After experiencing underwhelming ratings last year with Divorce Insurance and The Good Man, Lee Dong Wook is reportedly considering a lead role in the upcoming 19+ drama Love Affair (working title). Industry insiders note that his “careful review” of the offer is often interpreted as a strong signal of acceptance.
What makes the project even more intriguing is its potential Netflix release. The production team is currently in talks with the global streaming platform, and if finalized, the drama would mark Lee Dong Wook’s first major 19+ original project with Netflix.
Directed by The World of the Married’s Mo Wan Il
The new drama will be helmed by Mo Wan Il, the acclaimed director behind The World of the Married and The Frog, both known for their intense storytelling and mature themes.
According to reports, Mo Wan Il personally envisioned Lee Dong Wook as the male lead when planning Love Affair. The role would mark a dramatic departure from the actor’s usual romantic hero image. Since his debut, Lee Dong Wook has never portrayed an unfaithful husband — let alone participated in bold, explicit romance scenes.
News of the casting discussions quickly spread online, drawing mostly positive reactions. Many viewers trust Mo Wan Il’s directing style, citing the quality and impact of his previous works. However, some fans wonder whether Lee Dong Wook will fully embrace the daring and emotionally complex nature of the role.
A Forbidden One-Night Stand Between Two Taken Adults
Penned by Sell Your Haunted House writer Ha Soo Jin, Love Affair tells the story of Kim Ji Hoon (offered to Lee Dong Wook), a man in his early 40s with a stable job and seemingly happy marriage.
While overseas, he encounters Gong Hoo Kyung, a charismatic architect. The twist? Both are already in committed relationships — Kim Ji Hoon has a wife, and Gong Hoo Kyung has a loving boyfriend. Despite this, the two cross the line and engage in a one-night affair.
The consequences are devastating. Kim Ji Hoon faces financial ruin and the collapse of his once-solid life. When fate brings them together again under unexpected circumstances, he is already broken, and their forbidden love becomes the catalyst that uproots everything he once had.
A Long-Held Dream to Star in an Adult Romance
The production team is currently finalizing casting, particularly for the female architect role, reportedly seeking an actress in her early to mid-30s. Supporting roles, including Kim Ji Hoon’s wife Lee Sun Hee and Gong Hoo Kyung’s boyfriend Lee Dae Hee, are also nearing completion.
Reports suggest that the drama will stream exclusively on Netflix if negotiations conclude successfully, signaling that its mature rating and bold scenes are unlikely to be toned down.
Interestingly, Lee Dong Wook previously expressed his desire to star in an intense adult romance during interviews for his 2023 film Single in Seoul. He openly shared that he wanted to challenge himself with more provocative material — a wish that may now be coming true.
Fans are particularly intrigued by the “handsome bad man” trope, with some commenting that a charismatic actor portraying a flawed character often creates compelling drama. Whether Love Affair can surpass the cultural impact of The World of the Married remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Lee Dong Wook’s potential image transformation has already captured the spotlight.
Sources: Yahoo News
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