Soo Ae to Make a Comeback After 4 Years with Song Kang-ho’s Drama “Inside Men: Prequel”?
After taking a hiatus following JTBC’s “Artificial City” in 2021, Soo Ae has reportedly received an offer to star in “Inside Men: Prequel” and is positively considering it. Her agency stated, “It is true that she has received an offer, but her participation has not been confirmed yet. She is currently reviewing it positively.” Fans are eager to see if she will share the screen for the first time with veteran actor Song Kang-ho and trending actor Koo Kyo-hwan.
“Inside Men: Prequel” is a drama adaptation that expands the universe of the 2015 film “Inside Men”, which starred Lee Byung-hun and Cho Seung-woo and attracted 7.07 million viewers. The series is being produced by Hive Media Corp., the company behind films such as “Inside Men”, “12.12: The Day”, “The Man Standing Next” and “Deliver Us from Evil”. Plus M is co-producing the project. The drama will be directed by Mo Wan-il, known for “The World of the Married” and “The Frog”, while the script is penned by Lee Ki-cheol, the writer behind “Escape from Mogadishu” and “Alienoid” 1 and 2.
The drama serves as a prequel to the film, which was based on Yoon Tae-ho’s webtoon “The Insiders” and directed by Woo Min-ho. Unlike the movie, which was set in 2010, the drama will take place during the 1980s and 1990s. Song Kang-ho has been offered the role of Lee Kang-hee, an editor at an influential conservative newspaper, originally played by Baek Yoon-sik in the film. Koo Kyo-hwan has been approached to play Ahn Sang-goo, a political henchman played by Lee Byung-hun in the movie. Although their participation has not been officially confirmed, both actors are reportedly leaning towards accepting their roles.
If Soo Ae joins the cast, she is expected to play a pivotal role in the drama alongside Song Kang-ho and Koo Kyo-hwan. Unlike the film, where female characters were minor supporting figures, the drama adaptation introduces two strong female leads. Soo Ae has been offered the role of a newspaper executive, setting up an intense charisma showdown with Song Kang-ho.
Debuting in 2002 through MBC’s “Best Theater – One Sided Love”, Soo Ae has enjoyed a top-tier career in Korea, known for her elegant beauty and solid acting skills. She has starred in hit dramas such as “Love Letter”, “Emperor of the Sea”, “King of Ambition” and “Artificial City”, as well as films like “A Family”, “Once in a Summer” and “Sunny”. Her prolonged hiatus after the conclusion of “Artificial City” in early 2022 left many fans longing for her return. Now, attention is focused on whether she will finally make a comeback and engage in an acting battle with Song Kang-ho and Koo Kyo-hwan in “Inside Men: Prequel”.
