Two of South Korea’s most in-demand actors, Ha Jung Woo and Son Suk Ku, are reportedly being courted for leading roles in the upcoming historical drama Ordinary People, directed by the acclaimed Yoon Jong Bin. First reported by JTBC Entertainment News on July 4, the project has already generated substantial buzz thanks to the potential team-up of three top-tier names in the Korean entertainment industry.
While the plot remains mostly under wraps, the drama is believed to be set during the presidency of Roh Tae Woo, South Korea’s sixth president who held office from 1988 to 1993. This era marked a pivotal shift in South Korea’s modern history, transitioning from military dictatorship to a more democratic government, and is expected to provide a charged, politically rich backdrop for the story.
The details of the storyline and characters are being tightly guarded by the production team as development progresses. However, the drama’s potential to explore political tensions and personal dilemmas during a transformative era in Korean history has already caught the attention of viewers and critics.
Much of the excitement also stems from the creative history between Ha Jung Woo and director Yoon Jong Bin, whose professional relationship spans nearly two decades. They’ve collaborated on projects such as The Unforgiven, Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time, Beastie Boys, Kundo: Age of the Rampant, and Netflix’s Narco-Saints, making the possibility of another joint venture highly anticipated.
Son Suk Ku, meanwhile, recently starred in Nine Puzzles, a mystery thriller also produced by Yoon Jong Bin. His role as a driven detective was well-received and helped further cement his status as a rising A-lister. While Son previously hinted in a June 15 interview that he was planning to take a break after finishing current commitments, it’s unclear whether Ordinary People falls within those prior obligations or if he’s simply adjusting his plans due to the opportunity. Both actors are said to be reviewing their casting offers positively, but official confirmations have yet to be made.
Production for Ordinary People is expected to begin in 2026, due to the actors’ ongoing filming schedules. Casting for additional roles is likely to be announced in the coming months, and while the series doesn’t yet have a confirmed release date or platform, anticipation is steadily building around what could become one of the most impactful dramas of the decade.
