Shin Ye Eun could become the new female lead of the drama Seorabeol Knife, a project led by Cha Eun Woo and directed by the creator of Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. The actress reportedly entered the picture after Mun Ka Young decided not to participate in the production.
As reported by the South Korean outlet Hankyung.com on October 19, Mun Ka Young rejected the offer to star in Seorabeol Knife (literal title), after her name had been linked to the project as a potential lead in September.
In response to these reports, the production company Studio Dragon confirmed part of the situation. The company explained: "It is true that we offered her a role, and her potential participation is currently under discussion."
Shin Ye Eun, potential replacement as Princess Deokyeong
On the same day, the outlet The Fact reported that Shin Ye Eun had been selected to play Princess Deokyeong, the female lead role previously offered to Mun Ka Young.
Shin Ye Eun's agency, npio Entertainment, responded to the reports by stating: "She has received an offer to appear in the production and is currently reviewing it."
For the moment, neither Shin Ye Eun's nor Cha Eun Woo's participation is officially confirmed, as both cases are still described as offers under evaluation or discussion.
What is Seorabeol Knife about?
Seorabeol Knife is a culinary-themed romantic drama centered on an Italian chef known as the "temptation of the Mediterranean" and a princess destined to become the sun of Seorabeol.
The story follows the owner and head chef of a Michelin-starred restaurant who travels back in time to the Silla Kingdom after following a thousand-year-old prophecy contained in a gold-dipped honey box. There, he meets a demanding gourmet princess, the only seonggol—the highest social class in Silla—among the members of the royal family. Together, they embark on a journey to discover the most exquisite flavors of the kingdom.
Cha Eun Woo is currently in talks to play the Italian chef who runs the Michelin-starred restaurant.
A potential reunion that did not happen
Mun Ka Young's previous link to the role of Princess Deokyeong had generated excitement, as it would have meant a reunion with Cha Eun Woo seven years after they both starred together in the 2020 tvN drama True Beauty.
With the potential addition of Shin Ye Eun, that reunion is now off the table, although the final decision on the cast has not yet been officially confirmed.
Who is Princess Deokyeong?
The character Shin Ye Eun is considering, Princess Deokyeong, is described as a seonggol of the Silla royal family who dreams of becoming the kingdom's first queen. Born into the pure royal lineage, the character is deeply religious and highly curious, with an exceptional sensitivity for incense and gastronomy, as well as an unmatched eye for calligraphy and painting.
While more details on the final cast are confirmed, Shin Ye Eun can currently be seen in the drama A Hundred Memories, while Mun Ka Young and Cha Eun Woo shared the screen in True Beauty.
Frequently asked questions about Seorabeol Knife
Why will Mun Ka Young not star in Seorabeol Knife?
According to Hankyung.com, Mun Ka Young ultimately decided to reject the offer to star in the drama after being linked to the project in September. Studio Dragon confirmed that she was offered the role, although they did not detail the reasons for the rejection.
Has Shin Ye Eun already been confirmed as the lead of Seorabeol Knife?
Not officially. Her agency, npio Entertainment, noted that Shin Ye Eun received an offer for the role of Princess Deokyeong and is currently evaluating it.
Is Cha Eun Woo confirmed in the cast of Seorabeol Knife?
Cha Eun Woo is in talks to play the male lead, an Italian chef, but his participation has not been definitively confirmed according to available information.
What is Seorabeol Knife about?
It is a culinary-themed romantic drama about an Italian chef who travels back in time to the Silla Kingdom and meets a gourmet princess of the highest social class, with whom he embarks on a journey to discover the best flavors of the kingdom.
Had Mun Ka Young and Cha Eun Woo worked together before?
Yes, they both starred in the 2020 tvN drama True Beauty. Mun Ka Young's potential participation in Seorabeol Knife had generated expectations for a reunion between the two, which would ultimately not happen if Shin Ye Eun takes the role.
