Won Bin‘s return to acting has been one of the industry’s most anticipated comebacks for about 14 years. Despite being the top choice for numerous movies and dramas since his last film, The Man from Nowhere (2010), none of these projects have happened. As rumors of his comeback resurface, let’s explore the roles he was rumored to have nearly taken on.
Drama: The King 2 Hearts (2012)
Director Lee Jae Kyu of Damo (2003) and Beethoven Virus (2008) once hoped to collaborate with Won Bin. Lee offered him the lead role in The King 2 Hearts, and Won Bin reportedly gave it serious consideration due to his desire to work with Lee. However, the project ultimately fell through.
Drama: That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013)
Won Bin was offered the male lead role in That Winter, the Wind Blows. At the time, his agency confirmed they were “positively reviewing” the offer but the deal fell through before the contract was finalized. Rumors even suggested Kim Tae Hee was also being considered as the female lead alongside the actor.
Film: Asian Beauty by Jang Jin
Won Bin almost reunited with Guns & Talks (2001) director Jang Jin for a project titled Asian Beauty. Planned as a Korea-China-Japan co-production, the mystery-action film was in development around 2011. In an interview, Jang revealed that he had considered Won Bin and Jang Dong Gun for the lead roles, but the film was ultimately never made.
Film: Untitled Work by Lee Chang Dong
In 2013, film director Lee Chang Dong announced plans for a new project set in a small Korean city. The story reportedly revolved around a Chinese woman working as a prostitute, a serial killer, and the detective pursuing him. Won Bin, Seol Kyung Gu, and Zhang Ziyi were named as potential stars, but no further updates emerged. With Lee later directing Burning in 2018, it seems this project was likely canceled.
Drama: Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Writer Kim Eun Sook is famously a big fan of Won Bin and has often mentioned that he was her first choice for many roles. For instance, the lead character Kim Do Jin in the 2012 drama A Gentleman’s Dignity was named after Won Bin’s real name. She later offered him the role of Yoo Si Jin in Descendants of the Sun, but the part ultimately went to Song Joong Ki.
Film: Along with the Gods
In early 2015, rumors emerged that Won Bin had been offered a role in Along with the Gods. However, his agency, Eden Nine, clarified that they had not officially received any offer and were “carefully considering his next project.” Other actors, including Gong Yoo and Kim Woo Bin, were also rumored to have declined roles in the film.
Film: ‘Still Life’ Remake
Won Bin took part in the early planning stages of a Korean remake of Uberto Pasolini’s Still Life (2013). The original film follows a man who arranges funerals for those who die alone and uncovers the untold story of a deceased neighbor’s life. Reportedly, differing opinions on the adaptation’s direction led to Won Bin’s departure from the project.
Drama: Bulgasal: Immortal Souls (2021-2022)
Won Bin nearly made a return to television through tvN’s Bulgasal: Immortal Souls. He was in talks for a role in the drama but ultimately declined. With a production budget of over 40 billion won, the series generated significant buzz around the possibility of his comeback. However, the role he was in talks for ultimately went to Lee Jin Wook, and the drama received lukewarm reviews after its release.
Films: Train to Busan (2016), The Battleship Island (2017), and The Princess and the Matchmaker (2018)
Won Bin was rumored to be a top choice for Train to Busan, with director Yeon Sang Ho reportedly considering him and Lee Byung Hun for the lead role. However, Gong Yoo was cast instead and is said to have accepted the role just two days after reading the script.
There were also rumors that Won Bin was offered roles in The Battleship Island and The Princess and the Matchmaker. Interestingly, Lee Seung Gi eventually played the lead in The Princess and the Matchmaker after leading The King 2 Hearts.
>> Stream popular Korean dramas and movies, including titles featuring your favorite actors, all for free on Amasian TV!
