BLACKPINK's Kim Ji Soo and Park Jung Min will possibly be the next stars of a new Coupang Play original K-drama.
On August 31st, media outlets shared that Kim Ji Soo and Park Jung Min were picked to be leads of the upcoming zombie-themed K-drama titled Influenza.
Park Jung Min's agency SEM Company gave their statement regarding the casting reports. According to them, "Influenza is one of the works the actor is currently reviewing."
Kim Ji Soo's agency YG Entertainment also responded to the news reports. According to YG Entertainment, "Kim Ji Soo did receive the offer and we are currently reviewing the proposal."
Influenza will tell the story of a soldier and his girlfriend who had just had their breakup and ran toward each other while struggling to escape from a group of zombies against the backdrop of a high-rise air defense unit in Seoul. The story will be based on the novel of the same name by Han Sang Woon.
The upcoming K-drama will be directed by Yoon Sung Hyun (Time to Hunt and Bleak Night) and Han Jin Won (Parasite, Take Point, and Okja).
The series will reportedly have 9 episodes and it will begin filming in May of next year. There are no details yet on the release date of the K-drama.
Park Jung Min will reportedly play the role of Jae Yoon. He enlisted in the military at the age of 26. Because of his anxiety about the future, he becomes obsessed with his girlfriend and ends up breaking up. He was a weakling before but because of the situation, he gradually nails his role as the leader of the squad who will fight against zombies. This will possibly be the follow-up K-drama project of Park Jung Min after the Money Game.
Kim Ji Soo on the other hand got the offer to play the role of Young Joo. She is new to the working world. She patiently waits for the return of her boyfriend in the military. While she's struggling with her relationship, she suddenly receives a notice that her boyfriend is breaking up with her. She decides to go to her boyfriend but discovers that the place has been taken over by the zombies.
Meanwhile, Influenza will possibly be the grand comeback of Kim Ji Soo to acting. She last starred in the 2021 K-drama Snowdrop.