MBC's new drama 'The King 2 Hearts' which stars Ha Ji Won and Lee Seung Gi launched its first episode on March 21st and received an impressive TV rating of 16.2%. The drama grabbed first place in its time slot and did fairly better than its counterparts, SBS' 'Rooftop Prince' and KBS' 'Equator Man' which also broadcast their first episode on this day.

Lee Seung Gi and Ha Ji Won's pairing definitely seems to have been effective, as high anticipation for the two brought in large views upon its very first broadcast. However, some interesting facts have been uncovered about the show. It just so happens that there were a line of top male actors who rejected the offer to play the role of Lee Jae Ha, which is currently being played by Lee Seung Gi.

The role was first offered to actors Lee Byung Hun and Won Bin, but was eventually turned down by both. Next, actor Cha Seung Won was pondering whether to star in 'The King 2 Hearts' or upcoming medical drama, 'The 3rd Hospital', but ended up rejecting both projects.  Then, Jo In Sung was in the process of confirming his enrollment in "The King 2 Hearts" after his current movie, 'Martial Arts of the Fist' had some delays with the shooting schedule. However, he forfeited the role at the end. Lee Jae Hoon was also given the chance to play the protagonist role in "The King 2 Hearts", but instead took on a leading role in new SBS drama series, 'Fashion King'.

Producers, directors, and the actors and actresses themselves who have frequently experienced this sort of situation often remark at interviews and press conferences that, "Fate brings the cast and project together".
In the end, it seemed as though fate had chosen Lee Seung Gi to play the leading role of Lee Jae Ha on 'King 2 Hearts' all along.

 

Aside from Lee Seung Gi, is there another male actor that would've also paired well with Ha Ji Won? Let us know your thoughts below!

 

Source + Photos: Newsen via Nate