Ji Jin-hee says he was removed from drama role due to 'actor packaging'

Actor Ji Jin-hee shared a past experience where he was removed from a leading role in a drama shortly after being cast.

During an appearance on the YouTube channel 'Zzanhan Hyung Shin Dong Yup,' Ji Jin-hee recalled the difficulty of securing a lead role as a rookie actor. He expressed his excitement and pride upon being chosen for a main role in a long-form drama, a significant achievement early in his career.

Filming had commenced, with Ji Jin-hee participating in the first two episodes. He described the demanding schedule of filming until dawn, yet feeling energized by the opportunity. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the female lead role was changed. A new actress was brought in, and along with her, an actor from the same agency was cast, leading to Ji Jin-hee's removal from the project.

Ji Jin-hee recounted being called to a meeting with the director, accompanied by his manager. The director remained silent, leaving his manager to convey the difficult news. "My manager grabbed me outside and said, 'You never know what will happen in the future. You have to endure this. What the director is about to say means you're being removed,'" Ji Jin-hee recounted. Despite his initial reluctance to accept the decision, his manager emphasized the need for resilience in the unpredictable industry.

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My manager grabbed me outside and said, 'You never know what will happen in the future. You have to endure this. What the director is about to say means you're being removed.'