SEOUL – K-pop idol and actor Cha Eun-woo, a member of the boy band Astro and star of the hit drama “True Beauty,” is set to complete his mandatory military service in January, with industry reports suggesting he may return to the screen alongside a familiar co-star in a new historical cooking drama.
According to multiple South Korean media outlets, Cha is in talks to lead the upcoming series “Silla’s Blade” (working title), directed by Jang Tae-yoo, who previously helmed “The King’s Chef.” The new project shares the same culinary-themed universe as “The King’s Chef” but reportedly features a distinct, standalone storyline. The drama follows a lonely princess who encounters an Italian chef who travels back in time more than a thousand years to the Silla Dynasty.
The potential reunion with actress Moon Ga-young has generated particular buzz. Local reports on Tuesday indicated that Moon, known for her role in “Seochodong,” is also in negotiations to join the cast. If confirmed, the pairing would mark the first collaboration between Cha and Moon since their celebrated on-screen romance in the 2020 series “True Beauty,” a gap of six years.
Moon is slated to play the princess—a character driven by ambition to become Silla’s first female monarch. Described as highly curious and exceptionally sensitive to scents, her role is expected to weave elements of royalty, ambition, and sensory discovery into the narrative. The series is reportedly set to air on the cable network tvN.
Cha Eun-woo enlisted for his mandatory military service earlier this year and is on track for discharge in January 2025. His return to acting has been highly anticipated by fans and industry observers, as “True Beauty” cemented his status as a leading man in the Korean drama landscape.
While both actors’ agencies have refrained from making official confirmations, the prospect of a second collaboration has already ignited excitement among viewers. The pairing of Cha’s idol-star power with Moon’s critically acclaimed acting range could deliver a compelling romantic fantasy with a fresh cultural twist—blending Korean history with Italian culinary artistry.
Industry Context & Next Steps
The drama’s concept of a “universe” shared by multiple shows reflects a growing trend in K-drama production, moving beyond standalone series toward interconnected narratives similar to those seen in Western franchises. Should “Silla’s Blade” proceed as reported, it could test audience appetite for cross-show world-building in the historical genre.
For now, fans await official casting announcements, which are expected once military discharge formalities are completed. If greenlit, production could begin as early as the first half of 2025, positioning the series for a potential late-year premiere on tvN.
