Lee Min Ho Eyes New Romance Comedy Role

Lee Min Ho is in talks to star in a Historical Romance sageuk titled “Scent of the Night,” based on a popular webtoon and set during the Joseon Dynasty, according to confirmed reports from December 8, 2024. The actor is being offered the lead role of Seo Jae Ha, a man who becomes heir to Hanyang’s wealthiest family after his father’s death, opposite Mun Ka Young as the female lead. Both actors’ agencies stated they received offers and are currently considering the project, though contracts remain unsigned.

A Historical Romance, Not a Rom-Com

“Scent of the Night” marks a significant genre departure from initial reports that labeled the project as a Romance comedy. The drama is officially a Historical romance sageuk adapted from the webtoon “밤에 피는 향기” (Scent Blooming at Night), described as “passionate, sorrowful, and provocative” in tone. The narrative centers on Seo Hong, played by Mun Ka Young, a woman who rejects societal fate, and Seo Jae Ha, portrayed by Lee Min Ho, a man who harbors deep love while concealing his true desires within the constraints of Joseon-era female oppression.

Director Lee Eung Bok, celebrated for helming modern romance hits including “Descendants of the Sun,” “Goblin,” and “Mr. Sunshine,” will lead production on this historical adaptation. This marks the director’s first venture into period drama territory as a lead director, signaling potential Awards consideration and elevated production values. As of December 2024, the broadcast platform and production company details remain undecided, distinguishing “Scent of the Night” from Lee Min Ho’s other confirmed projects.

Lee Min Ho’s Expanding Portfolio Across Multiple Genres

The potential “Scent of the Night” casting arrives as Lee Min Ho simultaneously confirms his lead role in the sci-fi romance comedy “Ask the Stars,” set to air on tvN during the first half of 2025 on Saturdays and Sundays. “Ask the Stars” represents the actor’s confirmed rom-com venture, produced by MYM Entertainment and KeyEast after five years of development. The series features Lee Min Ho as Gong Ryong, a gynecologist traveling to a space station, opposite Gong Hyo Jin as Eve Kim, a Korean American astronaut, with scripts penned by Seo Sook-hyang, known for “Pasta” and “Don’t Dare to Dream,” and direction by Park Shin-woo of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay.”

Beyond these two projects, Lee Min Ho has locked in a third major drama for 2026: the action-Thriller “The Lights Are Out” on JTBC, where he will play Lee Do Jin, an elite detective with martial arts expertise and a mysterious past marked by hidden tattoos. Supporting cast members Ahn Hyo-seop and Chae Soo-bin round out the ensemble for this crime-mystery-romance hybrid. This triple-project slate demonstrates Lee Min Ho’s strategic positioning across science fiction, historical, and contemporary Thriller genres over the next two years.

Industry Response and Production Timeline Clarity

The confusion surrounding “Scent of the Night” being labeled a rom-com stems from Lee Min Ho’s confirmed “Ask the Stars” project, which genuinely occupies the comedy-romance space in his upcoming schedule. Industry insiders note that the Joseon-era setting and webtoon’s mature, passionate narrative distinguish “Scent of the Night” as adult historical romance rather than light comedy, clarifying the project’s tone and target audience. Both Mun Ka Young and Lee Min Ho’s agencies have emphasized that the actors are in consideration stages, with final confirmations pending contract negotiations.

The timing of these announcements reflects careful project planning within Lee Min Ho’s management. “Ask the Stars” is scheduled to begin filming in April 2024 with its tvN release in the first half of 2025, while “Scent of the Night” lacks a confirmed production start date as of December 2024. “The Lights Are Out” is positioned for 2026 release on JTBC, creating a staggered release calendar that maximizes the actor’s visibility across three distinct drama categories over consecutive years.

Director Lee Eung Bok’s Genre Evolution

Lee Eung Bok’s involvement in “Scent of the Night” represents a notable career transition for the acclaimed director, who built his reputation on contemporary romance dramas rather than period pieces. His previous works—”Goblin,” “Descendants of the Sun,” and “Mr. Sunshine”—demonstrated mastery of modern romance storytelling with high production values and international appeal. “Scent of the Night” positions Lee Eung Bok to bring his signature visual sophistication and emotional depth to the historical sageuk format, potentially attracting period-drama enthusiasts alongside his existing fanbase.

The director’s track record suggests “Scent of the Night” will receive substantial production investment and technical polish. Lee Eung Bok’s previous dramas consistently achieved critical acclaim and strong viewership, establishing him as a director capable of elevating source material through cinematic direction and meticulous production design. His first historical drama venture carries expectations for Award-season consideration and international streaming platform interest.

What Lies Ahead for Lee Min Ho’s 2025-2026 Slate

The immediate priority for Lee Min Ho remains finalizing contract negotiations for “Scent of the Night,” with both actor and production team currently in discussion stages. “Ask the Stars” will dominate his schedule in early 2025, with tvN airing the sci-fi rom-com during the first half of the year on weekends. The confirmed filming timeline for “Ask the Stars” beginning in April 2024 positions the project for a polished post-production phase before its 2025 premiere.

Lee Min Ho’s three-project commitment across 2025 and 2026 establishes him as one of Korean television’s most prolific leading men, spanning science fiction, historical romance, and contemporary thriller genres. The confirmation of “Ask the Stars” and “The Lights Are Out,” combined with the pending decision on “Scent of the Night,” signals strategic career diversification that appeals to multiple audience demographics and international markets. Industry observers will monitor contract announcements for “Scent of the Night” closely, as Lee Min Ho and Mun Ka Young’s joint confirmation would finalize one of Korean drama’s anticipated 2025-2026 casting partnerships.