Could the next assignment of a rising star change the path of her career? What happens when a hit webtoon is adapted into a television drama, and then handed to one of Korea’s rising young actresses? How do agents, stakeholders, and international media create pre-buzz before any scene has been shot?
These questions are behind actress Lee Soo-kyung, as an offer to star in the upcoming ENA drama, Doctor John. The media in Korea is buzzing after her agency stated they are “positively reviewing” the offer, and news of her possible casting spread quickly. In addition, there was excitement from the media outside of Korea in covering the news, speculation, and the possibility of the role being a career-defining move as Seoo Kyung studies the character.
Fans and insiders are ready for an announcement, so let’s investigate how Lee Soo-kyung’s next move will change the level of K-drama in Asia.
Origin of the News: Lee Soo-kyung Doctor John Casting (OSEN)
The first inkling about Lee Soo-kyung becoming a contender for Doctor John occurred on September 5, 2025, with Korean outlet OSEN publishing a story. Soon after, her agency Baro Entertainment confirmed that they are “positively reviewing” the casting offer, meaning they are seriously considering it but have not made a final decision.
If confirmed, Lee Soo-kyung would play Uhm Jung-sun, a devoted nurse who is from the fictional island of Pyeondongdo in which the drama is set. Getting early confxirmation from the agency will help solidify the associated press and fan expectations, giving credibility to the rumors because they are based on reported-to-be verified facts.
Drama Background: Lee Soo-kyung Doctor John
Doctor John is based on the popular Kakao Page webtoon, which got serialized in February 2022. The drama revolves around Dr. Do Ji-i, a plastic surgeon, who is a public health doctor on the remote island of Pyeondongdo and must adapt to a very challenging environment while meeting people with very different stories.
The director Lee Myung-woo is famous for directing hits like Punch, The Fiery Priest, and Boyhood. But there are sure to be very high expectations because of the established fan base of the webtoon, and the high pedigree of Lee Myung-woo as the director of a credible, high production quality and well told story.
Doctor John is set to premiere in 2026 on ENA, and is one of the more anticipated adaptations this year.
International Coverage: Lee Soo-kyung Doctor John
The casting news quickly picked up traction in the international media, with Chosun English reporting on Lee Soo-kyung’s potential role in Doctor John, and citing her career advancement in the aftermath of her highly talked about role in the Netflix series Fooled by a Dog, resulting in an expanded promotional opportunity as one of Korea’s diverse young actresses.
Fans and viewers from around the world have already expressed their excitement to see Lee Soo-kyung transform into Uhm Jung-sun, a devoted nurse facing life’s challenges in Pyeondongdo, which demonstrates the expanding, international appeal that attention around October 2023 is drawing to the reworking and popularity of K-drama adaptations of webtoons, and further indicates the evolving reach of Korean entertainment throughout Asia and beyond.
Industry / Professional Angle: Lee Soo-kyung Doctor John
From an industry perspective, Doctor John is slated to be part of ENA’s drama slate for 2026, one of many notable projects. Reports indicate that actors Lee Jae-wook, Shin Ye-eun, and Hong Min-ki are among those being considered for key roles, which adds to the excitement of the ensemble cast.
Webtoon adaptations remain a strong trend in the K-drama industry as they tend to create interest in viewership ratings and online engagement. If Lee Soo-kyung is cast in Doctor John, along with a solid supporting cast, this could impact the show’s success and help ENA to have an edge in the crowded 2026 market.
Lee Soo-kyung’s Career Path: Doctor John
In the last few years, Lee Soo-kyung has consistently grown and become one of the country’s most promising young actresses. Her breakout role was in the Netflix series Fooled by a Dog. Lee Soo-kyung received acclaim for her emotional connection and subtlety as Bu Hyun-sook.
Prior to that series, Lee Soo-kyung gained praise for her performance in family dramas, as her understated acting style and ability to emote truly stood out to audiences. Her portfolio consists of mainstream broadcast networks and other OTT channels and balance between commercial and critical.
Landing a role in Doctor John could be a turning point for her career. The lead character is challenging and requires her to push herself further and build on her growth into all the major industry stars.
What This Means for Fans & Industry: Lee Soo-kyung Doctor John
Fans are positively buzzing about the possibilities of Lee Soo-kyung joining Doctor John. Many seem enthusiastic to see Lee take on a new shape from past roles, especially her new challenge in the role of Uhm Jung-sun, a committed nurse in Pyeondongdo.
For the industry, speculation points to the continuing trend of webtoon-inspired K-drama programs. As ENA has laid out an ambitious lineup for 2026, the final casting decisions around Doctor John are part of a larger connective event that could power the success of the network and future programs.
For now, it should be noted that nothing has been confirmed. Lee Soo-kyung’s agency has simply said that the role has been offered and is “positively under review,” while fans and the industry are left thinking about the next update.
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Conclusion: Lee Soo-kyung Doctor John Casting Buzz
A lot is being said about casting Doctor John from many aspects. OSEN first had the news, just as Lee Soo-kyung’s agency issued its official position when they said the offer is under consideration, which was also pushed out as a news story. Chosun English also pointed out the growing international interest as a surprise, explaining that the role is being billed as a catalyst for the actress’s upward trajectory. Chosun Biz placed the news in a bigger industry context about the 2026 schedule for ENA and the overall popularity of the webtoon adaptations.
There has been no formal confirmation yet, but there is anticipation for confirmation. Fans are all waiting for the announcement and if Lee Soo-kyung accepts the role, Doctor John could become a defining drama of 2026.
