SEE ALSO: Actor Joo Won opens up about the pressure of taking on the lead role on 'The Firefighter'

He revealed that just as the public was curious as to who should play the female lead, as candidates like YoonA were even considered, Joo Won himself struggled with the question. "Before the thought of Shim Eun Kyung came to mind, I wondered to myself, 'Who should do Seol Nae Il, who would do the role well?' I was worried and at a loss," he shared, before continuing, "It's not that I had the final call in casting her, but as soon as I thought of Shim Eun Kyung, I really wanted to act with her."

"I imagined that Shim Eun Kyung would suit the character, and when I saw the footage compilation, I thought she really did act very well." He also revealed that Shim Eun Kyung was a huge fan of the original 'Nodame Cantabile' series, making her a perfect fit. "She really likes the Japanese drama and anime, and is highly interested in her character; she matches Seol Nae Il well," he stated.

When asked how the filming for the drama was going, Joo Won responded, "I'm staying strong." He added, "A film site has to be pleasant for the actors to act well; this film site is exactly like that. Even overnight we chat and laugh while filming. All of that gives me strength."