Rowoon has reportedly been cast in the upcoming drama Shining, according to Star News on January 21, 2025. Shining tells a poignant love story centered on two individuals who become each other's guiding light, shaping their beliefs and direction in life.
The script is penned by Lee Sook-yeon, known for On the Way to the Airport and Tune in for Love, while Kim Yoon-jin, recognized for Our Beloved Summer and Tell Me That You Love Me, will direct the series.
While Rowoon takes on the role of Yeon Tae-oh, the female lead, Mo Eun-ah, will be portrayed by actress Kim Min-ju, a former member of IZ*ONE. Previously, Chae Jong-hyeop had been offered the role of Yeon Tae-oh but he ultimately declined, paving the way for Rowoon to step into the lead.
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Shining: Plot and cast details
A tale of love and relationships unfolds as two people share a world that becomes their guiding light and source of belief. Yeon Tae-oh, played by Rowoon, is a train driver who faces a life-altering tragedy at the age of nineteen when a devastating accident claims his parents' lives. The accident leaves him and his younger brother, Tae-seo, behind in a small provincial town.
Tae-oh's journey is marked by feelings of loneliness, longing, and pain. These emotions resurface when he reconnects with Mo Eun-ah, played by Kim Min-ju. He first encounters her at nineteen, then parts ways with her at twenty, and reunites with her a decade later at thirty.
Mo Eun-ah, now a hotelier, experiences significant changes in her career, relationships, and life direction upon crossing paths with Tae-oh once again in her thirties. Their shared history and the emotions tied to their reunion shape a story of transformation, heartbreak, and rediscovery.
More about Rowoon and Kim Min-ju
Kim Seok-woo, professionally known as Rowoon, is a former member of the boy group SF9. He gained widespread recognition for his roles in the television dramas Extraordinary You (2019) and The King's Affection (2021). Furthermore, in 2023, Rowoon headlined the fantasy drama Destined With You, which aired on JTBC from August 23 to October 12.
During the show's broadcast, FNC Entertainment announced his departure from SF9 to concentrate on his acting career, though he remained signed with the agency. In late 2023, Rowoon was cast in the historical drama The Matchmakers, which aired on KBS2. His performance in the drama earned him both the Popularity Award and the Top Excellence Award at the 2023 KBS Drama Awards.
Meanwhile, in addition to Shining, the actor is set to appear in the Disney+ original series Takryu, scheduled for release in September this year.
On the other hand, Kim Min-ju, formerly a member of the South Korean-Japanese girl group IZ*ONE, rose to prominence after finishing 11th in Mnet's survival show Produce 48. Transitioning into acting, she has appeared in notable projects like Tempted (2018), The Fault Is Not Yours (2019), The Forbidden Marriage (2022–2023), and Hear Me: Our Summer (2024).
At the 2024 SBS Drama Awards held on December 21, Kim Min-ju was honored with the Best New Actress award for her performance in Connection. In the drama, which premiered on May 24, 2024, Kim portrayed the young Oh Yun-jin, showcasing her talent and leaving a strong impression on viewers and critics alike.
Meanwhile, a release date for Shining has not been announced yet.
