Hwang Min-hyun Replaces Lee Jong-suk in tvN's 'Lee Seop's Love,' Takes on Chaebol Heir Role

Hwang Min-hyun (황민현) has been confirmed as the male lead for tvN's new drama 'Lee Seop's Love,' taking over after Lee Jong-suk (이종석) withdrew due to scheduling conflicts. Hwang will portray a third-generation chaebol heir who is nearly perfect in all aspects but completely inexperienced in love, marking a new challenge in his acting career.

'Lee Seop's Love' is a romantic office drama adapted from a popular web novel of the same name. The story follows Lee Seop, a third-generation chaebol heir of TK Group, who possesses perfect looks, abilities, and background but is utterly clueless about dating. His life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Kang Min-kyung, a highly capable colleague, leading them into an unforeseen romantic entanglement. The original novel's immense popularity also led to a webtoon adaptation.

Hwang Min-hyun will play Lee Seop, showcasing a different side of his romantic acting. Lee Seop is an elite who achieved the 'fastest and youngest promotion' in his career, consistently ranking first in everything since childhood and possessing strong self-confidence.

However, when Kang Min-kyung, the person who makes him experience 'second place' for the first time, becomes his secretary, his smooth-sailing life begins to face unexpected changes, and his emotional world gradually spirals out of control.

Hwang Min-hyun's confirmation to take over from Lee Jong-suk has heightened anticipation for his portrayal. Hwang is a former member of the Korean boy group NU'EST, where he served as a lead vocalist. In 2017, NU'EST temporarily halted activities, and Hwang participated in Mnet's survival show 'Produce 101 Season 2.' He finished in 9th place, becoming a member of the project group Wanna One, active for a year and a half as a lead vocalist. After Wanna One concluded its activities on January 27, 2019, Hwang returned to NU'EST.

NU'EST disbanded on March 14, 2022, and Hwang officially began activities as a solo singer and actor. He has appeared in dramas such as 'Live On,' the 'Alchemy of Souls' series, 'My Lovely Liar,' and 'Study Group,' steadily expanding his acting portfolio.

Hwang Min-hyun's challenge in portraying Lee Seop, a third-generation chaebol who is 'stubborn and difficult yet surprisingly clumsy,' is a key highlight of the new drama. Viewers are eager to see how he transitions between the cold, elite persona and moments of unexpected awkwardness.

Additionally, 'Lee Seop's Love' shares a universe with writer Kim Eon-hee's (김언희) other work, 'Tae-yeon's Lie.' Actor Lee Joon-hyuk (이준혁) is expected to play the character Tae-joon-seop in 'Tae-yeon's Lie,' and the connections between characters and stories in both works are highly anticipated.

Below are translated comments from Korean netizens

1. Oh, he seems to fit well, but I'm not sure about his acting.
2. Huh???????????? Even though he seems to fit, wow... Is it confirmed?
3. The character's age got younger.

4. Ah... his acting...
5. Oh, he's an actor who was on the prediction list, lol.
6. Ah, he doesn't fit.....

7. Oh, so the female lead also changed.
8. Oh, not bad?
9. Oh, he fits well, I'm looking forward to it.

10. His acting isn't great, so I wonder how it will turn out.
11. Looking at Hwang Min-hyun's previous acting style, it's closer to Tae-seop. I hope he understands the character Lee Seop well... sigh.
12. His acting isn't good, but he's handsome, lolol.

13. Is the original popular?
14. He's not suitable for the character Lee Seop.
15. Whether he fits or not is secondary; the main issue is his acting.

16. His visuals fit well; I hope he performs well.
17. Ah, I really dislike this; he genuinely doesn't fit, and his acting is also bad...
18. So Lee Jong-suk isn't starring anymore.

19. His acting isn't great; I wonder if he's improved. Please put more emotion in his eyes...
20. I'm really looking forward to 'Lee Seop's Love' ㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜㅜ Min-hyun doesn't fit.
21. Ah........ what about his acting ㅜㅜ

22. Oh, it got better.
23. He and Lee Joon-hyuk look like uncle and nephew, lolol. They don't look like they're on the same level to compete for succession.
24. Wow, he fits well, that's great.

25. The original isn't very good...
26. I don't know the original, so I'm not sure, but I hope he succeeds.
27. He's handsome; I just hope he continues acting and improves ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ

28. No way, changing from Lee Jong-suk to him is too big of a difference...; Will they find a strong female lead to match him?
29. Lee Seop should have a bit of a decadent charm,,,,
30. I want to see more handsome male actors; please practice your acting well...

31. He doesn't have Lee Seop's vibe at all... What will happen to the female lead?
32. Ah, so the original leads all withdrew. I was wondering why there were casting rumors again.
33. Wow, is he replacing Lee Jong-suk? That's amazing.

34. Compared to Lee Joon-hyuk, this feels more like cousins? Brothers? lol (mentioned because he's the male lead of 'Lee Seop's Love' series)
35. He fits well? I'm a bit worried because I heard his acting isn't good ㅠ
36. When did Lee Jong-suk change? I didn't even know.

37. No;;;;, he's Lee Joon-hyuk's cousin, but he looks too much like an uncle and nephew ㅜㅜ Ah ㅠㅠㅜㅜㅜ My Joon-seop and Lee Seop.
38. They complained when Lee Jong-suk was cast, and they're complaining now that Hwang Min-hyun is cast. It seems like no matter who plays it, they'll complain, so fans don't need to worry too much.
39. He'll become the next Byun Woo-seok.

40. I haven't seen him act, so I don't know, but it seems his acting isn't great...
41. Super excited for his face, lol.
42. This is a role where an actor withdrew, and it's hard to find a top actor. An idol-turned-actor has many overseas fans, a suitable image, and harmonizes well with Lee Joon-hyuk's image. I hope he performs well.

43. Isn't the age gap with Lee Joon-hyuk too big?
44. His face and body are too good; I just hope his acting improves too.
45. Although he doesn't have Lee Seop's vibe, he'll probably reinterpret the role, right? I recommend this webtoon; it's fun.

46. I heard Lee Jong-suk isn't acting, so the script might not be good, and the age gap with Lee Joon-hyuk is too exaggerated.
47. His acting is really not good. I always skip his dramas because of his bad acting. This time, I heard he improved in 'Study Group' and watched it, but it was still bad...
48. Hwang Min-hyun is too stiff; his acting lacks emotion.

49. He fits well, though? He's not that young anymore.