MBC melo Monster secures Kang Ji-hwan to headline

76 January 21, 2016March 30, 2016

by javabeans

Ah, this casting makes more sense: Kang Ji-hwan (Big Man) is now confirmed as the leading man in MBC’s upcoming 50-episode melodrama Monster (formerly titled Tyrant), while relative newcomer Seo Kang-joon (Cheese in the Trap) is no longer in consideration for the show. It seemed so strange to have a young rookie like Seo being courted to lead a big show like this, particularly since it covers a lot of ground and spans 20 years and requires an actor with a bit more gravitas, and he’s not there yet.

The story of Monster starts during the IMF crisis in the late ’90s and tells “the revenge story of one man sacrificed by an avaricious den of demons.” He loses his parents at a young age and almost dies, and takes on a new life and name in pursuing his revenge, vowing to expose the ugly true faces of the elite; along the way, he finds a love that’s like “a flower bud growing in a mud pit.” Recently cast to play the hero in his youth is idol Lee Ki-kwang (Mrs. Cop), while Lee Yeol-eum (Village: Secret of Achiara) will play the younger heroine.

Kang Ji-hwan seems a natural choice when you consider he’s worked with this writer before in the drama Incarnation of Money (writer Jang Young-chul also did Giant and Empress Ki), and while I miss Kang in comedy (he’s got great wacky comic timing), he’s adept at serious dramatic stuff as well and I can readily picture him in a meaty story like this. (It probably means he won’t be taking My Little Baby, a different MBC drama about a cop who’s suddenly saddled with a baby to take care of.)

The show is still searching for a leading lady with Hwang Jung-eum (She Was Pretty) officially out as well, and while I like Hwang, I’m fine with her leaving because she and Kang Ji-hwan were in Incarnation of Money together and they don’t need to reteam quite so soon. I know the back-to-back reunion worked for her and Ji Sung, but fresh partnerships are a welcome thing, and I’ll be curious to see which actress ends up with the role.

I am glad to hear of Lee El (My Beautiful Bride) taking on a supporting role as an arms lobbyist, a character described as a strong woman who makes her presence felt, which is pretty much what I always expect Lee El to deliver. The lady has presence. The bulk of the supporting cast has been confirmed, and includes Park Young-kyu, Lee Deok-hwa, Jung Bo-seok, Kim Bo-yeon, and Jung Woong-in.

Monster is set to follow Monday-Tuesday drama Dazzling Temptation.

Via Joy News, IS Plus, Sports Donga

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1 poliwag

January 21, 2016 at 3:20 AM

TEARS OFF SHIRT REPEATEDLY

ALL PAST SINS ARE FORGIVEN AND I AM READY TO WATCH

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2 Abby

January 21, 2016 at 3:31 AM

For some reason, I want Ha Ji Won on this one.

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shaynanigans

January 21, 2016 at 7:43 AM

I could totally get behind Ha Ji Won for this.

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Alessar

January 21, 2016 at 11:46 AM

Wow yeah that would be a good pairing. After that snoozer she just did this might be a nice meaty role. Or she could do a badass action show. I would be down for that.

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salt n' pepper

January 21, 2016 at 4:33 PM

Oooh, yes, please!

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3 Abby

January 21, 2016 at 3:32 AM

Or maybe Kim Ha Neul. I miss her.

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Bili Bala Pabo Bara

January 21, 2016 at 5:05 AM

A "My Girlfriend Is an Agent" reunion sounds good!

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4 Orion

January 21, 2016 at 3:32 AM

I'll give this a shot then. For the "darling" and in hopes of seeing some of the writers' past glory too.

Speaking of which, why is Jeong Kyeong Soon not mentioned in the posts here? She is in the news linked and the lady has co-written most of Jang Yeong Cheol's works with him.

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5 lordseungri

January 21, 2016 at 3:39 AM

OOOH yes. KJH is perfect for this role (much better than SKJ)
I want HJW or Lee Bo Young (if she's back from maternity leave yet) or Kim Ha Neul

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6 grammar

January 21, 2016 at 3:52 AM

as someone who's loved lee el in every drama she's been in, I'm hyped.

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sunnyl

January 21, 2016 at 5:07 AM

:) Lee El and Park So-dam talked about not having plastic surgery done on their eyes (in a show). Lee El likes her looks (I know right?) and PSD was told as having Joseon's Eyes (Korean traditional-like Joseon's time- beauty had eyes like Lee Joon-gi's) and said people fear she might have her eyes done. Hope there are more and more actresses who have confidence on their looks like Lee El who certainly has her unique charm.

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7 Commentcomment

January 21, 2016 at 3:56 AM

I'm actually getting the feeling that seo kangjoon wasnt really suppose to be the lead guy but rather the younger version but whoever made the original article db based on made a mistake or something..that makes more sense to me.. because i dont think the makers are that stupid to cast seo kangjoon as the main and kikwang whos 3 years older play the younger version..

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8 katherine

January 21, 2016 at 3:59 AM

what about sung yuri?

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Kayla

January 21, 2016 at 9:07 AM

MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY.

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9 Elle17

January 21, 2016 at 4:04 AM

Hoping to drama gods that Kim Ha Neul will be the lead actress. They need to do another project together. They're both solid actors on dramatic and comedic fronts plus their chemistry is off the charts.

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10 Kaylie

January 21, 2016 at 4:11 AM

Well, I'm actually happy that Seo Kang Jun is out because that means he can finally stop getting bashed.

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11 gyu

January 21, 2016 at 4:17 AM

poor seo kang joon getting bash for nothing.
whatever i hope this drama got good ranting for KJH sake. I adore him so much.

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12 chick

January 21, 2016 at 4:18 AM

Hajiwon, please!

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13 TJ

January 21, 2016 at 4:23 AM

Anyone but Hwang Jung eum. She had zero chemistry with Kang Ji hwan in Incarnation of Money and that's a hard fail to pull off. Since he can generate heat with popsicle.

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tapiocapearl

January 21, 2016 at 6:33 AM

Why do you say she had zero chemistry with him and not vice versa? I love KJH, but HJE is also another actor who pulls off chemistry well with anybody, so if chemistry seemed lacking, it's both of their doing.

(By the way, I liked them in Incarnation of Money because it wasn't a romantic drama, so there was less emphasis on the romance. They had good camaraderie.)

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charm

January 21, 2016 at 7:09 AM

well said...chemistry with HJE...even a dog has chemistry with her.ha!

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kellie

January 21, 2016 at 7:51 AM

I liked them in IoM too, individually and together. But then there was practically nothing about that show I didn't like. Almost time to rerun it again.

No role for Park Sang-min in this one, writer-nim?

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14 Fatima Kas

January 21, 2016 at 4:28 AM

I SWEAR TO GOD I HAD A FEELING THIS IS HOW IT WOULD TURN OUT & IT DID
Ever since the first time I heard about this particular projet I had Kang Ji Hwan's picture in my mind, the role seems tailor made for him, & I am sure he will insert some comic timing in it, he just won't resist
& with Hwang Jung-eum out, I am ready to start my very first 50 episode Drama!
Triple YAY!!!

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15 NiaIpeh

January 21, 2016 at 4:29 AM

Woah.. Time flies so fast that Glamorous Temptation is now only 19left. I enjoy it so far.

Now everyone is happy since HJE out LOL yeah, a fresh pairing is welcoming for HJE. Kinda boring with her reunion. Well maybe Ha Ji Won again this time...

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16 Nina Chikovani

January 21, 2016 at 4:33 AM

Yay, now Seo Kang Joon is free and can play some Baek In Ho V2.0 who will get a girl.
At least no more second lead/overly serious roles for him, plz drama gods
...Never have seen Kang Ji Hwan's dramas but I always have feeling like he is playing this exact role..fighting for justice, getting revenge

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17 veera

January 21, 2016 at 4:47 AM

Hajiwon much better for this.

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18 crazedlu

January 21, 2016 at 5:13 AM

Yes! Hwang is out, I might be in! Kang Ji-hwan!

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19 desi

January 21, 2016 at 5:25 AM

and HJE out ... yeah.... I'll wait for HJE new drama. Hope she plays in mini-series drama and fresh pairing....

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20 Everyonedeservesachance

January 21, 2016 at 5:49 AM

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21 Everyonedeservesachance

January 21, 2016 at 5:51 AM

Meant for kaylie and gyu posts

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charm

January 21, 2016 at 6:11 AM

yeh...good for HJE...this is a total train wreck...if HJE didn't accept it ,it means its a no good.She's not gonna waste her time on a drama going to the moon.

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22 ony

January 21, 2016 at 6:08 AM

Agree,,,wait for Hwang jung eum new drama mini-series with fresh partner pleaseee.....

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charm

January 21, 2016 at 6:15 AM

+100000 definitely,she has so many offers, given her status as an actress, she can put any drama to the waste basket if she wants.It's not HJE lost, it's theirs.

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23 tapiocapearl

January 21, 2016 at 6:25 AM

Okay, now I have to watch this if this Kang Ji-hwan is in it. I loved the team's past work, but the 50-episode thing had me hesitant to watch it.

Also, am I the only one excited to see Jung Woong-in's name in the cast? I loved the comedic chemistry he and KJH had in Coffee House, and they also had great dramatic moments there. I'm excited for that reunion.

Speaking of, so much HJE hate. You all know she would've been awesome in this show. Reasons like "she shouldn't do so many shows" or "she should take a break" or "fresh OTP" are all moot. How many of us want our favorite male actors to do project after project? Or how many of us are always dying to have our favorite OTP reunite?

Not saying there aren't people with valid reasons for why they don't like HJE (also invalid: she's ugly and has had too much plastic surgery *rolls eyes*) because I have actors I'm not particular fans of. And you know what I do about it? I don't watch their shows, plain and simple.

Sorry this went off on a tangent. It's probably irrelevant now that HJE's not in the show, but she's my girl and I gotta have her back!

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NiaIpeh

January 21, 2016 at 6:48 AM

Okay, Bro. Okay ...

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tapiocapearl

January 21, 2016 at 7:24 AM

Please don't bro me :)

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orange

January 21, 2016 at 7:43 AM

HJE ugly?haha...you may see her plain looking at first glance, but she becomes more and more beautiful as you lay your eyes on her.She is not the plain beautiful but even higher , a charismatic face that is full of mystery, the face that draws the crowd to watch her dramas like a magnet,plus a girl with a very beautiful, flawless skin.An overall entertainer; knows how to act (all genre),to dance,to sing...who is an actress with that caliber?

Those are reasons why her fans like her,and haters deliberately ignores it lol.

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24 desi

January 21, 2016 at 6:41 AM

agree with you @Tapioca Pearl.... no matter what they said about HJE,... I wish she will plays new drama quickly... I really miss her... and wait new partner for HJE...:)

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charm

January 21, 2016 at 7:21 AM

yah.. too much hate...I don't know what HJE did to them, like @tapioca pearl ...I wouldn't watch a drama if it's not my favorite actor, very simple...but to spew poison on actors not their bias is so mean ...as if these actors have no supporters at all, well...no wonder, the world is full of hate and there is no place on earth where you can live in peace because the inhabitants all hate themselves and they transcend it to others.

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25 Mandy

January 21, 2016 at 6:55 AM

YAY! Seo Kang-joon being out means he can do a youthful rom-com next where he gets a girl of his own and not just an absolute nutjob sister being replaced by a warmhearted one. Oh and I need him to be rough on the edges again, I just can't get enough of In-ho.

As for this drama, I have a major KJH allergy so I'm out. Unless they cast the most awesome actress ever.

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charm

January 21, 2016 at 7:23 AM

there is no such thing as"awesome actress"

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26 juniper

January 21, 2016 at 6:56 AM

JUNG BO-SEOOOOOOOOOOK!!!!!

Okay, I'll calm down now lol. Just my favorite actor ever lol. Jo Pil-yeon 2.0 here we come?

Kang Ji-hwan would not be my first choice, but beggars can't be choosers and I will gladly, gladly, gladly take him over some untested young 'un.

Now if they can just stay sane long enough to get a female lead...

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moonpetal

January 21, 2016 at 7:54 AM

Me tooo !! I'm more for Lee Deok-hwa & Jung Bo-seok !! XD

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juniper

January 21, 2016 at 8:03 AM

yaaaas. Hwang Tae-seop/Jo Pil-yeon reunion ftw!

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27 meya

January 21, 2016 at 7:06 AM

Ah.... i wanna see KJH in something light. But i love him (and HJE) in incarnation of money, so i'm ok with an

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28 kiwilove

January 21, 2016 at 7:13 AM

Thank you Jesus, Allah, Buddha, Drama God, and everyone else!!!

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Waiting

January 21, 2016 at 11:57 AM

LOL!

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29 henri

January 21, 2016 at 7:16 AM

Kim Sa Rang please! She was fantastic in Beloved Eundong, and such a good kisser, she match well with Kang Ji Hwan.

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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

January 21, 2016 at 6:04 PM

Yes Kim Sa Rang! ;) She needs to be given bigger opportunity because she is a talented actress. Another one Jang Hee Jin. she was great in SWWTN and Village Secret of Achiara.
Why not we give these two great chance like this, right? ;)

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30 Eny

January 21, 2016 at 8:41 AM

Now i'm gonna watch, i always think skj didn't intended to be the main lead, he just one of the lead, maybe the younger version, some drama have more than one male lead

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31 NN

January 21, 2016 at 8:55 AM

Well, HJE out possibly means bad for this production. Remember who saved KMHM in very last minutes? 50 eps on coming around on april and still looking for lead actress. And for HJE haters, just dont watch her dramas or stay away from everything bout her. She's too solid for haters to break.

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juniper

January 21, 2016 at 9:11 AM

I bet she wants a break--she's been working a lot lately and she's getting married. Based on how often she and others have come back to work with this team, I'm guessing they have a good relationship.

Personally I think it's win-win. She wants a break, and they have a chance to work with some new blood. (though either Jung Ryeo-won or Hong Soo-hyun would be very welcome back lol).

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orange

January 22, 2016 at 2:39 PM

the writer only have her in mind,she is the first choice and probably no other choice so like they said HJE turning it down is bad for this production.

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lemondoodle

January 23, 2016 at 12:27 AM

It's male focused, so probably not a big deal.

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32 Kayla

January 21, 2016 at 9:14 AM

although i am glad that HJE is out (she should spend time taking a break, planning her wedding, being with her soon to be hubby) i can't understand the hate for her??

sure, her looks aren't everyone's cup of tea but she's a solid actress and i'll take acting chops over a pretty face AAAANNNYYYY day. plus, KMHM basically solidified her as a moving and likeable enough actress for me. SWP wasn't for me but still, i know she has acting ability (although she does tend to over act) and because of this, i can't understand the hate she gets for taking on project after project.

she's AN ACTRESS. girl just doing her job lmao

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33 jra

January 21, 2016 at 10:02 AM

I want Kim Ha Neul too but if I remember right she already announced her wedding in May. Her last drama was A Gentleman's Dignity.

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34 AJ

January 21, 2016 at 10:48 AM

Awesome news! I love KJH. Now, if only Ha Ji Won joins, this will be like my dream team!!!

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35 samantha1

January 21, 2016 at 2:45 PM

Awww..As much as I love seeing HJE in dramas, I think she'll have to prioritize her upcoming marriage first. But happy that Kang Ji Hwan is in it! Now, I'll be looking forward to HJE's accepted project. Maybe a movie for a change? She's doing dramas back to back.

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36 ultramarineblue

January 21, 2016 at 4:36 PM

Yay! So happy to hear Kang Ji Hwan is in. I havent seen his recent works but I'll definitely try to watch this.

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37 ⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

January 21, 2016 at 6:10 PM

Stop insulting HJE,peeps. -,- especially on her look.

She is no longer in this drama. I wish her happiness on her wedding. She needs to take break, and maybe her next project would be a movie? ;)

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38 Nathan

January 21, 2016 at 8:41 PM

Lee Bo Young or Lee Si Young for me.

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39 pinkcloud

January 21, 2016 at 9:38 PM

Well. I don't dislike HJE but i'm kinda sick of her in too much dramas with that shrieking voice but i will be glad to have her back again with fresher and more challenging roles. KMHM is a one man show anyway

Kim ha neul, Lee bo young, kim sarang, or jang hee jin would really match well with him

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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

January 21, 2016 at 10:52 PM

i think Kim Ha Neul is getting married, maybe she wont have time for this long drama.

But i will say YES for the remaining three ;) Even if these three is casting in this drama will be great! Lee Bo young already one of the established actress, and Kim Sa Rang and Jang Hee Jin are among the great talent that need to given greater opportunity. ;)

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40 flower

January 22, 2016 at 1:43 AM

Welcome back KJH...can't wait to watch this drama

50 episodes ?? Good then, i can see him more longer...hoping for great story

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41 whitewire

January 22, 2016 at 5:20 AM

Not Hwang Jung-eum this time. I hardly liked Incarnation of Money (starring Kang Ji-hwan and Hwang Jung-eum) written by the same writer.

For the lead lady, I nominate Han Chae-young or Han Ji-min.

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42 Canuckgirl

January 22, 2016 at 3:00 PM

I was looking forward to him playing a dad and hijinks ensuing, but I am also happy about this. I love the writer who did Giant, History of a Salary and of course Incarnation, so this is definitely something I will get giddy for

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43 jinkzzmec

January 22, 2016 at 7:50 PM

I love Kang Ji Hwan and have loved him for a long time. I have seen all of his dramas and movies except BIg Man.... I wish he chose a rom-com this time (was looking forward to him accepting My Little Lady) instead a melo but I guess I will just have to take whatever I can get.... KJH Fighting!!!

Hoping for a good female lead but not too worried because he always have good chemistry which whomever he plays opposite him.

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44 CHANKOR

January 22, 2016 at 9:31 PM

50 episodes...... and it sounds a heavy watch :( Loved him in rom-coms.

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45 teaellipsis

January 22, 2016 at 11:25 PM

Bummer that he passed on the rom-com, but his dramatic acting is pretty awesome too. He really is a talented actor... he seems to shifts moods at the drop of a hat and he can be very convincing.

I recently watched one of his early dramas "Fireworks" and yeah, I agree that he was the only consistency in that show when everyone else jumped ship lol. I'm sure he will do well and I might even tune in, but after trying to get through Dazzling/Glamourous Temptation because of Joo Sang-Wook and Kang Choi-Hee (and couldn't because of where the show as going I quit after ep 27/28)... I am not sure if I can handle a 50 ep drama lol.

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teaellipsis

January 22, 2016 at 11:26 PM

Oops, I meant Choi Kang-Hee lolol.

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46 March

January 25, 2016 at 4:43 AM

Let it Yoon Eun Hye be the leading lady. They match perfectly.

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47 angelatiffany

January 26, 2016 at 2:41 PM

Please MBC please get Yoon Eun Hye as leading acctress because Yoon Eun Hye and Kang Ji Hwan have great and amazing chemistry between them and they are perfect and unusual macth couple.Please MBC get Yoon Eun Hye as being partner for Kang Ji Hwan and as leading acctress for this MBC's drama Monster.I wish my dreams come true

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Beanie

January 27, 2016 at 9:03 PM

Yoon Eun Hye please, I agree. They were fantastic in LTM. Great chemistry and long overdue for a reunion.

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48 andydylan

January 28, 2016 at 11:10 AM

I agree I wish MBC will as soon as possible to get Yoon Eun Hye as leading acctress for being a partner with Kang Ji Hwan.Both of them Kang Ji Hwan and Yoon Eun Hye really really have great and amazing chemistry between them.Kang Ji Hwan need a partner in which is being his partner can have and can give him a lot of chemistry so i believe this drama can really really successfully and become popularity and big drama in many countries.Good luck Ji Hwanssi GBU

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49 bryanluis

January 29, 2016 at 1:31 PM

Please MBC get Yoon Eun Hye as soon as possible for a leading actress in this drama Monster.Kang Ji Hwan and Yoon Eun Hye really have great and amazing chemistry.They are perfect couple and unusual match couple.Please MBC get Yoon Eun Hye as a leading actress for this drama.I wish my dreams come true.GBU and success for this drama Monster and i believe this drama will become hit drama and popularity drama in around the world

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50 alvianmike

January 29, 2016 at 2:34 PM

I agree.Yoon Eun Hye need to comeback as soon as possible with this drama.She needs to come back with different role and with different character.Yoon Eun Hye should comeback with a lot of dramas.Please MBC give it to Yoon Eun Hye this role as a leading lady for being a partner with Kang Ji Hwan.Both of them(Kang Ji Hwan and Yoon Eun Hye)really really have great and amazing chemistry and they are unsual match couple it's true.I believe that a lot of their fans really really miss and love them for they are playing drama together again.I wish my dreams come true

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