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Chae Jong-hyeop and former IZONE member Kim Min-ju are reportedly in discussions to star in the upcoming romance drama Shining. According to OSEN's report on November 11, 2024, Kim Min-ju has been offered the female lead role, as confirmed by her agency, SOOP. Meanwhile, Chae Jong-hyeop, is considering the male lead role.
A representative from Kim Min-ju's agency, Management SOOP, told Joy News 24 on November 11, that the K-pop singer-actress is currently reviewing the offer for Shining. Likewise, an official from Chae Jong-hyeop’s agency, NS ENM, confirmed that they have received the offer. However, they have also emphasized that nothing has been finalized yet, and the decision is still under review.
Fans of the two stars have been excited about the potential pairing. Many have expressed their excitement on social media anticipating the chemistry between the two stars. One fan posted:
Trending
"Omoo visual coupleeee."
"I already have a favorite K-Drama in 2025," another fan said.
"Another drama of Jonghyeop loving the same girl for 10 years until he gets angry A I look forward to it," another fan wrote.
"Yeayyy finally another drama from Minju (hopefully it will happen), I really like it when the male lead is handsome like this, makes me excited to watch it,"commented another netizen.
Some are eager to see how Chae Jong Hyeop’s charm and Kim Min Ju’s warmth will come together on screen.
"Minju is Jonghyup's partner!? I love IZ*ONE so this makes my heart pound I'm sure I'll be soothed by the behind-the-scenes and promotional videos, and the warm and gentle atmosphere She's popular for her beauty and her kind personality, so even though I've never seen her act, I think they'd make a great pair," one X user added.
Shining marks Kim Min-ju's first leading role in a drama, making it highly anticipated. Fans of the K-pop idol are thrilled about her first lead role. Many have also expressed excitement over seeing her paired with Chae Jong Hyeop.
"DANGGG FINALLY MINJU FEMALE LEAD I'M CRYINGGGGG," a fan said.
"Oh thank God Minju is paired with an actually good and famous actor," one fan commented.
"1 movie, 2 upcoming dramas and an upcoming solo fan meeting. I'm proud of you Minjuyah. cant wait for 2025," another X user said.
Cast details and plot overview of the upcoming drama Shining
Shining is a romantic drama that explores love and relationships. It follows the emotional journey of Yeon Tae-oh and Mo Eun-ah, whose bond becomes a guiding light in their lives.
The plot of Shining centers on Yeon Tae-oh, whose life was altered by tragedy at 19. An accident claimed his parents, while his younger brother was left with a leg injury due to the same tragic incident.
Amid this hardship, he falls in love with Mo Eun-ah but breaks up with her at 20. When they meet again after 10 years, they reconnect over their shared loneliness, pain, and lingering feelings for one another.
Chae Jong-hyeop is reportedly been offered the role of Yeon Tae-oh in Shining. Yeon Tae-oh’s emotional journey is the main conflict of the role, as he navigates feelings of loneliness, longing, and pain. His reunion with Mo Eun-ah at 30 will bring these emotions to the forefront.
Kim Min-ju has reportedly been offered the role of Mo Eun-ah, a hotelier. Mo Eun-ah too, first meets Yeon Tae-oh when she is 19. Meeting Tae-oh at 19 marks a turning point for her. Their brief relationship impacts her deeply, and after a decade, reuniting with him in her thirties influences her work, relationships, and life direction.
Together, they embark on a journey of healing and rediscovery, exploring the enduring impact of a love that once shaped their lives.
The series Shining has gained attention since its announcement, largely due to its creative team. Kim Yoon-jin, who is renowned for her work in Our Beloved Summer (2021) and Tell Me That You Love Me (2023), has taken on the role of director. The drama is written by Lee Sook-yeon, the creator of A Piece of Your Mind (2020) and On the Way to the Airport (2016).
More about the cast
Chae Jong-hyeop is a South Korean actor who gained significant recognition after starring in Castaway Diva (2023) alongside Park Eun-bin. His popularity expanded internationally, particularly in Japan as a Hallyu star, with his role in Eye Love You (2024). This success helped boost the global popularity of Serendipity’s Embrace (2024).
In spite of the drama's programming delays for years, Serendipity’s Embrace ultimately achieved widespread acclaim topping viewership charts in 125 countries on Rakuten Viki. It also has maintained the top spot for four consecutive weeks in 68 countries, including Canada, Mexico, and France.
Chae Jong-hyeop is further known for his roles in various notable dramas, including Webtoon Hero – Tundra Show Season 2 (2016), Hot Stove League (2019), Sisyphus: The Myth (2021), Nevertheless (2021), The Witch's Diner (2021), Love All Play (2022), Unlock My Boss (2022).
Kim Min-ju debuted as a member of the girl group IZ*ONE in 2018, quickly gaining popularity. Since then, she has expanded her career as both a singer and actress. She appeared in Tempted (2018) on MBC and The Forbidden Marriage (2022). In 2024, she made her commercial film debut with the movie Cheongseol.
Shining is reportedly scheduled for release in 2025, however, exact details haven't been revealed yet.
