Iseop's Romance

Based on the web novel of the same name by Kim Eon-hee, «Iseop’s Romance» will tell the story of Tae I-seop (Lee Jong-suk), a third-generation chaebol heir who excels in practically every area… except when it comes to love.

Opposite him, Choi Yoon-ji will play Kang Min-gyeong, a particularly talented employee nicknamed «TK Group’s secret weapon.».

Described as an employee who seems perfect in every way, she will find herself at the center of a romance with Tae I-seop.

Two dramas set in the same universe

«Iseop’s Romance» also has a unique feature: the drama will be produced alongside " A Casual Lie " (working title), another adaptation of a web novel by Kim Eon-hee.

The two series will tell separate stories with different protagonists, but they will share the same universe.

The connection between them will be TK Group, as well as the two cousins at the center of the stories: Tae I-seop, played by Lee Jong-suk in «Iseop’s Romance,» and Tae Jun-seop, played by Lee Jun-hyuk in «A Casual Lie.».

Production of «Iseop’s Romance» is set to begin sometime in 2026, with a planned release in 2027.

Lee Jong-suk is leaving the project

Lee Jong-suk will not, after all, be the lead in «Iseop's Romance.». Although the actor had long been linked to this new romance, slated for 2027, his agency, ACE Factory, officially announced his withdrawal from the project on September 3.

«Lee Jong-suk had been preparing for a long time to star in “Iseop’s Romance,” starting from the planning and development stages, but since the production and filming schedule was changed from the original plan, it became difficult to coordinate it with his future commitments. Since this is a project we’ve been preparing for a long time with great care, we’ll do our best to ensure that “Iseop’s Romance” is completed successfully and becomes a great project.»

Choi Yoon-ji is also leaving the project

After the withdrawal of Lee Jong-suk, it's now Choi Yoon-ji, which had been considering Kang Min-kyung for the female lead role—a role she will ultimately not be taking on, as announced on September 11. Once again, the reason cited was difficulties in coordinating the production schedule with her upcoming commitments.

Production is now expected to reassemble the cast for this office romance adapted from a web novel.

Will Hwang Min-hyun take over the role left vacant by Lee Jong-suk?

September 15, 2026: Hwang Min-hyun has received an offer to play Tae I-seop, the male lead role originally intended for the actor. But while some Korean media outlets are already reporting his casting, the production team and PLEDIS Entertainment are still urging caution: nothing has been confirmed at this stage.