Singer-actress IU allegedly received offers to play major roles in both “Queen of Tears” and Netflix’s latest series “The 8 Show”.
Recently, the Netflix K-drama “The 8 Show” has received high praise from audiences, with its escalating suspense keeping viewers engaged until the final episode. The work has been highly rated for its captivating plot and well-developed characters, particularly the female lead known as “8F,” played by Chun Woo-hee.
In the film, eight individuals with different personalities participate in a game to earn money. They all face difficulties in life, lacking money or joy. Initially, they help each other to earn as much money as possible from the organizers. However, they gradually realize that the benefits and the money they receive differ. 8F (played by Chun Woo-hee) stays in the largest room, and her prize money equals the total amount received by the others combined.
Notably, this character is an eccentric girl. While everyone else tries to save money and limit expenses, 8F immediately uses her initial money to buy things for enjoyment. Chun Woo-hee excellently depicts the character’s madness and selfishness. When the other players gather against her, 8F quickly uses her privileges to cut off their food and water, forcing them to apologize and comply with her wishes.
Few people know that the role of 8F was initially offered to singer IU. When “The 8 Show” held its casting in January 2022, IU was chosen to play the female lead. However, IU officially withdrew from the project in May 2022, and Chun Woo-hee replaced her. Many believe that if IU had accepted the role of 8F, it would have been a breakthrough in her acting career, as the role requires a certain level of “craziness.”
This wasn’t the only projectIU withdrew from in 2022. In April 2022, when news of writer Park Ji-eun’s new project was announced, IU’s name was immediately mentioned. However, IU’s team quickly clarified, “We received an offer to appear in this work, but we have politely declined.” The role later went to Kim Ji-won, and it was the much-discussed drama “Queen of Tears.”
The reason IU turned down both “The 8 Show” and “Queen of Tears”?
Many people feel regretful for IU as both dramas she declined have achieved decent success. In particular, “Queen of Tears” not only surpassed “Crash Landing on You” to become tvN’s highest rated drama, but also overtook JTBC’s “Sky Castle” to rank third among the highest-rated cable dramas in Korean television history.
Meanwhile, “The 8 Show” is trending on social media platforms. Moreover, Chun Woo-hee’s performance as 8F in the series is also gaining attention. Her crazy expressions, impressive fashion, and outstanding portrayal have made her a hot phenomenon.
The reason IU declined these two major roles was due to scheduling conflicts. After completing the film “Broker” (2022), the singer prepared for her concert “The Golden Hour: Under the Orange Sun”—her first solo tour in three years since “Love, Poem” (2019). Busy with concert preparations, IU had to decline the acting roles.
Despite this, some argue that if it weren’t for Kim Ji-won or Chun Woo-hee, these roles might not have been as successfully portrayed. IU made her choices and remains highly successful in her career, so any regret is likely only fleeting.
