Netflix K-Drama 'Kingdom' Original Cast Members Might Return In Season 2

by Jessica Rapir / Aug 22, 2018 01:46 AM EDT

Joo Ji Hoon and other original cast members might return in the second season of Netflix K-Drama 'Kingdom.' Photo by Key East Entertainment Official/Instagram

The yet-to-be-aired K-drama Kingdom is getting a second season. Netflix has confirmed that it has given a green light for another installment and the original cast members might reprise their respective roles for Season 2.

Reports indicate that the production for Kingdom Season 2 is set to begin later this year or early next year. Season 1 is scheduled to start streaming on Netflix in December.

Kingdom is set in the Joseon Dynasty. It tells the story of a crown prince (Joo Ji Hoon) who is sent on a suicide mission to investigate a mysterious outbreak that is threatening the entire country. The prince later discovers that it is an epidemic involves zombies.

Ryu Seung Ryong will be playing the role of Jo Hak jo, a governor who is more powerful than the king. Actress Bae Doo Na will be portraying a doctor, named Seo-bi, in the series. As per AllKPop report, the three actors are currently in talks to return in the second installment of the zombie-apocalypse thriller.

The lead role in Kingdom was initially offered to Descendants of The Sun actor Song Joong Ki but he declined. Song's agency, Blossom Entertainment, had explained that the actor turned down the offer because he wanted to focus on his wedding to Song Hye Kyo. The couple got married in October 2017, the same month as the production of Kingdom kicked off.

As to the possibility that Song Joong Ki will be offered another role in Kingdom Season 2, he might be. However, Joong Ki might turn it down once again as he is about to start filming for his small screen comeback, Asadal Chronicles, which is also a period drama. The actor and his co-stars are set to have their first script reading later this week.

Meanwhile, Kingdom Season 1 director Kim Seong-hun earlier said he will not helm the next season of the Netflix original series. Instead, he will take an advisory role in the production. But the script for the second installment will also be written by Season 1 writer Kim Eun Hee.

The production of the first installment took six months to finish and exceeded its budget. Apparently, each episode of Kingdom cost more than $1.78 million (2 billion KWR). Season 2 is most likely to spend more time and money in production too.