Lee Hong-ki cast as rock star in new weekend drama
by girlfriday
So, he’s playing himself? Again? Lead singer of idol rock band FT Island Lee Hong-ki is in talks to headline his first drama for a major network, on the heels of starring in the weekend cable drama Bride of the Century on TV Chosun earlier this year. The new SBS drama is called Modern Farmer, which doesn’t exactly strike me as the most evocative title for a drama about a rock star, though couldn’t you totally see it being the name of a rockabilly band?
The new SBS weekender is a 20-episode miniseries set to air in the fall. It’ll be directed by PD Oh Jin-seok of Goddess of Marriage, and writing is Kim Ki-ho of Blue Tower and the comedy variety program Roller Coaster. The comedy will be about a rock band that goes to live in a farming village. Why, I don’t know, but whatever the motivation, it’s a setup for a fish-out-of-water story that promises city-slicker shenanigans.
It seems like a role tailor-made for Lee Hong-ki. He’s considering favorably, and there’s reportedly a good chance that the other members of the drama’s band are likely to come from his agency FNC Entertainment. It seems like overload to make the whole band CN Blue Island, so I hope there’s some room for unaffiliated actors in the cast. The premise sounds light and fun, and I’m really liking the warm happy weekend dramas on SBS’s roster lately. Though to be honest, it’s actually a problem if too many weekend dramas end up being consistently good — I mean, who has the TIME?
Modern Farmer follows the 50-episode family drama Feel-Good Day, which puts the premiere in mid-October.
Via TV Report
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Tags: Lee Hong-ki
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1 Annie
July 3, 2014 at 9:07 AM
He did so well in Bride of the Century. I miss that drama.
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2 Myka
July 3, 2014 at 9:31 AM
Bride of the Century was one of the most pleasant surprises I've had! I went in with low expectations and finished it with no regrets. :'D I'm glad Hong-ki is getting more chances to develop his acting even further. :'D
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3 bibapr57
July 3, 2014 at 9:34 AM
Mmm I WANT to see him, but I also want him to spread out... He needs something challenging. Moving away from playing a musician or star can only improve his acting and prepare him for other roles... I feel conflicted about this in sooo many ways. We shall see what comes. ;)
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4 hipployta
July 3, 2014 at 9:47 AM
He was fabulous in BOTC so I'm here for it
FT Island/CNBlue have some okay actors...just not Yong Hwa
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Miria
July 3, 2014 at 10:07 PM
"...just not Yong Hwa."
I feel sad that I have to agree with that part. D: I'm a CN Blue and FT Island fan, but Yong Hwa's acting actually makes me cringe a lot (tbh, You've Fallen For Me made me want to replace him as the lead guy because I believed I could act better, no joke - and I'm a girl).
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Czmych
July 4, 2014 at 3:49 AM
agree with you... you can say a lot positive about Yong Hwa... but a good actor he is not
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miszdi
July 4, 2014 at 12:15 AM
I hope that Lee Jong-hyun & Kang Min-hyuk will be part of the cast as well. I like this guys ^^
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Remy
July 4, 2014 at 11:15 AM
Jonghyun also. The worst in FNC.
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5 jules
July 3, 2014 at 9:48 AM
Aww, I thought Park Min Woo was in talks to be the lead. Maybe next time...
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Rebekah
July 3, 2014 at 10:04 AM
Park Min Woo is going to be the other male lead. I think there is going to be some triangle in it (of course).
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kanz
July 3, 2014 at 2:33 PM
Yeah, I hear Park Min Woo is also the lead. Maybe his bandmate? Weekend dramas usually has more characters than weekdays.
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6 soprection
July 3, 2014 at 10:11 AM
I like Hongki so this is not directed at him specifically but I HATE it when musicians/celebs who are trying to transition into acting take on roles as (sometimes aspiring) actors/models/singers/dancers/top stars or whatever. I mean, how am I supposed to take you seriously as an actor if you're playing a thinly veiled version of yourself? Of course, you can emulate a musician IF YOU ALREADY ARE A MUSICIAN. Of course, it's possible they only get offered roles like that but judging by how many idols/models take on other roles in dramas, that doesn't seem to be the case in K-entertainment anyway. I mean, look at Choi Siwon (who I also like). He's played a celebrity in about three dramas now. It's like COME ON, dude. Spread your wings a little. How will your acting improve if you don't go out of the box and try to play a character that you really have to work hard to understand and relate to? Play a bad guy or a villain! Be convincingly detestable. Now that takes chops.
Anyway, that being said, this sounds like it has the makings to be a funny show and 20 episodes is possibly something I can commit to if it turns out to be good. I hope it will be.
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Gidget
July 3, 2014 at 11:37 AM
I see what you're saying. It's seemed to me that the process for transitioning idols into Korean TV actors somewhat follows the old Hollywood studio model. The aim is to leverage the entertainers public following into a variety of media channels, not turn them all into modern versions of Sir Laurence Olivier.
The good news is that - if they have a strong fan base - there are a lot of ways performers can have longevity in the entertainment industry. People will overlook flaws in a show largely on the basis of residual goodwill from an actor's past characters. And a person can carve out a great career by being a character-type actor within a genre. Its seemed to me that the main thing leading actors need to map-out well is how to choose roles that help keep them marketable as they age, marry, etc.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
July 3, 2014 at 12:59 PM
I don't mind them playing celebrities if it's a one-off and played well, like Young Junhyung of Monstar or Lee Kikwang of Twenty Years Old, who played idols in those dramas - hell, Kikwang actually played himself, same name and all! (and funnily enough, both boys belong to the same idol group).
Lee Hong-ki, to be fair to him, did not play an idol in Bride of the Century, and was pretty decent there so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. And that said, it takes a small measure of talent to even be able to play yourself on screen in a way that's convincing, so I'll give the idol actors who do that well some credit.
But like you said, actually playing characters and playing them well is important if anyone wishes to be taken seriously as an actor. Look at Im Siwan, he does just fine on that front and he's done a pretty wide range of roles.
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MariD
July 3, 2014 at 2:33 PM
Piggybacking on this also Hong-Ki was a child actor before he was an idol. Wait are the kids from CN blue @ Ft Island idols? They don't seem like it.
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maldita
July 3, 2014 at 4:08 PM
They don't dance, but their still idols in their training and packaging. They still do most of the stuff idols do, like the variety shows and all that.
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KDaddict
July 3, 2014 at 5:45 PM
Idols take on real roles, and ppl complain bitterly that they suck.
They take on these 'training' roles, at least there is the likelihood that they won't suck (so much), tho LHK didn't suck at all in BOTC.
Baby steps.
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sayee
July 3, 2014 at 10:04 PM
Some of them do have the acting chops though. I find Lee Joon to be pretty badass with his role selection.
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Arhazivory
July 4, 2014 at 12:06 AM
Well...he can only take what's being offered. Its not like he's A-list and getting hundreds of scripts for consideration. He's building an acting image for himself.
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7 snow
July 3, 2014 at 10:24 AM
I like him a lot since my You're Beautiful days....didn't watch BOTC but this one sounds fun!
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8 Mandy
July 3, 2014 at 10:40 AM
Eeeeeeee!!!
I am SO pumped up. I hope he takes this up even if it seems a little too easy a role for him. He's such a good idol actor and it would be nice to see him branch out a little. But considering his character in BOTC is very different from his usual image, I think it's alright to go back to his roots.
He's been a favourite of mine since the YB heydays, and I'm really happy he's taking his acting career seriously. I hope they cast a female lead I like. If only Eun-ji wasn't doing Trot; but there's still hope for her being in here, right? It's airing in the fall...
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9 OKDUBU
July 3, 2014 at 10:58 AM
i approve, i hope they write his character with a lot of depth. i remember how good he was as jeremy in YAB and bet he could do a lot more.
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10 Chiaki
July 3, 2014 at 10:59 AM
There is nothing interesting about this role. A musician? REALLY!! I am so disappointed by this news. After bride of the century, I expected something better from him.
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11 mystisith
July 3, 2014 at 11:04 AM
"I’m really liking the warm happy weekend dramas on SBS’s roster lately." ▶ Word. Glorious Days is absolutely adorable. Now if only Koreans could catch the happy bug in order to increase the ratings, that would be awesome.
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12 pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
July 3, 2014 at 11:28 AM
I liked Bride of the Century, it was unexpectedly good and I've thought he had the potential to be a good actor ever since the crying-on-the-bus scene in You're Beautiful.
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13 cheekbones
July 3, 2014 at 11:34 AM
I don't mind he's playing himself again. I'm just happy that he headlines anything for a major network.
Hope it's a good drama and he gets the recognition he deserves.
......and this reminds me. I still have to check out Bride Of The Century.
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thursdaynexxt
July 4, 2014 at 9:24 AM
Agreed 150%!! He's an amazing singer, a hilarious variety performer, and a pretty decent actor (as BoTC proved)!
He and his bandmates all deserve more widespread recognition, in my opinion!
Just look forward to seeing more of Hong Ki on my screen, really - thanks for the heads up!
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14 Hwari
July 3, 2014 at 11:40 AM
It will be SBS, at least it pre-confirm will air in my country, no matter how late it is. Agree with some people said that he need to spread out. At least Yonghwa got different role every time he doing drama? I wonder why is that happening to him but no to Hongki here.
So maybe we will see half of CNBLUE in this since other two got dramas. Hongki band's and maybe OST by CNB. The possibilities is endless. Maybe Lee Dong Gun will make appearance too.
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15 Chikaboum21
July 3, 2014 at 12:17 PM
A rock star again? Why Hongki? I'm a fan and I wish he could play another character than himself. He did it in The Bride Of The Century, it wasn't exceptionally good but not too bad either. He definetely had everything to be a good actor with various range. I'm a bit disappointed but I won't miss this. Hongki on my screen as himself can only be fun ^^
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16 Ek Ladhki Thi
July 3, 2014 at 12:34 PM
I love Lee Hong-ki, he was my favourite thing about You're Beautiful and I absolutely loved Bride of the Century. If they're casting CNBlue members, can they pick Kang Min-hyuk, he is so cute. Jung Yong-hwa please stay away from this drama. Those are the only members of the band I know.
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applecrumble
July 3, 2014 at 5:42 PM
Jung Yong Hwa can cameo as himself. He's actually great as himself, I think.
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Ek Ladhki Thi
July 3, 2014 at 8:34 PM
I heard he is. He kinda reminds me of Kim Hyun-joong, as himself he is so weird and lovable but his acting leaves much to be desired.
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haruka
July 3, 2014 at 8:40 PM
Too bad, I agreed with you. His cameo in Gentlemen's Dignity as himself was much more entertaining than most of his actual roles.
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xxjieunxx
July 3, 2014 at 8:32 PM
He is busy doing his The Three Musketeers...
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Remy
July 4, 2014 at 11:14 AM
He has his own drama, so no.
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17 aillee
July 3, 2014 at 1:01 PM
iam i am looking forward for both hong ki drama and yong hwa drama and to see who is best
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18 mysticmalady
July 3, 2014 at 2:05 PM
If they are gonna pick all the rest of the band members from FNC, can we please have FTI's Minhwan as the drummer, CNB's Jungshin on bass and Kwak Dongyeon on guitar?
For those who are wondering who Kwak Dongyeon is, he was most recently in Age of Feeling as the teenage Jungtae (aka Kim Hyun Joong's character).....and he is not too bad an actor ^^
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Hwari
July 4, 2014 at 6:17 AM
Jungshin currently in another drama.
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19 petirrojo
July 3, 2014 at 2:26 PM
Interesting... This sounds as if it was inspired by a pre-earthquake variety show featuring the members of the Japanese group TOKIO (lead by hottie Nagase Tomoya).
I won't complain if Hong-ki sshi gets to be his usual 4D self and sings often.
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20 Gidget
July 3, 2014 at 2:53 PM
So much potential for this show to be fun!
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21 JC
July 3, 2014 at 3:36 PM
Oooh, I'm excited for this one! Lee Hong Ki is adorable and he was so so cute and loveable in You're Beautiful, so hopefully this will be a fun and bubbly show.
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22 buu
July 3, 2014 at 5:33 PM
i don't care if he got type cast for this drama. i love Hongki and i love watching him. he entertain me :)
not many idol out there can pull off rock band vocalist tbw because they sing like an idol. idol singer is different from a front man of a band. that's why they need Hongki.
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23 owl 🦉 🫰
July 3, 2014 at 7:14 PM
I liked Lee Hong-ki in Bride of the Century and of course, You're Beautiful. So I am looking forward to this one, too. i also love the FT Island Hangul Live Korean Lessons (so far there are 3 months of weekly lessons and they promise a year's worth. Each lesson is 4 minutes). You can find all the links on my blog at http://www.cimiart.wordpress.com
I really hate the title, though,
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24 jomo143
July 3, 2014 at 7:40 PM
Love him but the PD from GOM doing comedy?
I guess so. The drunken Dragon-in-Law was funny.
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25 Mar
July 3, 2014 at 9:03 PM
I am not an F.T. Island fan (I like them, I just don't follow them). I find HK very cute with a smile that lights up the world, but not my cup of tea in regards to, uh, attraction. But. I love the roles he has taken on. He is extremely engaging. Jeremy was epic. He was good in Bride of the Century even though I found him not quite convincing as the cold chaebol-when the character thawed, he shone. In other words, unless its a straight melo or a sageuk, I'll always be down to check out a Hong-ki drama!
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thursdaynexxt
July 4, 2014 at 9:31 AM
Me too! HK is a larger-than-life character in real life, so it may sometimes get in the way of his acting, but he's so charismatic, I really don't care! Would love to go to an FTIsland concert one day!
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26 jwspazz
July 3, 2014 at 11:49 PM
okay.. if Park Minwoo is in... so can we include CNBLUE's Jonghyun at least.. I would love to see his acting again other than a small role on A Gentleman's Dignity.. or Choi Kangin from BoTC ?? or Kwak Dongyeon.. err, who else in FNC ?? I heard Yonghwa & Jungshin already have their upcoming drama respectively ?? err, or we can cast any other FTISLAND member.. errr..
okay, just anticipate this because it is Lee Hongki ! :D
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Laya
July 4, 2014 at 3:38 AM
Now that you mention it, only recently I was wishing that Jonghoon and Jaejin got drama roles too. :D
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27 capricorn
July 4, 2014 at 12:35 AM
i'm scared to watch because it so weird that a band and farming are being put together...but i will for hongki
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28 kirei
July 4, 2014 at 1:08 AM
Can i hope for something like Shut up :flower boy band??
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Goryeo princess
July 4, 2014 at 7:27 AM
Yes please!!! :) I wish for sth like that too!
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29 Goryeo princess
July 4, 2014 at 6:20 AM
I agree that Jeremy's role on YB was epic!... I also loved him on the 2 films he's starred 'til now ... and of course ...what can I say about BotC that hasn't been said yet? ... BUT (yeah, there's always a BUT), for ONCE I'd love to see him on a leading "villain" role... I think there he'd would show another registry...you know the kind of "you're-being-so-credibly-villain-I-should-hate-you-but-I-love-you-instead"...although we all know he wouldn't have a chance to get the girl...or even redeem himself ...but still...
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AFN
July 4, 2014 at 9:25 AM
@Little Red: I'm assuming you're still grieving for Lee Joon's Ryu Tae-oh in Gap Dong? Or were you referring to other antagonists?
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Goryeo princess
July 4, 2014 at 3:10 PM
Hi!
I haven't watched Gap Dong... I guess I was just thinking it'd be nice to see LHK on a more challenging role....and let's be honest...being the good guy lead it's always nice and all that (I am a big fan of LHK and I love to see him getting the ending he deserves like in his last drama) BUT I still think that he could make an awesome "good" evil/villain character...
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Goryeo princess
July 4, 2014 at 3:48 PM
Or...maybe with LHK being the villain and that, just maybe, he could end up getting his "happy ending" ....leaving the good guys loosing in the end.... well, perhaps that's too much for K-dramaland....I don't know... it's just, life isn't always fair and happy...in fact it normally is much more greedy, difficult and full of obstacles...anyway, it's just a thought...
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30 Remy
July 4, 2014 at 11:18 AM
FNC is so transparent, you can expect FNC new band featuring on this drama.
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capricorn
July 4, 2014 at 2:28 PM
i think you are probably right *gags*
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31 Abbie
July 4, 2014 at 3:57 PM
First time I'm hearing of this drama. I love Hong-ki SO much! He was splendid in BOTC, so I'm eager for him to do more lead roles. And this sounds super cute and fun. Can't wait!
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32 Mrs.Jang guem suk
July 4, 2014 at 10:19 PM
Am I the only one concerned that Goddess of marriage has anything to do with this...... I'm serious that showed had me scared for a while
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33 studiohq
July 5, 2014 at 9:19 AM
I think I became a Hong-ki fan after BOTC . I say after..I mean during. There is one scene where Doo-rim is trying to climb back over a wall but gets caught by Kang-joo before she can make it. I swaer to you guys to this day everytime i think of this series All I can see is Hong-ki's face when he looks up with that universal expression of bewilderment .." BABY?!?!? What are you doing up THERE?!?!" Dood they totally killed it. I a sorry ass fan tho, I still refer to Hong-ki as Jeremy when I speak of him.. "JUUUUULIIIEEEEE!!!!!! ..but on a serious note. I'm a drama major. One of the hardest things to pull of is comedic timing. Easy breezy is traumatic or sad characters. so I don't think it's not that Hong-ki doesn't want to do hard core gut wrenching drama, It's more about image than anything else.. I don't think these actors have much choice on that. I dunno... Im a nubie
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34 whatsthescenario
July 5, 2014 at 9:48 AM
'It’ll be directed by PD Oh Jin-seok of Goddess of Marriage'
Well, that did it for me. I'm out...anything related to GOM is an automatic FAIL for me. LOL
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35 Brian Nguyen
July 6, 2014 at 1:16 PM
I honestly didn't like Goddess of Marriage so I'm kind of worried about how this drama is going to go.... I have never watched Blue Tower before either. However, I still plan to give it a chance!
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36 Ennayra
July 6, 2014 at 6:10 PM
Lee Hong-ki surprised me in Bride of the Century, and now I like him! If he does sign up for this role, I'll be sure to check it out. :-)
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37 skez
July 7, 2014 at 2:14 AM
Lee Hong-Ki is one of my Fav K-Actors, Jang Keun Suk being number one on my list followed by Jung IL-woo...anyway am definately not gonna mis this for the world. LHK can never disapoint me
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