Kim Soo Hyun is no doubt one of South Korea’s most popular actors today, starring in high-rating K-dramas such as Dream High (2011), The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), My Love from the Star (2013), and currently, Netflix’s It’s Okay to Not Be Okay. But just like other successful artists in the Hallyu industry, he’s also had his fair share of humble beginnings. In fact, did you know that he almost appeared in Boys Over Flowers?
The South Korean version of the hit 2001 Taiwanese series Meteor Garden was released in 2009. It starred Lee Min Ho, Ku Hye Sun, and F4 members Kim Hyun Joong, Kim Bum , and Kim Joon. But here’s the catch: It was revealed that Kim Soo Hyun was actually supposed to join the cast as Lee Jae Ha, a.k.a. that bastard guy who befriended Geum Jan Di with an ulterior motive to avenge his brother’s suicide attempt, which he believed was triggered by the notorious F4.
Back in March 2012, a screencap from the Japanese program called “MNet Japan BOF Making” resurfaced and made rounds online. Fans were quick to unearth the original video clip, which initially aired in 2009, featuring a script reading for Boys Over Flowers. According to reports, the director seemed dissatisfied with Kim Soo Hyun’s performance and asked for him to redo his lines. Ultimately, the young actor did not make it to the production and the role was given to Jung Eui Chul instead.
This rejection, however, served as a turning point in Kim Soo Hyun’s career. That same year, he was cast to play the younger version of the male lead characters in Will It Snow for Christmas? and Giant, the latter of which landed him the Best New Actor award at the SBS Drama Awards.
It was swiftly followed by his iconic role as a country bumpkin-turned-superstar in Dream High, which eventually paved the way for his skyrocketing fame in Moon Embracing the Sun, and for the massively successful fantasy romance series My Love from the Star. And as you probably already know, he also became one of the most sought-after endorsers in South Korea with an explosive popularity throughout Asia.
In the end, we're happy everything worked out for this Hallyu heartthrob!
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