KNOW MORE ABOUT KIM EUNSOK, THE ACTOR WHO REJECT HER MOST

Writer Kim Eun Sook attended a talk show with “Signal” writer Kim Eun Hee.

Most know about the story behind how Lee Dong-wook won the part of 'Goblin' after impressing writer Kim Eun-sook. He reached out to her and made sure she thought of nobody else for the role. However, much less is known about Gong Yoo's casting story. He was a much more popular actor, having just had success with the zombie-flick 'Train to Busan.' Kim Eun-sook revealed this surprising information that Gong Yoo had actually rejected her many times before saying yes to 'Goblin.'

After writing six dramas, Kim said she "contemplated on whether to write a drama that benefits the world or one that will garner good ratings" and decided to "abandon the depth I showed in City Hall" (which recorded solid, if unimpressive, ratings in the high teens). Instead, she "made an easy, light drama for the whole family to enjoy on weekends," and intentionally wrote it "to be fun.

By this time, the writer-director duo of Kim and Shin had gained a reputation for making hits, and their projects attracted high-profile actors. Many actor or actress also begin to get interest for the writer's drama, as it will bring more popularity and brand name.

She shared stories about her casting process, commenting, “I also get rejected so much, so when an actor eventually comes to me, I become crazy in love with that actor as the character. I sincerely only think of that actor, whether male or female. Once the drama is over, I hope for their continued success and for them to shoot lots of advertisements.”

The MC followed up by asking which actor has rejected her the most, to which she responded, “Gong Yoo is the actor that has rejected me the most. However, after trying persistently over and over again, I came to work with him for ‘Goblin.’ Looking at scenes that were filmed, I felt so proud. He is that great of an actor.”

Kim's trademark is slick and glossy romantic comedies with fast-flying banter. Some critics have opined that Kim writes shallow characters, and she is as polarizing as she is successful. But not only do most of her dramas appeal to a wide age range of viewers and receive high ratings, but they often have that extra element that make them pop-culture buzz projects, whether it's due to a particularly catchy line of dialogue or a recurring joke.