During the Korean War, while attempting to escape North Korea, Geum-soon (Go Doo-shim) is separated from her husband and infant son. She manages to make it to South Korea where she begins her new life, running Nakwon Inn on Korea's southern coast, while waiting for her lost family. She remarries, has a son and grandchildren and builds the Nakwon Group, the top hotel chain in the country. Years later, at a reunion between separated families, Geum-soon gets a chance to meet her grown-up North Korean son and his son named Ri Moon-sung. But at the next reunion, she is informed about the death of her son, losing any contact with the grandson as well.
In the present day, Geum-soon is dying of cancer and has only three months left. Geum-soon's granddaughter and the manager of the hotel, Park Se-yeon (Ha Ji-won), works hard to protect Nakwon's name and keep the chain in the family while her elder brother tries to sell it. Meanwhile, Geum-soon's trusted right-hand man, Jeong Sang-cheol (Sung Dong-il) who has been searching for her North Korean grandson for years, finally tracks him down only to learn that he has become a smuggler and a violent criminal operating in China. Jeong decides to keep this truth from Geum-soon but comes up with a plan to grant her last wish to meet her grandson again.
Jeong then approaches Yoo Jae-hoon (Kang Ha-neul), a struggling actor of an unknown theater company who does several part time jobs to make ends meet, after watching his performance as a North Korean soldier in a play. Jeong asks Yoo to impersonate Geum-soon's North Korean grandson. In exchange for 500 million won, Yoo begins to play that role for three months.
Yoo Jae-heon: A theater actor in a local theater company. He receives a sudden offer from an old gentleman to play the defecting grandson of a certain grandmother, and he faces a major turning point in his life.
Jung-moon: Geum-soon's North Korean husband from whom she separated decades ago.
Geum-soon's granddaughter. The youngest daughter and the general manager of Hotel Nakwon. She and her brothers lost their parents at a young age and were raised by their grandmother.
The founder of Hotel Nakwon, a leading hotel chain in Korea. During the Korean War she descends to the South and is separated from her husband and child. She grows a hotel while waiting for the two of them. She wishes to see her grandson Moon-sung one last time.
The former manager of Hotel Nakwon and the right-hand man of Geum-soon. Even after retiring from his managerial position, he looks after and assists Geum-soon.
The early working title of the series was A Tree Dies Standing (Korean: 나무는 서서 죽는다; RR: Namuneun Seoseo Jungneunda).
The roles of Park Se-yeon and Geum-soon were first offered to Son Ye-jin and Youn Yuh-jung respectively.[22] In July 2022, it was reported that filming was under progress.[15]
The press conference of the drama which was scheduled to be held on October 31, 2022, was canceled due to the aftermath of the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush.[23]
Curtain Call : South Korea viewers per episode (thousands)
Graphs are unavailable due to technical issues. Updates on reimplementing the Graph extension, which will be known as the Chart extension, can be found on Phabricator and on MediaWiki.org.
Season
Episode number
Average
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
1
1272
558
954
1009
856
966
739
752
733
898
980
1093
N/A
829
981
969
N/A
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.[44]
^The dip in ratings for Episode 2 is due to the sudden extension of the 2022 Professional Baseball KBO League which aired in the earlier timeslot resulting to an hour delay in broadcast.
^The November 21 broadcast was canceled due to the 2022 World Cup broadcast and aired on November 22 instead.[46]
^The November 28 broadcast was canceled due to the 2022 World Cup and will air on November 29 instead.[47]
^Due to some ratings not recorded, the exact average rating is unknown.
^Yang So-young (October 4, 2022). "강하늘 하지원 '커튼콜' 10월 31일 첫방 확정" [Kang Ha-neul and Ha Ji-won's 'Curtain Call' to premiere on October 31st] (in Korean). Maeil Business Newspaper. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
^Jiyoon, Choi (October 19, 2022). "강하늘 '커튼콜', 세계 시청자 만난다…아마존 공개" [Kang Ha-neul's 'Curtain Call' meets global viewers... Amazon public]. Newsis (in Korean). Archived from the original on October 18, 2022. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
^Lee Yu-na (February 17, 2022). "강하늘, KBS 드라마 '나무는 서서히 죽는다' 캐스팅...무명배우 役 (공식)" [Kang Ha-neul, cast in KBS drama 'Trees Slowly Die'... as an unknown actor (official)] (in Korean). YTN. Archived from the original on February 17, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2022 – via Naver.
^ abHwang Soo-yeon (October 6, 2022). "커튼콜' 강하늘X하지원, 1950년vs2020년 1인2역 변신" [Curtain Call' Kang Ha-neul X Ha Ji-won, transforming into two roles in 1950 vs 2020] (in Korean). X-ports News. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022 – via Naver.
^Jung Ji-hyun (April 25, 2022). "하지원, '커튼콜' 출연 확정…강하늘과 호흡 [공식]" [Ha Ji-won confirmed for 'Curtain Call' Breathing with Kang Ha-neul [Official]] (in Korean). My Daily. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved April 25, 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee Da-won (June 29, 2022). "[단독] 고두심, '커튼콜' 출연…하지원·강하늘과 호흡" [[Exclusive] Go Doo-shim to appear in ‘Curtain Call’…with Ha Ji-won and Kang Ha-neul] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on June 29, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim Soo-jin (May 16, 2022). "성동일, '커튼콜: 나무는 서서 죽는다' 합류 [공식]" [Dongil Sung joins 'Curtain Call: Trees Die Standing' [Official]] (in Korean). MT Star News. Archived from the original on May 28, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022 – via Naver.
^ abcdKim Myung-mi (December 1, 2022). "'커튼콜' 백진희→최정원, 눈부시게 화려한 특별출연 라인업" ['Curtain Call' Baek Jin-hee → Choi Jeong-won, dazzling special appearance lineup] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim Soo-jin (May 26, 2022). "정지소, '커튼콜: 나무는 서서 죽는다' 출연 확정 [공식]" [Jung Ji-so confirmed to appear in 'Curtain Call: Trees Die Standing' [Official]] (in Korean). Star News. Archived from the original on May 30, 2022. Retrieved May 26, 2022 – via Naver.
^Jung Ji-hyun (May 25, 2022). "파친코' 노상현, '커튼콜' 출연 확정…의문에 싸인 리문성 役 [공식]" [Pachinko' Noh Sang-hyun confirmed to appear in 'Curtain Call'... Ri Moon-Sung's role wrapped in doubt [Official]] (in Korean). My Daily. Archived from the original on May 25, 2022. Retrieved May 25, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim Seong-hyun (June 7, 2022). "권상우 KBS '커튼콜' 합류… 하지원·강하늘·성동일과 연기호흡" [Kwon Sang-woo joins KBS' 'Curtain Call'... Ha Ji-won, Kang Ha-neul, Sung Dong-il and acting breath] (in Korean). YTN. Archived from the original on June 7, 2022. Retrieved June 7, 2022 – via Naver.
^ abcSon Jin-ah (September 19, 2022). "지승현·최대훈·황우슬혜·배해선, '커튼콜: 나무는 서서 죽는다' 합류" [Ji Seung-hyun, Choi Dae-hoon, Hwang Woo-seul-hye, and Bae Hae-seon join 'Curtain Call: Trees Stand and Die] (in Korean). MK Sports. Archived from the original on September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 19, 2022 – via Naver.
^Park Jung-min (May 19, 2022). "지승현 측 "'커튼콜' 긍정 검토 중"…황우슬혜와 부부 호흡 맞출까 [공식]" [Ji Seung-hyun's side "Considering the positive review of 'Curtain Call'"... Shall we work together with Hwang Woo-Seul-Hye [Official]] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on May 19, 2022. Retrieved May 19, 2022 – via Naver.
^Kim Na-young (December 1, 2022). "백진희→최정원까지 '커튼콜' 특별 출연…극 풍성함 더한다" [Baek Jin-hee → Choi Jeong-won special appearance in ‘Curtain Call’… Add extreme richness] (in Korean). MK Sports. Archived from the original on December 1, 2022. Retrieved December 1, 2022 – via Naver.
^ abLee Hae-jung (July 19, 2022). "싱글맘' 김현숙, 강하늘과 초밀착 셀카 "성격 좋은 하늘이" [Single Mom' Kim Hyun-sook, super close selfie with Kang Ha-neul "Single-like sky] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on July 24, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2022 – via Naver.
^ abcdPark Ah-reum (October 20, 2022). "커튼콜' 측 "안내상X이이경X정유진X김영민 특별출연, 기대이상 연기" [Curtain Call' side "Ahn Nae-sang X Lee Yi-kyung X Jung Yu-jin X Kim Young-min's special appearance, acting beyond expectations] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved October 20, 2022 – via Naver.
^Park So-young (October 6, 2022). "미생'→'스토브리그' 손종학, 또 역대급 빌런 되나..강하늘x하지원 '커튼콜' 합류" [Misaeng' → 'Stove League' Son Jong-hak, will he become an all-time villain again... Kang Ha-neul x Ha Ji-won joins 'Curtain Call'] (in Korean). Osen. Archived from the original on October 6, 2022. Retrieved October 6, 2022 – via Naver.
^ abKwak Myeong-dong (November 4, 2022). "'커튼콜', 쫄깃전개+엔딩맛집 입소문 "산뜻한 출발"" ['Curtain Call', chewy development + ending restaurant word of mouth "fresh start"] (in Korean). My Daily. Archived from the original on November 6, 2022. Retrieved November 6, 2022 – via Naver.
^Choi Ji-yoon (November 16, 2022). "음주운전 홍기준, '커튼콜'로 2년만 복귀…조선족 역" [Drunk driving Hong Gi-jun returns after 2 years with 'Curtain Call'... Korean-Chinese role] (in Korean). Newsis. Archived from the original on November 16, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2022 – via Naver.
^Cha Hye-young (October 23, 2022). "정의제, 특별 출연에도 강렬한 존재감…설렘의 추억 그려 ('커튼콜')" [Chung Eui-je, strong presence even in special appearances... Draw thrilling memories ('Curtain Call')] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved December 1, 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee Ji-soo (December 6, 2022). "모태범♥' 임사랑, '커튼콜' 하지원 응대하는 호텔 직원이었네...배우 복귀 성공!" ['Mo Tae-bum♥' Lim Sa-rang, 'Curtain Call' Ha Ji-won Responding hotel staff...The actress returns successfully!] (in Korean). Ilgan Sports. Archived from the original on December 6, 2022. Retrieved December 6, 2022 – via Naver.
^Lee Jung-hyun (September 29, 2021). "윤여정·강하늘·손예진, '나무는 서서 죽는다' 주연 물망" [Yoon Yeo-jeong, Kang Ha-neul, Son Ye-jin to star in 'Trees Stand and Die'] (in Korean). Yonhap News Agency. Archived from the original on May 1, 2022. Retrieved April 30, 2022 – via Naver.
^Ahn So-yoon (October 30, 2022). "[공식입장] 하지원→강하늘 '커튼콜', 31일 제작발표회 취소..."이태원 참사 여파" [[Official Position] Ha Ji-won → Kang Ha-neul 'Curtain Call', production presentation canceled on the 31st... "Aftermath of the Itaewon disaster] (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on October 30, 2022. Retrieved October 30, 2022 – via Naver.
^"오지 않는 사람아 (커튼콜 OST Part.1)". Kakao Entertainment. Flex M. October 31, 2022. Archived from the original on November 5, 2022. Retrieved November 5, 2022 – via Melon.
^"민들레야 (커튼콜 OST Part.2)". Kakao Entertainment. Flex M. November 1, 2022. Archived from the original on November 5, 2022. Retrieved November 5, 2022 – via Melon.
^"그래 사랑이야 (커튼콜 OST Part.3)". Kakao Entertainment. Flex M. November 7, 2022. Archived from the original on November 9, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022 – via Melon.
^"너는 바다 (커튼콜 OST Part.4)". Kakao Entertainment. Flex M. November 8, 2022. Archived from the original on November 9, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022 – via Melon.
^"오랫동안 (커튼콜 OST Part.5)". Kakao Entertainment. Flex M. November 14, 2022. Archived from the original on November 28, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022 – via Melon.
^"사랑하면 안 되는 사람 (커튼콜 OST Part.6)". Kakao Entertainment. Flex M. November 22, 2022. Archived from the original on November 28, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022 – via Melon.
^"사랑이란 게 (커튼콜 OST Part.8)". Kakao Entertainment. Flex M. December 6, 2022. Archived from the original on December 22, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Melon.
^"사랑이 피어나 (커튼콜 OST Part.9)". Kakao Entertainment. Flex M. December 12, 2022. Archived from the original on December 22, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Melon.
^"우린 (커튼콜 OST Part.10)". Kakao Entertainment. Flex M. December 19, 2022. Archived from the original on December 22, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2022 – via Melon.
"Ep. 1". Break News (in Korean). November 1, 2022. Archived from the original on November 1, 2022. Retrieved November 1, 2022.
"Ep. 2". Break News (in Korean). November 2, 2022. Archived from the original on November 2, 2022. Retrieved November 2, 2022.
"Ep. 3". Break News (in Korean). November 8, 2022. Archived from the original on November 8, 2022. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
"Ep. 4". Break News (in Korean). November 9, 2022. Archived from the original on November 9, 2022. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
"Ep. 5". Break News (in Korean). November 15, 2022. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2022.
"Ep. 6". Break News (in Korean). November 16, 2022. Archived from the original on November 16, 2022. Retrieved November 16, 2022.
"Ep. 7". Break News (in Korean). November 23, 2022. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved November 23, 2022.
"Ep. 9". Break News (in Korean). December 6, 2022. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2022.
"Ep. 10". Break News (in Korean). December 7, 2022. Archived from the original on January 6, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
"Ep. 11". Break News (in Korean). December 13, 2022. Archived from the original on December 14, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
"Ep. 12". Break News (in Korean). December 14, 2022. Archived from the original on December 14, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
^Ryu Ye-ji (November 20, 2022). "커튼콜' 21일, 월드컵 중계로 결방…강하늘♥정지소 부부케미는 22일에" [Curtain Call' on the 21st, canceled due to World Cup relay... Kang Ha-neul ♥ Jung Ji-so couple chemistry on the 22nd] (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on November 20, 2022. Retrieved November 20, 2022 – via Naver.
^Baek Ji-yeon (November 28, 2022). "'커튼콜' 28일(오늘) 2022 카타르 월드컵 중계로 결방" ['Curtain Call' on the 28th (today) due to the broadcast of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar] (in Korean). Sports Today. Archived from the original on November 28, 2022. Retrieved November 28, 2022.
^ abShim Eon-kyung (January 1, 2023). "이승기, 주상욱과 공동 대상…"불참 수백번 고민했지만" 눈물(종합)[KBS 연기대상]" [Lee Seung-gi, Joo Sang-wook and joint grand prize… "I worried hundreds of times not to attend" Tears (comprehensive) [KBS Drama Awards]]. Sports Seoul (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on January 1, 2023. Retrieved January 2, 2023.
^Park, Seo-yeon (December 31, 2022). "신인상만 6人…변우석X이유진X채종협X강미나X서현X정지소[2022 KBS 연기대상]" [Only 6 newcomers... Byun Woo-seok X Lee Yu-jin X Chae Jong-hyeop X Kang Mina X Seohyun X Jung Ji-so [2022 KBS Drama Awards]] (in Korean). My Daily. Archived from the original on January 1, 2023. Retrieved January 2, 2023 – via Naver.
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(in Korean)