A potential new historical drama from director Lee Eung Bok is in the works, and rumors are swirling that Lee Min Ho and Mun Ka Young could star in it.
As reported by Kmedia on December 8, the drama, titled Scent of the Night, is based on a popular webtoon and tells a passionate, sad, and slightly cheeky story set in the Joseon Dynasty. The story follows Seo Hong, a woman who refuses to accept her fate and stays true to her desires in a society that oppresses women. Seo Jae Ha, a man who loves her but must hide his feelings and accept the limitations placed on his life.
The drama has grabbed attention because of the director attached. Lee Eung Bok is known for some of the biggest hits in recent K-drama history, including Descendants of the Sun, Goblin, Mr. Sunshine, the Sweet Home series, and the recent Dear X.
Early reports suggest that Lee Min Ho would play Seo Jae Ha, the son of a harmonious butcher family whose life is upended after his father’s death. He later assumes a new identity as the son of Seo Dong Won, the wealthiest man in Hanyang.
Mun Ka Young is said to be cast as Seo Hong, the daughter of Hanyang’s wealthiest man. Her character is bold and independent, who forges her own path in the marketplace and builds a merchant class.
Lee Min Ho debuted in 2006 with Secret Campus and rose to stardom with Boys Over Flowers. Over the years, he has starred in numerous hits, including City Hunter, The Heirs, Legend of the Blue Sea, The King: Eternal Monarch, and Pachinko.
Mun Ka Young also debuted as a child actress in 2006 with the film Bloody Reunion and has since become a leading actress in dramas such as Welcome to Waikiki, Find Me in Your Memory, True Beauty, My Dearest Nemesis, and Law and The City. Her upcoming film, Once We Were Us, co-starring Koo Kyo Hwan, is scheduled for release on December 31.
Despite the reports, Lee Min-ho’s agency, MYM Entertainment, clarified to YTN Star that nothing has been officially confirmed. They said the drama is just one of the projects Lee has been offered. No official word has come from Mun Ka Young’s side either.
Lee Min Ho is currently filming a historical mystery thriller, The Assassin(s), alongside Yoo Hae Jin and Park Hae Il. Earlier this year, he starred in the space rom-com When the Stars Gossip and the fantasy action film Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy.
Mun recently starred in the tvN drama Law and The City and recently completed her first Asia fan meeting tour. She is also considering the lead role in the historical drama Whale Star: The Gyeongseong Mermaid alongside Choi Woo Shik, which is scheduled to start filming later this year.
In short, Scent of the Night is one of the most anticipated projects in early development. While Lee Min Ho and Mun Ka Young are reportedly being considered, nothing has been officially decided yet.
