Netizens are outraged that Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won are being replaced in "Arthdal Chronicles 2".

A surprising shift in the casting of "Arthdal Chronicles 2" was announced on April 20th, which received a lot of interest.

As a result, the major characters in Season 2 will no longer be performed by Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won. Instead, Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung are said to have been cast as the male and female leads, respectively.

"Arthdal Chronicles" on tvN is an ancient historical fantasy drama about mythological heroes situated in the fictional kingdom of Arth.

Despite its high production cost, the first season sparked controversy and received lower-than-expected audience ratings due to weak visual effects, an unappealing plot, and accusations of plagiarism. Despite mixed reviews for season one, "Arthdal Chronicles" was renewed for a second season.

Netizens are speculating if the Season 1's disappointing results forced some key actor and crew members to leave for season 2.

In addition to Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won declining to reprise their roles, director Kim Won Seok backed out of the project. Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung are currently in negotiations to play Eun Seom and Tanya in season 2.

While most viewers are satisfied with Lee Joon Gi replacing Song Joong Ki because his performance is just as superb, the announcement of Shin Se Kyung's appointment has sparked controversy.

Netizens argue that Shin Se Kyung's acting isn't good enough for the part, especially since she has to live up to Kim Ji Won's performance.

Some netizens' thoughts:

• We waited three years for this news? Who is Shin Se Kyung? What's the matter with the producers?
• Shin Se Kyung is a bad actor. She'll ruin everything!
• Lee Joon Gi is fine, but what about Shin Se Kyung? She is unable to act.
• I'm not going to watch. They changed both of the main characters.

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IU has once again warmed hearts with her sweet and caring nature — this time by personally helping young actress Kim Tae Yeon get ready for her very first awards show.

The two actresses both played the same character, Ae Soon, in different stages of life in the Netflix drama "When Life Gives You Tangerines". IU played the adult version while Kim Tae Yeon touched viewers with her emotional performance as young Ae Soon.

Even though Kim Tae Yeon doesn’t have an agency yet, IU made sure the young star wouldn’t be alone. According to insiders, IU personally visited a dress shop with Kim Tae Yeon to help her pick out a beautiful outfit. She even helped with hair and makeup plans, making sure Tae Yeon could shine at the upcoming 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, where both actresses are nominated.

Kim Tae Yeon’s mom posted about the moment on Instagram, saying:

“Tae Yeon met IU unnie and told me to say thank you. Words aren’t enough to express how grateful we are. We were so surprised by her unexpected visit, and her thoughtful care truly touched our hearts. Thank you again to IU for the gift.”

The post also showed a happy Kim Tae Yeon holding IU’s present and choosing a dress — a moment that melted fans’ hearts.

IU is well-known in the industry for her generosity and kindness. While filming "You Have Done Well", she reportedly gave thoughtful gifts and created a warm, friendly vibe on set for everyone, from co-stars to staff.

The drama itself became a big hit, earning praise both in Korea and overseas. IU, Park Bo Gum, Yeom Hye Ran, Choi Dae Hoon, and Kim Tae Yeon all received Baeksang nominations — a huge achievement, especially for the young star.

Kim Tae Yeon, born in 2011, has been acting since she was little and appeared in dramas like Crash Landing on You, A Dog’s Love Today, and Gyeongseong Creature. But her powerful acting in "When Life Gives You Tangerines" truly made people cry, smile, and remember her name.

IU didn’t stop at helping Kim Tae Yeon. She also invited fellow cast members Moon So Ri, Park Hae Joon, Ahn Tae Rin, and more to her concert, sending them gifts to show her love and support.

In an earlier interview, IU talked about giving gifts to so many people. She humbly said,

“As I do more projects, there are more people I’m thankful for, but it’s not as hard as people think. I just hope the people receiving the gifts feel happy.”

Talking about the drama, she added,

“It was such a grand project. Just being part of it was a blessing. It made me think, ‘Ji Eun, you really experienced something amazing.’ I’m grateful I could work with such great people.”

Once again, IU has proved she’s not just a talented singer and actress — she’s also a true “Good Deed Queen.”

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