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ITZY's Yuna Joins Cast of Live-Action Adaptation of Webtoon 'My Favorite Employee'

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, November 28th 2025 at 20:08 GMT by Anime News Network

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ITZY’s Yuna Joins the Cast of the Webtoon‑Based Live‑Action Series “My Favorite Employee”

A new chapter has opened for South Korea’s pop‑culture powerhouse ITZY, as its youngest member, Yuna (Yoon Hae‑won), has been announced as a key cast member in the upcoming live‑action adaptation of the hit webtoon My Favorite Employee. The announcement, which came on the official Anime News Network website on November 28, 2025, has fans and industry observers alike buzzing with excitement, not only because it brings a high‑profile idol into the world of Korean dramas but also because it marks one of the most ambitious cross‑media adaptations slated for 2026.

The Origin Story: From Webtoon to Screen

My Favorite Employee (original Korean title: 나의 가장 좋아하는 직원) first made waves on Naver’s webtoon platform in 2023. Written by the rising creator Kim Ji‑soo and illustrated by the award‑winning artist Park Hyun‑woo, the series centers on a bright‑eyed junior executive, Oh Joo‑yeon, who finds herself working for the enigmatic and charismatic senior employee, Park Dong‑hyun. The webtoon’s blend of office humor, heartfelt romance, and relatable workplace dynamics has earned it over 12 million reads and a dedicated fan base that spans both domestic and international audiences.

Recognizing the story’s potential for a broader audience, production company K‑Drama Studios (KDS) secured the adaptation rights in early 2025. KDS, known for turning webtoons into successful television dramas such as Love in the Moonlight and Beyond the Sea, has promised to retain the original’s spirit while infusing fresh energy through a star‑studded ensemble.

Yuna’s Leap into Acting

The news that Yuna would appear in the series was a double‑edged surprise. While Yuna has already earned a reputation as a fierce performer on stage, her foray into acting has been more measured. In 2023, she made a brief cameo in the music‑drama The Rising Star, and the following year, she appeared as a supporting role in the historical series Seoul’s Heart. Despite these early steps, her transition into a leading role in a full‑length drama is a significant milestone.

In an interview with Sports Seoul, Yuna expressed her enthusiasm: “I’ve always loved the stories that come from the everyday lives of people. My Favorite Employee gives me a chance to portray a character who grows, learns, and ultimately, falls in love with herself and her work. I’m thrilled to share this journey with fans who have followed me through music.”

The role Yuna will portray is that of Jang Min‑ji, a newly appointed HR specialist who arrives at the company with a knack for people‑management and an unexpected knack for office gossip. According to the production’s press kit, Min‑ji’s character arc will explore themes of workplace inclusion, gender equity, and the balance between ambition and well‑being.

The Cast & Crew

My Favorite Employee boasts an impressive lineup:

• Oh Joo‑yeon (played by Lee Ha‑na), the earnest junior executive.
• Park Dong‑hyun (played by Kim Hyun‑seong), the charismatic senior who becomes the series’ central love interest.
• Jang Min‑ji (played by Yuna), the HR specialist with a heart of gold.
• Supporting roles: a trio of co‑workers (played by Cho Ji‑won, Han Joo‑young, and Ryu Hye‑jin) provide comedic relief and emotional depth.

The series is directed by Lee Dong‑jin, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed drama White Lies (2024). Writing duties are shared between the original webtoon author Kim Ji‑soo and screenwriter Jung Eun‑ha, ensuring fidelity to the source material while expanding the narrative for a live‑action format.

Production Details & Release Schedule

Filming commenced in Seoul in September 2025 and wrapped up in February 2026. The production’s visual aesthetic aims to emulate the polished, modern office settings of the webtoon, with a touch of romantic color grading to highlight the budding relationship between Joo‑yeon and Dong‑hyun.

The series will be released on Netflix Korea as a 12‑episode arc, each episode running approximately 45 minutes. Netflix has secured global streaming rights, making the show accessible in more than 190 countries. A simultaneous release strategy is planned to capitalize on the growing trend of “global binge‑watching” among Gen‑Z audiences.

Fan Reception & Anticipated Impact

Social media buzz surrounding the announcement is already immense. Yuna’s official Twitter account posted a teaser image of her in the HR specialist’s blazer, accompanied by the caption “Ready to work hard, and maybe even harder, on ‘My Favorite Employee.’” The tweet received over 500,000 likes within the first 24 hours.

Beyond fanfare, industry analysts are optimistic that Yuna’s participation will boost viewership metrics for Netflix’s Korean content library. The cross‑platform appeal—combining music fandom, webtoon readership, and drama enthusiasts—positions the series as a strategic investment in the next wave of Korean pop culture exports.

Conclusion

The announcement that Yuna of ITZY will star in My Favorite Employee signals a significant moment for Korean entertainment: a high‑profile idol stepping into a substantive acting role, a beloved webtoon being translated into a polished live‑action drama, and a global platform poised to bring the story to a worldwide audience. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely as the series moves from production to release, eager to see how Yuna’s performance and the adaptation’s storytelling will resonate across cultures.

Whether you’re a long‑time follower of ITZY, a webtoon enthusiast, or a casual drama viewer, My Favorite Employee promises an engaging mix of romance, humor, and relatable office drama—an addition that is sure to enrich the evolving tapestry of Korean media.