In yet another case of unexplained, unexpected news, rookie actress Kim Joo Hyun has been dropped from the lead female role of the upcoming SBS drama 'My Sassy Girl'. 

Back in June, SBS held Korea's first ever public auditions to choose the right actress that viewers wanted to see for the female lead role, who'd be acting opposite male lead Joo Won in the drama remake of the popular film. Rookie actress Kim Joo Hyun earned the honor against 1,800 competitors, earning congratulations from everyone anticipating the drama. 

However, the drama's producers relayed a sudden change of plans on August 4. Some are attributing the change to South Korea's newly placed THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system. The drama started out as a dual, Chinese-Korean production, but due to China's stance on the policy after the THAAD announcement, previous ties have been broken, and 'My Sassy Girl' will continue as a Korean drama production instead. 

The production team has yet to determine who will replace Kim Joo Hyun. Stay tuned for updates.