ACTORS WHO REJECT HIGH RATING DRAMA

There is outstanding advantages and strong coverage, such faces receive countless acting offers each year, forcing them to reject projects that are not too satisfactory for the actors, especially who have a lot of acting offers from producers. Every year in Korea, there are hundreds, even thousands of new film projects, including movies, television and web dramas, but it is easy to see that most successful projects have the participation of familiar elements. All the famous names, possessing reliable acting ability and are favored by directors, let's name a few: Jun Ji hyun, Lee minho, Kim Hyunbin, and Gong hyojin. Sometimes the rejection of the offer might give a door/opportunity to lesser known actors who also possess the same skills, yet still unknown in the entertainment world. Here are several actors who reject high rating drama

1. IU – Kim Da Mi for Yiseo on Itaewon class vs Hotel del luna

Itaewon Class is currently a massive hit on Korean television. A huge attraction of the movie comes from the work of the female lead – Jo Yi Seo played by young actress Kim Da Mi. IU did not take on the role in Itaewon Class to star in Hotel Del Luna. Hotel Del Luna can be said to be the most successful movie of tvN in 2019 when it has compelling storyline, good media and outstanding soundtracks. Meanwhile, Kim Da Mi brought a very lively Jo Yi Seo, truly “crazy” but still very cute and attractive. To many viewers, Da Mi is the female lead who comes out of the original work, so many people were surprised to know that the writer and original author once wanted the role for IU, but the actress refused.

Thanks to IU, who decided to star in Hotel Del Luna, the audience of the Korean series had a chance to watch one of the strongest and most stunning female lead ever. It can be said that IU’s decision to refuse the role in Itaewon Class accidentally brought a win-win game to both her and the “latecomer” Kim Da Mi, and the audience was rewarded in the end.

2. Lee Min Ki – Lee Jun Ki – Ha Jung Woo

Hyung Sik, the main role in Haeundae was later given to Lee Min Ki and marked a turning point in the young actor’s career when the film won the box office and entered the list of the most popular Korean films in history.

In 2008, Iljimae aired and received a warm welcome, helping Lee Jun Ki become widely known as the “Prince of Historical Dramas”. In order to focus on Iljimae, the actor turned down two offers to star in Haeundae and The Chaser.

The lead role of The Chaser went to Ha Jung Woo and helped him earn the nickname “acting god” for his outstanding performance. Although there are certain regrets, but all three actors have their win.

3. Kim Soo Hyun – Song Joong Ki

 Actually, Song Joong Ki was previously the one who was cast for the role of Lee Hwon on HIGH RATED drama, Moon embrace the sun, but he refused it to participate in the movie A Werewolf Boy. This is the work that made Song Joong Ki’s acting widely recognized and he earned a Baeksang nomination in the same year.

This helps marked a milestone for the “television king” Kim Soo Hyun thanks to the brilliant success of Moon Embracing the Sun. The actor transformed into the crown prince and later King Lee Hwon, bringing one of the most successful historical male leads on the small screen. Which successfully bring the actor to receive the Best Actor Award at the prestigious Baeksang.

What’s more interesting is that the main role of A Werewolf Boy was initially aimed at Kim Soo Hyun himself, but he declined. It can be said that this is the best “role switch” in Korean entertainment industry.

4. Gong Yoo – Song Joong Ki

Writer Kim Eun Sook herself revealed that Gong Yoo was the actor who rejected her offers the most. Goblin was a special case because he was so suitable for Gong Yoo, It took the “golden scriptwriter” 5 years to finally convince Gong Yoo. 

In the past 5 years, it can be said that few films have created such waves that swept through Asia as strongly as Descendants of the Sun and Goblin. Both films are written by writer Kim Eun Sook. Gong Yoo was one of the four most sought-after names for soldier Yoo Shi Jin in Descendants of the Sun before the role was officially given to actor Song Joong Ki. Less than a year later, Gong Yoo became the male lead of Goblin.

With the tendency to accept less and less romantic leads of Gong Yoo, if he had accepted to star in Descendants of the Sun, we would not have had the chance to watch such a great Goblin.

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