After fulfilling his mandatory military service, singer-turned-actor Lee Seung-gi will be back on the small screen with tvN’s upcoming adventure drama “Hwayugi.”

The creators of the drama confirmed Friday that Lee will play the lead role of Son Oh-gong in the show based on 16th-century Chinese novel “Journey to the West.” The series will center on how Son, a self-indulgent yet charismatic demon, and Woo Ma-wang, an elegant and gentle demon played by actor Cha Seung-won, together venture into a turbulent human world and fight their nemesis to bring peace to mankind.  

According to the show’s staff, the Son character was developed with Lee in mind and they convinced the actor to take on “Hwayugi” as his first project after being discharged from the military.

“Hwayugi,” which will also star actresses Oh Yeon-seo, Kim Ji-soo, Lee Hong-ki of FT Island and rapper One, is set to premiere on Dec. 23 at 9 p.m.

Lee made his debut as a singer in 2004 and has since expanded his career into acting and variety shows. 

Lee finished his mandatory military service on Tuesday.

(lotus@heraldcorp.com)