Drama news bites: December 23, 2015
by javabeans
I know we usually post our weekly round-up of news bites on the weekend, but I’m tossing out another set this time since there were lots of minor stories piling up mid-week. May as well get to them!
- Lee Jong-seok is heading to China in a Korean-Chinese joint production drama, which will reunite him with his Doctor Stranger director Jin Hyuk. (That drama may have been nutballs, but both are way better at their respective jobs than that, so I’m looking on this news favorably.) The drama is a fantasy romance called Jade Lovers and the project will be quite the blockbuster, with a production budget of 40 billion won and a partnership with DMG Entertainment (Iron Man 3). Set in the 1930s, the drama is looking to cast a top Chinese actress to co-star opposite Lee Jong-seok, to begin filming in Shanghai and Hengdien in January. [DongA]
- Yong-pal may be getting a Russian remake. The deal is not finalized, but Sony Pictures is reportedly involved in making the offer. There has also been mention of Yong-pal getting a second season, based on comments made by an executive with HB Entertainment at a recent forum at the 2nd Story Awards & Festival in Seoul, who said that the producers are currently in talks about a season format. Um, what more story is there to tell, for the drama that should have been half as long to begin with? [Joy News, Sports Chosun, MBN]
- Speaking of Yong-pal, its star Joo-won recently commented on a recent V-app Christmas message that his favorite character that he’s played is Shi-on from Good Doctor, which he called an entertaining, good-natured drama. Well, it’s not my favorite of his characters by far, but I suppose I wouldn’t want him to actually like being tortured and dark a la Gaksital, right? [Herald]
- Rain has officially confirmed taking that body-possession drama formerly titled Goodbye My Beloved, which feels a bit anticlimactic since we already knew he was mostly-basically-virtually doing it weeks ago. The drama based on the Japanese novel Mr. Tsubakiyama’s Seven Days has now changed the title to Please Come Back, Ajusshi. I think I prefer the new one, which feels lighter and more upbeat than the melo-sounding Beloved; I hope this means the “teary comedy” will lean more toward the humor side, as it tells its story about a group of fellow deceased folks making their triumphant (albeit temporary) returns from the afterlife. The drama premieres in February following Remember—Son’s War. [My Daily]
- This is no surprise, but the cast of Answer Me 1988 will be getting a visit from the cast of Answer Me 1994 (which itself received a drop-in from the cast of Answer Me 1997) in an upcoming episode, which corresponds to the show’s timeline moving forward to 1994. These cameos are usually just fun fanservicey Easter eggs rather than plot-dependent moments, but I do love the intentional mind-bend you get when actors meet their parallel-world self in the other drama (say, 1997 dad Sung Dong-il meeting 1994 dad Sung Dong-il, or perhaps Kim Sung-kyun going face-to-face with Samcheonpo). The producers are keeping their mouths shut about the details, but Go Ara and Jung Woo did visit the set not long ago, so they seem a likely bet. [IS Plus]
- And despite the massive newfound success tvN has had with phenoms like the Answer Me franchise, Misaeng, and the Over Flowers and Three Meals a Day variety shows, their history of drama hits does extend farther back, and Rude Miss Young-ae has been greenlighted for its fifteenth season. Fifteen! Granted, its first season was back in 2007 so those season span eight years rather than fifteen, but that is still pretty impressive staying power for its quirky, low-key, comedic slice-of-life drama. [XSportsNews]
- Last but not least: a friendly heads-up that next week is awards-apalooza for the main broadcasters, who will be broadcasting a whole slew of ceremonies like their Gayo Daejeon and Entertainment/Variety Awards and, of course, our favorite, the Acting Awards. That means a lot of dramas are facing pre-emptions for one or both episodes next week. We’ll update our handy airing schedule over in the sidebar when we know more details. It may be tough hanging in there an extra week to get your drama fix, but think of all the pretty stars looking pretty at fancy ceremonies that you’ll get to ogle in the meantime. [Sports Chosun]
Rain, Joo-won
1988 meets 1994
Rude Miss Young-ae
RELATED POSTS
Tags: 1 show to rule them all, Answer Me 1988, Joo-won, Lee Jong-seok, news bites, Rain, remakes, Rude Miss Young-ae, Yong-pal
![[Beanie Review] Seoul Busters](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/SeoulBusters_reviewb.jpg)
![[K-drama Treasure Hunt] Sitting on swings together](https://d263ao8qih4miy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Kdrama-treasure-hunt.png)
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
1 stringofpurls
December 23, 2015 at 3:11 AM
I get why stars take roles in Chinese dramas, but uhg, I hate the dubbing and slow pacing. However, for Lee Jong Suk, I'm going to give his drama a try.
Required fields are marked *
roake
December 23, 2015 at 9:54 AM
I can't do it. I've tried, I just can't do it.
Chinese dramas are really too hard to watch [for me].
Required fields are marked *
Gidget
December 23, 2015 at 6:32 PM
Have you tried watching Scarlet Heart? Great show!
Required fields are marked *
roake
December 24, 2015 at 5:07 AM
Isn't that the one they're remaking into a kdrama?
Interesting. I will try to give it a try. Thx.
Required fields are marked *
2 ck1Oz
December 23, 2015 at 3:24 AM
Ok is Oh my Venus getting pre-empted?
Required fields are marked *
Gidget
December 23, 2015 at 6:38 PM
My take is: if shows are going to be pre-empted, it's the perfect time to marathon something old.
For me, I'm going light and fluffy this year:
Pinnochio
And if I have time, Flower Boy Next Door
Required fields are marked *
3 soapbox
December 23, 2015 at 3:34 AM
Jongsuk's really going to overwork himself next year in order to please everyone. His contract to his agency expires next month and I can't imagine him renewing it after this.
This is just a 30 episode cdrama though and filming ends in April, so reports are saying he's already looking at scripts so that he can quickly come back to a Korean production too next year. Just hopefully he at least gets some rest in between so he has energy.
Required fields are marked *
Adal
December 23, 2015 at 6:41 AM
Ah Jong suk-ah, please don't exhaust yourself.
Korean-Chinese production means there would be dubbing, right?
Required fields are marked *
Gidget
December 23, 2015 at 6:42 PM
I think it's smart that he's doing just the opposite. The time to work insane hours is when you're young and have the energy.
Plus, if you look at how few actors can remain active as they enter middle age, it's smart for them to make (and bank) their money while they're young.
Required fields are marked *
soapbox
December 24, 2015 at 1:33 AM
Not when you're so tired that you can't give your best performance. Plus I only want him to take good scripts instead of whatever's thrown to him, I think constant bad scripts would hurt an actor's reputation.
Besides, for a popular lead actor, the key is to leave some time in between work so the public can miss you. Even though I'd love to see him star in a lot of things, I've seen that just because in 2013-2014 he worked non-stop people here were tired of seeing him and would voice their disdain whenever he's cast in something 'again', and Jongsuk began to realize that about this industry. Overexposure can kill a celebrity's career and hurt their status. So if he wants a long career, he knows he needs to maintain that status. Still, his goal is usually to star in 2 things (one drama, one movie) a year. He can do whatever he wants, I just hope he has a little bit of time in between to rest or he'll burn out.
Required fields are marked *
Right
December 25, 2015 at 1:20 AM
He has rested a year since Pinocchio though...
It's time to get some works to feed his hungry fans who has been complaining all year :P
Required fields are marked *
soapbox
December 25, 2015 at 6:42 AM
I'm saying in between dramas, he was on hiatus in 2015 since he hadn't had a break since his debut. It's like how during 2013, some dramas/movie (like IHYV and No Breathing) schedules overlapped and he really regretted it because he believes he couldn't give his best performance since he was so tired going between sets. So he says he'll never do that again.
4 Sunny
December 23, 2015 at 3:50 AM
i am going to watch this just for jongsuk hope it ll be good
Required fields are marked *
5 ravenclaw
December 23, 2015 at 4:00 AM
for lee jongsuk, i will watch
Required fields are marked *
6 michykdrama
December 23, 2015 at 4:03 AM
I thought the exact same thing!! Omg I hope not! I don't want to wait longer than a week for another episode! ? I hope christmas/new year will keep me busy enough so I wont notice but somehow I doubt it!
I feel the pain of watching dramas real time now, instead of just marathoning them after they are done ?
Required fields are marked *
7 Mini
December 23, 2015 at 4:15 AM
Never expected you to be watch Joo Won V app.Lol
Required fields are marked *
8 sunnyl
December 23, 2015 at 4:31 AM
oh no. Just one episode for I have a Lover? I can hear people sighing already.
I guess it is time for me to start Rude Miss Young-ae. Show must have something there to be able to pull it so long. And lol on Joo Won's picture -shows his real personality a bit?
Required fields are marked *
9 Boomboompow
December 23, 2015 at 4:36 AM
Can we pretend the second half of Yong Pal doesnt happen and get a season 2 where YP is single and still secretly treating gangsters?
Required fields are marked *
Alessar
December 23, 2015 at 7:02 AM
Oh maybe the second season would be Cynthia and Yong Pal 2.0?
Required fields are marked *
Islander north
December 23, 2015 at 8:36 AM
My feelings exactly...2nd half of YP was TOTAL DISAPPOINTMENT!
Required fields are marked *
Boomboompow
December 23, 2015 at 11:11 PM
They won't make YP without Joo Won. RIGHT??
Required fields are marked *
10 soapbox
December 23, 2015 at 4:48 AM
Oh btw wasn't Jin Hyuk supposed to direct Park Jieun's next drama? Is that partnership still happening or are they looking for another director. Last we heard, that drama was coming in the first half of 2016 but maybe it's pushed back a little? I was looking forward to another drama from her soon :/. Well, at least I'll have Page Turner from Park Hye Ryun.
Required fields are marked *
pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
December 23, 2015 at 5:29 AM
I think that was a pipe dream.....but I hope they make it happen.
Given how they like to reuse cast members from their previous dramas, I'd have loved to see a potential Lee Jong-suk/IU pairing.
Required fields are marked *
11 pogo - sailing HMS Queen of Tears and HMS Sailboat Lovely Runner🍉
December 23, 2015 at 5:31 AM
Lee Jong-seok needs to come back to kdramas soon! Preferably with a better script (and leading lady) than he got the last time he worked with Jin Hyuk.
Required fields are marked *
12 Jyc
December 23, 2015 at 6:24 AM
I hope Jongsukkie comes back to k-dramaland soon ?
Required fields are marked *
13 dramapotatoe
December 23, 2015 at 6:53 AM
If Six Flying Dragons is getting pre-empted, I might break down in tears. Having two episodes a week is torture enough.
Required fields are marked *
14 yayabean
December 23, 2015 at 7:13 AM
Oh nooo! There's a possibility we would have to wait a whole week for ep 13 of Oh My Venus??
Required fields are marked *
15 Nestle
December 23, 2015 at 7:36 AM
Jong Suk needs to come back to doing kdrama's, it's been AGES since his last :(
Required fields are marked *
genuinecity
December 23, 2015 at 10:53 AM
What WAS his last Korean drama? Doctor Stranger? Oof, I wanna see him back on my small screen, too. He's such a good actor.
Required fields are marked *
man
December 23, 2015 at 11:53 AM
Pinocchio
Required fields are marked *
16 Cocoboo
December 23, 2015 at 7:41 AM
Omg I forgot bout award shows. Preemptions.... I really hope I can watch Oh My Venus next Monday! Just need at least that episode to keep me from going crazy.....
Required fields are marked *
17 Kehinde
December 23, 2015 at 8:34 AM
:(
I'm really upset that I Have a Lover has only 1 episode this week. *sighs* Well, at least this will give the filming crew some extra time. And lets the subbers on Viki to catch up.
Required fields are marked *
18 Linda Palapala
December 23, 2015 at 8:35 AM
I'd like a 2nd season of Yong Pal, but with the new Dr they introduced at the end, along with that actress. (names escape me). Then there should be new stories to tell.
Required fields are marked *
19 wackycashew
December 23, 2015 at 10:39 AM
I will check out this series with Jong Suk... Just curious which Chinese actress will be paired with him...
Yongpal was so good before it veered off course. I think if there is season 2, it should be a prequel and look at how Joo Won became Yongpal... More of the relationships with the gang boss and other gangsters plus his friend who he has a debt with... Oh, and the relationship with his mom and his sister when she was younger... I feel like I wanna see more of those gang medical rescues instead of that one time at the beginning or other illegal help that he provides. XD
Required fields are marked *
20 genuinecity
December 23, 2015 at 10:39 AM
Wowza, a lot of fun and exciting drama news!
I'm mostly excited about the upcoming Answer Me/Reply collab. Eeep! It's gonna be so fun! And HA, the thought of Jung-hwan's dad meeting Samcheonpo is hysterical! Having the shy and timid Samcheonpo and the wacky dad in the same room is... Omg, please make it happen. Can't wait!
Required fields are marked *
21 Kween Ramyeon
December 23, 2015 at 11:45 AM
I think I've read some other news about Chinese-Korean co-productions, but have there been any that have actually been produced and released as yet?
I get the reasons why such co-productions make sense (I mean, even Hollywood is doing co-productions with China to tap into the market) but I'm curious as to what the results look like. Some of the production values - i.e. dramatic arc, pacing, aesthetics - seem quite different. If they're filming in Shanghai, would that mean the story is based in Shanghai? Would LJS play a Korean or a Chinese character, dubbed?
Required fields are marked *
22 mail
December 23, 2015 at 11:51 AM
Pinocchio
Required fields are marked *
Kween Ramyeon
December 23, 2015 at 5:25 PM
It took me a while to register a wonder if you were replying to my question. Pinocchio isn't a Korean-Chinese co-production, I think. As far I have read, it's a Korean product, which then went on to sell its distribution rights to China, alongside other sales to Asian countries.
Required fields are marked *
Kween Ramyeon
December 23, 2015 at 6:34 PM
Ah no, you meant it as a reply to something else.
Required fields are marked *
23 Aigoooo
December 23, 2015 at 12:09 PM
The last picture reminded me of Secretly, Greatly.
I hope they get to 1997 and we get to see Seo In Guk and Jung Eun Ji again. Can't go wrong with those 2. Maybe see them at present day with kids in tow.
Required fields are marked *
ticklemypickle
December 23, 2015 at 12:34 PM
Same here, I mostly wanna see the cast of Answer Me 1997 again. It's most likely that they won't bring them back cause it seems like a little too many people to pay for a fun cameo but still. Id be 20 times happier with Seo In Gookie and Jung Eun Ji :)
Required fields are marked *
fab
December 23, 2015 at 1:27 PM
ME.TOO! Sometimes actors make a cameo voluntarily. Although with 1988's huge success tvN can't be shy with paying beloved actors for a cameo.
Required fields are marked *
24 fab
December 23, 2015 at 1:22 PM
Yongpal for a second season, are they nuts?! The only way it'd work is if it focused on the titular character, you know, YONGPAL the doctor version of Healer... HA.
Required fields are marked *
25 Mekko
December 23, 2015 at 1:36 PM
I've only been able to find one season of Rude Miss Young-ae online (on Viki), and would love to find more! It's a really fun show, and more in line with American television.
Required fields are marked *
26 Dita
December 23, 2015 at 5:42 PM
I hope Yong Pal second session will better, and use the same actor please...
Required fields are marked *
27 Lizzie
December 23, 2015 at 5:59 PM
is it too much to hope for some more color on the carpet this time around??.. also! I really liked Joowon in Good Doctor.. :)
Required fields are marked *
28 pastmidnite ?
December 23, 2015 at 9:32 PM
If only Yong pal 2.0 meets Healer on one of those roofs, becomes buddies and gets invited to live together in Healer's lair (bromance galore) and then fights for justice together, then maybe I'll watch.
And as much as I love the 94 characters, and mostly hated timejumps, I desperately want Answer Me 1988 to jump again to 97 after jumping to 94. Having Seo In gook in one screen with PBG again even for a few minues will brighten up my new year!
Required fields are marked *
29 kororo
December 23, 2015 at 9:37 PM
YES i love Rude Miss Young-ae !! I need to catch up though, I'm a season behind.
Required fields are marked *