A major casting change is happening in one of the most awaited Korean fantasy romance dramas. Lee Soo-hyuk has officially stepped down from the upcoming Netflix series “Men of the Harem,” and Lee Jong-won is now in discussions to take over the role.
The news broke on August 19, 2026, when multiple Korean media outlets reported that Lee Soo-hyuk had decided to leave the project due to scheduling conflicts. His agency, Saram Entertainment, confirmed the departure, stating that the actor could no longer continue with the production because of timing issues.
This development has created a lot of buzz among K-drama fans, especially since “Men of the Harem” is one of Netflix’s most talked-about upcoming originals. The series is already in production, and the sudden change has raised questions about how the transition will affect the filming schedule.
Lee Soo-hyuk’s Departure – What We Know
Lee Soo-hyuk was originally cast as one of the male concubines in the series, though his specific character details were never officially revealed. His decision to step down came as a surprise to many, as the actor had been attached to the project since the casting discussions began last year.
According to Saram Entertainment, the actor’s departure is solely due to scheduling conflicts. The agency did not provide further details about what other projects or commitments led to this decision. However, industry insiders suggest that Lee Soo-hyuk’s busy calendar, which includes other acting commitments and modeling work, may have made it impossible to continue with the demanding production schedule.
The series has reportedly already begun filming, and it is unclear how many scenes Lee Soo-hyuk had completed before his exit. Production company Studio Dragon has not commented on whether any of his footage will be kept or if the role will be completely re-shot with the new actor.
Lee Jong-won Emerges as the Replacement Candidate
Shortly after Lee Soo-hyuk’s departure was announced, reports surfaced that Lee Jong-won has received an offer to play the lead role in “Men of the Harem” and is currently in discussions.
Lee Jong-won’s agency, THEBLACKLABEL, confirmed the news, stating: “Lee Jong-won has received an offer to play the lead role in Men of the Harem and is currently in discussions.”
The actor is known for his roles in popular dramas like “The Flower That Blooms at Night” and “Intoxicated Romance,” where he gained recognition for his acting skills. If confirmed, this would be his biggest project to date, given the star power and scale of “Men of the Harem.”
As of now, Studio Dragon has stated that Lee Jong-won’s casting is still “under discussion” and nothing has been finalized. However, given that the production is already underway, a decision is expected soon.
What Is “Men of the Harem” About?
For those unfamiliar with the source material, “Men of the Harem” is a fantasy romance drama adapted from a popular Korean web novel of the same name. The novel was serialized on Naver Series from March 2020 to December 2025 and gained a massive following. An English-language version of the novel has been available on the U.S. version of the online platform since February 2021.
The story is set in a fictional empire and follows Empress Latil, who must gather five eligible bachelors to find her official suitor while also trying to solve her father’s murder. To protect her throne, she decides to take male concubines, leading to a complex and dramatic story filled with romance, political intrigue, and fantasy elements.
The series is written by Alphatart, the same author behind the popular web novel “The Remarried Empress,” which also received a live-action adaptation.
Star-Studded Cast and Crew
“Men of the Harem” boasts an impressive lineup both in front of and behind the camera.
Singer-actor Suzy has been cast as the female lead, Empress Latil. Suzy, who rose to fame as a member of the K-pop group Miss A and has since built a successful acting career, is one of the most bankable stars in the Korean entertainment industry. Her involvement in the project has already generated significant excitement among fans.
Other cast members who were reportedly in talks to join the drama include Shin Seung-ho, Dex, Kim Dan, and Yoo Jung-hoo. These actors are expected to play the male concubines competing for Empress Latil’s attention.
The series is being directed by Lee Eung-bok, one of Korea’s most acclaimed drama directors. He is best known for helming blockbuster hits like “Descendants of the Sun” (2016), “Goblin” (also known as “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God”), “Mr. Sunshine” (2018), and the Netflix series “Sweet Home”. His track record of delivering high-quality, visually stunning dramas has raised expectations for “Men of the Harem.”
The screenplay is being written by Hwang Jin-young, known for the drama “Lovers”. The production is being handled by Studio Dragon, one of the leading drama production companies in South Korea.
Why This Casting Change Matters
Casting changes in the middle of production are always significant news in the entertainment industry. For a project as big as “Men of the Harem,” the sudden departure of a lead actor raises several important questions.
First, there is the matter of the production schedule. With filming already underway, the production team will need to quickly finalize Lee Jong-won’s casting and potentially reshoot scenes that had already been completed with Lee Soo-hyuk. This could lead to delays, though no official word has been given on whether the release date will be affected.
Second, there is the question of creative continuity. Different actors bring different energies and interpretations to a role. Fans who were looking forward to seeing Lee Soo-hyuk in this fantasy setting will now have to adjust their expectations for Lee Jong-won’s portrayal.
Third, this development highlights the demanding nature of the Korean entertainment industry, where actors often juggle multiple projects and scheduling conflicts are not uncommon.
What This Means for Lee Jong-won
If Lee Jong-won finalizes his casting, this role could be a major breakthrough for the actor. While he has already built a solid resume with supporting and lead roles in several dramas, “Men of the Harem” offers him the opportunity to work with a top-tier director, a star-studded cast, and a global platform like Netflix.
The role of one of Empress Latil’s concubines is likely to be a complex and layered character, given the fantasy romance setting and the political intrigue at the heart of the story. This could allow Lee Jong-won to showcase a wider range of acting skills than he has had the chance to in previous projects.
What This Means for Lee Soo-hyuk
For Lee Soo-hyuk, stepping down from such a high-profile project is undoubtedly a difficult decision. However, his agency has made it clear that the move was necessary due to scheduling conflicts. The actor, who began his career as a model in 2006 and has remained active in both fashion and acting, is known for his selective approach to projects.
Fans can expect to see Lee Soo-hyuk in other upcoming works. He recently signed with Saram Entertainment in July 2025 after leaving YG Entertainment, signaling a new chapter in his career. His decision to prioritize his schedule over a single project suggests that he has other commitments that he considers equally important.
Production Status and Release Information
“Men of the Harem” is being produced by Studio Dragon and will be distributed by Netflix. The series is scheduled for release on Netflix next year, though a specific date has not yet been announced.
Given that filming has already begun, it is likely that the production is aiming for a 2027 release. However, the recent casting change could potentially affect the timeline. Fans will have to wait for official announcements from Netflix or Studio Dragon for updates on the release schedule.
The series is based on a popular web novel and webtoon, both of which have built a strong fan base over the years. The webtoon adaptation ran on Naver Webtoon from 2019 to 2026, further expanding the story’s reach.
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The news of Lee Soo-hyuk’s departure and Lee Jong-won’s potential casting has certainly shaken up the K-drama world. While it’s always disappointing when an actor leaves a project, the addition of Lee Jong-won brings fresh possibilities to the role.
With Suzy leading the cast, Lee Eung-bok directing, and a strong supporting lineup, “Men of the Harem” remains one of the most promising Korean dramas in development. The fantasy romance genre has proven to be immensely popular with global audiences, and this series has all the elements to become a major hit.
As the production moves forward, fans will be watching closely to see how the casting change affects the final product. For now, all eyes are on Lee Jong-won as he decides whether to take on this exciting new challenge.
Also Read: Mass YG Exit: Stars Find New Homes, But Lee Sung-kyung and Lee Soo-hyuk Still in Limbo
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