Lee Dong-wook, the beloved star of “Goblin” and “Tale of the Nine Tailed,” is considering a career-defining role that could shatter his romantic hero image. The actor has been approached to lead Love Affair, a mature melodrama directed by “The World of the Married” mastermind Mo Wan-il, promising Netflix’s most provocative Korean drama yet.
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Love Affair: Everything We Know
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor (Offered) | Lee Dong-wook (reviewing offer) |
| Director | Mo Wan-il (The World of the Married, The Frog) |
| Writer | Ha Soo-jin (Sell Your Haunted House) |
| Production Studio | FNC Story |
| Format | Netflix Original Film |
| Genre | Romantic Melodrama (19+ Rating) |
| Expected Filming | Late 2026 |
| Potential Release | 2027 |
| Female Lead | Casting ongoing (early-to-mid 30s actress) |
The Plot: Forbidden Love and Fatal Consequences
According to MyDramaList, Love Affair tells the story of Kim Ji-hun, a man in his early 40s enjoying a stable career and happy marriage—until a chance overseas encounter changes everything. He meets Kong Hu-gyeong, an irresistibly charismatic architect, and despite both being in committed relationships, they spend one passionate night together.
What follows isn’t the typical K-drama romance. Kim Ji-hun’s life spirals into financial ruin and personal devastation. When fate cruelly reunites them under unexpected circumstances, their forbidden connection becomes the catalyst that destroys everything he once had.
This synopsis reads less like typical Korean romance and more like a psychological thriller exploring desire, morality, and the devastating ripple effects of one impulsive decision.
Why This Role is a Game-Changer for Lee Dong-wook
Lee Dong-wook’s agency, KINGKONG by STARSHIP, confirmed they’re “reviewing the offer positively,” which industry insiders interpret as a strong signal of acceptance. If he commits, this marks his first venture into explicit adult melodrama—a dramatic departure from his usual roles.
The 43-year-old actor has built his career playing charming, morally upright characters: the lovable Grim Reaper in “Goblin,” the devoted fox spirit in “Tale of the Nine Tailed,” and protective leads in dramas like “Search: WWW” and “A Shop for Killers.” Playing a married man who commits adultery and faces the consequences represents a bold image transformation.
Lee himself has expressed interest in mature content. During interviews for his 2023 film “Single in Seoul,” he openly discussed wanting to challenge himself with provocative material. Love Affair could be that long-awaited opportunity.
The Director Behind the Intensity
Mo Wan-il isn’t just any director—he’s the visionary behind “The World of the Married,” which became the highest-rated cable drama in Korean television history with a peak viewership of 28.371%. The series earned him the Best Director award at the 56th Baeksang Arts Awards.
His recent Netflix thriller “The Frog” (2024) further cemented his reputation for crafting dark, twisted narratives about human desire and moral compromise. According to FandomWire, Mo Wan-il specializes in stories that don’t shy away from explicit content or uncomfortable truths—exactly what Love Affair demands.
What Makes This Different from Typical K-Dramas
Unlike the sweet meet-cutes and predictable story arcs that dominate Korean romance, Love Affair tackles taboo subjects head-on. The 19+ rating indicates mature sexual content, emotional intensity, and potentially graphic depictions of life unraveling.
Writer Ha Soo-jin (known for “Sell Your Haunted House”) has crafted a narrative focused on “fatal attraction” and “unexpected reunions”—language suggesting consequences rather than happily-ever-after endings. This positions the drama closer to Western series like “The Affair” or “Fatal Attraction” than traditional K-drama fare.
The production team is currently casting an actress in her early-to-mid 30s for Kong Hu-gyeong, seeking someone who can embody both irresistible charm and dangerous allure. Additional key roles include Kim Ji-hun’s wife Lee Seon-hee and Kong Hu-gyeong’s boyfriend Lee Dae-hee—characters whose lives will be irreparably damaged by the central affair.
Netflix’s Strategy for Mature Korean Content
Netflix’s potential involvement signals the streaming giant’s continued commitment to diverse Korean programming. The platform has successfully housed mature K-dramas before, from the zombie horror of “Kingdom” to the psychological thriller “The Glory.”
Love Affair’s explicit content wouldn’t require toning down for Netflix’s global audience, unlike traditional Korean broadcast networks with strict censorship rules. This creative freedom allows Mo Wan-il to fully realize his vision without compromise.
For fans seeking similarly intense Korean dramas while waiting, check out our coverage of Dead-End Job, another Netflix K-drama pushing boundaries with horror-fantasy elements.
Industry Reactions and Fan Speculation
The K-drama community has responded with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Lee Dong-wook’s devoted fanbase—built over two decades of wholesome romantic leads—must now reconcile their favorite actor playing a morally compromised character.
Some fans celebrate this artistic risk-taking, arguing that true actors shouldn’t be typecast into safe roles. Others worry the “handsome bad man” characterization might alienate viewers who love his traditional romantic hero persona.
According to Rolling Stone India, this role could either elevate Lee’s career to new heights or become a polarizing entry in his filmography—there’s no middle ground with material this provocative.
Expected Timeline and Production Details
If negotiations conclude successfully, filming would likely begin in late 2026 for a potential 2027 release. The project is structured as a Netflix Original film rather than a series, suggesting a concentrated, intense narrative rather than the typical 16-episode format.
This film format allows for tighter storytelling and prevents the pacing issues that sometimes plague longer K-drama series. Mo Wan-il’s directorial style particularly shines in focused narratives where every scene builds toward emotional devastation.
FNC Story, the production house, continues negotiating final details with Netflix while casting the remaining key roles. Industry sources suggest an official announcement could come within months once Lee Dong-wook makes his final decision.
The Bigger Picture: K-Drama Evolution
Love Affair represents the ongoing evolution of Korean storytelling. While traditional K-dramas continue thriving with family-friendly content, there’s growing appetite for mature, complex narratives that challenge viewers rather than comfort them.
Netflix has become the perfect platform for these riskier projects, offering creative freedom that cable networks can’t match. From psychological thrillers to explicit romances, the streaming era has unleashed Korean creators to explore darker, more nuanced human experiences.
For more on how Netflix has transformed K-drama accessibility globally, explore our article on Top 5 K-Dramas in Hindi showcasing the platform’s commitment to international audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Has Lee Dong-wook officially confirmed his role in Love Affair?
No, Lee Dong-wook has not officially confirmed yet. His agency KINGKONG by STARSHIP stated they’re “reviewing the offer positively” and will make a final decision after confirming various details—a phrase industry insiders often interpret as strong interest.
Q2: When will Love Affair be released on Netflix?
Love Affair is expected to release in 2027, with filming anticipated to begin in late 2026. Since it’s structured as a Netflix Original film rather than a series, production timelines are typically shorter than traditional K-drama formats.
