'Moon River': Director Lee Dong-hyun reveals Hong Soo-joo's voice secured role; Premiering on November 7, it's a unique casting choice

In the highly anticipated historical fantasy drama 'Moon River,' the pressure was on to find an actress who could embody the role of "the most beautiful woman in Joseon." While many assumed the casting would be based on looks alone, the director has revealed a surprising secret.

At the drama's recent press conference, director Lee Dong-hyun confessed that it was actress Hong Soo-joo's voice, not just her famous visuals, that won her the coveted role. The behind-the-scenes story sheds new light on the casting of the former airline services major, who is also labelmates with actress Go Yoon-jung, according to a report by Ten Asia.

A voice that captivated

During the press conference, Director Lee explained the immense effort that went into finding the perfect actress for the character, Woo-hee.

"The character Woo-hee is described as 'the most beautiful woman in Joseon,' and we worked hard to find an actor who fit that description," he said. However, the decision came down to a different kind of charm. "When I met with Hong Soo-joo, I found her voice tone to be incredibly attractive.

I was mesmerized by her unique vocal color and decided to cast her," he revealed, emphasizing that her captivating voice was the deciding factor.​

A star-studded lineup with hidden depths

The drama, which follows the soul-swapping romance between a prince who has lost his laughter and a merchant who has lost her memory, boasts a stellar cast, each chosen for their ability to portray complex, layered characters. Director Lee praised his lead actors, Kang Tae-oh and Kim Se-jeong, as a "perfect match" for their roles, noting their similar vibes and excellent chemistry. He also highlighted Lee Shin-young's ability to portray a character with a cheerful exterior hiding deep sorrow, and veteran actor Jin Goo's capacity to bring nuance to a character who is more than just a simple villain.

From flight attendant to leading lady

Hong Soo-joo's journey to this high-profile role is as unique as her voice. A graduate of Yeonsung University's Airline Services department, she has built a career not only as an actress but also as a successful model, known for her striking beauty. Now, poised to play the most beautiful woman in the land, her unique vocal talents are set to be her secret weapon. 'Moon River' is scheduled to premiere on November 7, when audiences can finally hear the voice that won over a director and secured a star-making role.

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