South Korean actor Nam Joo-hyuk has been officially confirmed to headline the upcoming romance drama Heartbeat. Actress Han So-hee is currently in positive talks to join him as the female lead, according to agency statements released in July.
South Korean actor Nam Joo-hyuk is making his official return to the romance genre. Following his military discharge and his recent work in the fantasy horror series The East Palace, the actor has locked in his next starring role in the upcoming television series Heartbeat. He is known for his roles in Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Start-Up, Vigilante, and The Light in Your Eyes, among other projects, and was also confirmed to star in Disney+’s upcoming drama Code.
A source from Nam Joo-hyuk’s side confirmed the casting news to Ilkan Sports, establishing that the actor will take on the male lead character named Cha Shin Jo, who harbors a hidden past and carries a deeply hidden history. Fans of the actor have welcomed the news as he continues a busy streak of high-profile television projects following his recent performance in The East Palace and his earlier work in titles like The Bride of Habaek.
Han So-hee in Talks for the Female Lead Role
While Nam Joo-hyuk’s casting is locked in, the female lead position remains in active negotiation. Korean media outlet MyDaily reported that actress Han So-hee received an offer to star alongside him, setting up what would be the first drama pairing between the two stars.
Han So-hee’s agency quickly addressed the reports regarding the upcoming production.
“She received an offer to star in Heartbeat, and she is positively in talks.”
9ato Entertainment
If Han So-hee finalizes her agreement to join the project, the production will add another major title to her packed schedule. The actress is known for her performances in Gyeongseong Creature, My Name, Nevertheless, The World of the Married, and more. She is also reviewing an offer for a live-action adaptation of Solo Leveling, is preparing for the release of the Korean adaptation of The Intern, and can be watched in Project Y on Viki.
A Creative Team Known for Emotional Romances
Behind the camera, Heartbeat brings together creative talent with a proven track record in hit Korean television dramas. The series is written by scriptwriter Lee Si Eun, who previously penned Lovely Runner as well as the hit series True Beauty.
The narrative for Heartbeat is structured around an emotional romance infused with fantasy elements, described as an emotional love story that unfolds when a man who looks like a woman’s deceased first love appears. According to detailed plot reports, the story follows a woman who possesses the unique ability to see the past and crosses paths with a man who is forced to hide his own past. Something romantic happens when she encounters a mysterious man who looks identical to her deceased first love, while Nam Joo-hyuk’s character has to hide his past and carry a deeply hidden history.
What Lies Ahead for the Production
With casting underway and a strong creative team attached, the series stands as one of the more closely watched upcoming projects in the Korean entertainment sphere. However, additional details regarding the broadcast schedule remain under wraps.
As of late July, neither a premiere date nor a final cast lineup has been officially announced by the production team. Viewers and fans await final word on whether Han So-hee will formally sign on to complete the lead pairing.
Worth a look
