If Not Rejected, These 9 Korean Stars Could Create Legendary Dramas That Are Different

In 2013, Jung Yong Hwa from CNBLUE almost played Choi Young Do in THE HEIRS. However, he declined because he wanted to avoid the type of student character and not be paired again with Park Shin Hye, his co-star in YOU'RE BEAUTIFUL and HEARTSTRINGS. If he had not declined, he would have acted alongside not only Park Shin Hye but also Lee Min Ho, creating a very iconic star trio in the K-drama world.

Before Kim Ji Won finally played Hong Hae In in QUEEN OF TEARS (2024), the character was initially offered to IU. In April 2022, her agency, EDAM Entertainment, confirmed that IU declined the offer. If IU had accepted, she would have reunited with Kim Soo Hyun, her former co-star in DREAM HIGH (2011) and THE PRODUCERS (2015).

The drama adaptation of the famous webtoon CHEESE IN THE TRAP (2016) initially wanted to cast Bae Suzy as Hong Seol, the main female character. However, after considerable deliberation, Suzy decided to decline the offer. If she had accepted, she would have acted alongside Park Hae Jin, who is known for his mysterious and calm character in the series.

Interestingly, the lead role in KILL ME, HEAL ME was initially offered to Hyun Bin after the success of SECRET GARDEN (2010). However, he chose another project with a similar theme, HYDE, JEKYLL, ME (2015). Had Hyun Bin accepted the offer, he would have been co-starring with Hwang Jung Eum, who later achieved great success alongside Ji Sung.

The drama PINOCCHIO (2014), which showcased the sweet chemistry between Park Shin Hye and Lee Jong Suk, was originally eyeing Kim Woo Bin. He was already known from THE HEIRS and was on the list of candidates for the main role of Choi Dal Po. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Woo Bin declined the offer. If he had accepted, he would have shared the screen with Park Shin Hye again after their success as co-stars in THE HEIRS.

Before finally being starred by Joo Ji Hoon, the Netflix drama KINGDOM initially targeted Song Joong Ki for the role of Crown Prince Lee Chang. However, in 2017, he chose to step back to prepare for his marriage to Song Hye Kyo. Had he not declined, he would have starred alongside Bae Doo Na in this historical drama full of mystery and zombies.

Before Shin Min Ah became famous for her role as the cute nine-tailed fox, that role was actually offered to Jun Ji Hyun. However, the star of MY LOVE FROM THE STAR declined because her elegant image was considered unsuitable for the funny and light character. If Jun Ji Hyun had not declined, she would have starred alongside Lee Seung Gi, creating a strong visual couple on screen in 2010.

Before Song Joong Ki captured the audience's heart as Captain Yoo Si Jin, the role was actually intended for Gong Yoo. Screenwriter Kim Eun Sook even envisioned the main character with a muscular and handsome physique like Gong Yoo. However, the GOBLIN actor declined the offer. If not, he would have acted alongside Song Hye Kyo, who was then the leading female role.

Song Hye Kyo was once offered the role of Jung Geum-ja, a competitive lawyer in the drama HYENA. After achieving great success with THE GLORY, the character was deemed suitable for her due to their shared strength and ambition. However, Song Hye Kyo ultimately declined the offer. If she had accepted, she would have acted alongside Ju Ji Hoon, creating a charismatic duo on screen. Come on, read articles about other Korean drama recommendations at Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when, KapanLagi?