Son Ye Jin In Talks to Play CEO Inspired by Min Hee Jin in New Idol Industry Thriller

South Korean actress Son Ye Jin may be returning to the small screen in a new drama that delves into the cutthroat world of K-pop. 

According to industry insiders, Son has been offered a starring role in the upcoming thriller series “Variety,” which is currently in the casting phase.

On February 11, Maeil Kyungjae exclusively reported that Son Ye Jin has been approached for the leading role in “Variety” and is currently considering it. 

Regarding her appearance in the upcoming Kdrama, the production company and agency officials said, ‘We received an offer and are reviewing it… nothing has been confirmed yet.’”

The “Crash Landing On You” actress is currently working on several projects including the Netflix series “Scandal” and the movie “There is No Choice.” Since the filming schedule is not yet confirmed, nothing can be said for sure about her appearance in the drama.

“Variety” is a gripping thriller that pulls back the curtain on the K-pop industry, helmed by acclaimed director Kim Yong Hoon of “Mask Girl” fame. Rumors have been circulating that the lead roles will be filled by current idol group members, and casting is now underway with a mix of established and up-and-coming idol actors. 

Interestingly, the drama will also feature a fictional idol group that will be crafted to resemble a real-life K-pop act. Son Ye Jin has been offered a role that draws inspiration from the former CEO of ADOR, Min Hee Jin.

Min has been in the news for the past year for her highly publicized dispute with ADOR (NewJeans’ agency) and HYBE. She was removed as the CEO of the label last August and NewJeans terminated the contract in November 2024 to continue working under the supervision of Min Hee Jin.

During a Hyundai event, the ex-ADOR CEO expressed her wish to release a documentary once her conflict with HYBE ends.

Director Kim Yong Hoon, known for “Beasts Clawing at Straws” and “Mask Girl”, is set to helm the project. CJ ENM Studios, the production powerhouse behind hits like “Decision to Leave” and “Hospital Playlist”, will produce the drama. Meanwhile, former IZ*ONE member and actress Jo Yu Ri, recently seen in the global phenomenon “Squid Game 2”, is reportedly in the running for a lead role in the drama.

A CJ ENM representative confirmed that Son Ye Jin was offered a role, but added that “nothing has been confirmed yet, as we are still in the early stages of production. Many details, including casting, scheduling, and other specifics, have yet to be finalized.”

The 43-year-old actress is set to make her cinematic comeback in director Park Chan Wook’s gripping new film “There Is No Way Around”, which has completed production. Based on the novel “THE AXE”, the movie tells the story of a laid-off office worker (Lee Byung Hun) who must navigate a challenging job market to protect his family and home.