Jung Eun-ji plays Lee Mi-jin, a young job seeker in her 20s, in the JTBC drama "Miss Night and Day." Courtesy of JTBC

JTBC's rom-com "Miss Night and Day" is captivating viewers with its unique blend of hilarious situations and heartwarming moments. The show cleverly tackles the relatable struggles of young job seekers and middle-aged women, wrapping real-life challenges in a whimsical yet insightful narrative.

The drama introduces a wildly imaginative story where Lee Mi-jin (Jung Eun-ji), a young woman in her 20s, finds herself facing a bizarre transformation after a mysterious night following a stray cat. She wakes up to discover that she has aged into her 50s. Now, she leads a double life: by day, she is Im Soon (Lee Jung-eun), a senior intern at the fictional Seohan District Prosecutors' Office, and by night, she returns to her younger self.

Prosecutor Gye Ji-woong (Choi Jin-hyuk) introduces elements of romance and thriller to the storyline. By day, Gye works closely with Im in her 50s at the office, and by night, he finds himself romantically entangled with Lee, in her 20s as Lee becomes a key witness to a murder and begins working with Gye on the case.

The drama seamlessly combines humor and depth to depict the complexities faced by young job seekers and middle-aged women, who are often seen as vulnerable groups in Korean society.

Lee, who has poured her heart and soul into preparing for the civil service exam for the past eight years, finds herself facing yet another disheartening failure in her final attempt. This setback adds to the weight of her already burdened shoulders as she grapples with the financial burden of a scam that has robbed her parents of their hard-earned money.

Lee Jung-eun, second from right, plays Im Soon, who 20-something Lee Mi-jin turns into during the day time and works as a senior intern at the Seohan District Prosecutors' Office, in the JTBC drama "Miss Night and Day." Courtesy of JTBC

Reflecting the harsh reality of today's job market, young Lee Mi-jin lives in a state of despair and disillusionment. Yet, in a twist of irony, her sudden transformation into a woman in her 50s becomes a sanctuary from these harsh realities. As she embarks on a bold new path as a senior intern, the scene where she breaks down in tears after finally securing the internship position poignantly captures her struggles and hopes.

The part portraying Im as a young woman trapped in the appearance of a middle-aged woman, has been full of comic elements. With youthful energy coursing through her aged body, Im effortlessly juggles tasks, sipping a cup of Americano while typing with one hand, and expertly translating online slang that young students use.

Actor Lee Jung-eun's performance particularly shines, going beyond mere imitation of singer-actor Jung. She adopts Busan dialect and even performs song and dance of Apink, the K-pop girl group Jung belongs to.

Experts say diverse elements of comedy, romance and thriller resonate with viewers of various ages, contributing to the broad appeal of "Miss Night and Day."

"There are many elements that will be loved by a wide range of age groups, from 20s to 50s. The comedy utilizing Lee Jung-eun is definitely funny, and the romantic comedy and mystery thriller that unfold from the fantasy setting are cleverly intertwined," said culture critic Jung Duk-hyun. "When it gets a little bland, a mysterious incident appears and adds tension to the storyline."

A poster for the JTBC drama "Miss Night and Day" / Courtesy of JTBC

The drama's exploration of the relationship between older adults and youth adds another layer of depth and complexity to its narrative. It challenges viewers to consider the intergenerational dynamics at play in society.

This is particularly evident in the dynamic between K-pop idol Go Won (Baek Seo-hoo), who works as a public service worker at the prosecutors' office, and Im.

After subduing a stalker targeting Go, Im shares a refreshing coffee with him during their break, fostering a friendship that transcends age. The scene where Im offers heartfelt consolation to Go, who confides in her about the struggles he faces due to malicious comments, evokes a sense of warmth and empathy among viewers.

"The story is one that both young and older generations can resonate with while also raising questions about what the older generation should do for the younger generation," said another culture critic, Kim Hern-sik. "The drama also touches on a socially relevant message, highlighting the paradoxical reality of young people struggling to find employment while seniors are entering the workforce."

The drama airs every Saturday and Sunday.