"The Penthouse" hit K-dramaland by storm as the SBS series featured a different kind of makjang series.Interestingly, these stars were officially offered to join "The Penthouse" cast but rejected for various reasons. Keep on reading for all the details!
Released in 2020, the thriller mystery drama follows the story of families living in the affluent neighborhood of Hera Palace.
Each character harbors secrets and hidden ambitions, especially the Chairman, Joo Dan Tae, and his second wife, Cheon Seo Jin.
Due to the popularity of "The Penthouse: War in Life," SBS decided to release a trilogy of the series with the final season wrapping up in September 2021.
Apart from the surprising plot, viewers also lauded how the cast perfectly portrayed each character.
Oh Man Suk
Best known for his villain roles in "Crash Landing on You" and "Youth of May," Oh Man Suk was initially offered to play the role of Ha Yoon Chul.
He is the father of Ha Eun Byul (Choi Ye Bin), who would sacrifice everything for his daughter, and the husband of prima donna Cheon Seo Jin (Kim So Yeon.)
Unfortunately, he decided to pass on the role of Ha Yoon Chul and the role officially went to Yoon Jong Hoon.
Shin Sung Rok
The versatile actor was supposed to play the iconic villain Joo Dan Tae in "The Penthouse: War in Life."
He is a revenge and greed-driven CEO who wants all the power and wealth in the world.
Due to an overlapping schedule, Shin Sung Rok has to turn down the offer.
Joo Dan Tae's role went to the equally talented Uhm Ki Joon who was praised for his perfect portrayal of the villain.
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Meanwhile, Shin Sung Rok joined MBC's "Kairos" as the lead star.
Kang Tae Oh
Months before the first season of "The Penthouse" was released, various outlets noted that Kang Tae Oh was among the cast courted to join the K-drama.
According to a report, the 28-year-old star was among the list of candidates to appear in the SBS series alongside Lee Ji Ah, Eugene, Kim So Yeon, Shin Sung Rok, and Bong Tae Gyu.
Despite not revealing which character is offered to him, Kang Tae Oh did not make it to the final cut due to undisclosed reasons. He ultimately joined the cast of the JTBC drama "Run On."
Ha Suk Jin
In February 2020, Ha Suk Jin was offered to play the role of Logan Lee in "The Penthouse" and was positively considering joining the cast.
Unfortunately, the role officially went to Park Eun Seok, which skyrocketed his career, leading to more lead roles after the makjang series.
Because of Ha Suk Jin turning down the offer, reports noted that the screenwriter adjusted the storyline and made Logan Lee a supporting roles instead of the main character.
Jung Da Bin
Another celebrity who is supposed to join "The Penthouse" cast is Jung Da Bin.
Although there were no reports on what role she was set to play, the actress opted to appear in "Live On," which is in the same time slot as the SBS series.
READ MORE: Eugene Admits Being Skeptical to Accept 'The Penthouse' Character - Here's Why
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Written by Geca Wills
