Shin Seung-ho is reportedly considering a role in the upcoming K-drama Insiders, a series that builds on the world of the 2015 hit film Inside Men, starring Lee Byung-hun, Cho Seung-woo, and Baek Yoon-sik. According to iMBC Entertainment, the actor is in discussions to join the star-studded cast, though his agency has not yet confirmed the casting. This marks a potential return to television for Shin after a three-year hiatus from leading K-drama roles.
The series, set in the 1980s and 1990s, explores the intricate dynamics of power and corruption in South Korea, focusing on Lee Kang-hui, a central figure who orchestrates the forces shaping the nation. Song Kang-ho, known for acclaimed films like Parasite and A Taxi Driver, leads the drama as Lee Kang-hui, with Koo Kyo-hwan, Park Soo-ae, and Kim Ji-yeon also in talks to join. Directed by Mo Wan-il, whose credits include The Frog and The World of the Married, and written by Lee Ki-chul, known for Alienoid and The Thieves, Insiders promises a gripping narrative. The drama is produced by Hive Media Corp and Plus M, with a premiere expected within 2025.
“Shin Seung-ho will be added to the cast of the upcoming K-drama Insiders,” iMBC Entertainment reported, though no official statement has been released by the actor’s side.
If confirmed, this role would mark Shin Seung-ho’s first major K-drama appearance since Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow in 2022, where he played the charming Crown Prince Go Won. Fans have praised his versatility, with comments on AsianWiki highlighting his performance:
“Loved his role as the crowned prince in AOS. He is cute and it suited him well. I hope to see more of him in dramas and movies,” wrote user kriz on February 15, 2023.
“He is really good and his interviews are extremely hilarious! Because of his performance in Alchemy of Souls Part 1 & 2, I got addicted to him,” commented Oreo on December 24, 2022.
Shin’s recent career has been diverse, with cameo appearances in 2023 K-dramas The Good Bad Mother and D.P. Season 2. In 2025, he is set to star in multiple films, including New Generation War: Reawakened Man alongside Koo Kyo-hwan, Kang Ki-young, and Kim Sung-ryung, as well as the highly anticipated Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy, featuring Ahn Hyo-seop, Lee Min-ho, Chae Soo-bin, Nana, and BLACKPINK’s Ji-soo. Additionally, Shin will lead the thriller mystery Only God Knows Everything.
The original Inside Men film, directed by Woo Min-ho, was a commercial and critical success, grossing over 9.1 million admissions and becoming South Korea’s top R-rated movie at the box office. The K-drama adaptation aims to expand this universe, weaving a broader narrative about insiders navigating South Korea’s political and social landscape during a turbulent era.
Posts on X reflect excitement about the casting news:
“#ShinSeungHo reportedly to join the cast of #SongKangHo’s drama <#InsideMen> which expands on the world of the 2015 hit film,” shared @kdramacasting on April 18, 2025.
Shin Seung-ho, born November 11, 1995, began his career as a model, walking in Seoul Fashion Week and competing in the 2016 SBS Super Model Contest. He debuted as an actor in the 2018 web drama A-Teen and gained recognition for roles in Love Alarm (2019), D.P. (2021), and Alchemy of Souls (2022). His portrayal of the villainous Hwang Jang-soo in D.P. earned him a nomination for Best New Actor at the Baeksang Arts Awards.
The anticipation for Insiders is high, given its connection to the acclaimed film and its powerhouse cast and crew. If Shin Seung-ho confirms his participation, it could solidify his status as a rising star in the K-drama industry.
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Credits: MyDramaList, AsianWiki
