If Not Rejected, These 15 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. Jung Yong Hwa is preparing for the drama IT'S YOU, OUT OF THE BLUE (2026).

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. Had IU accepted, she would have reunited with Kim Soo Hyun, her former co-star in DREAM HIGH (2011) and THE PRODUCERS (2015). IU stars in the drama WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU TANGERINES (2025).

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 considering for quite some time, 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. Suzy stars in GENIE, MAKE A WISH (2025) and is scheduled to appear in PORTRAITS OF DELUSION (2026).

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 the co-star of Hwang Jung Eum, who later achieved great success alongside Ji Sung. Hyun Bin is now actively starring in the series MADE IN KOREA (2025).

The drama PINOCCHIO (2014) featuring the sweet chemistry of Park Shin Hye and Lee Jong Suk, was originally eyeing Kim Woo Bin. He was already known through THE HEIRS and was on the list of candidates for the lead role of Choi Dal Po. However, due to a scheduling conflict, Woo Bin declined the offer. If he had accepted, he would have shared the screen again with Park Shin Hye after their success as co-stars in THE HEIRS. Kim Woo Bin had just completed filming the drama GENIE, MAKE A WISH (2025).

Before it was finally 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 acted alongside Bae Doo Na in this mystery-filled historical drama about zombies. Song Joong Ki recently starred in MY YOUTH (2025).

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 a comedic 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. Jun Ji Hyun is set to appear in a new project titled HUMAN X GUMIHO (2026).

Before Song Joong Ki captured the audience's hearts as Captain Yoo Si Jin, that role was actually intended for Gong Yoo. Screenwriter Kim Eun Sook even envisioned the main character with a muscular and handsome body like Gong Yoo. However, the actor from GOBLIN rejected the offer. Had he accepted, he would have acted alongside Song Hye Kyo, who was then the leading female star. Gong Yoo is also scheduled to star in SHOW BUSINESS (2026).

Song Hye Kyo was once offered the role of Jung Geum-ja, a competitive lawyer in the drama HYENA. After her huge success in THE GLORY, the character was deemed suitable for her as both are strong and ambitious. 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. Currently, Song Hye Kyo is preparing for the drama SHOW BUSINESS (2026).

In 2009, Jang Keun Suk was offered the role of Gu Jun Pyo in BOYS OVER FLOWERS but declined due to other shooting schedules. If he had accepted, he would have acted alongside Ku Hye Sun in that legendary drama. Jang Keun Suk last appeared in DECOY: PART 2 (2023).

In 2017, Park Bo Gum was almost cast as Son Oh Gong in KOREAN ODYSSEY but turned it down due to character reasons. If he had accepted, he would have acted alongside Cha Seung Won in that fantasy drama. Park Bo Gum starred in WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU TANGERINES and GOOD BOY (2025).

In 2017, Lee Sung Kyung was offered the lead role in SUSPICIOUS PARTNER but turned it down due to a scheduling conflict. If she had accepted, she would have acted alongside Ji Chang Wook in that romantic legal drama. Lee Sung Kyung will appear in IN YOUR BRILLIANT SEASON (2026).

In 2010, Son Ye Jin was offered the lead role of Kim Yoon Hee in SUNGKYUNKWAN SCANDAL but turned it down for personal reasons. If she had accepted, she would have acted alongside Park Yoo Chun in that famous historical drama. Son Ye Jin has been confirmed to star in two new projects, SCANDAL and VARIETY (2026).

In 2022, Jo Bo Ah was offered the role of Shin Ha Ri in BUSINESS PROPOSAL but declined it for another project. If she had accepted, she would have starred alongside Ahn Hyo Seop in the popular romcom. Jo Bo Ah plays a role in the drama Dear HONGRANG (2025).

In 2024, Cha Eun Woo was among the actors offered the role of Ryu Sun Jae in LOVELY RUNNER but decided to decline. If he had accepted, he would have acted alongside Kim Hye Yoon in that time-crossing love story. Cha Eun Woo is preparing for the project THE WONDER FOOLS (2026). Come on, read articles about other Korean drama recommendations on Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when?