It has been a noteworthy week for actors declining roles. Lee Seung Gi and Lim Ji Yeon declined their roles in the multiple personality drama "Kill Me, Heal Me" and Jung Il Woo became the second actor to turn down a role in the medical vampire drama "Blood."
The first actor to be interested in but ultimately decline the role of the bloodthirsty surgeon was Yoo Yeon Suk. He said he could not fit the drama into his busy schedule, as he is currently promoting the film "The Royal Tailors," which co-stars Park Shin Hye.
The next actor to be offered the role was Jung Il Woo, who recently finished starring in the drama "The Night Watchman." No sooner did it make the news that Jung Il Woo was considering the role than other sources said rookie actor Ahn Jae Hyun was also up for the part of a vampire who suppresses his thirst for blood and works as an oncology doctor.
At that point Jung Il Woo may already have turned he role down but a press release about his decision had not yet been released. Jung Il Woo declined the role saying that he was busy with promotional events for the drama "The Night Watchman." And having just wrapped up that drama he may want a breather from the demanding schedules that dramas impose on actors. Or maybe he is just tired of dealing with the undead. "The Night Watchman" had him seeing and talking to ghosts. Vampires might be more of the same.
The role has now been offered to Ahn Jae Hyun, whose previous roles consisted of playing Jun Ji Hyun's younger brother in "You Who Came From The Stars" and a member of Cha Seung Won's detective team in "You're All Surrounded." He also had a role in his first film "Fashion King."
The production team behind the drama is one that many actors would want to work with. Ki Min Soo, and writer, Park Jae Bum are the same team that worked on the KBS 2TV's hit medical drama "Good Doctor," starring Joo Won. "Blood" is expected to air in February, following the drama "Healer."
Ahn Jae Hyun is an appealing actor. And he could make a convincing vampire because he has that lean and hungry look. But the question is, can he manage a leading role? Will he be able hold his own against co-stars such as Ji Jin Hee, last seen in "One Warm Word?"
You never know. And Ahn Jae Hyun may yet decline the role too.
What do you think about this casting?