Byun Yo-han offered starring role in new tvN rom-com
by girlfriday
Talk about your rising stars. We all know that tvN’s mega-hit Misaeng did wonders for its entire cast, but no one’s star traveled as far and as fast as Byun Yo-han’s. The 29-year-old actor went from virtual unknown indie film regular to the quirky and hilarious Han Seok-yul in Misaeng (his television debut, no less), and now he’s being courted to headline his very own tvN drama this spring.
The new series is a romantic comedy called Ex-Girlfriend Club, the latest project from PD Kwon Seok-jang of Miss Korea, Golden Time, and Pasta. After 24 years at MBC, PD Kwon left the network this past June, and has joined independent drama production company JS Pictures (Nine, Two Weeks, A New Leaf). Ex-Girlfriend Club will be his first drama outside of MBC, and he’ll be teaming up with writer Lee Jin-mae of My Country Calls and I Am Sam.
The drama is about a man who’s obsessed with his present girlfriend’s past boyfriends, and a woman who’s obsessed with her ex-boyfriend’s present girlfriend. Ha, that sounds about right. Isn’t that like, every relationship ever? Byun Yo-han is being courted to play the leading man, a webtoon artist and philanthropist who’s warm and friendly to everyone he meets.
He’s a people person whose contact list is overflowing with women’s phone numbers, and he also happens to be totally clueless about what a source of stress that is for his girlfriend. The character description paints him as more of an idiot about those things, and not intentionally a player; he just makes friends with anyone very easily. His naivety is his charm, and he’s somehow smart but kind of dopey at the same time. Aw, he sounds adorable.
I can totally picture Byun in the part — he’s got fantastic comedic chops and a knack for pulling off unlikable behavior while still remaining lovable. Goodness knows that’s an important trait to have if you’re going to play a dramaland hero. It’s pretty amazing that he’s being fast-tracked to leading man in his second TV show ever, but I guess when you debut in the It Drama and do an incredible job, there’s no slowing that train down. Okay, I think the world is ready for Heartbreaker Byun Yo-han to enter the room. All we need is a great leading lady, and I’ve got something to look forward to this spring.
Ex-Girlfriend Club follows Superdaddy Yeol (which follows Heart to Heart) on Fridays and Saturdays in May.
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Tags: Byun Yo-han, Ex-Girlfriend Club
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1 Era.t
February 11, 2015 at 3:06 AM
Yay!!love him!!
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adelaide
February 11, 2015 at 11:19 AM
wow, about time! He did great in Misaeng, and I guess, that was a really lucky break. oh, but in the month of May, that's years away! ... but we will be waiting, hope this would push thru.
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2 porninja
February 11, 2015 at 3:06 AM
I'm grinning so wide right now - this is such great news! He was a revelation in Misaeng and I'm so happy his next project sounds right up my alley. He's definitely got the charm to carry off a rom-com. Excited to find out who'll be casted opposite him.
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3 Orion
February 11, 2015 at 3:11 AM
If one-faced pretty newbies can get leading roles in stuff fast, then it's more than fair good new actors get given some opportunities they have earned. Plus, with indie work behind him, he has probably proven his acting chops even before 'Misaeng'.
More of this, please. If you want to make people into stars, at least choose those who have got what it takes in terms of acting. Plenty of new and under-the-radar talent out there, young folks as well.
I'll follow this, although it sounds like a relationship mess. But hey, if it's rom-com, it will be a fun relationship mess.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
February 11, 2015 at 8:49 AM
Consider every part of your comment co-signed, but especially this one:
If you want to make people into stars, at least choose those who have got what it takes in terms of acting.
I'm sick and tired of people getting drama roles when they obviously lack the required skill (and it happens a lot, despite noises made about "getting better!" and "give him/her a chance!"), which is why this casting makes me even happier - it's good to see a talented actor actually get a shot at lead after an excellent supporting performance.
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wakekke
February 11, 2015 at 2:51 PM
Where's the "Like" button?
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achiara
February 11, 2015 at 9:02 AM
hhh I feel your pain. Most of the news have been disappointing lately but this just gave me hope. Something is at least being done right in the middle of this mess that dramaland has become
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4 serafina
February 11, 2015 at 3:24 AM
Was waiting for this to finally happen, he was my favorite part of Misaeng and I think he'd fit a rom-com perfectly~
Not to mention I legitimately loved "Miss Korea" and think it's criminally underrated so I'm stoked for the next project from that PD
How awesome would it be if they cast someone like Han Groo as the female lead??? She was so spectacular is MnD and her rom-com chops are PROVEN, I can totally imagine her and BYH playing off each other perfectly hehe
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soprection
February 11, 2015 at 5:20 AM
Han Groo would be killer in this role but I doubt they'll offer her another leading lady role when they just had her as one last year. It's a shame though. She does crazy funny so well. But hopefully they'll give another lesser known or under-rated actress the part so she can shine like Han Groo did in MnD.
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nomad
February 11, 2015 at 6:15 AM
oohh...I miss Han Groo already...
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Chandler
February 11, 2015 at 6:57 AM
I'm not sure why that's any reason they wouldn't offer it to her...
I mean, Seo Hyun-jin just went right from Three Musketeers to Let's Eat 2 and considering Marriage Not Dating was a bigger hit, I think that should be no reason why they would avoid casting her for another drama in a leading role.
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Chandler
February 11, 2015 at 6:59 AM
Him and Han Groo would be a perfect match!!!
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sogazelle
February 11, 2015 at 7:20 AM
I think so too...That guy can act...He was one of my favorite character in Misaeng...I totally dig him.
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TurkishRose ♥JCW❤
February 11, 2015 at 7:53 AM
@sogazelle he was also my favorite character on misaeng, his character was just Daebaek. I hope he succeeds with his first starring role❤
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btsxfangirl94
February 12, 2015 at 11:37 AM
yeees to thiss!! I love them both together they would be amazing
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Onion
February 11, 2015 at 9:34 AM
OMG! Byun Yo Han and Han Groo? BRILLIANT IDEA!
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kuaci
February 12, 2015 at 3:44 AM
Hangroo?? Yes please. That would be awwwwesome
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5 cloud9
February 11, 2015 at 3:26 AM
Aw I love him! The plot sounds interesting. Will definitely look forward to this. Hope they cast a good female lead.
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
February 11, 2015 at 8:52 AM
I have my fingers crossed that for the female lead, it's tvN so I don't think they'll blindly go for idols or anyone lacking in talent but I hope they give some younger talent a break.
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6 florie
February 11, 2015 at 3:36 AM
Yay coz I totally dig this guy! XD
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7 missjb
February 11, 2015 at 3:42 AM
I really think he is the only star worth rising in among his co-star in Misaeng around his age. The rst minus veteran actor were just decent. Not exactly spectacular.
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8 Kimmy
February 11, 2015 at 3:45 AM
Best casting news in a while. Good network + good actor + hilarious premise not based off a webtoon (haha.) = I am sold.
Plus, think of all the meta opportunities. The character is a webtoon artist - so many opportunities to insert Misaeng & Suk Yool!! Obsession with his girlfriend's ex? Insert cameos by Kang Ha Neul & I'm Siwan!!! Just think of all the possibilities *u*
*whispers: how about Kim Seul Gi which is well liked here as the female lead! I haven't watched her in much but I loved her as Ms Husky in KMHM & her crazy eyes would be much appreciated in a role where the girl is obsessed with her ex and his gf hehehehe*
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Dongsaeng killer
February 11, 2015 at 8:19 AM
Yessssssss!!!
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gyugu
February 11, 2015 at 4:38 PM
YES.. Her. I've been racking my brain for good quirky funny actress. Kim Seul Gi would be great. I'd vote for Han Groo too. Both do crazy but funny so well.
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sPark*
February 11, 2015 at 6:58 PM
Kim Seul Gi sounds like the perfect actress! I just want her to get her well-deserved leading role soon. Her and Byun Yo Han would make a great, quirky pairing.
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9 Muenchabench
February 11, 2015 at 4:00 AM
Love this so much!!!
This is one of those announcements that I will remember when an idol gets a lead, or kim seul gi still doesn't have a leading role
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hawoojinruinedme
February 11, 2015 at 4:35 AM
Kim Seul-gi sounds like a perfect fit for the leading lady role here too! Plus it's her debut home tvn so the chances of her getting offered this role looks pretty high. But tbh, every lead character description of every new drama these days sounds perfect for KSG. Thats how good she is. Dramaland, hurry up and give this bamf a leading role stat!
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pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
February 11, 2015 at 8:50 AM
yeah either Kim Seul-gi or Jo Bo-ah could be great in this role, they have comic chops for days (but especially KSG).
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blo
February 12, 2015 at 12:03 PM
Yes! I would love Kim Seul-gi! I could definitely watch an entire drama of the two of them together. Certainly would be a lot of fun.
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10 m92
February 11, 2015 at 4:16 AM
i love that tvN love to cast someone unknown but got hidden acting talent and make them as phenomenon actors or actresses. The audiences are no longer can be fool with bad writing, directing with overrated star. As long as the drama is good with talented casts, who cares. Among of good tvN dramas were reply 1997, reply 1994, misaeng, queen inhyun's man, nine time travels and so on...(woot..woot... HJM fail, KMHM daebak!!)
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11 harmonyfb
February 11, 2015 at 4:18 AM
That's great! He was one of my favorites in Misaeng; I'm glad to see him getting work.
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12 ellenelle
February 11, 2015 at 4:53 AM
This drama kind of looks fun! I like when they take something real, and turn it into the heart of plot haha I'll be following this project's news in the future :)
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13 soprection
February 11, 2015 at 5:27 AM
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, this is awesome news. I loved him and I love TvN and this show sounds like it has the potential to be seriously funny. This is fantastic news, thank you! I hope they cast a really good actress alongside him.
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14 reynie87
February 11, 2015 at 5:36 AM
hmmm... I haven't watch Misaeng... tho I do love Siwan. but i guess it's the plotline that keep me away from this drama. maybe it's not my cup of tea... but i read a lot of articles abt misaeng and how good it was that it actually tempting to watch it. ohhh... the agony~ lol
but the ex-girlfriend club is totally my cup of tea so i'm for sure going to watch this!!
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achiara
February 11, 2015 at 8:59 AM
Watch Misaeng you will not regret it!
Despite the specificity of the premise (the daily life of workers in a trade company), it is one of the most relatable shows I've seen in dramaland. You will shed a tear or two and you will see yourself in each character because some things and experiences are universal and Misaeng succeeded in portraying that just perfectly.
Really, watch it, you will not regret it :)
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soprection
February 11, 2015 at 9:08 AM
Misaeng is really good. I actually haven't finished it yet because I found it a bit depressing to the point of being almost bleak. BUT I felt that way because it's SO relate able and real, almost to the point of making me uncomfortable. You see a lot of real life truths playing out on screen. I'm not ready to finish it right now but it is an astonishingly well crafted show - you can really see how much love and work went into everything (not just the acting but the production, the directing, the music). It really is a cut above the rest. All that hype is not for naught.
You might not be interested in it right now but I recommend putting it on your to watch list for one day. You won't regret it whenever you do eventually see it.
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cecilia
February 11, 2015 at 8:01 PM
After holding off for some time, I'm glad I've finally jumped into this show. It's really the best thing ever. Watched it in one go, and now I'm experiencing a severe case of withdrawal syndrome. Byun Yo-han as Han Seok-yool might've been the major cause. So, yes, yes, yesss...more of this actor, pleaaaaase!
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15 Sunny
February 11, 2015 at 5:42 AM
So excited!!! He was the hidden gem of Misaeng and my favorite of the interns. Happy to know his adorable eye smile and dimples will grace my tv again ^o^
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16 coby
February 11, 2015 at 5:51 AM
yay! Can't wait!
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17 miloplease
February 11, 2015 at 6:03 AM
yay! for good starts in dramaland.
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18 songsong
February 11, 2015 at 6:08 AM
Great news!
Maybe Kang Sora can cameo as one of his ex-g/f haha.
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lovekdrama
February 11, 2015 at 11:28 PM
oh my gosh that would be the best! haha!
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19 dtp_jnr
February 11, 2015 at 6:09 AM
Well he was the best thing that Misaeng had to offer so no surprise that he's getting offers....
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20 Adal
February 11, 2015 at 6:16 AM
God! I love him. I'm excited for him and am dying to watch this show with him in it!
No need to work his way up. I mean the man has talent in spades. It makes sense that the jumps into leading man after his stint in Misaeng.
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21 Miky
February 11, 2015 at 6:56 AM
Well i'm happy for him for getting the leading role and can't wait already to see this drama because i really liked him...hope indeed they will choose a nice leading lady...Hmm the list of preferances is indeed large,more into the underrated part of the set of choices but i like Han Groo a lot and have a sof spot for her ...so anticipating new info about this project!
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22 pitch
February 11, 2015 at 7:08 AM
Ha Ha, bring it! He´s great.
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23 magnet
February 11, 2015 at 7:31 AM
YES! he's my fav rookie among a few rookie actors out there. Go get it boy!
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24 blueribbon
February 11, 2015 at 7:53 AM
YESSSS!!!!!!! I Loved him in misaeng, I hope he takes the role. I was waiting for him to be offered a lead role, he is such a great actor and really enjoyable to watch on screen.
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25 k_m
February 11, 2015 at 9:39 AM
Exactly the kind of project I was hoping he'd take this year :D I'm really excited to see it now, I'm sure he'll be fantastic as always
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26 Yesindeed
February 11, 2015 at 9:57 AM
Seems like the rising occupations in kdramas are psychiatrist and web toon artist. Will they ever have a regular salary man as a romantic hero? (Misaeng doesn't count, no romance)
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Nessie
February 11, 2015 at 12:19 PM
I've always heard a bit about how in kdramaland when one thing hits big, all the other shows follow in suit. However I've never understood how that could actually happen. I mean shows with many prominent similarties would have more difficult competition wouldn't it? But now that you mention it, I can really see the latest trends.
The whole doctor thing, from it's okay it's love really hit big I guess, while web-toons are being made into dramas left and right. But I feel if dramas don't handle the psychiatric bit a bit serious they come off as real phony, and too pretentious? Kinda like how IOIL did in some parts. Like it's good to preach, but at least do some research plz.
Ah geez I've gone off in a tangent haha. @Yesindeed, I don't think there will be a normal romantic hero for awhile. Does Ho-gu count tho?
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yesindeed
February 11, 2015 at 2:33 PM
I guess Ho-gu counts. But he is not normal. He is too cute, too sweet, too nice, and too squeezable. I've never met any one like that in real life. sigh...
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Because of Reasons
February 13, 2015 at 6:14 AM
Career wise, Ho Gu is also a webtoon artist (or assistant webtoon artist), so he fits right in with that trend.
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27 CaroleMcDonnell
February 11, 2015 at 11:22 AM
yay!!!!!
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28 Nessie
February 11, 2015 at 11:27 AM
Before even clicking into this article, I was already screaming yes YES YESSS!!!! at the title. (Note it's like 8.23am here at my workplace, luckily I"m the earliest one haha) Ah to have him grace our computer screens again! Haha I feel like everyone is taking a jab at that vampire drama that's coming out soon.
So excited to have him in a drama again, now all we need is to have a equally good actress and ughh we are gonna see fireworks on our screen!
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29 Msb
February 11, 2015 at 11:37 AM
I'm looking forward to this! His character drove me nuts while his portrayal was awesome!!!
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30 revlow
February 11, 2015 at 12:19 PM
Whoo Hoo!!! ♥ ♥ ♥
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31 Aly
February 11, 2015 at 12:46 PM
Yeeeeees! I am SO looking forward to it!
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32 Elle
February 11, 2015 at 2:21 PM
Love the premise of this drama. Looking forward to it. It's on my fav network so I have no fear of getting my hopes up for no reason. Yay!!
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33 Tiffany
February 11, 2015 at 5:02 PM
Yayyyy! Super excited for May now :D This boy is ADORABLE!
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34 PennyRoyalTea
February 11, 2015 at 5:14 PM
ahh, such a good news on a fine sunny day. Happy for Byun Yo Han, he's my fave intern in Misaeng :)
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35 Gidget
February 11, 2015 at 6:04 PM
"The drama is about a man who’s obsessed with his present girlfriend’s past boyfriends, and a woman who’s obsessed with her ex-boyfriend’s present girlfriend. Ha, that sounds about right."
Aint that the truth!
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36 Darling
February 11, 2015 at 8:18 PM
Yay, I'd been wanting to see more of him and I'm happy he got this role! :)
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37 Wiwi
February 11, 2015 at 9:35 PM
Wohhoooo... The happiest day of my life when I read this news... But I can't wait until May... hiks..
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38 blo
February 12, 2015 at 3:59 AM
Finally here to stalk my Misaeng intern. Was avoiding Dramabeans until I could watch the last episode of Healer.
Good news! I hope. I generally skip most romantic comedies but I'll check it out just for him. That is, if he ends up taking it.
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39 Dorotka
February 12, 2015 at 6:08 AM
Oh, I loved the humor of "My Country Calls"! Just a pity the secretary and the boss were not the OTP, I think they were fantastic together :--) Oh, sweet memories of funny Ryu Jin... :--)
Anyway, loved Byun Yo Han in Misaeng and I think he could fit with this writer.
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40 Unnie55
February 12, 2015 at 7:06 AM
BYUN YO HAN...... ok that enough I'm definitely gonna watch it. MUST.
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41 goldeng
February 12, 2015 at 9:00 AM
yaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyy!! get those leading roles!
ive been a bit of a stalker looking here and there if Kang ha neul and yo han would make their dramaland return and possibly as leading men because they became my biases in the blink of an eye and Im soooo happy to read this :') Especially for him because he came from indie films! Everytime I saw Perry Park, I thought of Seok yool and would wonder about Yo Han's return to dramaland too xDD
I wonder who the leading lady could be... im always hoping for Im joo Eun to take these kind of roles as a leading lady but well, we'll see!
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42 Beanfan
February 12, 2015 at 2:13 PM
Wow...so many people stating that he was their favorite intern in Misaeng! Really? : ) I guess, he'd be my 2nd favorite. After Gu Rae, of course.
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43 pinktape
February 12, 2015 at 5:19 PM
I don't know whether the plot sounds amazing because I know he's in it or it's generally a endearing plot but I love it so far!
And yes I can totally picture Byun Yohan in that role, he's going to be amazing
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44 canxi
February 12, 2015 at 8:29 PM
Yay!
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45 Anna
May 31, 2015 at 2:07 AM
I totally love this guy. A reallygood case for why personality works overjust a pretty face. I am enjoying every bit of exgirlfriend club. Here is wishing him all the luck ?
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