Lee Jin-wook cast opposite Im Yoon-ah in tvN's Korean remake of 'Unnatural'
In short
tvN said on 22 October that actor Lee Jin-wook will play forensic examiner Goo Seung-hyuk in its new drama 'Unnatural' (working title), which first airs next year. Im Yoon-ah, a member of Girls' Generation, plays the other lead, forensic examiner Song Do-eun. The series is based on a 2018 Japanese TBS drama of the same name.
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tvN said on 22 October that actor Lee Jin-wook has been cast in its new drama 'Unnatural' (working title), which first airs next year, Yonhap and Newsis reported. Lee plays Goo Seung-hyuk, a forensic examiner at U.D.I. Chosun Ilbo gave the premiere year as 2027, and its Sports Chosun summary said Lee chose the drama as his next project. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Goo Seung-hyuk is described as a veteran forensic examiner with about 3,000 autopsies of experience and a cold character who rarely shows emotion in front of others. Newsis said his autopsy skill is unmatched. Chosun Ilbo said he takes interest only in the dead, so colleagues at U.D.I call him 'Jeoseung-hyeok' (저승혁), and that he keeps a distance from others with an expressionless face and a cynical manner. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
Yonhap and Newsis reported that the other lead, U.D.I forensic examiner Song Do-eun, is played by Im Yoon-ah, a member of the group Girls' Generation and an actor. Chosun Ilbo said her casting was confirmed earlier and that Lee will work with her as a fellow forensic examiner. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
The series follows a forensic scientist at U.D.I, a fictional autopsy and examination body, who uncovers the truth hidden behind unnatural deaths. Chosun Ilbo wrote that the script is by Min Ji-eun and the direction by Park Yu-young, with production by Studio Dragon and Big Wave Entertainment (빅웨이브엔터테인먼트). [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
The drama is based on a Japanese drama of the same name that aired on TBS in 2018. Chosun Ilbo said that series starred Ishihara Satomi and Iura Arata and has a loyal fan base in both Japan and Korea. It added that Lee has played detectives and lawyers who pursue the truth, and that this time he plays a forensic examiner who looks into cases through the traces of death. The production team told Chosun Ilbo that Lee's cool presence and restrained expression suit the character. [ 1 ]
Why it matters
The announcement fills the second lead role in a remake of a Japanese drama that, according to Chosun Ilbo, has a loyal fan base in Japan and Korea. The documents give no air date beyond 2027.
Key facts
- tvN said on 22 October that Lee Jin-wook is cast in its new drama 'Unnatural', which first airs next year. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Lee plays U.D.I forensic examiner Goo Seung-hyuk, who has about 3,000 autopsies of experience. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
- Im Yoon-ah, a member of Girls' Generation, plays the other lead, forensic examiner Song Do-eun. [ 2 , 4 ]
- The drama is based on a Japanese drama of the same name that aired on TBS in 2018. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
- Chosun Ilbo reported the script is by Min Ji-eun and the director is Park Yu-young, with production by Studio Dragon and Big Wave Entertainment (빅웨이브엔터테인먼트). [ 1 ]
- The title 'Unnatural' is marked as a working title, and the premiere is given as 2027. [ 1 , 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Lee Jin-wook is cast as U.D.I forensic examiner Goo Seung-hyuk in tvN's 'Unnatural', which tvN announced on 22 October. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
- Im Yoon-ah plays the other lead, forensic examiner Song Do-eun. [ 1 , 2 , 4 ]
- The drama first airs in 2027 and is based on a 2018 Japanese TBS drama of the same name. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Still unclear
- The exact premiere date and broadcast slot. The documents say only that the drama first airs in 2027 or 'next year'.
- The final title of the drama. Chosun Ilbo's reports describe 'Unnatural' as a working title.
- The production team's comments on Lee's casting. Only Chosun Ilbo quotes the team.