Recently, the first photos and first details of Once upon a time it was usthe Korean remake of the hit Chinese film Us and themwere released, causing an immediate stir online. Most discussions revolve around whether the Korean cast fits the roles and how they compare to the original Chinese leads.
It has been confirmed that Koo Kyo Hwan ( DP, Kill Boksoon) will take over the role originally played by Jing Boran, while Moon Ga Young (True beauty, My dearest nemesis) will play the character brought to life by Zhou Dongyu.
Individually, both actors have solid careers. Moon Ga Young is often praised for her growing beauty and accessible acting style. Koo Kyo Hwan, while not conventionally handsome, is widely respected for his depth and talent as an actor.
However, together, the duo was not well received. Many Korean netizens believe that the couple seems “mismatched” and the criticism continued even when the casting was still just a rumor. Now that images from the set have emerged, the disappointment has only gotten stronger.
One major complaint: the 14-year age difference. Koo Kyo Hwan was born in 1982, while Moon Ga Young was born in 1996. Meanwhile, the original Chinese protagonists Jing Boran (1989) and Zhou Dongyu (1992) were the same age. Korean netizens claim that the Korean couple does not appear to be from the same generation.
Comments on Korean social media include:
“The male protagonist looks like the female protagonist’s uncle.”
“Moon Ga Young is too young and cute to be paired with someone who looks much older.”
“They don’t appear to be anywhere near the same age.”
The age difference also casts doubt on whether it can convincingly portray the essence of the original story of two young adults who move from the countryside to the city, fall in love and support each other through a financially difficult but passionate youth. Netizens say that Koo Kyo Hwan appears too mature and world-worn, while Moon Ga Young looks like she is just entering adulthood.
Read more online reactions:
“He looks like someone in his thirties, she looks like she just graduated.”
“I like them as single actors, but this project needed a couple closer in age.”
“Why choose such an unbalanced couple?”
“This casting makes me lose interest in the film.”
The Korean remake Once upon a time it was us It’s scheduled to premiere on December 31, 2025 in South Korea. It remains to be seen whether audiences will warm to the pairing once the film is released, but for now, casting continues to be a hot topic of debate.
Sources: HHT
