Producer Kim Gun-hong of upcoming tvN series “Cheese in the Trap,” shortened “Chee-int,” disclosed why he cast actors Park Hae-jin and Kim Go-eun as the leads on Thursday.

Kim said, “Park and Kim have pulled off both romance and thrillers in their past productions. They were perfect for the romance-thriller ‘Chee-int.’”

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The drama had earlier made headlines when K-pop idol-actress Suzy, who was a strong candidate, turned down the role due to opposition by fans of the original webtoon.

“Chee-int” has a hoard of hard-to-please fans who have earned the nickname “chee-ummoni,” a portmanteau of the series title and the Korean word for “mother-in-law.”

“Chee-ummonis” have increased over the two years the original webcartoon had run. Every development of the television rendition of their dear cartoon is being keenly monitored. Suzy, the initial pick of the casting team, was antagonized by “chee-ummonis” as they judged her acting was ‘not good enough’ for the complex female lead character, Hong Seol.

In the drama, Hong Seol is a bright and diligent college sophomore who sees through the duality of senior student Yoo Jeong, the male protagonist.

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Yoo Jeong is an affluent corporate scion and college student who uses his sweet and caring facade to cover up his multilayered distrust and disgust for general people.

Park Hae-jin, cast as Yoo Jeong, had shown aptness in both romantic and criminal roles in SBS’ “My Love From Another Star (2013)” and OCN’s “Bad Guys (2014).”

He can be a love-struck fool and a psychopath branded as a murderer.

Kim Go-eun, cast as Hong Seol, as well had portrayed both beloved and vicious characters in movies “Eungyo (2012)” and “Monster (2014).”

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In the former she was a vivacious girl, desired by her protector, while in the latter she played a vindictive sister driven mad after losing her younger brother to a murderer.

Public anticipation, together with “chee-ummonis,” is high for the two well-recognized actors’ chemistry in the upcoming production.

“Cheese in the Trap” will premiere on Jan. 4 next year and air every Mondays and Tuesdays.

By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)

Related article: ‘Cheese in the Trap’ Park Hae-jin talks about Yoo Jung character