After a successful run in the drama "Who Are You - School 2015," Nam Joo Hyuk has signed on for a role in the upcoming Naver webtoon-based drama "Cheese In The Trap."
Nam will play the role of Kwon Eun Taek, a friend and classmate of the leading female character Hong Seol. In the webtoon his character is tall and cute, a little clumsy, but a good friend, which sounds similar to the role he played in "Who Are You - School 2015."
The model-turned-actor admits to being a fan of the webtoon, so he knows the part well.
The tvN drama, which was originally scheduled to run in September, has been postponed until December or January because of casting issues. The drama will now follow "Bubble Gum," starring Lee Dong Wook and Jung Ryeo Won."
Because the webtoon "Cheese in the Trap" has so many loyal fans, director Lee Joon Young is spending extra time on casting. Park Jin, who starred in "Doctor Stranger" and "You Who Came From The Stars," was a popular casting choice for the role of Yoo Jung, the seemingly perfect college student that Hong Seol falls for but mistrusts.
At the time of his casting, the drama's production company, Eight Works, called him perfect choice.
"As Park Hae Jin completely matches the character of Yoo Jung, we persistently sent him love calls. We are very thankful that he made his decision. Park Hae Jin is currently preparing a lot for his role as Yoo Jung and we will work hard to make a drama with the best synergy."
Casting the leading lady was not so easy.
Suzy Bae was originally up for the leading role of cynical college student Hong Seol, but the netizen reaction was negative and she eventually opted out.
The director tried several times to convince Kim Go Eun, a film veteran but drama rookie, to take the part. She eventually accepted after the drama was rescheduled to fit into her list of projects.
"Kim Go Eun can make any character her own," said Lee in an interview with the Korean media outlet Dispatch. "I think combining the character and the actress' clean charm will end up being great,"
The casting of Nam Joo Hyuk has also received mixed reactions. Some have questioned his acting ability. He's still a rookie actor, having debuted in the 2014 drama "The Idle Mermaid." Still he was charming and appealing as he second male lead in "School 2015." And his love of the webtoon that "Cheese in the Trap" is based on may yet serve him well.
