On May 13, 2026, the South Korean entertainment world buzzed with fresh speculation as news broke that actor Lee Jong-suk had been offered a starring role in the upcoming drama Paradise (낙원). According to both Ilgan Sports and MHN Sports, Lee’s agency, Ace Factory, confirmed that he had received the proposal and was currently reviewing it. While fans await his decision, the project’s pedigree and Lee’s past successes are already fueling high expectations.
Paradise is no ordinary drama pitch. The series marks the much-anticipated return of acclaimed screenwriter Kim Soo-jin, who is best known for penning the gripping 2021 hit Monster. That drama not only captivated audiences but also earned Kim the Best Screenplay award at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards, cementing her reputation as a masterful storyteller. This new work represents Kim’s first major project in about five years, making it a highly watched comeback in the industry.
The premise of Paradise is as intriguing as its creative team. The story centers on reporter Kang Chi-young and police officer Cha Jung-won, who are drawn into an unimaginable incident that forces them to dig deep into hidden secrets and long-buried truths. According to Ilgan Sports, Lee Jong-suk has been offered the lead role of Kang Chi-young, the tenacious journalist at the heart of the mystery. The drama promises a blend of suspense, emotional depth, and the kind of layered storytelling that Kim Soo-jin has become known for.
Directing Paradise is Oh Choong-hwan, a name familiar to K-drama aficionados for his visually striking and emotionally resonant work. Oh previously helmed Start-Up and Melo Movie, both praised for their stylish direction. Notably, this would be the third collaboration between Lee Jong-suk and Oh Choong-hwan, following their successful partnerships on While You Were Sleeping and Big Mouth. Their past teamwork has resulted in some of the most memorable performances and compelling narratives in recent years, raising hopes that lightning will strike yet again.
For Lee Jong-suk, the potential role in Paradise comes at a pivotal moment in his career. The actor has built a loyal following through a string of acclaimed performances and is no stranger to complex, challenging roles. If he accepts, his portrayal of Kang Chi-young would see him once again stepping into the shoes of a character whose persistence and moral compass are put to the test by extraordinary circumstances.
But Lee is not resting on his laurels while considering Paradise. As MHN Sports notes, he is already set to star as the lead, Tae Seop, in the forthcoming drama Lee Seop’s Romance. This series, adapted from a popular web novel, tells the story of Tae Seop, a third-generation chaebol who is perfect in every way except when it comes to love. The plot revolves around his comedic and chaotic office romance with Kang Min-kyung, described as the “secret weapon” of the TK Group. The show promises a blend of humor and heart—a notable departure from the tension-filled narratives Lee is often associated with.
Lee’s recent television work includes last year’s legal drama Seocho-dong. The series chronicled the professional and personal growth of five associate lawyers navigating the bustling legal district of Seocho-dong. According to MHN Sports, the show resonated with viewers, achieving a peak viewership rating of 7.7%. This success further solidified Lee’s reputation as a versatile actor capable of anchoring diverse genres and storylines.
Outside of his professional achievements, Lee Jong-suk’s personal life has also drawn public attention. Since December 2022, he has been in a publicly acknowledged relationship with singer and actress IU, one of South Korea’s most beloved entertainers. The couple’s openness about their relationship has endeared them to fans, and as of 2026, they are celebrating four years together. Their romance, often the subject of media coverage, is seen by many as a rare example of a high-profile couple navigating fame with grace and mutual support.
Returning to Paradise, the drama’s creative team is a major factor in the mounting anticipation. Kim Soo-jin’s five-year hiatus has only heightened curiosity about her next move. Her previous work, Monster, was lauded for its intricate plotting and psychological depth, earning her that coveted Baeksang Arts Award. With Paradise, she is expected to deliver another story that challenges viewers’ expectations and explores the complexities of human nature.
Director Oh Choong-hwan, for his part, has consistently demonstrated a knack for bringing out the best in his actors and crafting visually captivating scenes. His collaborations with Lee Jong-suk, particularly in While You Were Sleeping and Big Mouth, have been singled out by critics and fans alike for their chemistry and narrative drive. If Lee signs on for Paradise, audiences can likely expect another round of dynamic storytelling and standout performances.
The drama’s central characters—reporter Kang Chi-young and police officer Cha Jung-won—are designed to pull viewers into a world where nothing is as it seems. The plot’s focus on unraveling secrets and confronting hidden truths taps into a rich tradition of investigative dramas while promising fresh twists unique to Kim Soo-jin’s writing style. For fans of the genre, Paradise could be the next must-watch series on the horizon.
As of now, Lee Jong-suk’s agency Ace Factory has stated that he is “reviewing the offer,” keeping fans on tenterhooks. The decision, when it comes, will undoubtedly shape the direction of both his career and the drama itself. With an all-star creative team, a compelling premise, and the potential for another memorable Lee Jong-suk performance, Paradise is already one of the most talked-about projects of 2026—even before casting is finalized.
For viewers, the combination of Kim Soo-jin’s storytelling, Oh Choong-hwan’s direction, and Lee Jong-suk’s star power represents a tantalizing trifecta. Whether Lee ultimately accepts the role or not, the drama is poised to make waves in the Korean entertainment scene. As the industry waits for his decision, one thing is certain: Paradise has already set the stage for a season of high drama, both on and off screen.