Lee Joo-myung and Kim Young-kwang are reportedly set to play the lead roles in ENA’s upcoming romantic comedy Queen of Taming, giving K-drama fans a fresh on-screen pairing to watch. According to OSEN, both stars recently received script offers for the series, reviewed them positively, and decided to join the project. With a sharp premise, a popular genre, and two familiar faces in the lead, Queen of Taming is already building strong early interest.
The drama centers on a romance battle between Ji-yong, played by Kim Young-kwang, and Woo-ri, played by Lee Joo-myung. Ji-yong is described as a hedge fund manager and a top predator in the financial food chain. Woo-ri is a contract veterinarian working at the zoo Ji-yong acquires. What makes the setup stand out is the reversal of power between the two, turning a boss-employee dynamic into a playful and tense romantic clash.
Queen of Taming Brings a Fresh Twist to the Office Romance Formula
At first glance, Queen of Taming sounds like a classic romantic comedy, but its setting gives it a different flavor. Instead of the usual corporate office backdrop, the story moves into a zoo environment, where money, power, personality, and workplace tension collide. That unusual combination could help the drama stand apart in a crowded field of romance titles.
Ji-yong is not written as an ordinary rich male lead. He is introduced as someone who dominates the world of finance, which suggests confidence, control, and a calculating personality. Woo-ri, on the other hand, is a working professional with her own space and purpose. The reversal in their power dynamic hints that the drama will not simply follow a predictable rich-man romance. It is expected to lean into conflict, chemistry, and emotional push-and-pull, which are key ingredients for a hit romantic comedy.
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Why Lee Joo-myung and Kim Young-kwang’s Casting Is Getting Attention
The biggest talking point right now is the pairing itself. Lee Joo-myung has been gaining recognition for her strong screen presence and steady career growth. She recently drew attention for her passionate performance in a JTBC weekend drama that ended on a high note, reportedly reaching a peak viewership rating of 13.6 percent, according to Nielsen Korea. Her quick move into a new project has made fans curious about how she will handle a lighter, more romantic genre.
For Lee Joo-myung, Queen of Taming looks like an important shift. Romantic comedy depends heavily on timing, charm, and natural chemistry, and this role could give her another side to show viewers. Playing Woo-ri also gives her a character with enough warmth and independence to connect with audiences beyond the usual romantic setup.
Kim Young-kwang, meanwhile, continues to maintain a busy lineup. The actor appeared in Good Days alongside Lee Young-ae, and he is also expected to return with the Netflix series Charge Me in the second half of the year. If Queen of Taming moves ahead as reported, it will mark another major title in his packed schedule. His casting also raises expectations because he has the polished screen image needed for a wealthy, commanding male lead, while still fitting comfortably into romance-driven material.
Strong Team Behind Queen of Taming Adds to the Hype
The drama is being jointly produced by Samhwa Networks and Studio Bom, a combination that has added to industry interest around the project. Direction will reportedly be handled by Song Hyun-wook, known for Eun-soo’s Good Day. A rom-com lives or dies by pacing, chemistry, and emotional balance, so the director’s role will be crucial in turning this unusual setup into something memorable.
Reports suggest Queen of Taming is targeting an ENA broadcast in 2027, although the release timeline may become clearer once production details are finalized. Even at this early stage, the drama has already started generating buzz because the concept feels commercial, accessible, and easy for audiences to connect with.
With Lee Joo-myung and Kim Young-kwang reportedly leading Queen of Taming, the series has all the ingredients of a promising K-drama headline. A finance heavyweight, a contract veterinarian, a zoo, and a reversed power game make for a lively setup that could deliver both romance and entertainment. If the drama matches the energy of its premise, Queen of Taming could become one of ENA’s most talked-about upcoming releases.
