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Kim Woo Bin is entering a new phase of his career, and fans have a strong reason to pay attention. The actor is reportedly in talks to lead tvN’s upcoming Korean drama Gifted, a project adapted from a popular webtoon and expected to mark his first-ever sports K-drama.
With Seo Eun Soo also considering the female lead role, Gifted is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Korean dramas in development.
Here’s a complete, fact-checked breakdown of Kim Woo Bin Gifted K-drama, including the story, casting updates, source confirmations, and why this project matters for his career.
Kim Woo Bin and Seo Eun Soo in Talks for tvN’s “Gifted”
On January 30, 2026, multiple Korean media outlets reported that Kim Woo Bin had been approached to star in a new tvN drama titled “Gifted” (working title). The news gained further credibility when Seo Eun Soo’s agency, HighZium Studio, released an official statement confirming her casting talks.
According to the agency, “Seo Eun Soo is in talks to appear in ‘Gifted,’ and the outlook is favorable.”
This confirmation was reported by Maeil Business Newspaper and later translated and shared internationally by Soompi, a widely trusted source for Korean entertainment news.
Kim Woo Bin’s agency has not issued a separate statement yet, but his name has remained consistently linked to the project across reputable outlets.
What Is “Gifted” About?
Gifted is a Korean drama. It’s actually based on a really well-known webtoon that has the same title.It mixes sports and human drama with just a touch of the supernatural, so it doesn’t get too fantastical.Gifted is really about this baseball coach whose life gets flipped upside down after he has a bad accident.
The central idea
The drama is about Jung Min Yong, who’s a really nice guy and a super dedicated baseball coach.He’s got a great team around him, and he always puts his players first, no matter what.He’s always up late, really digging into games, and then he writes these super detailed reports. Plus, he often buys meals for the younger guys on the team.
Then, everything changes.
After a tragic accident, Jung Min Yong gains extraordinary abilities. Soon after, he leaves the professional league and begins coaching a bottom-ranked high school baseball team instead.
The shift from elite sports to a struggling school team forms the emotional backbone of the series.
Kim Woo Bin’s Role: Jung Min Yong
If Kim Woo Bin confirms his participation, he will play Jung Min Yong, the drama’s male lead.
This role fits well with Kim Woo Bin’s recent career choices. Jung Min Yong is not a loud or aggressive coach. Instead, he leads with empathy, discipline, and patience. He believes in long-term growth rather than instant success.
Industry observers have noted that the character aligns with Kim Woo Bin’s mature screen image after his performances in recent projects.
Most notably, Gifted would mark Kim Woo Bin’s first sports drama, a genre he has not explored before.
Seo Eun Soo’s Character: Yoon Seo Jin
Seo Eun Soo is reportedly considering the role of Yoon Seo Jin, the female lead.
Yoon Seo Jin works as:
- A physical education teacher
- The head coach of the girls’ baseball team at the same high school
Her character enters Jung Min Yong’s life after he joins the school. Early reports suggest that their relationship will not start smoothly. Professional clashes and differing coaching styles are expected before mutual respect—and possibly romance—develops.
If confirmed, Gifted will mark the first on-screen collaboration between Kim Woo Bin and Seo Eun Soo.
Why “Gifted” Is a Big Deal for Kim Woo Bin’s Career
Kim Woo Bin has been steadily rebuilding and strengthening his career over the past few years. His recent projects show a clear shift toward emotionally grounded characters.
From Fantasy to Sports Drama
Kim Woo Bin recently starred in Netflix’s “Genie, Make a Wish”, a fantasy romantic comedy that received global attention. In that series, he played a genie navigating human emotions and healing.
Gifted offers a sharp contrast.
Instead of fantasy spectacle, this drama focuses on:
- Team dynamics
- Personal responsibility
- Mentorship
- Emotional resilience
This transition highlights Kim Woo Bin’s versatility and suggests a deliberate effort to diversify his portfolio.
Webtoon Adaptation: Why Fans Are Interested
Korean dramas based on webtoons often attract built-in audiences, and Gifted is no exception.
While exact readership numbers have not been publicly shared, Korean media frequently refers to Gifted as a popular webtoon, which explains why tvN decided to adapt it.
Webtoon adaptations allow producers to:
- Test audience interest early
- Build anticipation before casting confirmation
- Maintain a clear narrative structure
For viewers, it also adds an extra layer of excitement, especially for readers eager to see characters come to life.
Expected Genre and Tone
Although Gifted includes a supernatural element, early descriptions suggest that the drama will stay grounded and character-driven.
Expected genres include:
- Sports drama
- Human drama
- Light supernatural
- Slice of life
Do not expect exaggerated fantasy effects. Instead, the story focuses on how extraordinary abilities affect ordinary decisions, especially in leadership and mentorship.
Broadcast Network and Production Status
- Network: tvN
- Title: Gifted (working title)
- Status: Casting talks ongoing
As of now, tvN has not announced:
- A confirmed broadcast date
- A director or screenwriter
- A filming schedule
Industry norms suggest that once casting finalizes, more production details will follow.
Expected Release Timeline (Industry Estimate)
While no official release date exists, Korean industry patterns offer a rough idea.
If casting finalizes in early 2026:
- Filming could begin later in the year
- A release in late 2026 or early 2027 would be realistic
This remains speculative and should be treated as an industry estimate, not a confirmation.
Public Image and Brand Power
Kim Woo Bin’s reputation remains strong in South Korea.
In December 2025, he topped the Actor Brand Reputation Rankings, according to data released by the Korean Business Research Institute and reported by Soompi. He ranked above several high-profile actors, reflecting sustained public interest.
Positive fan stories also contribute to his image. In October 2025, Xportsnews reported a viral story about Kim Woo Bin personally gifting a medical eye-care device to a long-time fan recovering from surgery. Stories like this reinforce his reputation as a thoughtful and grounded celebrity.
Why Fans Are Watching This Project Closely
Several factors make Kim Woo Bin Gifted K-drama a highly searched topic:
- Kim Woo Bin’s first sports drama
- A webtoon-based storyline
- A respected broadcast network (tvN)
- A fresh pairing with Seo Eun Soo
- A character-driven narrative rather than flashy tropes
Together, these elements position Gifted as a drama with both mainstream appeal and emotional depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Gifted a Korean drama?
Yes. Gifted is a South Korean television drama being developed by tvN.
Is Gifted based on a webtoon?
Yes. The drama is adapted from a popular Korean webtoon of the same name.
Is Kim Woo Bin confirmed for Gifted?
As of January 30, 2026, Kim Woo Bin is reported to be in talks. His participation has not been officially confirmed yet.
Is Seo Eun Soo confirmed?
Seo Eun Soo’s agency has confirmed that she is in talks and that the outlook is favorable.
Is this Kim Woo Bin’s first sports K-drama?
Yes. If confirmed, Gifted will be his first project in the sports drama genre.
Final Thoughts
Gifted may still be in its early stages, but the foundation looks promising. With Kim Woo Bin potentially leading the cast and a story rooted in growth, mentorship, and second chances, the drama has the ingredients for a meaningful run.
For now, viewers will have to wait for casting confirmations and production updates. Until then, Kim Woo Bin Gifted K-drama remains a project worth watching closely – both for fans and for anyone interested in well-crafted Korean storytelling.
