Korean entertainment is bursting with the announcements of buzzworthy projects this week, blending history, fantasy, and heartfelt romance. Fans are in for a treat with fresh dramas and films starring top talents like Kim Nam-gil, Kim Young-kwang, Chae Soo-bin, Heo Nam-jun, Jinyoung, and Moon Ka-young. Here’s your go-to guide on the hottest upcoming Korean projects you won’t want to miss!
Latest in Casting: Kim Nam Gil, Kim Young Kwang, Chae Soo Bin, and More
Confirmed Casting News
Kim Young Kwang & Chae Soo Bin
Drama: “Take Charge of My Heart,” based on a web novel of the same name. (Netflix Rom-Com)
Prepare for sparks to fly in this quirky romantic comedy starring Kim Young-kwang and Chae Soo-bin! Baek Ho-rang (Kim Young-kwang), a chaebol heir running a luxury resort with an artificial heart that needs recharging. Na Bo-bae (Chae Soo-bin), a drama writer struck by lightning, who can literally power him up. Their contract-based relationship evolves into a heartfelt romance with a quirky, high-voltage charm.
Director Park Su Won, known for his witty and engaging direction in projects like “Work Later, Drink Now” and “Birthcare Center” series, will direct this live-action adaptation. The screenplay is by rookie writer Song Yu Chae.
The rom-com series will be available exclusively on Netflix. Blending fantasy and romance in a fresh way, this show is a must-watch for K-romcom fans looking for both laughs and depth.
Actors in Talks
Heo Nam Jun
Drama: “Brilliant New World” (SBS Drama)
Heo Nam-jun of “When the Phone Rings” is reviewing an offer for the lead role in “Brilliant New World,” a new drama for SBS. If he accepts the offer, he will co-star with actress Lim Ji Yeon of “The Tale of Lady Ok,” who has confirmed to play the female lead role. Nam-jun will take the role of Cha Se-gye, a charismatic chaebol heir, who locks horns with a clever Joseon-era villainess, Shin Seo-ri.
In this romantic comedy full of time-crossed intrigue, you can expect sharp battles and heart-pounding chemistry in a story that ties historical flair to modern Korea. Filming kicks off later in 2025, with early 2026 airing planned.
Park Jin Young
Drama: “100 Days of Lies” (tvN Drama)
Park Jin-young joins Kim Yoo-jung in talks to take the lead roles in the upcoming spy drama set during the Japanese occupation for tvN. It features undercover espionage and pickpocketing, promising thrilling twists. Kim Yoo-jung is expected to play the lead pickpocket role. Meanwhile, Park Jin-young’s role is still not available yet.
Director Yoo In-sik, known for “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” and “Romantic Doctor,” will direct the series. While the script is by Ryu Bo-ri, known for her popular series “Do You Like Brahms?”. With a top-notch director and a compelling storyline, this show promises thrilling twists and powerful performances.
Kim Nam-gil
Film: “Dream Journey to the Peach Blossom Land” (Historical Film)
Actor Kim Nam Gil is considering taking the lead role in the new historical film “Dream Journey to the Peach Blossom Land,” also known as “Dream Vogaye.” In this political thriller, he received an offer to portray Suyang Daegun or Grand Prince Suyang, a fierce royal prince embroiled in Joseon dynasty power struggles.
The acclaimed director Jang Hoon of the famous movie “A Taxi Driver,” will direct the film. According to reports, the film will bring history to life with lush visuals and intense drama.
Moon Ka Young
Drama: “Whale Star” (Period Fantasy Drama)
Moon Ga-young has received an offer to star in a new drama inspired by a mermaid-themed webtoon, “Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid.” Earlier, actor Choi Woo Shik received an offer to play the male lead role, Kang Ui Hyeon, an independence activist who runs a photo studio. Moon Ga-young is reviewing a leading role, Heo Su-ah, a voiceless servant born into a pro-Japanese family in Gunsan. She loves the sea and believes she is a fish.
Blending Korea’s independence movement with mermaid fantasy, this drama promises a captivating story. The seasoned director Heo Jin-ho, known for deeply moving works like “My Mister” and “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” will direct the series. With his experiences in poignant stories, this upcoming Korean drama has strong potential to become one of the year’s most emotionally compelling stories.
Final Thoughts
What are your thoughts on the casting news this week, and which upcoming Korean drama or film are you most excited about? Drop your picks and thoughts below!
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