Lee Min Ho is confirmed to star in Apple TV+'s Pachinko, an eight-episode series based on the bestselling novel by Lee Min Jin.
According to a report by Zapzee, The King: Eternal Monarch star will take on the lead role for the drama.
Pachinko is expected to be a big break for Lee Min Ho as the actor broadens his horizons to take on the international market through Apple TV+.
It can be recalled that Korean actor Ju Ji Hoon became a household name when he starred in Netflix's zombie period drama Kingdom which recently concluded its second season.
With Pachinko, Lee Min Ho is expected to challenge his acting chops by embodying the challenges experienced by four generations of a Korean immigrant family. The big-budget series covers a journey from Japan, Korea, and America in an inspiring story of war, peace, love, loss, triumph.
It can be recalled that Pachinko was greenlighted to series last year as one of the biggest budgeted productions for Apple TV+. Early reports indicated that the production cost could rival Netflix's royal drama The Crown.
Korean American Soo Hugh was tapped by Apple TV+ to write the script. She will also serve as the show's executive producer and showrunner. Soo is best known for helming the first season of AMC's hit anthology series The Terror.
Meanwhile, the book's author Lee Min Jin will also receive executive producing credits.
Pachinko will be the third Apple TV+ production developed by Michael Ellenberg's Media Res. The company was responsible for Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon's Morning Show and an upcoming CIA drama top-billed by Brie Larson.
It was reported by The Hollywood Reporter that showrunner Soo originally wanted to acquire the rights to Pachinko, but Media Res beat her to it. However, the company and the producer decided to team up to bring author Lee Min Jin's vision for his novel to the small screen.
Pachinko is expected to feature mostly Asian actors but Apple TV+ has yet to confirm their casting choices.
Lee Min Ho's thrust to go global was also recently fuelled by his selection by online shopping giant Lazada to serve as their regional ambassador.
The actor was tapped by the e-commerce platform's face for its 11.11 campaign. In an interview, he said that he was happy to partner with the brand for a fun and creative experience, CNA Lifestyle reported.
