Actors Kim Hye Yoon and Lomon are teaming up in a fresh fantasy rom-com that blends quirky mythology with sharp chemistry. SBS’s upcoming Friday–Saturday drama Starting Today, I’m Human released photos and details from its first script reading on December 9, confirming the buzz around its unique concept and charismatic cast.
A Fantasy Romance About an MZ Gumiho and a Self-Loving Superstar
The drama follows an MZ style gumiho who desperately wants to avoid becoming human, and a world-famous soccer player whose overflowing self-love borders on comic exaggeration. Their worlds collide in unexpected and often chaotic ways, creating a “mysterious relationship” that promises humor, heart, and magical tension. The script reading mirrored that energy. With director Kim Jung-kwon and writers Park Chan-young and Jo Ah-young present, the cast filled the room with lively exchanges and spirited performances, offering a preview of the drama’s brisk dialogue and romantic spark.
Kim Hye Yoon Transforms Into a Chaotic & Lovely Gumiho
Kim Hye Yoon takes on the role of Eun-ho, a quirky nine-tailed fox who avoids good deeds and men out of fear that she might accidentally become human. Known for her sharp delivery and expressive acting, Kim balances Eun-ho’s chic exterior with an unexpectedly adorable side, crafting a gumiho character unlike any seen before in K-dramas.
Lomon Plays a Top-Tier Football Star With Zero Laziness
Opposite her, Lomon stars as Kang Si-yeol, a world-class soccer player whose inflated confidence is offset only by his relentless discipline. His life, seemingly perfect, begins to unravel the moment he encounters Eun-ho. Lomon’s natural intensity blends well with the character’s swagger, setting the stage for explosive on screen chemistry.
A Strong Supporting Cast & Intriguing Dynamics
Lee Si-woo joins as Geum-ho, a character with ties to Eun-ho’s past, while Jang Dong-ju plays Hyun Woo-seok, anchoring one side of the narrative. Choi Seung-yoon takes on the role of Lee Yoon, a chaebol heir who steps into the story as a polished and ruthless villain. The cast also includes In Gyo-jin, Lee Seung-joon, Yoo Hwan, Kim Tae-jung, Ji Seung-jun, and Kim Tae-hee. Actor Hong Soo-hyun makes a special appearance as Hong Yeon-soo, Kang Si-yeol’s on-field partner.
A Fresh World and Chemistry Worth Waiting For
Producers expressed confidence in the drama’s originality, emphasizing that its inventive worldbuilding and charismatic leads will offer viewers a refreshing take on the rom-com genre. “Kim Hye Yoon and Lomon’s chemistry will make the long wait absolutely worthwhile,” they said.
Broadcast Details
Starting Today, I’m Human premieres January 16 at 9:50 PM on SBS, opening a new year of magical romance, comedic fantasy, and “hate-to-love” tension between two irresistibly mismatched leads.
Editor’s Insights
This drama doesn’t just rely on the familiar “enemies-to-lovers” formula. It reinterprets it through a concept that feels both playful and self-aware.
The idea of a gumiho who actively avoids becoming human flips a long-standing trope in Korean fantasy storytelling. Traditionally, the emotional core of these characters is their desire to become human. Here, that motivation is reversed, creating a new kind of internal conflict that feels fresh for the genre.
At the same time, pairing this character with a hyper-confident, almost exaggerated superstar introduces a dynamic built on contrast. It is not just opposites attracting. It is two strong identities colliding, each challenging the other’s worldview.
What stands out is how well this aligns with current K-drama trends. Audiences are increasingly drawn to character-driven storytelling, where personality clashes and emotional growth matter more than plot twists alone. This setup allows both leads to evolve naturally through their interactions.
If executed well, the drama has the potential to move beyond a typical rom-com. It could become a story about identity, choice, and what it really means to change for someone else.