Lee Jong Suk And Lee Jun Hyuk Confirmed For Interconnected Romance Dramas Set In Shared Universe

In a rare and ambitious move within the Korean drama industry, Lee Jong Suk and Lee Jun Hyuk have officially been confirmed to headline two separate romance dramas that exist within the same fictional universe.

On February 23, their agency ACE FACTORY announced that Lee Jong Suk will lead the upcoming series “Iseop’s Romance,” while Lee Jun Hyuk has been cast as the main protagonist in “A Casual Lie.”

Both projects are currently in development and are scheduled to begin filming within the year.
What makes this announcement particularly compelling is the structural concept behind the productions.

Although the two dramas tell independent love stories with different central characters, they are adapted from web novels written by author Kim Eon Hee and are set within a shared narrative world.

This means overlapping corporate dynamics, family ties, and interconnected storylines will link both series together — creating a broader, universe-style storytelling approach rarely attempted in romance-focused K-dramas.

A Shared World Rooted In Power, Legacy, And Love

Both dramas revolve around the powerful TK Group, a fictional conglomerate at the center of corporate influence and family succession politics.

In “Iseop’s Romance,” Lee Jong Suk will portray Tae I Seop, a third-generation chaebol heir who appears flawless on paper — intelligent, capable, and strategically trained to lead.

However, despite his polished exterior and corporate excellence, romance remains his weakest area. His carefully controlled life begins to shift when he becomes entangled with Kang Min Kyeong, the talented and underestimated “secret weapon” of TK Group. Their relationship promises emotional depth layered against boardroom tension.

Meanwhile, “A Casual Lie” will spotlight Lee Jun Hyuk as Tae Jun Seop, the grandson of TK Group’s chairman Tae Si Hwan. Unlike his cousin, Tae Jun Seop’s story intersects directly with the company’s fierce succession battle.

His life changes when he meets Yeon Woo Kyung, a copywriter whose unexpected entrance disrupts both his emotional stability and the strategic landscape of the conglomerate. As corporate ambition and personal feelings collide, their connection unfolds amid high-stakes family competition.

Cousins At The Center Of A Corporate Dynasty

A notable narrative thread tying the dramas together is the family relationship between the two male leads. Tae I Seop and Tae Jun Seop are cousins, both positioned within the same powerful chaebol dynasty. Their individual journeys through love and responsibility will unfold in parallel, potentially offering viewers crossover moments, overlapping events, or subtle references that reward audiences who follow both series.

The dual-production strategy suggests that the storytelling may be structured to enhance continuity between the two shows, similar to shared cinematic universes seen in larger franchise storytelling. For romance dramas — traditionally self-contained narratives — this marks an innovative expansion of format.

Simultaneous Production Raises Anticipation

According to production plans, both dramas are expected to be filmed simultaneously due to their interconnected world-building. This approach allows for narrative alignment and cohesive universe development, ensuring consistency across timelines, corporate settings, and family dynamics.

Industry observers note that this dual-release strategy could redefine how romance dramas are developed in Korea. By building a larger fictional ecosystem, producers may be signaling a shift toward more expansive storytelling frameworks, where standalone love stories coexist within broader narrative landscapes.

Star Power Meets Expansive Storytelling
Lee Jong Suk’s return to the romance genre has already generated significant buzz among fans, given his track record of emotionally resonant performances. Meanwhile, Lee Jun Hyuk’s involvement adds gravitas and layered intensity to the shared universe concept.

With two leading actors at the forefront and a richly developed fictional conglomerate at the center, anticipation continues to build for what could become one of the most talked-about drama projects of the year.

As filming prepares to begin, viewers can expect a blend of romance, corporate intrigue, generational rivalry, and emotional complexity — all unfolding within one carefully constructed universe.
Further details regarding broadcast schedules and supporting cast are expected to be announced in the coming months.