4 K-dramas That Created Buzz For Cast Changes: 'Alchemy of Souls,' 'Arthdal Chronicles,' More

While actors are excellent at their jobs, unexpected incidents are inevitable that could lead to their withdrawals and refusal to appear in a certain work.

However, most of the time, it is the production team's decision whether to recast an artist or not in a drama, its sequel or a spin-off.

Here are four K-dramas that created controversies due to its unpredictable cast changes.

'Alchemy of Souls'

In 2022, tvN launched the fantasy romance series "Alchemy of Souls" which depicts the romantic story of a mage and a shadow assassin who meet through fate.

The first part of the series starred Jung So Min and Lee Jae Wook. But because Jung So Min's character only made sense to change actresses for Part 2, she was replaced by Go Yoon Jung.

Although it required cast changes, fans were not pleased with the production's decision. Many viewers still preferred Jung So Min for the role.

Avid alchemists complained that Jung So Min was used to make Go Yoon Jung shine in Part 2.

'Arthdal Chronicles'

In late 2022, Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won's "Arthdal Chronicles" was finally green-lit for a new installment.

The series depicts the mythical country of Arth where Arthdal showcased their day-to-day struggles and sacrifices while navigating the realm of romance.

While fans are delighted about the news of a new season, they feel much betrayed by the production unit's decision to not cast Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won anymore.

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Instead, the second season of "Arthdal Chronicles" will be led by Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung.

The producers reasoned out that the new season showcases a different timeline that required the cast to age, hence the casting of the two equally talented stars.

'Time'

Unlike the two first dramas, Kim Jung Hyun's "Time" took a different route. Instead of casting another actor to fill in his absence, the producers decided to kill off his character.

This led to a controversy which put the entire cast and production unit of "Time" to shame. Kim Jung Hyun reasoned that he suffered from mental health issues, and was coping with eating and sleeping disorders.

While the issue died down, many fans still consider the drama a waste. In 2022, it was revealed that Kim Jung Hyun stepped down from the drama due to his issues with then-girlfriend Seo Ye Ji.

According to the reports, the actress told Kim Jung Hyun to avoid interactions with female cast and staff. The actor then wrote an apology letter, which was followed by a long hiatus.

'River Where The Moon Rises'

The historical romance drama "River Where The Moon Rises" is another work that faced major criticisms due to its cast changes.

Ji Soo was supposed to lead the series as the male lead. However, he was accused of being a school bully and after investigations, he admitted to the allegations.

He was then removed from the ensemble and was replaced by Na In Woo. The rest of the cast refilmed the scenes and worked their bones to the limits to catch up with the drama's premiere.

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KDramaStars owns this article.

Written by Elijah Mully.