GOT7’s Jinyoung may soon be returning to the small screen, this time alongside Kim Min Ju, in the upcoming JTBC romance drama “Shining” (literal title).
On April 29, 2025, industry sources reported Jinyoung has been offered the lead male role, with his agency BH Entertainment confirming that he is “positively reviewing” the offer.
The drama tells a poignant love story that spans over a decade. Titled “Shining,” it centers on two individuals bound by a deep connection, whose relationship serves as a source of light through the darkest times in their lives.
The plot follows the emotional reunion of a man and woman at the age of 30, after a painful separation when they were 19.
The male lead, Yeon Tae Oh, is a train conductor whose life is forever altered by a tragic accident at 19 that claims his parents and leaves his younger brother severely injured.
His character is described as reserved, emotionally scarred, yet resilient. Both Chae Jong Hyeop and Rowoon were previously offered the role but reportedly turned it down, opening the door for Jinyoung.
If cast, Kim Min Ju would play the female lead—though her character’s name and background have yet to be revealed, she is expected to bring emotional depth to this quietly intense and intimate romance.
“Shining” brings together a strong creative team. It will be directed by Kim Yoon Jin, known for the beloved youth romance “Our Beloved Summer” and the sensory melodrama “Tell Me That You Love Me.”
The script is written by Lee Sook Yeon, the screenwriter behind the tender, introspective dramas “On the Way to the Airport” and “A Piece of Your Mind.”
If confirmed, this drama would mark another major step in Jinyoung’s evolving acting career, following his recent appearances in “Our Unwritten Seoul” and “The Witch.”
It would also signal a potential breakthrough for Kim Min Ju as a leading actress, following her growing portfolio since her idol-to-actress transition.
With such emotionally rich material and a high-caliber team behind the scenes, “Shining” is shaping up to be one of JTBC’s most anticipated projects of the year.
