Kim Seulgi Returns After 3 Years with a Thought-Provoking Drama
After three years away from the screen, actress Kim Seulgi is making a comeback with a new project titled Cat Custody War, a one-act play from tvN’s anthology series O’PENing 2025. Created as part of a program that supports emerging storytellers in Korea, the drama aims to combine deep themes with short-form storytelling.
The title Cat Custody War is a curious play on Korean words: "nyang" is a cute way of saying "cat," and "yook-gwon" means "custody rights." So, yes—it suggests a storyline that mirrors custody battles, except this time, perhaps over a cat. But there may be more under the surface.
One-Act, Big Message?
tvN’s O’PENing series is designed to give first-time writers and creators a platform to experiment—both in storytelling and in production. Each episode stands alone and tackles unique themes, often venturing into socially relevant territory that mainstream K-dramas don't always explore.
For Kim Seulgi, whose previous works span comedy and theatrical dramas, it's more than just another role—it’s a comeback that carries emotional and professional weight. In interviews, she’s hinted that she chose the role not just to act, but to send a message.
What Makes Cat Custody War Different
One-act stories are tricky—they need to pack character development, narrative arc, and emotional resonance all into about an hour. For creators, it's also a delicate balance between commercial appeal and creative risk-taking.
tvN and CJ ENM’s backing of this experimental format is both a gamble and an investment in the next generation of talent. Previous O’PENing dramas have been praised internationally and locally for introducing fresh topics—things like grief, climate anxiety, or even ethics in tech—that typical romantic or family-centered dramas avoid.
30s Actress, 3-Year Hiatus, and a Brand New Challenge
Kim Seulgi isn't new to the screen, but she’s made a habit of choosing less mainstream roles. After taking a break from acting for personal reflection and training—spending time in theater workshops and off-camera spaces—her return via an unconventional drama signals a deliberate choice.
She has expressed hope that audiences won't just see this as her return but as a story worth watching for its own message. While many might expect her to come back in a romantic comedy (a genre she ruled), her decision hints at a deeper artistic motivation.
Support: Fresh Content, Meaningful Growth
Supporters of this drama highlight how it pushes boundaries without chasing ratings. The short length may be seen as a limitation, but it also forces creators and actors to be intentional and powerful in every minute—a rarity in today's sprawling 16-episode dramas.
If the show indeed tackles issues like animal rights or emotional dependency on pets in a legal system that favors humans over animals (or doesn’t consider animals at all), then it may open unexpected audience conversations.
Criticism: Vague Title, Niche Audience?
Of course, not everyone is sold. The title itself—while quirky—might leave audiences confused about the tone. Is it comedy? Is it activism? Or is it neither?
And there’s the typical concern: one-act plays don’t usually attract high ratings. For many networks, that alone is a red flag. Some fear Kim Seulgi’s efforts might get overshadowed by low viewership, regardless of her performance quality.
What It Might Represent for US Viewers
While the drama is made in Korea, the themes might resonate globally—especially among American audiences increasingly attentive to pet rights, emotional labor, and overlooked social conflicts. Think Marriage Story, but with a cat, and compressed into 60 minutes.
This also reflects a growing trend: short-form dramas meant to say a lot in a small package. Platforms like Netflix have started picking up more anthology shows and stand-alone episodes that align with modern viewing habits.
Final Take: Risk with Heart
Cat Custody War is a brave choice—both for the emerging creators and for Kim Seulgi. It’s a reminder that storytelling, even in 60-minute formats, can challenge how we think, feel, and relate to the world around us. Whether it succeeds commercially or not might be less important than the discussions it sparks.
Still, for it to really make an impact, the show needs a clear voice and a firm identity—which we’ll only know once it airs. Until then, Kim Seulgi and her team have already stirred attention, and maybe that’s the first victory.
