Two months after breakup with IU, Lee Jong-suk withdraws from new romance drama

Lee Jong-suk’s expected return to a classic romance drama has fallen through after production delays collided with his future schedule. The actor has formally left Love of Iseop, ending plans for him to play its male lead.

The comic romance had attracted strong anticipation because it would have marked Lee’s first traditional romance role in years, following Romance Is a Bonus Book. He was set to play a pure-hearted third-generation chaebol heir who is extremely awkward at love.

Lee’s agency said the production period had been postponed several times. After repeated efforts to coordinate the schedules, both sides reluctantly decided to end his involvement.

The news comes two months after Lee ended his four-year relationship with IU. Fans reacted with disappointment, while also saying they respected his decision and hoped both entertainers would build successful careers after the breakup.

Lee remains part of the cast of Disney+’s The Remarried Empress, which will premiere on Nov. 4. The series also stars Shin Min-a, Ju Ji-hoon and Lee Se-young. Lee plays the man whom Shin Min-a’s character marries after divorcing Ju Ji-hoon’s character, a neighboring king whose feelings for her coexist with ruthless ambition and political calculations.

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It is such a shame.