Choi Yoon Ji has exited the K-drama Iseop’s Romance after Lee Jong Suk’s September 3 departure, forcing a recast of both leads. The office romance, based on a popular web novel, is set to premiere in 2027.
Choi Yoon Ji’s exit from Iseop’s Romance marks a major setback for the upcoming K-drama, which had positioned the actress and Lee Jong Suk as its leading pair. The production company, Ace Factory, confirmed Choi’s departure on September 11, citing scheduling conflicts that made it impossible to align her existing commitments with the project’s timeline. This follows Lee Jong Suk’s earlier exit on September 3, also due to scheduling issues, leaving the series without its originally announced leads.
Casting Shake-Up
The drama, adapted from a popular web novel of the same name, centers on Tae I Seop, a third-generation chaebol heir of TK Group, and Kang Min Kyung, a standout new employee. Choi Yoon Ji was set to play Kang Min Kyung, described as TK Group’s “secret weapon,” while Lee Jong Suk portrayed Tae I Seop. Both actors’ exits have forced the production to seek new leads, though no replacements have been announced yet.
Choi Yoon Ji Steps Down From “Iseop’s Romance” Following
News1 and Soompi reported that Choi Yoon Ji’s agency, PEACE, confirmed the actress could not reconcile her schedule with the drama’s production plans. A tvN representative echoed this, stating the decision was made after discussing the matter with the production team.
Production Timeline
Iseop’s Romance was initially slated to begin production this year, with a 2027 premiere. However, the casting changes may delay this timeline.
According to Source 4, Ace Factory confirmed Choi Yoon Ji’s casting on August 11, stating she would portray Kang Min Kyung.
Industry Implications
Iseop’s Romance Faces Casting Shake-Up As Choi Yoon Ji
The casting turmoil reflects broader challenges in K-drama production, where actor availability often dictates project timelines. Choi Yoon Ji’s exit highlights the delicate balance between high-profile stars and production schedules, a recurring issue in the industry. With both leads now vacant, Ace Factory faces pressure to find replacements quickly to maintain the series’ momentum.
Industry observers note that Iseop’s Romance could benefit from a fresh cast, but the loss of its original stars may affect its marketability. The drama’s adaptation of a well-known web novel provides a built-in audience, but the success of its new leads will be critical. As of September 11, no official updates on replacements have been released, leaving the project’s future in flux.
Their departures have raised questions about the project’s stability, though the web novel’s popularity suggests strong audience interest. The drama’s success will now hinge on securing new leads who can replicate the chemistry fans expected from the original cast.
The situation underscores the volatility of entertainment production, where even well-established projects can face unexpected hurdles. For fans of the web novel, the changes may be disappointing, but the story’s appeal could still attract attention. The next steps for Iseop’s Romance will depend on how swiftly the production team can navigate these challenges and secure a new cast.
Choi Yoon-ji to Romance With Lee Jong-suk in 'Iseop's
Source 3 states that Iseop’s Romance is based on the web novel by writer Kim Eun-hee.
According to Source 1, Choi Yoon Ji’s agency, PEACE, confirmed the actress’s withdrawal, stating, “It became difficult to coordinate the actress’s previously scheduled activities with the production schedule for ‘Iseop’s Romance.’ After discussing the matter with the production team, we decided that she would not be participating in the project.” A tvN representative reiterated this, noting the decision followed discussions with the production team.
The original casting of Lee Jong Suk and Choi Yoon Ji was announced by Ace Factory on August 11, with the production company stating, “Choi Yun Ji will appear in Iseop’s Romance.” However, Lee Jong Suk’s departure was confirmed on September 3, with scheduling conflicts cited as the reason. Choi Yoon Ji’s exit was reported by News1 on September 11, with the tvN representative confirming the news.
Iseop’s Romance is scheduled to begin production later this year, with a 2027 premiere.
As of September 11, no official updates on replacements have been released. The production team’s next steps will be critical in determining the drama’s future. Fans of the web novel and the original cast will be closely watching for news on new leads and production timelines.
