Get ready for a blast from the past that will leave you stunned and curious! As fans of Korean dramas, we’ve all been mesmerized by the iconic roles of our favorite stars. But, did you know that one of the most beloved dramas, The Moon Embracing the Sun, almost had a very different lead actor? Yes, you read that right! The coveted role of Lee Hwon, played by Kim Soo Hyun, was initially offered to someone else entirely. And the surprising part? It was his Queen of Tears co-star!
The Surprising Truth Behind Kim Soo Hyun’s Breakout Role
The Moon Embracing the Sun: A Fantasy Romance Saeguk
Kim Soo Hyun’s breakout role in the 2012 fantasy romance saeguk “The Moon Embracing the Sun” is a testament to his acting prowess and versatility. The drama, which also starred Han Ga In, Jung Il Woo, Kim Min Seo, and Song Jae Rim, was a massive success, both in South Korea and internationally. The drama’s success can be attributed to its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and outstanding performances from the cast, including Kim Soo Hyun.
The Moon Embracing the Sun was a fantasy romance saeguk that aired on MBC in 2012. The drama was a huge hit, and it cemented Kim Soo Hyun’s status as a rising star in the K-drama industry. The drama’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of romance, drama, and fantasy elements, which appealed to a wide range of audiences.
Not Kim Soo Hyun, but His Co-Star was the First Choice
In a surprising turn of events, Morningpicker has uncovered that Song Joong Ki was the original choice to play Lee Hwon in The Moon Embracing the Sun. However, Joong Ki had just starred as a young King Sejeong in Deep Rooted Tree (2011). Given that both roles were similar, the 39-year-old actor rejected the now cult K-drama.
Song Joong Ki’s decision to reject the role of Lee Hwon in The Moon Embracing the Sun was a significant turning point in Kim Soo Hyun’s career. Kim Soo Hyun’s versatility as an actor and his ability to take on different roles made him an ideal candidate to play the lead role in The Moon Embracing the Sun. Kim Soo Hyun’s performance in the drama was outstanding, and it cemented his status as a leading man in the K-drama industry.
The Similarity Between Roles
Song Joong Ki’s experience playing King Sejeong in Deep Rooted Tree may have influenced his decision to reject The Moon Embracing the Sun. Both roles required the actor to portray a young king, and Joong Ki may have felt that he had already played a similar role in Deep Rooted Tree.
Kim Soo Hyun’s decision to take on the role of Lee Hwon in The Moon Embracing the Sun was a bold move. Kim Soo Hyun’s performance in the drama was outstanding, and it cemented his status as a leading man in the K-drama industry. Kim Soo Hyun’s ability to take on different roles and his versatility as an actor made him an ideal candidate to play the lead role in The Moon Embracing the Sun.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Rise to Fame
Queen of Tears: A Rom-Com Melodrama
Morningpicker has been following Kim Soo Hyun’s rise to fame, and his latest drama, Queen of Tears, has been a major highlight of his career. The rom-com melodrama, which also starred Kim Ji Won, was a huge hit, both in South Korea and internationally. The drama’s success can be attributed to its engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and outstanding performances from the cast, including Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won.
Queen of Tears was a romantic comedy melodrama that aired on tvN in 2023. The drama was a huge hit, and it cemented Kim Soo Hyun’s status as a leading man in the K-drama industry. The drama’s success can be attributed to its unique blend of romance, comedy, and melodrama elements, which appealed to a wide range of audiences.
The Hallyu Star’s Filmography
Kim Soo Hyun’s filmography is a testament to his versatility as an actor. From dramas like It’s Okay to Not Be Okay and Dream High to films like The Producers, Kim Soo Hyun has proven himself to be a talented and dedicated actor. Kim Soo Hyun’s ability to take on different roles and his versatility as an actor make him an ideal candidate to play a wide range of characters.
Kim Soo Hyun’s filmography includes a wide range of dramas and films. From romantic comedies like Queen of Tears to dramas like It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, Kim Soo Hyun has proven himself to be a talented and dedicated actor. Kim Soo Hyun’s ability to take on different roles and his versatility as an actor make him an ideal candidate to play a wide range of characters.
Kim Soo Hyun’s Upcoming Project
Knock Off: A Black Comedy Crime Drama
Morningpicker has been following Kim Soo Hyun’s upcoming project, Knock Off, and it’s set to be a major highlight of his career. The black comedy crime drama, which also stars Jo Bo Ah, Kwon Nara, Yoo Jae Myung, and Kim Hye Eun, is a Disney+ original series that’s set to premiere in 2025.
Knock Off is a black comedy crime drama that follows Kim Sung Joon (Kim Soo Hyun), whose life turns upside down due to the 1997 IMF crisis in South Korea. We gradually see his transformation from an ordinary officer worker to the king of the counterfeit world. The drama is a unique blend of comedy, crime, and drama elements, which appealed to a wide range of audiences.
The Cast and Crew
The cast of Knock Off includes a wide range of talented actors, including Jo Bo Ah, Kwon Nara, Yoo Jae Myung, and Kim Hye Eun. The drama is being helmed by Park Hyun Suk, who is known for his work on Uncontrollably Fond. The cast and crew of Knock Off are set to deliver a unique and engaging storyline that will keep audiences entertained.
The cast of Knock Off includes:
- Kim Soo Hyun as Kim Sung Joon
- Jo Bo Ah as Song Hye Jung
- Kwon Nara as Moon Yu Bin
- Yoo Jae Myung as Kim Man Sik
- Kim Hye Eun as Bae Nu Ri
Conclusion
So, there you have it, the surprising truth behind the casting of “The Moon Embracing the Sun” – a role that catapulted Kim Soo Hyun to stardom. While he captivated audiences with his portrayal of Wang So, the original choice for the lead wasn’t him at all, but rather his “Queen of Tears” co-star, the talented [Name of co-star]. This revelation sheds light on the intricate dance of fate and decision-making that shapes the world of K-dramas. It reminds us that behind every iconic performance lies a network of possibilities, some realized, others left to our imaginations. The implications of this casting twist are multifaceted. It underscores the power of perception, showing how audiences can quickly form attachments and associations with actors based on their previous roles. It also raises questions about the role of agency in the entertainment industry, prompting us to consider the forces that influence casting choices and ultimately shape the stories we consume. Who knows what alternative narrative might have unfolded if [Name of co-star] had taken the reins as Wang So? Perhaps a different kind of magic would have graced our screens, a testament to the infinite potential within the realm of storytelling. The truth, however, remains etched in the fabric of K-drama history, leaving us to ponder the intriguing “what ifs” and the undeniable impact of both choices made and those left unmade.