Actor Lee Jong-suk will no longer be starring in the highly anticipated drama adaptation of Lee Seop’s Romance (also known as Yi-seop’s Romance), industry sources confirmed on September 3.
Despite being attached to the project since its early development stages and showing great affection for the material, Lee ultimately made the difficult decision to step down after recent adjustments to the production timeline led to irreconcilable scheduling overlaps.
A broadcast official revealed that both the production team and Lee’s agency held extensive discussions to make the schedule work, but mutually agreed on an amicable parting once it became clear that the timelines could not align.
A High-Profile Web Novel Adaptation
Based on the popular web novel by author Kim Un-hee, Lee Seop’s Romance is an office rom-com following the dynamic between Tae Yi-seop, an unmotivated third-generation chaebol heir who is flawless at everything except love, and Kang Min-kyung, a high-achieving corporate powerhouse known as TK Group’s secret weapon.
The project has drawn significant industry attention for being part of an ambitious, shared-universe production alongside another Kim Un-hee adaptation, A Calm Lie (starring Lee Joon-hyuk). The simultaneous development of two interconnected dramas represents a rare, large-scale tentpole initiative in the Korean drama landscape, backed by a massive international fanbase.
Following Lee Jong-suk’s departure, the production team plans to finalize a reorganized casting lineup before moving into full-scale filming. Industry insiders and drama fans are now eagerly awaiting news on who will take over the lead role of Tae Yi-seop.
