Lee Dong Wook Reviews Offer to Star in New Melodrama Love Affair

Actor Lee Dong Wook is reportedly considering a lead role in Love Affair, the latest project by acclaimed director Mo Wan Il, best known for creating the global hit The World of the Married. If confirmed, the drama would mark Lee Dong Wook’s bold step into an intense, adult melodrama centered on forbidden love.

A Return to Intense Melodrama by Mo Wan Il

Love Affair signals Mo Wan Il’s return to the genre that defined his career. After shaking the industry with The World of the Married, the director is preparing another emotionally charged story that explores desire, betrayal, and the collapse of an apparently perfect life.

The script is written by Ha Soo Jin, who previously worked on The Matchmakers, while production is being handled by FNC Story. The project is reportedly in discussions with Netflix, with plans for an OTT release rather than traditional broadcast.

Lee Dong Wook Offered the Role of a Man With Everything to Lose

Lee Dong Wook has been offered the role of Kim Ji Hoon, a man in his early 40s who appears to have a stable career and a happy marriage. His life takes a drastic turn when he becomes entangled in a sudden, overwhelming love that arrives “like a traffic accident,” ultimately pushing him toward emotional ruin.

If he accepts the role, Lee Dong Wook would portray a character whose carefully built life is shaken to its core by a forbidden relationship, charting a dramatic descent fueled by desire and inner conflict.

A New Chapter for the “Melo Master”

Known for his refined visuals and emotionally rich performances, Lee Dong Wook has long been called a “melodrama master.” However, Love Affair would be his first foray into a darker, more provocative adult romance that goes beyond conventional love stories.

Industry insiders note that the role carries the potential to spark both strong criticism and passionate support from viewers, a hallmark of Mo Wan Il’s storytelling style and a sign of a character designed to leave a lasting impact.

Casting the Female Lead Draws Attention

Attention is also turning to the casting of the female lead, Gong Hoo Kyung, a charismatic architect who becomes Kim Ji Hoon’s dangerous love interest. The production team is reportedly reviewing actresses in their early to mid-30s, with casting discussions currently underway.

The dynamic between the two leads is expected to be central to the drama’s intensity and emotional weight.

Agency Responds With Caution

Lee Dong Wook’s agency, King Kong by Starship, confirmed that he has received the offer. They stated that he is currently reviewing the proposal and will make a final decision after considering various factors related to the project.

Expectations Build for Another Cultural Moment

With Mo Wan Il returning to his signature genre and Lee Dong Wook potentially stepping into one of his most daring roles yet, expectations are already rising. Whether Love Affair can create a cultural impact comparable to The World of the Married remains to be seen, but the project is quickly becoming one of the most closely watched upcoming dramas in the industry.