Popular South Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun has officially withdrawn from the highly anticipated drama series tentatively titled "Koreans," which was set to star alongside veteran actor Lee Byung-hun. The decision marks the end of what would have been a major collaboration between two of Korea's most prominent stars.
According to an announcement made by Jun Ji-hyun's management agency, Peach Company, on Tuesday, the upcoming drama was among several potential projects the actress had been considering. However, after careful deliberation, she ultimately decided not to participate in the production. The agency did not provide specific reasons for her withdrawal from the project.
The drama "Koreans" represents an ambitious adaptation of the critically acclaimed American spy thriller series "The Americans," which originally aired on FX network. However, the Korean version will transplant the espionage storyline from its original Cold War setting to Korea's turbulent military dictatorship era, offering a unique historical perspective on the source material. The series will be helmed by renowned director Ahn Gil-ho, who has gained significant recognition for his work on popular dramas including "Stranger" (2017) and "The Glory" (2022).
Jun Ji-hyun was originally offered the role of Lee Byung-hun's on-screen wife in the series. This casting would have marked a significant reunion for the two actors, as their last collaboration dates back to the 1999 drama "Happy Together," more than two decades ago. Fans had been eagerly anticipating their return to working together, making the news of Jun Ji-hyun's departure particularly disappointing for many viewers.
Despite stepping away from "Koreans," Jun Ji-hyun continues to maintain an active presence in the entertainment industry. She recently appeared in the Disney original series "Tempest," where she portrayed Moon Joo, a character described as a United Nations ambassador who has gained international recognition and acclaim. Additionally, the actress has confirmed her participation in an upcoming film project titled "Colony," which will be directed by Yeon Sang-ho, known for his work on acclaimed productions in both film and television.
