K-SNAPP

Cha Hak-yeon Reportedly Cast in 'Gold Digger' as Kim Hee-ae's Son — From BL Lead to Major JTBC Role

Cha Hak-yeon and Kim Ji-eun tease 'real sibling' chemistry

Cha Hak-yeon, Kim Hee-ae, K-Drama, Gold Digger, Absolute Value of Romance, JTBC, Coupang Play
Photo: Coupang Play, Netflix

Shocking casting buzz: After leading a BL novel adaptation, actor Cha Hak-yeon is now reportedly set to play Kim Hee-ae's son.

On April 22, according to an exclusive by Xportsnews, Cha Hak-yeon will star in JTBC's new drama Gold Digger.

Adapted from the hit BBC series of the same name, Gold Digger is a mystery romance that follows a fatal young man who approaches a successful middle-aged woman — a relationship that spirals into doubt and misunderstandings as they question whether it's true love or an elaborate con.

Cha Hak-yeon is said to play the son of publishing CEO Min Young-joo (played by Kim Hee-ae), dialing up the show's tension. The role was previously linked to Shin Jae-ha, but it appears the casting changed after discussions. Cha is expected to portray, with nuance, the confusion and emotional shifts he experiences amid his mother's risky romance, while also delivering realistic sibling chemistry with Kim Ji-eun, who joins as Min Young-joo's daughter.

Meanwhile, Cha Hak-yeon is currently meeting viewers through the Coupang Play series Absolute Value of Romance.