Why Joo Ji-hoon Refused the Prince Lee Shin Role for 3 Weeks

Joo Ji-hoon, the actor who would go on to become one of South Korea's most celebrated performers, has revealed a surprising secret from the earliest days of his career. When he was first offered the role of Crown Prince Lee Shin in the hit MBC drama Goong (2006), he did not jump at the chance. Instead, he turned it down and held out for three full weeks before finally agreeing.

The revelation came during a recent appearance on the popular YouTube show Shin Dong-yup's Jjanhyung, where Joo Ji-hoon appeared alongside fellow actors Ha Ji-won and Nana. In a candid and humorous conversation, the actor opened up about why the role initially terrified him and how close he came to walking away from it entirely.

Too Scared to Say Yes

According to Joo Ji-hoon, when the casting offer for Prince Lee Shin arrived, his immediate reaction was fear rather than excitement. He candidly admitted that he told the production team he did not want to take the role because he was simply too scared. For three weeks, he continued to resist, despite the team's persistent attempts to bring him on board and convince him that he was the right choice.

The actor did not specify exactly what frightened him about the role, but the pressure was understandable. Goong was adapted from a massively popular manhwa series by Park So-hee, and fans already had strong expectations about who should portray the cold yet charming crown prince. For a relatively young and still-rising actor at the time, stepping into such a high-profile role carried enormous weight and the very real risk of public backlash if he fell short of expectations.

A Decision That Changed Everything

Ultimately, Joo Ji-hoon relented and accepted the part — a decision that would prove to be absolutely career-defining. Goong became a cultural phenomenon across Asia, catapulting both Joo Ji-hoon and co-star Yoon Eun-hye to international stardom almost overnight. The drama's blend of modern romance and royal palace intrigue captivated millions of viewers and remains a beloved classic in K-drama history nearly two decades later.

The chemistry between the four leads — Joo Ji-hoon, Yoon Eun-hye, Kim Jeong-hoon, and Song Ji-hyo — helped the series achieve impressive ratings and cement its status as one of MBC's standout hits of 2006. Goong also sparked a wave of Korean drama remakes across Asia, with adaptations produced in Thailand, Taiwan, and several other countries, introducing the story to entirely new audiences.

Two Decades of Stardom

Since his breakout in Goong, Joo Ji-hoon has built an impressive and diverse filmography spanning blockbuster films and critically acclaimed dramas. He starred in the record-breaking Along with the Gods film franchise, led the Netflix zombie thriller Kingdom across two acclaimed seasons, and has consistently chosen challenging roles that showcase his remarkable range as a dramatic actor.

His willingness to take on complex, physically demanding characters has earned him a reputation as one of the most dedicated actors of his generation. His recent projects continue to demonstrate why he remains one of the most sought-after leading men in the Korean entertainment industry, two decades after he almost said no to the role that started it all.

The behind-the-scenes anecdote serves as a powerful reminder that even the most iconic casting decisions are not always straightforward. What could have been a missed opportunity turned into the foundation of a legendary career — all because someone on the production team refused to give up after three weeks of hearing no.