Jun Ji-hyun exits upcoming drama ‘Koreans’ co-starring Lee Byung-hun

Actor Jun Ji-hyun / Newsis

Actor Jun Ji-hyun has decided to step down from the upcoming drama tentatively titled “Koreans.”

Her agency, Peach Company, said Tuesday that “‘Koreans’ was one of several projects under consideration, but she has ultimately decided not to participate.”

The series is an adaptation of FX’s hit American spy drama “The Americans,” reimagined against the backdrop of Korea’s military dictatorship era rather than the Cold War. The drama will be directed by Ahn Gil-ho, known for “Stranger” (2017) and “The Glory” (2022), and will star Lee Byung-hun.

Jun was offered the role of Lee’s wife, marking what would have been their first project together since appearing together in the 1999 drama “Happy Together.” However, the collaboration will not move forward.

Meanwhile, Jun recently appeared in Disney+ original series “Tempest,” portraying Moon Joo, a United Nations ambassador with international acclaim. She is also confirmed to be starring in director Yeon Sang-ho’s upcoming film “Colony.”

This article is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.