Actor Lee Joon-gi and costar K-Pop singer IU have been cast as lovers in a new Korean fantasy drama.

Both Lee and IU confirmed Monday that they will star in “Startling by Each Step: Ryo,” based on the eponymous Chinese novel with different settings. A script-reading session is being held through Friday before shooting for the drama that is aimed at Chinese viewers.

Wang-so (Lee Joon-gi), a Koryo era prince with a warped mind, finds himself in love with Hae-su (IU), a typical young lady sent back in time. Wang-so gradually opens his mind to the lady from the 21st century, and ascends as the fourth king of the dynasty. Hae-su also explores her true self by surviving and weathering chaotic conflicts during the era.

The drama will be directed by Kim Kyu-tae, who proved his talent with colorful expressions in “That Winter, the Wind Blows,” “It’s Okay, That’s Love,” “Iris,” among other hit dramas.

Baek-hyeon of K-pop boy band EXO is also expected to make his drama debut in “Startling by Each Step: Ryo.”

In 2010, Chinese actress Cecilia Liu and actor Nicky Wu starred in the eponymous Chinese drama, also known as “Scarlet Heart.”

The drama will go the preshooting route, still rare in the Korean entertainment scene.

By Son Ji-hyoung (json@heraldcorp.com)

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