The drama, written by Kim Min-jeong and Im Ye-jin, received modest viewership ratings[2] but was well received by young viewers and became popular overseas, leading to increased recognition for its cast – Kim So-hyun, Nam Joo-hyuk, and Yook Sung-jae.

[3][4] In 2016, he directed the youth historical drama Love in the Moonlight, which marked the second collaboration of him with writers Kim Min-jeong and Im Ye-jin after School 2015.

Based on the novel Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, series depicts the growth of Lee Yeong, Crown Prince of Joseon, (played by Park Bo-gum) and his unlikely relationship with eunuch Hong Ra-on (a woman disguised as a man, portrayed by Kim Yoo-jung).

[12][13] He again reunited with writer Kim Min-jeong (for their third collaboration) in the fantasy musical drama The Sound of Magic, based on webtoon Annarasumanara.

[14] Later that year he reunited with the cast members of Love in the Moonlight, Itaewon Class and The Sound of Magic in the TVING travel entertainment program Young Actors' Retreat.