I’m not surprised this casting didn’t come through but I actually think it’s a missed opportunity both ways. Song Joong Ki has confirmed to pass on 2018 Joseon era fantasy-tinged drama Kingdom by critically acclaimed screenwriter Kim Eun Hee, who wrote Signal, 3 Days, Phantom, and Sign. The drama will be produced by Netflix and aired exclusively on that streaming medium, with a broadcast date in the second half of 2018. Song Joong Ki’s side explained that he ultimately passed due to his impending wedding to Song Hye Kyo and wanting to focus on that knowing the grueling drama shoot to come. I’m not sure there is that much scheduling conflict as Kingdom won’t air for another year, but it will be pre-produced so likely filming will start before year end. I’m sad Song Joong Ki passed on this as Kim Eun Hee writes gritty and intelligent dramas which will be a welcome change for him as his last drama Descendants of the Sun was so fluffy and less substantive. Continue reading →