"Starting today, I'm human' opens the 2026 SBS drama lineup.
SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama "Starting today, I'm human' (written by Park Chan-young·Jo Ah-young, directed by Kim Jeong-gwon) on the 9th released news confirming its scheduling for the first half of next year and 공개하며 ignited fans' expectations by 공개ing the script reading scene.
"Starting today, I'm human' is a fantasy romance about an MZ nine-tailed fox who doesn't want to become human and a self-loving human whose misadventures lead to salvation. The peculiar romance that begins with the 'dislike relationship' between the nine-tailed fox Eun-ho (played by Kim Hye-yoon), a born single who has tried everything except dating, and soccer star Kang Si-yeol (played by Laomon), whose fate changed with a single decision, is expected to thoroughly enchant viewers.
Director Kim Jeong-gwon, known for Maestra: Strings of Truth and Love to Hate You, brings stylish direction, and writers Park Chan-young and Jo Ah-young, who co-wrote The Best Chicken, contribute lively and inventive writing, raising expectations. In addition, Binge Works, which has produced many works noted for imaginative and original ideas such as My Demon, Today's Webtoon, and Mr. Queen, is in charge of production and will ensure completeness.
The script reading was attended by director Kim Jeong-gwon, writers Park Chan-young·Jo Ah-young, and a lineup ranging from veteran actors to rising stars including Kim Hye-yoon, Laomon, Lee Si-woo, Jang Dong-ju, Choi Seung-yun, In Gyo-jin, Lee Seung-jun, and Hong Soo-hyun. Amid the pleasant excitement and nervousness of the first meeting, when the full reading began the actors delivered passionate performances that felt like a real production. Above all, Kim Hye-yoon and Laomon drew attention with a witty and heart-fluttering back-and-forth.
First, Kim Hye-yoon takes on the role of Eun-ho, an eccentric MZ nine-tailed fox who does not want to become human, and with a multifaceted charm that swings between chic and lovable she newly completes the 2026 version of the nine-tailed fox character. Portraying Eun-ho's fox life-and-death with unpredictable changes as she avoided good deeds and men for fear of becoming human, she signaled an acting transformation never seen before. Laomon was noticed for naturally melting into the role of world-class soccer player Kang Si-yeol, who has pride but not laziness. He excellently expressed the wide emotional shifts of Kang Si-yeol, whose perfect life faces upheaval. Interest is higher than ever in whether Kim Hye-yoon, who enjoyed phenomenon-level popularity through Lovely Runner, and Laomon, who impressed global viewers with All of Us Are Dead, will produce another career-defining work.
The characters played by the actors, who will enrich the drama by crossing the boundary between reality and fantasy, also heightened expectations. Lee Si-woo, cast as Geum-ho, who is entwined with Eun-ho by some fate, added intrigue as a character kept thoroughly veiled, and Jang Dong-ju, playing Hyun Woo-seok, who lives a life completely opposite to Kang Si-yeol as a soccer player, took a central role in the narrative and showed his presence. Choi Seung-yun, as the fourth-generation member of Geumsu Group and Eun-ho's VIP client Lee Yoon, acted as a confident villain character and injected tension.
In Gyo-jin plays Park Yong-gil, who went from head coach of the youth national soccer team to manager of a fourth-division civic club, and refreshed the atmosphere with his uniquely flavorful and playful acting. Lee Seung-jun evokes realistic empathy as Hyun Sang-cheol, Hyun Woo-seok's father who supports his soccer-player son. Hong Soo-hyun, who joined as a special appearance, played Hong Yeon-su, a nine-year partner who discovered Kang Si-yeol's talent and potential and took on the role of his agent, delivering a lively performance. In addition, the youth actors' energy and teamwork stood out with the four attacking midfielders of the Daehung civic club led by coach Park Yong-gil (played by In Gyo-jin): Yoo Hwan as Seo Beom, Kim Tae-jung as center back Hwang Chi-su, Ji Seung-jun as wing back Bae Jung-bae, and Kim Tae-hee as backup goalkeeper Kim Kyung-hoon.
The production team of "Starting today, I'm human' said, "Although there have been various contents based on nine-tailed fox folklore, 'Starting today, I'm human' offers different fun with its original setting and worldview," and added, "especially the chemistry between the MZ nine-tailed fox and the soccer star played by Kim Hye-yoon and Laomon will make the long wait worth it."
Meanwhile, "Starting today, I'm human' will premiere on Jan. 16, 2026, at 9:50 p.m.
[Photo] Studio S, Binge Works provided
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