Two of South Korea’s most beloved stars, Park Min Young and BTOB’s Yook Sungjae, are in discussions to headline a brand new drama. According to multiple reports, the actors have received offers to play the lead roles in the upcoming series “Nine to Six”.
The news broke on January 6, when media outlets reported the potential casting. Representatives from both stars’ agencies have confirmed they are reviewing the offers positively, stating the appearances are “under discussion”. Park Min Young’s agency, Darum Entertainment, noted the project is under “positive review,” while Yook Sungjae’s agency, I Will Media, said discussions are ongoing but nothing is finalized yet.
This project marks a significant moment for fans, as it would be the very first time Park Min Young and Yook Sungjae have worked together on a drama.
Details About The New Drama Nine to Six
“Nine to Six” is shaping up to be a relatable story for modern audiences. The drama will tell the story of a woman who has been so focused on building her career that she has put romance on the back burner for years. Her life begins to change when she meets a thoughtful and caring man. Together, they learn about love and help each other grow in their professional and personal lives.
The series is an adaptation of the popular 2021 Chinese drama “The Rational Life”. The Korean adaptation was initially known by the original title but has recently been finalized as “Nine to Six”.
The production team behind the drama brings considerable experience. The series will be directed by Lee Hyung Min, who is known for directing hit shows like “Strong Woman Do Bong Soon” and “Miss Night and Day”. The drama is reportedly scheduled to air on the SBS network.
The Characters Park Min Young And Yook Sungjae May Play
If she accepts the role, Park Min Young is set to play Kang Yi Ji. The character is described as the head of the legal team at a car company. She is a dedicated workaholic for whom marriage and romance have been a very low priority for a long time.
A rational and realistic person, she chooses quiet diligence over reckless resistance when faced with unfair situations.
Kang Yi Ji is not against marriage but sees romantic relationships as driven largely by emotions and “hormones.” She faces challenges with a calm and diligent attitude.
Yook Sungjae has been offered the role of Han Seon Woo. He is a jewelry designer who also has a background in law school. The character is good with his hands, skilled in both cooking and design. He lives his life with an easy-going nature and possesses a maturity that makes him seem older than he is.
Han Seon Woo is a person who follows his heart instinctively, especially when it comes to Kang Yi Ji, acting more on feeling than overthinking. The dynamic sets up a classic romance between a highly rational career woman and a warm-hearted, sincere man.
Why This Casting News Is Creating Excitement
The potential pairing is generating buzz because both actors are hugely popular and have a proven track record in romantic series, though they come from different career paths.
Park Min Young is often called the “Rom-com Queen” for her string of successful romantic comedy hits. She has shown incredible chemistry with co-stars in dramas like “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim,” “When the Weather Is Fine,” and “Forecasting Love and Weather.” Her ability to connect with younger male co-stars has been a hallmark of her recent work.
Yook Sungjae, a member of the veteran idol group BTOB, has steadily built a strong acting resume. He has shown his versatility across genres in dramas such as “Mystic Pop-up Bar,” “The Golden Spoon,” and the recently aired “The Haunted Palace”. He is also preparing to release a new EP titled “All About Blue” in June 2025.
The concept of an older female lead paired with a younger male lead has been a successful formula in K-dramas. Park Min Young has excelled in such pairings before, creating memorable on-screen relationships with actors like Park Seo Joon, Seo Kang Joon, and Song Kang. This would be a new challenge for Yook Sungjae, offering him a prominent leading role in a major romantic series.
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What Happens Next For The Drama
While the reports are promising, it is important to note that the casting is not yet official. Both agencies have used cautious language, confirming only that offers are being reviewed. The final decisions from Park Min Young and Yook Sungjae are awaited.
The drama “Nine to Six” is one of many new K-dramas slated for 2026, a year that promises a mix of romantic comedies, fantasy epics, and historical series from major networks and streaming platforms.
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