bae Seong-chan (a former colleague with a mentor-like warmth) and other characters like Im Ah-sol, who realizes her quiet high school admiration for Yeon Tae-seo was her first love upon their adult encounter.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

Park Jin-young as Yeon Tae-seo: A subway train driver with a sharp worldview and stoic exterior hiding tender sensitivity. Independent and self-reliant, he lives in the present without excessive concern for others' opinions, embodying unconditional trust and quiet warmth.
Kim Min-ju as Mo Eun-ah: A passionate former hotelier now running a guesthouse. Thoughtful, lovely, and goal-oriented, she experiences life's ups and downs while reuniting with her first love.
Shin Jae-ha as Bae Seong-chan: Shares a deep, longstanding bond with Mo Eun-ah, marked by trust and guidance – like persistent embers of warmth from their early professional days.
Park Se-hyun as Im Ah-sol: A smart, candid tax accountant who never dated due to her busy life, discovering her high school crush on Yeon Tae-seo was her first love after their unexpected adult reunion.

Supporting Cast

Kim Tae-hoon as O Seon-gyu.
Kim Ji-hyun as Park So-hyeon.

Reception

"Still Shining" resonated with viewers for its realistic portrayal of relationships and personal struggles, moving beyond idealized youth stories to relatable, everyday emotions. The lead chemistry between Park Jin-young and Kim Min-ju drew praise for conveying bittersweet nostalgia and emotional depth. The series' focus on ordinary lives and subtle character growth left a lasting impression, appealing to those who appreciate heartfelt melodramas.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Park Jin-young's Attraction to the Project

Park Jin-young was drawn to the project for its grounded storytelling about real-life challenges anyone could relate to. He highlighted Yeon Tae-seo's consistent core traits from age 19 to adulthood, noting the character's composure in handling struggles as an adult.

Highlights from Teasers and Posters

Teasers and posters showcased poignant moments, including a joyful embrace at a city crosswalk symbolizing "At 20, anything seemed possible because we were together," and emotional reunions filled with tears and clasped hands.

Narrative Style and Emotional Contrast

The drama features flashbacks to innocent teenage romance alongside mature reflections, creating a touching contrast.

Broadcast Time and Atmosphere

It airs with a cozy Friday night slot, evoking a sense of warmth and reflection.

Final Thoughts

"Still Shining" stands out as a gentle reminder that first loves can leave enduring light in our lives, even after years apart. Through its sincere characters and relatable themes, the series invites viewers to reflect on their own paths, relationships, and the quiet ways people illuminate each other. It's a heartfelt addition to 2026's lineup for fans of emotional, character-driven romances.