Kim Soo Hyun May Play 'Dr. Frankenstein'

Kim Soo Hyun is not the first person you might think of to play a monster or even the doctor capable of creating a monster. He made a convincing alien in "You Who Came From The Stars," but he was attractive and personable, if somewhat aloof. As the young king in "The Moon Embracing The Sun" he was also aloof but understandably so and hardly monstrous.

But the latest casting rumors say that he is considering a role in an upcoming drama titled "Dr. Frankenstein." Frankenstein is both the name of the monster in the original novel by Mary Shelley and the name of the doctor who created him.

But this k-drama version may be less about the monster novel of the same title than it is about a man having a monstrous side. If he accepts the role, Kim Soo Hyun would play a genius doctor with multiple personalities. One of his personalities will be cold and unapproachable.

According to KeyEast, his agency, the actor has received the drama synopsis and scripts for two episodes. He will not make his decision until he receives some additional scripts.

"Nothing has been confirmed yet," said the Key East representative.  

His agency told Newsen that the actor is currently considering several projects.

We're not only looking into dramas, but also in movies," said the Key East representative. "We haven′t chosen a project yet, so we can′t reveal our plans for now. We′re not certain yet if this project will be his last before army enlistment."

This multiple personality project sounds very similar to the "Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde" drama that Hyun Bin was recently cast in. In that drama based on a manga that was based on a novel, Hyun Bin plays a man with two distinct personalities. One is cold and forbidding.

"Dr. Frankenstein" also the latest drama to focus on mental illness. The trend started with Jo In Sung's delusional novelist in "It's Okay, It's Love" and perhaps also includes Joo Won's character with Asperger's Syndrome in "Good Doctor." Both those dramas did well and proved that mental illness is not a ratings killer.

Kim Tae Hee, who wrote the historical drama "Sungkyunkwan Scandal," is the screenwriter for "Dr. Frankenstein." Raemongraein, the production company responsible for "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" and the current hit drama, "The Night Watchman's Journal," will produce "Dr. Frankenstein."

The drama does not yet have a broadcast date or network.