Song Hye Kyo, Gong Yoo chase showbiz dreams in new drama

October 24, 2026 | 3:45pm

MANILA, Philippines — Korean stars Song Hye-kyo and Gong Ji-cheol, better known as Gong Yoo, lead the cast of "Tantara," an upcoming K-drama revolving around individuals chasing the limelight.

The two actors play childhood friends Min-ja and Dong-gu. Hye-kyo's Min-ja enters the music business after growing up in poverty and taking on any job she could get.

The pair make the jump from working as nightclub staff to becoming rookie talent managers, with Gong's Dong-gu defending Min-ja at every turn and helping her achieve her dreams.

Joining them are Min-hui (Kim Seol-hyun), whose captivating voice convinces them to sign her as their first artist, and Cha Seung-won as Seok Gil-yeo, a top hitmaker of the era who can turn rookie singers into stars.

Completing the main cast are Honey Lee, who was third runner-up at Miss Universe 2007 before becoming an actress, and veteran actress Na Moon-hee.

"Coffee Prince" director Lee Yoon-jung helms the project — her first in four years — which is set in the Korean entertainment industry from the 1960s to the 1980s. The script is by "Our Blues," "It's Okay, That's Love" and "Padam Padam" screenwriter Noh Hee-kyung.

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This marks a reunion for Hye-kyo, Seung-won and Moon-hee with Noh.

Hye-kyo previously starred in Noh's "Worlds Within" and "That Winter, the Wind Blows." Seung-won appeared in "Our Blues," while Moon-hee was in "Padam Padam."

Among Hye-kyo's best-known dramas are "Descendants of the Sun," "The Glory," "Encounter" and "Full House."

Gong broke out in "Coffee Prince" before going on to star in "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God," also known as "Goblin," and "Train to Busan." He also appeared in "Squid Game."

Seolhyun, a former member of girl group AOA, last appeared in "Light Shop," while Seung-won was last seen in "The Tyrant" and "No Other Choice."

"Tantara" premieres globally on Netflix on December 11.

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