For actors, their lives can take a complete 180-degree turn depending on the projects they encounter, like movies or TV shows. Some celebrities have even landed roles rejected by others, turning them into unexpected windfalls that swept their careers to success. So, who are the top 5 whose lives were forever changed by these lucky breaks? Let’s take a look.
Kim Woo Bin – The Heirs
Every actor dreams of collaborating with a star writer. Kim Eun Sook, a master of romantic comedies, is one such writer. Kim Woo Bin is an actor who achieved great success by landing a role in one of her dramas, a role initially rejected by another actor.
Kim Woo Bin portrayed Choi Young-do in The Heirs, a prickly yet charming character. However, this role wasn’t originally offered to him. It’s said that Jung Yong Hwa was initially approached for the role. However, having previously worked with Park Shin Hye in You’re Beautiful, he was concerned about overlapping images of the two roles and declined the offer. As a result, the role ultimately went to Kim Woo Bin, then a rookie actor. Kim Woo Bin delivered an exceptional performance as Choi Young Do, exceeding expectations. The drama’s success transformed him from a rookie to a Hallyu star.
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Seo In Guk – Reply 1997
Just hearing the name is enough to get excited—that’s the Reply series. However, even this drama didn’t have high expectations from the start. But the first series, Reply 1997, became a huge hit, and now the Reply series is considered one of the must-watch K-dramas.
In fact, producer Shin Won Ho had great difficulty casting the first Reply series. He was reportedly rejected by all the top-tier actors, which shows that the drama was not considered to be a very appealing project. In the end, he decided to let the content speak for itself and cast Seo In Guk, who was then an unknown celebrity with no acting experience. Luckily, the gamble paid off in a big way. Seo In Guk, who was struggling to find his footing after Superstar K, became a thriving actor and he is now constantly taking on new and exciting acting projects.
Yoon Eun Hye – Coffee Prince
Even today, idols venturing into acting are often met with skepticism, but this was even more prevalent in the early 2000s. It was particularly uncommon for idols to land leading roles without any prior acting experience. However, one idol defied these odds and successfully transitioned into a respected actress, facing numerous prejudices along the way. This is none other than Yoon Eun Hye.
The drama that cemented Yoon Eun Hye’s status as an actress was undoubtedly Coffee Prince. With its unique concept, engaging storyline and solid acting, the drama garnered immense popularity and scored an average viewership rating of 20%. However, this role was not initially offered to Yoon Eun Hye; it was first proposed to Kim Ah Joong. At the time, Kim Ah Joong was working as a shampoo model and was unable to cut her long hair short, so she declined the offer. As a result, Yoon Eun Hye took on the role, and it turned out to be a game-changer. Her performance earned her Best Actress awards at numerous acting awards, solidifying her position as a leading actress.
Yim Si Wan – Misaeng
Misaeng stands out as a prime example of a drama that beautifully captures the struggles and joys of modern office workers. The drama revolves around Jang Geu Rae, a small, weak but determined protagonist, whose character shines throughout the story.
Interestingly, the director of Misaeng initially had his sights set on top-tier actors for the lead role and approached several candidates, including Lee Jong Suk and Lee Je Hoon. However, when these actors all declined the offer, Yim Si Wan stepped in and landed the coveted role. At the time, Lim Si Wan was not considered a major star, but his performance in Misaeng was nothing short of exceptional. The drama’s immense success propelled him to the forefront of the acting scene, transforming him into a highly sought-after leading actor.
Kim Myung Min – Immortal Admiral Yi Sun Sin
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