Good news for kdrama fans. You no longer need to wonder who will replace CNBlue's Jung Jong Hwa in the upcoming drama "The Heirs." Choi Jin Hyuk, the fierce mountain spirit that fathered Lee Seung Gi in the hit series "Gu Family Book," has confirmed that he will play Kim Won, Lee Min Ho's older brother.
The drama's producers describe Kim Won as Lee Min Ho's "perfect" half brother. Wait, he is going to be more perfect than Lee Min Ho? Not sure Lee Min Ho's devoted fans will agree that this is possible. But it probably means Lee Min Ho's character, Kim Tan, will at the very least be irresponsible or a spoiled rich kid. It's a role that fans of the drama "Boys Over Flowers" know that he can ace.
The producers also describe Kim Won as the competent president of Korea's biggest business, Empire Group. Although Choi Jin Hyuk is only 28, his character is supposed to be 31.
Lee Min Ho's character, Kim Tan, is described as a rich student at a fancy upper class high school. Although Lee Min Ho is 25, his character will probably not be older than 19. Park Shin Hye, 23, will play his love interest and fellow student.
The romantic comedy is said to be similar to the American series "Gossip Girl," in that it portrays the friendships and love lives of wealthy students. Given that it is a kdrama, the students in "The Heirs" will probably be involved in fewer scandals than those portrayed on "Gossip Girl."
Screenwriter Kim Eun Sook, who wrote "Secret Garden" and "A Gentleman's Dignity," wrote "The Heirs." She called Choi to convince him to take the role and he admits to being a fan of her comedic talent.
"I've watched Kim Eun Sook's pieces with interest and I've always wanted to appear in one of her works," said Choi. "As she has demonstrated her trust in me, I will work hard to act as well as I possibly can.
Choi previously appeared as Choi Won Il in "Ms. Panda and Mr. Hedgehog," Gu Sang Hyuk in "My Daughter the Flower" and Bae Sung Hyun in "I Need Romance."
The drama also stars Kim Sung Ryung, who played Jang Geun Suk's selfish mom in "You're Beautiful."
Kang Shin Hyo of "Tazza" and "Midas" fame will produce "The Heirs." It will air in the fall.
