From the poster shoots for Age of Feeling

51 December 10, 2013December 19, 2013

by javabeans

KBS’s upcoming romantic period noir Age of Feeling has released some photos from their recent poster shoot, and they’re lookin’ pretty good. It’s kind of amazing how Kim Hyun-joong went from playing the quintessential flower boy, all prettiness and gentle demeanor, and now he looks like a pretty creditable tough guy. The transformation really begun with his role in City Conquest, but considering how we never got to actually see any of it, this will be the real debut of Rough-n-Tumble Hyun-joong.

I try not to get too excited about poster shoots or promo materials, because they can often lead you astray and you never know till the actual product is before you. But for promo stills, these are very nice ones, and capture the flavor of the period nicely. (That would be 1930s Shanghai, populated by a mix of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese characters.) Pictured in these shots are leading ladies Im Soo-hyang playing a mysterious and sexy love interest and Jin Se-yeon in the role of cheerful aspiring singer, with a mix of familiar and new faces in the supporting cast.

I’m disappointed that we still have yet to see a glimpse of Kim Jae-wook, though it’s understandable given that he was a relatively late addition. Kim plays the sensitive second lead in this drama, an art lover and music aficionado with refined tastes, which sets him up in direct opposition to the fighter hero. (Which is a bit amusing, since Kim Hyun-joong and Kim Jae-wook could easily be considered as the same “type” for most roles, looks-wise.)

The drama has just over a month left before it hits the airwaves, and I hope it’s making the most of its lead time. Age of Feeling will follow Pretty Man and premieres on January 15.

Via TV Report

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1 matinsoleil

December 10, 2013 at 2:11 PM

Kim Hyun-joong looks really determinated in the posters hope he put as much determination in his acting!! ^^

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readlead

December 11, 2013 at 10:34 AM

my wish too!!! He looks so good in poster, perhaps will surprise us too by his acting later!

Always wish the best for him! KHJ, fighting!!!

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2 Rossi

December 10, 2013 at 2:17 PM

Kimono seductress with flower tattoo looks great and already a lot more interesting than her sweet, aspiring singer counterpart. I know enough about Kdrama now to know though that Kimono lady so gonna get the shaft =/

...unless we can have her to establish a love line with Kim Jae Wook b/c that would be awesome! Especially since I'm gonna tuning in for just the Jae-wook *sob about him never being lead*

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Quiet Thought

December 10, 2013 at 2:44 PM

Now, remember, this is a noir kdrama. You should be arranging a pool where people can bet on which episode the sweet, harmless signer gets brutally killed to provide the hero with a revenge motive.

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YY Chats with Toast Between Bites

December 10, 2013 at 9:03 PM

The sweet harmless singer is actually a trained ninja assassin. TRUST. NO. ONE.

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Quiet Thought

December 11, 2013 at 2:03 PM

I wish!

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3 disfigurine

December 10, 2013 at 2:29 PM

Sorry, I can't see/feel any emotions from our leads. The ajusshis are doing a much better job at conveying emotions imo x)

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4 dearly

December 10, 2013 at 2:38 PM

His fist-fight photo aged him terribly. I thought he was an ajusshis.

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5 Tara

December 10, 2013 at 2:39 PM

I'm getting shades of Gaksital all over again, with the similar timeperiod and type of characters (and a few from that cast, JSY in particular). Now if only they don't use the same sets (*cough* Basketball *cough*), they could hopefully separate and distinguish itself from comparisons to Gaksital.

I'm still looking forward to this, even with the casting changes...I'm gonna maybe watch the first few and then gauge whether I'm gonna keep it on my to-watch list.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that KHJ won't disappoint...his acting has improved since BOF, although still not strong enough to be lead, in my opinion. I wish they'd casted stronger female leads (KSE would have been awesome, boo)...but I guess we'll have to see how JSY and ISY turn out.

I, too, think it's unfortunate that KJW keeps getting shafted to second-lead...maybe in due time (like CJW)!

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Rovi

December 11, 2013 at 9:55 AM

Of course they'd be using the same sets again that are used for '30's & '70's-period dramas, what'd you expect.

But at least it's not (though I get the "feeling" that it's like) "Gaksital" mixed with "Age of Gangsters" (that early 2000's drama portraying Song Il-guk's maternal grandfather gangster Kim Doo-han)

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Quiet Thought

December 11, 2013 at 2:04 PM

That's no big deal. Hollywood used to use the same town sets for TV westerns and movie westerns that were playing at the same time.

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Tara

December 12, 2013 at 2:04 PM

My only qualm about using the same sets as Gaksital was that I was hoping they wouldn't re-use the Angel Club set, ha. Considering both have similar characters (ex. Lala).

Of course, since there are so few dramas set in that time period, I understand the re-use of sets.

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6 ann

December 10, 2013 at 2:58 PM

A for effort to Kim Hyun Joong. I dont see any trace of Boys Over Flower here...

Congratulations to him.

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Haru

December 10, 2013 at 10:59 PM

ALMOST PAAARAAADISE~~~

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Mel

December 11, 2013 at 3:04 AM

Don't forget his white suit and white violin and silky hair!

I think he will nail this role esp when he need to be funny and sarcastic gangster!

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7 Callmechrisss

December 10, 2013 at 3:10 PM

Kim Hyung Joong has been spending quite some time shedding his pretty boy image! He did it in his music career this year (which he succeeded in) and now it seems like hes trying to rid it completely in his acting career too. I can hardly recognise him now and thats a good thing. I'm all for the sexy, rough, bad boy look!

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8 Aly

December 10, 2013 at 4:03 PM

I have been fooled way too many times by promo material. Now I always try to keep my expectations low until I see the actual drama.

But these pictures look good.

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yuka sato

December 10, 2013 at 6:11 PM

true, I was also fooled by IHYV's poster. it seemed bleh, but look what the drama gave us, best drama of the year (since that's the only drama i finished LOL)

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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉

December 11, 2013 at 6:58 PM

The rise and rise of IHYV was one of my favourite drama phenomena of the year. I mean, all of dramabeans went from 'eh?' and no buzz to 'PUPPYYYYYY!!!!" in no time flat.

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9 DayDreamer

December 10, 2013 at 4:26 PM

If I didn't know anything about the pre-production drama that went on or hadn't read comments on the male lead's less-than-stellar acting (I'm already aware of the heroine's shortcomings) or didn't feel disappointed over another Japanese occupation drama (Basketball), I would've been pretty excited for this drama just looking at these stills alone. I guess I'll just see if a lot of Beanies like it and then give it a try.

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10 houstontwin

December 10, 2013 at 4:29 PM

It seems like scratches, bruises, and grime can turn a pretty boy into a manly man.

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11 taraJJ

December 10, 2013 at 4:45 PM

wow,, kim hyun joong looks so different,, i hope his acting capability can improved with this drama so he can transformed like Joo Won did with Bridal Mask..

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12 TJ

December 10, 2013 at 5:37 PM

I think his new grown up look is so great! When I saw his video a couple of months ago he was barely recognizable from the pretty boy of BOF. Good, he's not a boy anymore anyway, he's a 27 year old man. Now he's hot. I just don't hold high hopes for a drama set during this period. Hopefully it will hold my interest because basketball certainly couldn't. I'd also like to see Kim Jae wook in something recent. I couldn't watch Taecyeon do Rain for 16 episodes with 1/4 of the charm. Scary.

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13 Eddie

December 10, 2013 at 5:57 PM

I just have this feeling that it's going to flop so hard ><

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14 Valerie Gudorf

December 10, 2013 at 6:18 PM

It's the nose. I swear, it possesses none of the delicate lines it use to have when he was a lower boy. Also, he's buffed up A LOT! Someone said in another thread that he broke his nose a while back, and its new shape comes in that aftermath. I have to say I liked the old nose better, but what the hey...now, he definitely has a more pugilistic appearance. I could just as easily see him playing the role of a prize fighter. Unfortunately, I prefer lovers over fighters. I do appreciate the more buff body, though.

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15 canxi

December 10, 2013 at 6:20 PM

Kim Hyun Joong does look good as the tough guy, so I hope he can act the role as well. The last two pictures of him are better than the first as they have some personality.

I think I would be more up for watching this if it wasn't for Jin Se Yeon whom I find very bland. Even with the elaborate hair piece and styling she still comes across as boring. And even though she and KHJ are probably the same when it comes to acting, at least he seems more into the role (for the photo shoot at least). The other lady is really working it though!

Kim Jae Wook, whyyy? )': I wanna watch you but I don't wanna watch you not get the girl you want again. *clenches fist*

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tita

December 11, 2013 at 12:50 AM

dont underestimate jsy... seeing is believing... though she may still be young but.. I believe in her caliber to act....acting is not always be made but also born...

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canxi

December 11, 2013 at 10:20 AM

Eh, not underestimating. Just not here for watching someone try to act in their lead role when they aren't at that level yet. It's the same for Kim Hyun Joong as well though I am more curious as to how he may fare in a different genre than what he has been doing previously.

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16 Valerie Gudorf

December 10, 2013 at 6:22 PM

Along with the image change, which is most certainly deliberate, I'll bet he's been hard at work on his acting skills. He'll probably surprise many of his detractors. Let's hope.

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17 Thandy

December 10, 2013 at 6:31 PM

I want to watch a drama where Kim Jae Wook is the lead , is that too much to ask

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18 YY Chats with Toast Between Bites

December 10, 2013 at 7:09 PM

So many characters sigh....can't we just have KHJ and kimono girl in a bitter-sweet casablanca-ish drama?

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19 Abbie

December 10, 2013 at 9:16 PM

I cannot tell you how EXCITED(!!!!!) I am for this drama. It marks the return of Kim Hyun-joong to my computer screen, with, hopefully, much better (read: improved) acting skills. But even without them, I'll watch this since it sounds so SO good. Plus, KHJ is just good to look at. He looks fantastic in these pics, and I definitely like the noir feel of all of them. I wonder who the actual female lead is, i.e. the one he'll end up with.

Still, can't wait for this!

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readlead

December 11, 2013 at 10:46 AM

well, since it's noir drama, dont put high expectation for the real OTP. The romance in Cruel City, I love and hate it at same time, love for not-dragging-love-plot but hate it for uncertain feeling the lead male to lead female :( perhaps in this one, there'll be the certain feeling between OTP :D

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Abbie

December 11, 2013 at 11:49 AM

Yeah, the romance in that was weird; I liked and hated it at the same time. Even so, I hope this has an actual love-line in it. My dramas need romance!

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20 TimeOut

December 10, 2013 at 9:45 PM

I'll second comments that state Kim Hyung Joong has spent the better part of a year shedding the flower boy image. I too was surprised when I saw his Unbreakable MV earlier this year. He chopped of the flowing blond locks, added tons of muscle and looks like a man comfortable in his own Skin. I don't know if his acting will be any better, I guess we will have to wait and see. I've never watched a kdrama during this time period not sure what to expect.

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21 Daria

December 10, 2013 at 10:06 PM

KHJ - his nose continuous to experience transformation.

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22 Perrie

December 11, 2013 at 12:07 AM

Praying that this kids acting skills have some how improved

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23 kooriyuki

December 11, 2013 at 12:52 AM

Kim Hyun Joong is like, the opposite of Jang Geun Seok. The former, a pretty boy to tough fighter; the latter, a tough fighter (looks) to a pretty boy

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24 Jenny

December 11, 2013 at 2:16 AM

looks intriguing
But seriously, Japanese hair ornaments do not look like that nor did the hairstyles.
You had more modern looks (like fingercurls), only traditional entertainers like geisha wore their hair in traditional styles.
Can't say about the kimono just based on that pic though, but it looks like you can see through all the layers which is not correct. it's always a letdown that small details aren't paid attention too. sigh
Don't know much a bout men's kimono though, except with hakama (the trousers) it is always more official.

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25 Viki

December 11, 2013 at 2:33 AM

Somehow looking at the concept of this drama, I just don't want to watch it. Gasiktal was already too much for me to bare...but I wanna see if Kim Hyun Joong have improved.

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26 Mel

December 11, 2013 at 3:00 AM

I'm giving an A for Kim Hyun Joong transformation on the poster above.

But still have to wait for his acting to give him a C+ or B (hehe). Please don't take this seriously, it just for fun in giving him grades :-)

I like actor/actress who like to challenge their acting ability, KHJ is one of them for this drama.

Good luck Hyun-joong shi!

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27 Julia the Berkshire Beanie

December 11, 2013 at 3:44 AM

KHJ looks like he would fit right in "The Last Tycoon". Surprising to see him so tough looking. I am intrigued.

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28 shisuisen

December 11, 2013 at 4:24 AM

This drama looked interesting based on the poster... until I realised that the main male lead is Kim Hyun Joong. And Kim Jae Wook being the second male lead. AGAIN! And in a drama with main male lead with questionable acting skills. Sigh.

On the other hand, the supporting casts seemed much more interesting than the mains. Might check out this drama then~ Maybe.

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29 thursdaynexxt

December 11, 2013 at 4:34 AM

Yeah, I actually acquired a lot of respect for him while watching Barefoot Friends (I first saw him in BoF - needless to say, I wasn't initially convinced that he was a good actor).

On BF, he was really serious and dedicated, and he had a bit of a cool, tough image - certainly compared to YSY! Their caravan song writing (aka "hunting") trip was pretty funny :D

As for Kim Jae-wook, is there some kinda conspiracy against him?! Or is he just being reaaally picky about his roles?

Noir reminds me of Kyung-sang Morning and Anthony - I'll definitely give this one a shot!

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Abbie

December 11, 2013 at 6:26 PM

Barefoot Friends (as well as his Unbreakable MV) really changed my opinion of Kim Hyun-joong. He seemed really reserved, yet cool and strong. He turned from a flower boy into a tough guy, which I like. Flower boys are good and all, but at the end of the day, I like tough guys.

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30 niKai

December 11, 2013 at 5:45 AM

i agree about the stills. they look awesome.

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31 beggar1015

December 11, 2013 at 2:05 PM

I have to admit I would never have recognized the beat-up guy as the same piece of wood who was in Boys Over Flowers and Playful Kiss.

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32 Oomiak

December 11, 2013 at 5:01 PM

Brilliant art direction ... I hope the writing is sophisticated as well ...

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33 Turkish Rose

December 12, 2013 at 9:58 AM

I remember coming across kim hyun joong's music video "unbreakable" and was shocked that it was him. an awesome transformation, and I can't wait to see him here. I've seen BF and he just seems so quite and reserved yet confident.

I've heard how he donated over $100'00 and how much time he takes to spend with his fans, made me really respect him as a person. I truely wish him happiness both in his professional life as well as his personal.