These are the Korean dramas that became popular because they have strong leads. Do you know that they are not the first choice of the production team? Check out these facts.
1. Gong Yoo as Captain Yoo Si Jin
The production team of "Descendants of the Sun" first picked Gong Yoo as the male lead. The role was difficult to cast because of shooting overseas for a long period of time, required short hairstyles, and complete production requirements. Gong Yoo, actors Won Bin, Jo In Sung, and Kim Woo Bin got offers for the role but they turned it down. Song Joong Ki gained popularity because of his great acting as the special forces unit leader. He, later on, got married to his female lead, actress Song Hye Kyo. Sadly, they decided to file divorce after 20 months of marriage.
2. Won Bin as Gangrim
"Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds" production team initially considered Won Bin for the role of grim reaper Gangrim. He turned down the role because he wanted a mellow film and not a fantasy film to be his comeback drama. Gong Yoo and Kim Woo Bin also received offers that they turned down. Actor Ha Jung Woo took the role wholeheartedly and the movie was successful to break 10 million views.
3. Park Bo Gum as Son Oh Gong
"A Korean Odyssey" production team first considered Park Bo Gum for the role of Son Oh Gong the Monkey King, but he turned down the role. Lee Seung Gi took the role which is his first project after his military duty. However, the show's high viewership ratings drop when a production staff had an accident which led to a controversy among the Korean viewers.
4. Kim Soo Hyun as Crown Prince Sado
"The Throne" production team initially had Kim Soo Hyun in mind for the role of Crown Prince Sado. He turned down the role and actor Yoo Ah In confirmed to appear. Yoo Ah In showed his great acting skills and immersed with his character. The film was successful in theaters and you can now watch it on Netflix.
5. Song Joong Ki as Crown Prince Lee Chang
Joo Ji Hoon's role as the Crown Prince Lee Chang was first offered to Song Joong Ki. The actor had no choice but to turn down the role because he was preparing for his wedding. Then actor Joo Ji Hoon accepted the role and looked fit as the Crown Prince. "Kingdom" continued to air despite the controversies that happened during the production. Many viewers loved the unique zombie plot, so the second season is on the works and will be airing in March 2020.
