Dream casting of Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho

Apr 07, 2026, 03:27 pm

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Song Kang-ho (left) and Youn Yuh-jung appear as a married couple in BEEF Season 2 / Netflix

Director Lee Sung-jin of the Netflix original series BEEF Season 2 shared behind-the-scenes details of casting two of Korea’s most acclaimed actors.

“I never imagined that both Youn Yuh-jung and Song Kang-ho would agree to join. I couldn’t picture anyone else playing those roles,” he said during a virtual interview on April 7.

Season 2, set to premiere on April 16, follows the Emmy Award-winning first season released in 2023. The new installment explores conflicts of power and class within an exclusive country club. Youn plays Chairwoman Park, the club owner, while Song takes on the role of her second husband, Dr. Kim, forming the central axis of the story.

The director explained that his approach to casting was influenced by changes in his own life after Season 1. While traveling between Korea and abroad, he participated in projects such as filming the music video for “Come back to me” by RM of BTS, gaining exposure to elite circles in Korean society. This experience inspired him to incorporate similar themes into the series and naturally led him to approach what he called “the best actors working today.”

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Director Lee Sung-jin of BEEF Season 2 / Netflix

Song Kang-ho initially declined the role, expressing uncertainty about how to portray the character. However, Youn Yuh-jung personally persuaded him. Lee recalled, “Song said he wasn’t sure the role suited him or how to approach it, but Youn told him, ‘You’re Song Kang-ho. You can play any character, so you must do it.’ I’m truly grateful for that.”

The first scene featuring both actors together was filmed in a building in Yongsan, Seoul. Lee also shared a memorable moment when Bong Joon-ho visited the set. “He suddenly appeared during filming, walked up to the monitor, and asked, ‘Are you really going to shoot it that way?’ It was the greatest moment of my career and something I will never forget,” Lee said.

Co-star Charles Melton also praised the experience of working alongside the two actors. “Acting in the same scene with them was an incredible gift. I could feel Song Kang-ho’s dignity, humility, and constant preparation, while Youn Yuh-jung inspired deep awe. When she was in the room, it felt truly magical,” he said.

Lee concluded by expressing pride in Korea’s cultural achievements. “I’m proud of what this small peninsula has accomplished culturally in recent years. I hope Season 2 can continue that progress, and that Korean viewers will feel proud of this work as well.”

#Lee Sung-jin #Youn Yuh-jung #Song Kang-ho #Netflix #BEEF Season 2