Is Son Ye-jin's potential role in thriller inspired by Min Hee-jin's controversy? Fans worry about 'bad publicity': 'Please don't...'

Son Ye-jin might join the cast of the upcoming drama Variety. On February 11, reports emerged that Ye-jin had received an offer to star in the new thriller and is currently considering it.In response, her representative confirmed according to Soompi, “It’s true that she has received the offer, but she is still reviewing the script.”

A representative from CJ ENM, the drama’s production company, also shared, “We did extend the offer to Son Ye Jin, but as the project is still in its early stages, nothing has been finalised. Details like the broadcast schedule and casting decisions are yet to be determined.”

Variety is a thriller set in the idol industry, helmed by director Kim Yong Hoon, known for his work on the popular Netflix series Mask Girl. The drama is expected to feature both current and former idols in key roles, with the plot revolving around an idol group created specifically for the series. Squid Game 2 star and former IZ*ONE member Jo Yu Ri is also reportedly in talks for a lead role.

Son Ye-jin has been offered the role of an "outspoken character", often compared to former ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin. However this has sparked much debate among fans, owing to the controversy surrounding the former CEO. Min Hee-jin, who previously served as the CEO of ADOR (a subsidiary of HYBE), was known for her polarising leadership style, particularly with the girl group New Jeans. While she gained recognition for direction, Hee-jin faced criticism for her management approach, with some accusing her of being overly controlling and involved in shaping the public personas of the idols under her care. This led to a backlash from fans and industry insiders, who voiced concerns over her approach to idol management and her role in the controversy surrounding some of New Jeans' public image decisions.

While fans have expressed desire to see Ye-jin take on the role, others have reservations. One fan wrote, "I don't think Son Ye-jin will take this role. It will tarnish her reputation. She doesn't need this negative publicity...." Others, who expressed their issues with Hee-jin, said that even though they really liked Ye-jin, they wouldn't want to watch this show as it might be a glorification of MHJ.

Meanwhile, Son Ye-jin is preparing for the filming of Netflix’s upcoming series Scandal (working title), where she will star alongside Ji Chang Wook. She has also recently completed filming Park Chan Wook’s much-anticipated movie No Other Choice, where she stars opposite Lee Byung Hun.