K-Pop Idol to Possessed Heroine? Seohyun’s Latest Role Has Everyone Talking

On May 13, KBS released stills of Seohyun as her new character Cha Seon-jaek, the unexpected lead of this fantasy romance series based on a web novel. The show is set to premiere on June 11 at 9:50 PM KST.

The First Night with the Duke (or I Stole the Male Lead’s First Night) follows a typical college student who finds herself trapped inside the world of a historical romance novel—reborn as a minor background character. But things spiral out of control when she ends up spending the night with the novel’s obsessive male lead, setting off a wild, no-brakes deviation from the original story.

Seohyun plays Cha Seon-jaek, a privileged noblewoman with status and wealth in the Joseon-era romance novel. Originally a forgettable side character, her life takes a turn when the soul of web novel superfan "K" (a college student from the modern world) possesses her body, turning Seon-jaek into a whole new person.

K initially intends to stay out of the spotlight, observing the story from the sidelines. But as she gets drawn into unexpected events, she begins to alter the course of the novel—becoming its true heroine in the process.

Three Versions of One Character

The released stills show K in her real-world form—glasses on, hoodie up, reading a web novel with an expression of detached boredom. In contrast, her possessed version of Cha Seon-jaek displays a mischievous smile, hinting at a character ready to rewrite her fate.

Seohyun shared her thoughts on why she chose the role:

“I was drawn to the story’s mix of comedy, tension, and a character who’s as charming as she is bizarre.”

She also described her layered approach to playing the role:

“In the modern world, K is a bit cynical but relatable. The original Cha Seon-jaek is hollow and stuck in a routine. But once K takes over, she begins to act on impulses she couldn’t in reality, fully embracing the absurdity of the novel’s world.”

Ok Taecyeon Joins as the Male Lead

Starring opposite Seohyun is Ok Taecyeon, known for his versatility in both idol and acting roles. In I Took the Male Lead’s First Night, Taecyeon plays the novel’s ultimate male lead, a character full of obsessive intensity and possessiveness—classic traits of the "over-the-top" romantic hero in web novels.

His chemistry with Seohyun is expected to be a major highlight of the series, especially as their characters navigate a bizarre romance full of emotional twists, misunderstandings, and power shifts. With both stars coming from idol backgrounds and proving their acting chops, fans are eager to see how their dynamic unfolds in this genre-bending tale.

Fans are excited to see how Seohyun will juggle the transition between these three personas—modern K, the original Seon-jaek, and the possessed, now-lead version. Her transformation promises a mix of humor, heart, and plenty of chaos.

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