EXO's Kai, whose real name is Kim Jong In, has received major backlash on social media for his recent casting in the upcoming KBS 2TV drama. The 22-year-old idol has been confirmed to star opposite Jung Da Bin in "Andante."
Earlier this week, it was revealed that the EXO member will headline the pre-produced drama "Andante," according to Korean newsoutlet Sports DongA, as cited by Soompi. He will play a high school student, Lee Shi Kyung, who all of a sudden moves to the countryside and discovers nature.
However, not everyone is happy with Kai's casting. While he was acclaimed for his performance as Kim Eun Haeng in the 2016 web drama "Choco Bank," the idol still do not have enough acting experience to assume lead roles.
"Why would they make a kid who's been in a few web dramas suddenly the male lead in a public broadcasting station drama?" a netizen wrote in a Korean online community, as cited by All Kpop. "Even in a supporting role on a public broadcasting station drama, it's easy to get hated on."
Many believed Kai's appearances in few web dramas do not prove that he is prepared to assume the lead part in a television series. They fear that the EXO member will only receive backlash if he disappoints viewers with his acting.
It appears that fans see many other actors playing the lead role, such as ZE:A's Siwan, EXO's D.O., and BtoB's Yook Sungjae. Still, these fans do not necessarily rule out Kai as they want him in the show but with a supporting role only.
To date, both Kai and the KBS network have remained mum on the issue. Helmed by Park Ki-Ho, "Andante" will consist of 16-episode and is expected to premiere in the second half of this year. More details about the project will be revealed soon.
Meanwhile, check out EXO's Kai in "First Seven Kisses" here: