Not Han Ga In, this actress was first considered for the female lead role of “The Moon Embracing the Sun”

Han Ga In turns out not to be the first and even better choice for the female lead character in The Moon Embracing the Sun.

Whenever The Moon Embracing the Sun, a classic Korean historical drama is mentioned, perhaps the majority of viewers will think of Kim Soo Hyun and the child stars. The female lead is somewhat less mentioned. The reason is because Han Ga In could not really stand out among the cast in terms of both acting and visuals. Some viewers even think she was overshadowed by Kim Yoo Jung – who played the young self of her character in the drama.

Han Ga In‘s female lead role came under more controversy when she was reportedly not the first choice of the casting director. Accordingly, “nation’s little sister” Moon Geun Young was originally considered for this part. However, Moon Geun Young’s team did not find the role suitable for her, so they turned down the offer without discussing it with the actress herself. With the amazing success of The Moon Embracing the Sun, the audience can’t help but feel sorry for Moon Geun Young. Moreover, many viewers also express their regret for the drama because they believe Moon Geun Young could have portrayed a perfect Heo Yeon Woo. 

The audience also feel this was such a wasted opportunity for Moon Geun Young and Kim Soo Hyun to act as a leading couple, since their visuals and acting give off similar vibes. In fact, this was not the first time they missed their chances. In Cinderella’s Sister, the drama where the two worked together for the first time, Kim Soo Hyun played a supporting character who cannot win the heart of the female lead. In The Moon Embracing the Sun, Moon Geun Young rejected the offer. In The Throne, it was Kim Soo Hyun’s turn to turn down the male lead role next to Moon Geun Young, and was replaced by Yoo Ah In.