News reports from December 8 suggest actors Lee Min-ho and Moon Ga-young are considering starring in a new historical romance drama titled Scent of the Night. Their respective management agencies have confirmed that the project is one of several offers the actors have received and is currently under review. The drama, based on a popular webtoon, would be directed by acclaimed director Lee Eung-bok, known for major hits like Descendants of the Sun, Goblin, and Mr. Sunshine. This potential pairing of two major stars in a high-profile production has generated significant excitement among fans and industry watchers.
Drama Plot And Webtoon Source Material
Scent of the Night is described as a passionate, sad, and provocative story set during the Joseon era, a historical period known for its strict social hierarchies and oppression of women. The plot centers on a woman named Seo Hong who actively rejects the fate society has chosen for her and remains fiercely true to her own desires. The male lead, Seo Jae Ha, loves her deeply but is forced by his circumstances to accept a different destiny and hide his true feelings.
The narrative is based on a webtoon, a format known for its engaging and sometimes mature storytelling. The source material has been noted for its “19+” rating, indicating content intended for an adult audience.
Character Details And Reported Casting Offers
According to the initial reports, Moon Ga-young has been offered the role of Seo Hong. This character is defined by her defiance and refusal to be resigned to the path laid out for her by the restrictive norms of her time.
Lee Min-ho is reportedly in talks to play Seo Jae Ha. The character’s backstory is complex: he begins life as the son of a butcher from a harmonious family. After his father’s death, his life falls apart, and he later assumes a new identity as the son and heir of Seo Dong Won, the wealthiest man in Hanyang (modern-day Seoul). In this new life, he meets Seo Hong as his sister, creating a situation where he must conceal his growing love for her due to their complicated familial ties and social pressures.
Director Lee Eung-bok’s Involvement
A major point of interest for this project is the involvement of director Lee Eung-bok. He is one of the most sought-after directors in the Korean drama industry, with a track record of creating visually stunning and narratively compelling series that often achieve both critical and popular success.
His previous directorial works include global phenomena such as:
- Descendants of the Sun
- Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)
- Mr. Sunshine
- The Sweet Home series on Netflix
His association with Scent of the Night significantly raises expectations for the drama’s production quality and storytelling ambition.
Fan Reactions And Online Excitement
Although casting is not yet confirmed, the mere possibility of this collaboration has sparked a wave of enthusiastic reactions from fans across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
Many fans expressed immediate excitement about the star pairing. One user commented, “WAIT THESE TWO ACTORS TOGETHER WOULD EAT BAD”, using slang to suggest they would deliver an outstanding performance. Another fan simply stated, “I can see their chemistry already”, anticipating a strong on-screen connection between Lee Min-ho and Moon Ga-young.
The involvement of director Lee Eung-bok was also a major talking point. A fan noted, “Mr SUNSHINE, Goblin, DotS director!!!! This can only be PERFECT damn Iโm so excited”, highlighting the director’s reputation as a mark of quality. Another shared a similar sentiment, writing, “The director of his upcoming drama is the director of Mr. Sunshine, Descendants of the Sun and Goblin. Can already tell, it won’t be a cheesy K-Drama but rather something EPIC”.
Some fans displayed impatience for official news, with one exclaiming, “Whatttt minho and kayoung give it fast mannn”, eager for the actors to confirm their participation. The announcement also led to broader anticipation for the historical romance genre, with one fan declaring, “Joseon heat incoming”.
Current Status And Production Timeline
As of now, the casting for Scent of the Night remains unconfirmed. Both Lee Min-ho’s and Moon Ga-young’s agencies have given the same basic response to media inquiries, stating that the drama is one of the projects the actors have received offers for and is under positive review.
Key production details are still to be decided. The report indicates that the release timing and the broadcast or streaming platform for the drama have not yet been finalized. This means fans will have to wait for further announcements from the production team or the actors’ agencies regarding a confirmed start date for filming or a target release window.
Actors’ Recent And Upcoming Projects
Both actors have been active with other commitments, which may factor into their schedules and final decisions regarding Scent of the Night.
Lee Min-ho recently starred in the drama When the Stars Gossip. He also returned to the big screen this year with the film Omniscient Reader: The Prophet, marking his first major film role since 2016. He is already set to star in another film titled Assassins, scheduled for release in 2026.
Moon Ga-young has also had a busy year. She starred in the drama My Dearest Nemesis and appears in Law and the City. She is set to lead the drama Whale Star (The Gyeongseong Mermaid), which is currently targeting a broadcast in 2026.
The potential pairing in Scent of the Night represents a major collaboration between two of Korea’s popular actors, backed by a top-tier director and based on a compelling webtoon source. While the project is still in the discussion phase, the combination of these elements has positioned it as one of the most talked-about potential dramas in the early stages of development.
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