South Korean actor Lee Jong-suk has withdrawn from his planned starring role in the upcoming romance drama «Iseop’s Romance». The actor’s agency, ACE Factory, announced the departure on September 3, citing unavoidable scheduling conflicts that arose after the project’s production timeline shifted.
According to the agency’s statement, Lee had been involved with the adaptation since its early planning and development stages. However, unexpected adjustments to the filming schedule made it impossible for him to participate while accommodating his other future commitments.
Following extensive discussions with the production team, both parties agreed he would step down from the male lead role. ACE Factory noted they will continue to support the drama’s successful completion.
Casting shifts and connected universes
Based on a popular web novel, «Iseop’s Romance» centres on Tae I Seop, a third-generation chaebol heir who excels in business but struggles with romance. The narrative follows his relationship with Kang Min Gyeong, a highly capable employee known internally as the secret weapon of the fictional TK Group.
While Lee will no longer portray the male lead, actress Choi Yoon-ji remains attached to the project. The production company confirmed her casting as Kang Min Gyeong in early August.
The upcoming series holds notable significance within the Korean drama landscape because of its shared continuity with another planned production. «Iseop’s Romance» is being developed alongside «A Casual Lie», a separate adaptation based on another web novel by author Kim Eon Hee.
While the two shows feature different protagonists and independent storylines, they exist within the same corporate universe. The narratives connect through the TK Group conglomerate and the familial tie between cousins Tae I Seop and Tae Jun Seop, the latter set to be played by Lee Jun-hyuk in «A Casual Lie».
Despite the sudden casting change for its main character, «Iseop’s Romance» is still scheduled to begin filming later this year ahead of a planned premiere in 2027.
