Seo Eun-soo in Talks to Join Kim Woo-bin in tvN Baseball Drama Gift

Actress Seo Eun-soo is in advanced talks to star alongside Kim Woo-bin in the upcoming tvN drama Gift, a sports fantasy series adapted from a popular webtoon of the same name. If confirmed, the pairing would mark one of the most anticipated casting combinations in the 2026 K-drama landscape.

A Coach with Extraordinary Powers

Gift tells the story of Jung Min Yong, a professional baseball coach whose life takes an unexpected turn after a mysterious accident grants him extraordinary abilities. Stripped of his position with a top-tier team, he finds himself reassigned as the head coach of Deokcheon High School's struggling baseball squad — a team languishing at the very bottom of the amateur rankings. The drama follows his journey as he transforms both the team and himself through perseverance, unconventional methods, and the supernatural gifts he never asked for.

Kim Woo-bin has been confirmed for the role of Jung Min Yong since October 2025, generating considerable buzz among fans eager to see the actor in a fresh genre territory. His character is described as a kind and compassionate coach who does not hesitate to stay up all night analyzing his players' games and writing detailed reports, prioritizing growth and effort over immediate results.

Seo Eun-soo as the Female Lead

On January 30, 2026, YTN Star reported that Seo Eun-soo had been cast as Yoon Seo Jin, a physical education teacher who also serves as the head of the school's girls' baseball team. Her agency, HIGHZIUM STUDIO, confirmed to multiple outlets that the actress is positively reviewing the offer, with the outlook described as favorable.

The potential casting is particularly noteworthy given Seo Eun-soo's recent trajectory. Best known for her roles in Lawless Lawyer and the romantic comedy Love and Leashes, she has steadily expanded her range across drama and film. She also has Disney+ series Made in Korea Season 2 confirmed for release in the second half of 2026, signaling a busy year ahead for the actress.

Webtoon Roots and Production Details

Gift is adapted from a popular webtoon that has already built a dedicated readership, a factor that typically generates built-in audience interest for drama adaptations. The webtoon's blend of sports action, supernatural elements, and heartfelt underdog storytelling provides a rich foundation for the televised version.

Filming is expected to begin in the first half of 2026, though a specific premiere date has not yet been announced. The drama will air on tvN, the cable network known for producing acclaimed series such as Crash Landing on You, Reply 1988, and Vincenzo. The production is being managed by HIGHZIUM STUDIO.

Kim Woo-bin's Triumphant Return

For Kim Woo-bin, Gift represents another chapter in what has been a remarkable comeback story. After being diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2017, the actor stepped away from the spotlight before returning to widespread acclaim with Netflix's Our Blues in 2022 and the action series Black Knight in 2023. His involvement in a sports drama marks new territory for the actor, who has previously been known for romantic and action-oriented roles.

With both leads now reportedly aligned, Gift is shaping up to be a standout entry in tvN's 2026 drama slate. The combination of a beloved webtoon source material, a supernatural sports premise, and two popular leads positions the drama as one to watch for K-drama enthusiasts in the coming months.