‘Celebrity’ Director Reveals Reason for Casting Lee Junho: ‘I almost begged him to participate’

"Celebrity" director Kim Chul Gyu dishes on the secret behind the cast lineup, including Lee Junho's surprising cameo. 

The Netflix original series is gaining the public's attention as it showcases the truth behind an influencer's life. 

Headlined by Park Gyu Young, she plays a former rich girl named Seo Ah Ri who becomes a popular social media star overnight. 

In an interview with director Kim Chul Gyu, he spoke about the choices and the decisions he considered coming up with an amazing lineup. 

'Celebrity' Director Reveals Reason for Choosing Not-So-Well-Known Actors

As obtained by SBS News, the director, who is also behind hit K-drama like "Flower of Evil" and "Chicago Typewriter," said that he casts not that popular or sought-after actors and prefers those who are not so well known but are active on social media.

According to him, it is to give the characters  genuine emotions and "fresh vibes" for the audience. 

"First, I looked for actors with metropolitan elegance. And I tried to avoid using too many familiar faces for the series to give it new, fresh vibes." 

It includes Cha Hyun Seung and Oh Jin Taek from "Single's Inferno" season 1, as well as real content creators like RISABAE, KIUDESIGN, SSINNIM, DIRECTOR PI, and CALARY GIRL. 

Interestingly, "Celebrity" director Kim Chul Gyu gets to praise Jun Hyo Seong and Kang Min Hyuk for their dedication despite facing setbacks and challenges with the roles. 

"Jun Hyo Seong was scolded several times in our office and practiced a lot," he shared, while Kang Min Hyuk worked hard to portray the character. 

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"He kept coming back to ask for directions. He did the same acting again and again, and got better,'" the director furthered.

With a ton of surprising cameos, fans were delighted to see a familiar face during the "Celebrity" finale.

'Celebrity' Director Says He Almost Begged Lee Junho to Join the Netflix Series

It turned out that 2PM's Junho, stole the spotlight with his surprise appearance in "Celebrity" episode 12.

According to the director, he wanted the show to have an impactful ending; hence, he "wanted a well-known actor for it."

Moreover,  director Kim Chul Gyu revealed that he wanted the character to "leave a lasting impression with the climax."

Meanwhile, the "Celebrity" director had a challenging experience trying to convince the singer-actor to join the series. 

"I contacted Junho and almost begged him to participate in the series," he said. Thankfully, the South Korean hearthrob "willingly said yes" and thought that it might be Lee Junho's first time making a cameo appearance.

Currently, the singer-actor is starring in the hit K-drama "King the Land," along with Girls' Generation YoonA. 

Interestingly, the two lead stars were embroiled in dating rumors; however, their respective agencies clarified the news and said that they are just "close friends."

IN CASE YOU MISSED: YoonA, Lee Junho's Dating Rumor 'Dirty Trick' Caused By Rating Battle? Here's What We Know

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Written by Geca Wills