Jeon Jong Seo Set to Lead Netflix’s Fantasy Epic ‘SHAVING’
Get ready, K-drama and film enthusiasts! Powerhouse actress Jeon Jong Seo is reportedly gearing up for a spectacular return to both the big and small screens. She has received an offer to star as the female lead in Netflix’s highly anticipated original film ‘SHAVING,’ and fans are already buzzing with excitement.
According to a report by Sports Seoul on July 28, Jeon Jong Seo is currently reviewing the offer for the role of Ahai, the central female protagonist of ‘SHAVING,’ with her agency, Andmarq, confirming positive discussions. This isn’t just any role; industry insiders initially sought a fresh face through nationwide auditions. However, in a strategic move to significantly bolster the screenplay and inject greater dramatic depth, the script ultimately landed in Jeon Jong Seo’s hands. Her potential involvement has reportedly given the project immense momentum.
What is ‘SHAVING’? A Historical Fantasy Reimagining Goblins
‘SHAVING’ is shaping up to be a groundbreaking Netflix original historical fantasy film. It takes Korea’s beloved traditional dokkaebi (goblin) folklore and reinterprets it with a modern, epic fantasy twist, promising a fresh and thrilling narrative for audiences worldwide.
The project is already generating considerable industry buzz, and for good reason. It’s the next big production from Onda Works, the acclaimed studio behind the colossal historical film ‘The King’s Warden,’ which captivated 12.3 million moviegoers and became one of South Korea’s biggest box office successes. At the helm is director Ahn Tae Jin, celebrated for the taut thriller ‘The Night Owl’ and the upcoming highly anticipated drama ‘Signal 2.’
The cast is also rapidly taking shape. Actor Kim Do Hoon has already been confirmed as the film’s lead, bringing his rising star power to the project. Adding another layer of anticipation, veteran actor Lee Joon Gi is reportedly considering an offer to portray the film’s primary villain. This potential reunion is particularly exciting as director Ahn previously served as an assistant director on ‘The King and the Clown,’ the very film that launched Lee Joon Gi into superstardom. Fans are eagerly watching to see if this iconic pair will join forces once more for another major historical production. With Jeon Jong Seo’s distinctive screen presence and fearless acting style also poised to join, expectations for her unique contribution to the historical fantasy genre are soaring.
From ‘Burning’ to Hollywood: Jeon Jong Seo’s Remarkable Rise
Jeon Jong Seo made an unforgettable debut in 2018 through director Lee Chang Dong’s critically acclaimed film ‘Burning’. Her first film immediately took her to the Cannes Film Festival, while also earning her Best New Actress honors from the Asian Film Critics Association.
She further cemented her reputation in 2021 through Netflix’s psychological thriller ‘The Call’, where her chilling performance as a serial killer won her Best Actress at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards and the 30th Buil Film Awards.
Since then, Jeon has continued to showcase remarkable versatility. She starred in the romantic comedy ‘Nothing Serious’, headlined Netflix’s action revenge film ‘Ballerina’, and expanded her résumé through projects including Netflix’s ‘Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area’, TVING’s ‘Bargain’, tvN’s ‘Wedding Impossible’, and TVING’s historical drama ‘Queen Woo’.
Her schedule remains packed this year as well. Following another dramatic transformation in the film ‘Project Y’, she has also confirmed appearances in the occult thriller ‘Rock’ and the Hollywood action blockbuster ‘Highlander’, further expanding her global career.
Kim Do Hoon Continues His Steady Rise After ‘Moving’
Before Jeon Jong Seo’s casting news, actor Kim Do Hoon had already been confirmed as the lead of ‘SHAVING.’
Kim debuted through the 2016 independent film ‘Following’ before steadily building his career through supporting and leading roles. He appeared in MBC’s ‘Man in the Kitchen’, made his commercial film debut as the lead in ‘Gate’, and later portrayed Yoo Jin in tvN’s ‘My Absolute Boyfriend’.
His breakthrough came with Disney+’s global hit ‘Moving’ in 2023.
His dramatic transformation for the role—including an intensive body-fat reduction regimen—along with the striking contrast between his reserved on-screen persona and cheerful real-life personality, further elevated his popularity. Thanks to the worldwide success of ‘Moving,’ Kim has firmly established himself as one of Korea’s fastest-rising young actors.
Lee Joon Gi Considers Villain Role in Another Historical Epic
Veteran actor Lee Joon Gi, who has reportedly received an offer to play the film’s main antagonist, remains one of South Korea’s most accomplished historical drama stars.
His career was forever transformed by the 2005 smash hit ‘The King and the Clown’.
Lee won the role of Gong Gil after surviving an audition process reportedly involving between 2,000 and 3,000 applicants. During the final audition, he famously performed an acrobatic handstand split during a clown performance scene, leaving a lasting impression on the filmmakers.
Released on just 250 screens, ‘The King and the Clown’ ultimately attracted 12.3 million admissions, becoming one of the biggest successes in Korean cinema history. The film sparked a nationwide “pretty boy” phenomenon and propelled Lee into superstardom.
He later solidified his status through hit dramas including ‘Time Between Dog and Wolf’, ‘Iljimae’, ‘Two Weeks’, ‘Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo’, ‘Flower of Evil’, and ‘Again My Life’, consistently earning praise for combining charismatic action performances with emotional depth.
