Trot Lovers courts Jung Eun-ji, Sohn Ho-joon
by girlfriday
Yay, Jung Eun-ji (That Winter The Wind Blows, Answer Me 1997) would make a perfect heroine for Trot Lovers, the new KBS summer rom-com about a wannabe trot singer who breaks into the biz. Funny story: when rumors surfaced and quickly died about IU being courted for the role, javabeans and I sat around wondering who they’d cast next, and I swear the words out of her mouth were, “It has to be Jung Eun-ji. Who else is there?” Turns out JB has a future in fortunetelling, because now the offer is out to Jung Eun-ji to star. Next, we ask JB for lotto picks!
Ji Hyun-woo (Queen Inhyun’s Man) is already a lock for the leading man, a genius superstar songwriter who will turn the no-name talented heroine into a star. He turns his nose up at low-brow trot music, but the heroine can’t live without trot. It’s a quirky trait to be sure, and the role calls for a young twentysomething singer with a strong voice in any genre, hence the very limited pool of actresses who meet the qualifications. Jung Eun-ji is best when bubbly and comedic, and she and Ji Hyun-woo should make for an adorable pair.
Also joining the cast is Sohn Ho-joon (Full Sun, Answer Me 1994), in a semi-Answer Me reunion of sorts. He’ll be playing Ji Hyun-woo’s manager, and his character also dreams of being a trot singer someday. I’m excited that he’s going back to comedy; Jung Eun-ji too because because they’re both really funny. They each followed up their Answer Me stints with somber dramas, so it makes me happy that they’ll be in a rom-com where they get to be geeky over something like trot. It seems perfectly fitting somehow, like starring in throwback dramas makes throwback music right up their alley.
Trot Lovers follows Big Man in June.
RELATED POSTS
- Shin Sung-rok in consideration for Trot Lovers
- Ji Hyun-woo signs on as Trot Lovers’ haughty hero
- Ji Hyun-woo considers Trot Lovers as army comeback project
- Eric offered lead in rom-com drama Trot Lovers
- KBS trots out trot drama Trot Lovers
- Answer Me 1997′s cast drops by 1994 for cameos
- Answer Me 1994: Episode 1
- Interview with Answer Me 1997′s Jung Eun-ji
- Answer Me 1997: Episodes 1-2
Tags: Jung Eun-ji, Sohn Ho-joon, Trot Lovers
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1 Mama J
May 14, 2014 at 7:03 AM
This just sounds better and better, frankly.
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madame kim
May 14, 2014 at 9:03 AM
Hahaha, YES! I was vouching for this too.
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zaizai
May 14, 2014 at 12:01 PM
I so want this to happen because I want to see her back and acting, but I'm torn because she's like the center for APink and if she's acting esp in a main role all group activities basically stop. Gah.
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Laden
May 14, 2014 at 12:58 PM
She should 'do eeeet' :D
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2 CrazyRedHairMireu
May 14, 2014 at 7:06 AM
Yay Eunji! She's living proof that not all idol actors suck. And she's just generally so charming, you can't help but to want to route for her and her vocals are phenomenal. If she signs on I'll tune in.
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bd2
May 14, 2014 at 10:27 AM
Thought she was good in AM1997, but still needed more depth for emotional scenes.
As idols go, AM1997 castmates SIG and Hoya were a bit more developed in expressing varied emotions.
But as idols (female) go, she's definitely up there tho I might give Eun-jung the nod (tho she actually started as a child actress).
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skelly
May 14, 2014 at 2:43 PM
I agree. I thought she was spot-on in Answer Me, but her character in TWTWB was unfocused. I felt like she was out of her depth; some actors can figure out what to do with a character that hasn't been fully fleshed out, others are at a loss, especially newbies. This drama seems to be much more in her wheelhouse.
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Alexis
May 14, 2014 at 3:22 PM
Yes, this. She has a lot of raw acting talent and natural charm so she was pretty flawless in Reply. But the character of Heesun itself and that side storyline in TWTWB was so undeveloped and she was still relatively inexperienced that it was hard for her to bring another dimension to it. She wasn't bad at all, but she didn't live up to the earlier performance.
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omoni
May 15, 2014 at 12:55 AM
I think she's adorable and passable actress. Natural born actress but need more depth in her acting.
IU, Eunji, Eunjung and even Yoona has potential, natural and need a right partner to bring up the best in each other (just like Uee, I ONLY gained my trust in her acting after seeing her performance with Joo-won in Ojakkyo Brothers). Idol also need to be in a good drama and good PD to guide them.
I dunno about Sulli's acting, but I think she's okay. The girl keep getting offer in a movie (she has 2 movies coming her way this year).
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Jyyjc
May 15, 2014 at 3:14 AM
You're so right about the charm. I even find her likable on variety shows because she's one of those idol girls who aren't all prissy and coy. Basically the feeling I get from her is that she just doesnt give a f*ck. I mean that in the best way. She would be perfect for this role!
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3 mmeuh
May 14, 2014 at 7:08 AM
KYAAA I've been waiting for soooo long for Eunji comeback in dramaland! omg *excited*** and the plot sounds interesting, I like dramas with musical and entertainment industry BG and Eunji is going to sing trot! ohmy I really can't wait XDDD and Ji Hyun-woo is definitely a plus!
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4 mo0mi
May 14, 2014 at 7:11 AM
that drama doesn't have a very appealing plot, but now that the casting is starting to look really good, i might watch it. and i'm still wondering, is this comedy or drama? i heard both being mentioned regarding this one so i'm confused, if there is an inch of comedy i will be pleased. so sick of depressing plots..
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5 Kiara
May 14, 2014 at 7:18 AM
Double Yay! Exciting news. Eunji is a natural and I hope she'll say yes. Please pretty please with cherry on top.
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6 yonghwagf
May 14, 2014 at 7:37 AM
Omg im so happy now yayyyyy pls accept it, i rly miss eunji and is glad to see her being offered a main female lead role on a major channel she really deserves it after bring the easily forgotten second lead in TWTWB
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7 fun-lugha-swahili
May 14, 2014 at 7:44 AM
Well since JHW is single again I dont have to feel guilty about shipping them-just no more public confessions young man, clear?!!
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aafa83
May 14, 2014 at 8:41 AM
Wait, did JHW & YIN really break up ? When did this happen?
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Dila
May 14, 2014 at 9:06 AM
They broke up after two years of dating. Which is sad 'cause I love seeing them together. *heart breaking into pieces*
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
May 14, 2014 at 9:28 AM
ah, well, we'll always have QIHM.
It can't have been easy for them considering he spent most of those two years in the army, I just hope they're allowed to get on with their lives in peace, especially YIN.
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fab
May 14, 2014 at 11:53 AM
They broke up after he got out of the army?
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Shadow-chan
May 15, 2014 at 6:14 AM
That's at least when they announced it.
I wouldn't be surprised if they already broke up earlier and just waited to announce it until he was discharged (cause I guess otherwise everyone in Sk would have hated on YIN to break up with the guy while he was in the army, no matter the truth...)
cosset
May 15, 2014 at 12:57 AM
Speaking of break-up
MGY and KB also! Just read the news on Soompi today. Ooof.
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8 gia
May 14, 2014 at 7:44 AM
YAY! I like Jung Eun-Ji!
I really hope it's more light-hearted than full on drama but whatever, we have *hopefully* JEJ on board! :D
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9 boholanna
May 14, 2014 at 7:50 AM
Now, I'm excited. She does quirky really well.
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10 yuuki
May 14, 2014 at 7:57 AM
If it's with Jung eun ji..I'm in!! I consider her as a good actress and singer..really..she's great, not crappy, like other idols..
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11 john
May 14, 2014 at 7:58 AM
Jung Eun-ji !?! Squee.
Please accept.
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12 haruka
May 14, 2014 at 8:06 AM
Do eeeeeet, girl!
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13 crazedlu
May 14, 2014 at 8:17 AM
What I'm not thrilled about is the casting Ji Hyun-woo. He's okay. I don't know anyone else I would've put in the role, but I'm just meh about him. Jung Eun-ji I'm excited about!!!
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14 norr
May 14, 2014 at 8:17 AM
Yay!! Perfect.
I love both IU and Eun-ji. So I'm okay with either one of them.
*uhuk* just read abt the break-up news this morning *uhuk*
Now, I just want IU with Joo Won in Nodame later in October!!!
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Annie
May 14, 2014 at 9:02 AM
NGL, my immediate thought was that this frees IU up to do Nodame. She and Joo Won would be oh so cute together.
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hellomello
May 14, 2014 at 7:58 PM
IU has been playing very similar characters though (with the exception of Dream High), so I would be disappointed if she were in Nodame.
I thought there were rumors of Shim Eunkyung for it though - she would be a great fit, plus she's a better actress and might actually do it justice.
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Mar&Mar
May 15, 2014 at 1:15 AM
As long as they cast twenty-something actress for Joo Won, I'm okay. I HAVE TRUST IN KBS CASTING.
Love both IU and SEK
Just dont go cast someone in their 30s to act younger in that drama.
Aigoo, sorry for the unnecessary ranting here. Hehe. Sorry Trot Lovers' fan!
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15 liz
May 14, 2014 at 8:29 AM
Yay Eunji can sing and act so I'm excited.
Though every time they go with ''the leading girl wants to be a singer'' but they end up not showing many scenes with the actress singing at all... .
Eunji singing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeC3P8P5b6s
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john
May 14, 2014 at 8:47 AM
liz ~
I can't watch just one.
If I Leave
I luff her.
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katey
May 15, 2014 at 5:07 AM
Thank you for the link. She sang that song beautifully. I had goosebumps the moment she opened her mouth!
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hellomello
May 14, 2014 at 8:07 PM
More importantly, she actually sings trot very very well. Usually trot singers have a certain kind of vibrato and sound and idol/pop singers can't pull it off.
Plus trot is kind of a "country" thing, and she totally has that warm country feel to her (in the best possible way).
About 2:30 in: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6q5_g-kkbls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvtsFnQ14lg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7quE639FKc
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16 Aly
May 14, 2014 at 8:33 AM
Another actress I considered as a potential heroine was Kim Ji Won. She already sang in "What's Up" and her popularity rose after "Heirs". Except I think she's doing "Gap Dong" right now.
Anyways... I have no expectations for this drama. I'm in a "wait and see" mode.
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17 Niki
May 14, 2014 at 8:34 AM
I'm in if Eun Ji takes this. Though i'm not too thrilled about Ji Hyun Woo. I know he's a musician on the sides and a good actor but...maybe its because he's always been paired with noonas that pairing him with a much MUCH younger actress seems abit off to me. Oh well....
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Megumi
May 14, 2014 at 9:02 AM
I think Ji Hyun Woo is a perfect fit for this role, he's an experienced actor and has talents in the musical department, whether it be singing, playing guitar or composing songs, in this case he should be the one worrying about the casting of Eunji as she's not exactly a ratings hit kind of actress and she has been involved in some scandals. It's more risk to cast someone like her than to cast someone like Ji Hyun Woo.
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Tina
May 14, 2014 at 9:20 AM
Eunji's past dramas were all successful hits with Reply hitting the highest ratings for cable dramas and then TWTWB had like a 20% + ratings, i think she's a cabable lead
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
May 14, 2014 at 9:27 AM
20 percent ratings for TWTWB? Are you sure, because I checked the Neilsen ratings for that show and their highest ratings for a single episode topped out at 15% (12-13% average)
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Niki
May 14, 2014 at 9:29 AM
You've missed my point entirely. What i meant was seeing him act opposite a much younger actress comes across as weird for me because he gives me a mature-vibe due to his noona pairings (from his older projects). What has Eunji's 'scandal' (my first time hearing this) or ability to garner ratings has anything to do with my opinion that Ji Hyun Woo is manly matured?
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Annie
May 14, 2014 at 9:58 AM
Pairing cynical maturity with idealistic innocence is the oldest trope in romance... not sure what's so odd about it.
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Niki
May 14, 2014 at 10:04 AM
You also missed my point.
To each his/her own.
Annie
May 14, 2014 at 10:20 AM
@Niki,
Not sure what your point is besides 'mature guys should be paired with older girls'.
TiaL
May 14, 2014 at 2:13 PM
Dont worry Niki i get your point. idk why others are getting so defensive about it. niki thinks this pairing is odd and i agree. ji hyun woo looks a bit old for jung eun ji. imo i would have ji hyun woo play someone who is strictly a mentor to eun ji's character and have sohn ho joon play the romantic counterpart.
TiaL
May 14, 2014 at 2:20 PM
Dont worry Niki, i get your point. idk why others are getting so defensive about it tho. Niki thinks this pair looks odd and i agree. he looks too old for her. if i was the writer i would make ji hyun woo strictly a mentor to eun ji's character and have sohn ho joon play her romantic counterpart.
Aigoooo
May 14, 2014 at 3:47 PM
It does seem a bit weird but I am more worried about my suspension of disbelief in that pairing since now I only see Ji Hyun Woo as Yoo In Na's boyfriend. hehe Seriously though, if Lee Beom Soo and Yoona were able to show great chemistry in PM and I (disregarding the crappy ending) then anything is possible.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
May 14, 2014 at 9:32 AM
judging by recent k-ent/kpop news, though, Eun-ji's group has become fairly successful over the last year and she is the best-known among them so if anything, her name recognition is higher than ever. It's actually a good time to be casting her.
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18 Muenchabench
May 14, 2014 at 8:47 AM
Efff. Yeah.! Plus now both 97' leads will have shows this summer that I may not have seen otherwise. Now if only the parents could get a spinoff show...
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19 Lilian
May 14, 2014 at 8:51 AM
Ooh...I like the cast. Ho Joon was wasted in Full Sun though. Wished they had given him a bigger role to play with. He has potential...Eun Ji too was similarly wasted in That Winter , the Wind Blows....this should make a good comeback for her.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
May 14, 2014 at 9:30 AM
I actually made it through 16 episodes of that drama only for the sake of her and Kim Bum, she didn't get too much to do but what she did, she did pretty well (primarily good chemistry with Bummie)
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20 cloverZ
May 14, 2014 at 8:56 AM
I'm actually really excited for this one. I hope Eunji officially joins the cast!
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21 Love drama
May 14, 2014 at 9:20 AM
I also read that Moon Geun Young was offered the role, but she refused with IU. IU focuses on his music and I think it will mGy busy with film "SADO"
I am glad to see Eunji for this , she has just confirmed !
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Love drama
May 14, 2014 at 9:30 AM
Sorry it's IU
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22 pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
May 14, 2014 at 9:25 AM
oooh yes, she's one of the most natural actors of her generation, idol or no, she has the pipes to back it up - and YES to her finally getting her shot at network lead!
I was afraid she was going to end up neglected after 1997/TWTWB but it seems her group has had a bit of a rise in popularity recently so if this means Eunji moves to leading lady status, it is an excellent thing.
(now please let this drama be good)
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23 Stephanie
May 14, 2014 at 9:54 AM
JUNG EUNJI! and Sohn Ho-joon! I love both of them. I really love IU too, but Eun Ji is better at acting and IU already had her leading KBS role already.
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tokki
May 14, 2014 at 10:14 AM
Eunji is not better actress than IU. They are equal in acting level. It's just that eunji has received better drama offer. Eunji still lacks on emotional scene.
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24 Miloplease
May 14, 2014 at 9:56 AM
I'm so happy about this because KBS world, so my mum would definitely be able to watch this.
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25 space kablooie
May 14, 2014 at 10:20 AM
There's a clip of her singing trot when she guested on 4 men and a woman. I can't find it right now, but she was good.
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26 krikkrik
May 14, 2014 at 10:21 AM
yay! excited for her new work if she decides to join this drama ! :D hv been a fan of her since RM1997
#outoftopic has DB changed its layout? :) or im kinda late in noticing. mine is blueish and ... hard to explain. its diff compared to before :)
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27 yaggy
May 14, 2014 at 10:23 AM
I don't understand this hype about eunji. Reply me was hit bcoz it was good drama not eunji was in it. She is not as good actress as people makes it. She was so passable in song hye kyo's drama. She lacks so much as an actress. Her some scenes are cringe worthy. I think sooyung is better idol actress than her.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
May 14, 2014 at 10:59 AM
Sooyoung is easily one of the best idol actresses around, but 1997 was literally Eun-ji's first acting job ever, which she took on at the age of 18 with virtually no training in acting. Even if I didn't know all that, she still did a good job.
She's not a perfect actress, but unlike some, she's got the potential to get better as she grows because there is some raw talent already there.
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mmeuh
May 14, 2014 at 11:45 AM
You can say that Eunji's acting is still lacking but girl has proven her potential. Reply was her first acting role and to me the drama wouldn't be the same without her. Note: I didn't know a thing about Apink or who she was before Reply so that says alot how I became fond of her after the drama. Just like Kim Ji Won in Heirs lol
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
May 14, 2014 at 12:37 PM
Seconded, on both Eun-ji and Kim Ji-won. I didn't even know she was an idol until I checked her wiki page after finishing the drama.
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klir
May 14, 2014 at 2:52 PM
I am the opposite , i think Eunji is a great actress and i honestly don`t see anything special about Sooyoung, she is overacting and is a bit annoying. I actually like Yoona as an actress much more than Sooyoung.
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Silverteem
May 14, 2014 at 3:01 PM
I dissent and agree on all actresses concerned. I like Eun Ji, Sooyoung, and Kim Ji Won. They're all great actresses, given what their respective occupations are.
Out of SNSD, I definitely think Sooyoung is the best actress and have potential on a more pivotal career shift.
Eunji, is not as 'great' as others frame her to be but I believe she acted naturally her role on Reply because it had a great script that complemented her real life persona.
Kim Ji Won, is awesome, it's a shame she hasn't landed a lead role since What's Up.
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28 bd2
May 14, 2014 at 10:28 AM
Probably will give this a shot just for the casting, esp.SHJ.
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29 lenrasoon
May 14, 2014 at 10:44 AM
Jung Eun-ji? yaaaaaaaassssss.
I really hope Eun Ji takes this role, she have a lovely voice and she's funny so she's perfect for this.
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30 duchess
May 14, 2014 at 10:51 AM
this is a positive move cos jung eun ji is all up in our face musically in her group apink and now she will be a wannabe singer in a drama,in reply me 97 she was an idol fan.i thnk people will want to watch dis drama to see the chemistry btw her and ji hyun woo now he's single again.
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31 Dramafed1782
May 14, 2014 at 11:43 AM
-This is totally unrelated to the article- But JB, do you think we could have a foretelling for Nodame? I really hope Han Groo could be that character. I think she has the capability and the wackiness of portraying it......Please, please, please....
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
May 14, 2014 at 12:38 PM
I would be thrilled if Han Groo could do it, she was great in Girl K and Can We Get Married. And she's about the right age, too - only 21!
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bd2
May 14, 2014 at 9:57 PM
HG would be great.
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omoni
May 15, 2014 at 12:47 AM
Sometimes you need a strong agency to back you up too.
And KBS and most of TV stations have their on 'preferred' actor and actress.
Han Groo is adorable and she was badas in Girl K, but I don't find her has the IT aura... maybe not yet.
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32 fab
May 14, 2014 at 12:06 PM
I like! My knowledge of trot music is very little, but this is kdrama- they'll make it fun(or not)...
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33 Hmm
May 14, 2014 at 1:56 PM
I called this! I said they should cast EunJi rather than IU.
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34 Aigoooo
May 14, 2014 at 3:31 PM
I love Eun Ji's smile. I'm sure she'll be great in this drama since the role plays to all her strengths. IU would have be okay in the role too but I think, of the two, Eun Ji has the more powerful voice. She's got that Aretha Franklin/Tina Turner thing going on.
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35 damai
May 14, 2014 at 8:40 PM
Please be daebak. Please be daebak. Please be daebak. Please be daebak. Please be daebak. Please be daebak. Please be daebak. Please be daebak. Please be daebak. PLEASE BE DAEBAK, DRAMA!
ACK! We have Ji hyun woo and now my ultimate bias Jung Eunji. I will pray hard so this drama will be daebak.
But wae, I slightly doubt the drama will be daebak. Yes, I doubt the plot. And it makes me sad. It's me who doubt it in the first place when the actors are all my fav. Ack! I'm sick!
Then, maybe, I shouldn't put my anticipation so high. Sigh. Can I?
And Eunji, sigh, even though I'm so happy for her comeback, I'm afraid that she's going to be so tired. The apink comeback hasn't stop yet, and she still has musical schedule, and now drama for June. Please be healthy Eunji-ya..
One more important thing. Ji hyun woo, he's one of good kisser actor, isn't he? Woops. Why I mention this thing? Ack! I'm dirty fan!!
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36 Chandler
May 14, 2014 at 9:51 PM
OMG YES. JUST YES. AND NOW.
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37 katey
May 15, 2014 at 4:55 AM
I love both of them! Really hopes this pans out and the story doesn't suck, especially in the second half.
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38 Tara
May 15, 2014 at 1:27 PM
This is welcome news! When the possible names were being floated around earlier, the very first name that came to mind for me was Jung Eun-ji.
Of course, the fact being she's a real singer helps, but I think she'd be awesome as an up-and-coming trot singer. She's one of the few idol actors that can act, if Answer Me 1997 was any indication. If she confirms, I'd watch this -- even if Eric declined :(
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39 byuldreamer
May 16, 2014 at 1:19 PM
this drama is so on my To-Watch list...sounds soo fun.
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