Lee Dong-wook considers reaper role in fantasy drama Goblin
by girlfriday
Oh, interesting. Lee Dong-wook (Bubblegum) is up for the role of a reaper who takes up residence with goblin Gong Yoo (Big) in tvN’s new fantasy romance drama Goblin, which sets us up for bromancey cohabitation. Part of me is disappointed — I was holding out hope that the heroine would be the reaper in this story. But how could I possibly have anything against a bromance between two beautiful immortals? As for the human realm, Kim Go-eun (Cheese in the Trap) is considering an offer to play Gong Yoo’s love interest, the human bride he’s looking for to end his eternal life.
The new series from hit writer Kim Eun-sook (Descended From the Sun, Heirs) is about the mysterious supernatural beings who usher souls to the afterlife, filled with stories about modern everyday life with a mysterious, mythical bent. Gong Yoo stars as a goblin, “the protector,” who needs to take a human bride in order to end his immortality. Lee Dong-wook has been offered the part of an amnesiac reaper, “the taker,” a 21st-century modern, sexy reaper who looks like a model. It’s said that whenever a soul encounters him, they’re shocked by his beauty first, and then belatedly surprised by their own death.
The goblin and reaper meet somewhere “between fate and a curse,” and end up living together in a peculiar arrangement. Perhaps reapers and goblins aren’t supposed to be friendly? If one is trying to protect souls and the other keeps trying to take them, I can see how this would be problematic.
Both Kim Go-eun and Lee Dong-wook are considering their offers, while Gong Yoo is confirmed. Lee Dong-wook pretty much has the genres covered for the role — he’s done contemplative romances (Bubblegum) and is no stranger to fantasy (Iron Man). And despite being a leading man most of the time, if this drama follows in Descended From the Sun’s footsteps, the second leads get just as much love (and dialogue, and lovelines to angst over) as the leads, so I don’t think that would stop him in the least.
Goblin plans to begin shoots in September, and will air in November as a Friday-Saturday drama on tvN.
Via Joy News, Sports Chosun, Yonhap News
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1 susan
May 26, 2016 at 11:10 PM
OK I'm cconfused about the story but who doesn't want bromance between LDK and GY.. Story wants me to take a pass but casting is really making me think otherwise..
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chingu
May 27, 2016 at 4:25 AM
Phew! Okay, so it's not just me that was confused with the premise/setup. But I think this article finally cleared things up for me and I've concluded that it is what it is–an everyday slice of life drama w/ fantasy characters and elements incorporated into it.
But yeah, I wasn't all over the premise, but I definitely have to check it out now.
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sungjong
May 27, 2016 at 6:21 AM
It might sound completely ridiculous but how very interesting would be a love triangle with both Gong Yoo and Go eun falling for LDW. ❤
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meatball
May 29, 2016 at 4:18 AM
LMAO you made my day. everyone turns out to fall for LDW haha
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2 halfmoon
May 26, 2016 at 11:16 PM
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halfmoon
May 26, 2016 at 11:17 PM
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chingu
May 27, 2016 at 4:26 AM
I know, right!? Was just thinking the same thing! So many new and potentially good dramas coming out this year, though! Exciting!
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3 sumee
May 26, 2016 at 11:22 PM
Oh all those abs... Dies from all the hotness ?
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1608
May 27, 2016 at 9:38 AM
LOL! Good point
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4 elvira
May 26, 2016 at 11:33 PM
I feel sorry but I stop reading after "Lee Dong-wook (Bubblegum) is up for the role of a reaper who takes up residence with goblin Gong Yoo (Big) in tvN’s new fantasy romance drama Goblin, which sets us up for bromancey cohabitation"... my minds took me somewhere for a moment while my heart sincerely thanking the Gods...
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5 iamdonefor
May 26, 2016 at 11:44 PM
Are they trying to make something similar to 'Interview with The Vampire' with two gorgeous immortal at the same time?
Whatever. I'm in.
I hope LDW confirms.
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6 mingyu eomma
May 26, 2016 at 11:55 PM
I have no interest to goblin before, but then i read the title and "a 21st-century modern, sexy reaper who looks like a model. It’s said that whenever a soul encounters him, they’re shocked by his beauty first, and then belatedly surprised by their own death." Suddenly the coolest reaper in suit just appearing in my mind. Reaper-nim, are you really a reaper or an angel? Owww its dangerous.
Ps: can I say no to triangle love?
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kanz
May 27, 2016 at 1:57 AM
Hahahaha... everyone would commit suicide by now if they know the reaper is Lee Dong Wook.
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7 sweet pea
May 27, 2016 at 12:16 AM
Well, i am not a fan of Kim Eun Sook writer. I only finished On Air and did watch several episodes of each her drama because she always cast actor/ess that i like. But i couldn't manage to finish since the plot too childish and dialogue too cringey.
But the cast makes me wants to tune in this drama. If they managed to cast a reliable actress i might check it out. But if no, even with Gong Yoo and LDW, i'll pass this.
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8 Gyna
May 27, 2016 at 12:19 AM
Isn't Lee Dong Wook too 'big' for becoming the second lead? I mean, Gong Yoo and him are in the same level.
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mary
May 27, 2016 at 12:49 AM
Are they really the same level? We can't jump to conclusions. There are a lot of unanswered questions which can tip the balance in someone's favor.
- Put in the same scene and given equally entertaining lines, who will hold your attention more? GY or LDW?
- Given that they will be roommates, who will steal the other's underwear first? GY or LDW?
- Who can angst better while showering, GY or LDW?
Perhaps this casting is an attempt to find out the truth. For Science.
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beantown
May 27, 2016 at 2:20 AM
Yes, count me in as well, as long as it's in the name of science (cough)
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chingu
May 27, 2016 at 4:37 AM
MmHMM! To science! *cheers*
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YY Chats with Toast Between Bites
May 27, 2016 at 6:31 AM
You want my honest opinion? Just don't wear any underwear. Eliminate the temptation, see. Stealing is bad.
They won't need underwear anyway, since they will be busy showering all day. Unless they shower with underwear on. Hm.
They could save a lot of time without this slipping in and out of underwear routine. Not to mention how liberating the new experience will be.
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mary
May 27, 2016 at 8:41 AM
Maybe Goblins and Reapers are already doing that. Now we know why the dead souls are shocked.....
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Waiting
May 27, 2016 at 11:04 AM
"...who will steal the other’s underwear first?"
And now my Friday is complete thanks to Mary! Hahahahaha!
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June
May 29, 2016 at 9:22 AM
You slayed me with laughter, Mary. No wonder the dead souls are so shocked. They would think they strike lottery to die, lol
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genkibaka
May 27, 2016 at 12:59 AM
I think Gong Yoo can already be considered a movie star. His movie career has been doing well. Though, I feel bad for Lee Dong Wook too. But I think his character here going to be interesting. So I think it doesnt matter.
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Princess Noor
May 27, 2016 at 2:09 AM
yes GY is considered a movie star now after his success in box office went to cannes acting with jeon do yeon, song kang ho all of this added to his career
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paroles
May 27, 2016 at 6:09 AM
I agree. LDW's recent dramas haven't fared well in terms of ratings too. That may be the reason why they even offered this to him. Still, the difference in "status" between GY and LDW is a lot smaller than that between the 1st and 2nd male leads in all of KES's previous works. It's possible that the weight of the characters is GY > LDW >> KGE and that's why they are going for this casting. I imagine there would be a lot of focus on the bromance instead. And if LDW can revitalise his career with a 2nd lead role that'll be good for him too.
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Kiara
May 27, 2016 at 12:11 PM
Yes Gong Yoo has headlined a couple of major films. Most recently "Train to Busan"
I think his biggest film is yet to come. "The Age of Shadows" with Song Kang Ho and director Kim Jee-Woon.
Lee Dong Wook haven't done much in films.
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Chiisan
May 27, 2016 at 7:15 AM
Lee Dongwook? GodIlovedisman, just not his choice of dramas.
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9 Rilabear
May 27, 2016 at 12:19 AM
Not a fan of Kim Go Eun. She's too young for Gong Yoo. I really want him to have an older actress around his age for some steamy scenes. Idk I must be the only person against her tho.
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dramaaaaa
May 27, 2016 at 12:44 AM
Nah, you have all knetz with you lol And some international kdrama fans as well. I personally don't see her talent.
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pigsnout
May 27, 2016 at 12:45 AM
Kim Go Eun might be young but she did those scenes right from debut, her age won't stop KES if she wants to write such scenes.
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Nina Chikovani
May 27, 2016 at 3:39 AM
NOTHING can stop KES to write romantic scenes, not even logic
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eunchans
May 27, 2016 at 12:32 PM
lol!
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jt
May 27, 2016 at 6:39 AM
I am with you there. Kim Go Eun overhyped. Wasn't won over by her portrayal in Cheese nor Coin Locker.
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10 meowingme
May 27, 2016 at 12:20 AM
Hoorayy, Lee Dong Wook! Hope he will confirm soon, Bubblegum seemed so long ago already.
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11 dramaaaaa
May 27, 2016 at 12:42 AM
Hmm so the female will be a poor defenseless human? Really now? And filming beginning in Sept means the drama will be live-shot which again, nagl. My interest in this drama is decreasing by the second.
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12 Jessica
May 27, 2016 at 1:19 AM
I just want LDW back on my screen, and this has all the makings of a hit- in- waiting.
Though I wish he were the lead because I'm incredibly bias in his favor.
I looooovvvvveeeee him.
I do like Gong Yoo so not too disappointed.
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Waiting
May 27, 2016 at 11:08 AM
LDW is a sweetie, isn't he? If I had little brothers, he may be my favorite of the bunch.
Now we'll have to see if he has normally colored lips in this drama if he takes it. In Bubblegum, one of the lead female's lines commented on if he was wearing gloss or lipstick. I nearly fell off the chair laughing. ;)
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13 kanz
May 27, 2016 at 1:35 AM
Somehow I always end up love the second male leads more in KES dramas (Yoon Sang Hyun, Lee Dong Gun, Kim Woo Bin), so maybe this one is no exception either?
Oh and pretty please don't let uri Wookie become amnesiac, sad, soulless reaper, please give him a woman by his side and I say no to love triangle. Been there, done that KES, you'd better give us 2 couples to root (a la DOTS) for than needlessly brewing potential shipping wars.
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14 Elianne
May 27, 2016 at 1:59 AM
Ugh I'm so torn about this - on one hand, the supernatural/fantasy plot is intriguing and so up my alley (especially with a potential LDW-GY bromance!) but on the other, I haven't been able to finish any of the writer's recent work..
I don't know whether I'm praying for KGE to take or reject this drama now.
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15 alpha
May 27, 2016 at 3:02 AM
I think Lee Dong Wook is too big to become just a second male lead. I hope there isnt any love triangle because I wont be able to choose at all!
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alpha
May 27, 2016 at 3:02 AM
I just hope his role is substantially big too, just like Goo Dae Young in DOTS
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mary
May 27, 2016 at 3:27 AM
That's what I hope too! Why have 1 annoying love square when you can have 2 awesome ones?
And maybe, some womance for the two female leads, whoever they will be. :D
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dramaaaaa
May 27, 2016 at 3:59 AM
lol you mean Seo Dae Young?
And I have a feeling the story will focus on the bromance between the 2 and the girl thrown in to cause trouble. Lee Dong Wook's character was talked about since the first piece of news, while the human bride came later.
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16 Grapes
May 27, 2016 at 3:37 AM
It's weird that he's a second lead but as long as the drama is good it doesn't matter,
I think she's good at writing fantasy I liked Secret Garden but didn't like her las two dramas although i could manage to finish Heirs but couldn't finish DOTS
I am not against KGE but I prefer if they choose an actress from the 80s era she will be more suited for both leads since they're born in the 70s
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mistress
May 27, 2016 at 4:31 AM
Lee DW was born in '81
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17 wapz
May 27, 2016 at 4:08 AM
Haven't seen Lee Dong Wook in anything but I really want KGE to take this role after all the hate that she's receiving from knetz over the PHJ case. I remember people did like her when CITT started but I guess after her remarks over PHJ ( that i don't even know about) she is receiving a lot of hate. And i guess a KES show is good for making you popular and setting up a good image. However, nobody's guaranteeing mega success like DOTS. It could turn out to be like the less successful Heirs but even that show hit twenty's.
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18 Zah
May 27, 2016 at 4:28 AM
Haven't seen LDW in a drama, but he was amazing on Return of Superman with the 5 Siblings. Hope I get to see him with Daebak again, because the kid just got along so well with him.
On topic, I love the idea of a potential bromance between Lee Dong Wook and Gong Yoo. I'll be watching this one if it's more like DOTS and less like Heirs, Secret Garden and AGD.
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19 chingu
May 27, 2016 at 4:31 AM
Lol @ Lee Dong-wook's character description! I'm already picturing the souls being enamored by his beauty and then going, "Wait, I'm DEAD!!?" Lawl. Tbh, I never really thought of Lee Dong-wook as sexy (now, Gong Yoo... *ehem*), but I'm looking forward to the idea of him bringing the character to life.
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20 Lily
May 27, 2016 at 5:09 AM
I wasnt keen on kge as the female lead, but if they throw in LDW together with GY, then well I really got to watch this show. Altho i have never really enjoyed Kim eun sook's work- they were all too light and fluffy for me.
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21 redfox
May 27, 2016 at 5:21 AM
first a blade man, then a reaper. he likes playing it dangerously. I wonder if he is a bunjee-jumping reaper, too... at least he is experienced with room-mates.
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22 Sivibi
May 27, 2016 at 6:02 AM
I don't know about the writer, but it gives good premises. since it will be under tvN , and I am so glad to see that long-leg actor, Lee Dong Wook will be on the screen again hell yeah
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23 Adal
May 27, 2016 at 6:10 AM
Yay, the cast is shaping up nicely!
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24 dramalover
May 27, 2016 at 6:13 AM
Am I the only person that never really got the hype over Gong Yoo?
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Tru2u
May 27, 2016 at 7:48 AM
Honestly, I wasn't crazy about him either. Then I somehow checked out she's on duty because of kim sun ah, and loved him ever since. Although I only enjoyed his coffee prince drama. His drama choices sucks like LDR last 3 dramas. Ughhhhh. I want another "Scent Of a Woman" drama success for LDW. hahah, I really wanted kim sun ah for the female lead here because she and Gong Yoo has amazing chemistry. But I want it even more now since she also has killer chemistry with LDW. Oh well, hopefully the writer can give another quality drama like City Hall, because after that drama I don't know what happened to her.
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Tru2u
May 27, 2016 at 7:53 AM
LDW*
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Mintea
May 27, 2016 at 8:41 AM
I feel like I'm the only one who saw more chemistry with LDH and LDW than KSA, but KSA is amazing with GY hhh (I love him)
Lee Da Hae is kind of out of Korean industry though u_u Hotel King was a flop sadly, despite their amazing chemistry.
I hope this drama goes amazing LDW deserves it....!
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Tru2u
May 27, 2016 at 9:21 AM
Lol, I don't believe you're the only one. But I'm might be the only one that don't see chemistry between LDW&LDH. I watched "My Girl" and left loving lee jun ki (he stole the spotlight) and didn't care for the leads. Then somehow watched "The partner" and somehow like LDW there. Then watched and loved him in SOAW. But I've not checked out his last 3 dramas. As for LDH, I've tried her other dramas and wasn't crazy about them.
But, isn't LDH still popular in Korea?
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Thalia
May 27, 2016 at 10:11 AM
Actually you are not the only one lol me and many fans think so .hotel king got international fans' recogntion mainly bc of their amazing chemistry .I think hotel king was really good in the begnning but it got so makjang toward the end but still it was good for me and I enjoyed it .the acting and chemistry were worth watching
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kanz
May 27, 2016 at 5:55 PM
Oh that sounds so good...
Kim Sun Ah with Lee Dong Wook and Gong Yoo..
Mmmm.. the viewers would have a hard time to decide which ship they're on.. hehehe
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25 Diana Hansen
May 27, 2016 at 8:55 AM
i am in All in! hoping this one is a huge success for all involved! i love the actors and i miss gong yoo on the small screen cause it is hard to wait for international releases with subs for the movies i like this genre and i loved DOTS so here's hoping for more awesomeness!
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26 Zinia
May 27, 2016 at 8:57 AM
So far, everything I read about this drama sounds awful.
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27 shirayukihime
May 27, 2016 at 9:40 AM
so they are not casting Gong seung Yeon???? so sad.....
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28 An
May 27, 2016 at 9:52 AM
So I'm guessing we'll get another awesome bromance (please!) because I really don't want to see him be the pitiful second lead pining after love. I hope he also gets an awesome storyline..
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29 Kaylie
May 27, 2016 at 10:24 AM
Ahhhh Lee Dong-wook! My first love from Kdramas! It's a little sad that he's now being offered second lead roles (because his recent dramas have all flopped?) but I can't help but to get a little excited with this... Ahhhh. I hope he accepts it.
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30 StacyB
May 27, 2016 at 4:07 PM
Expected a lot. Dongwook as a reaper..should be awesome. For sure he will rock this character. I don't think as some here that he has got only offers for the second male lead roles, especially because of some of his recent dramas haven't got big ratings. I'm pretty sure that writer is greedy to work with both GY and LDW + LDW should be loved by tvN (and their group), he was really loved in Bubblegum even though it hasn't got big ratings+ he's perfect choice for "lost soul" charachter and if this story will be about Goblin and Reaper I expect more as Gentlemans Dignity where the main leads were two, but huge screentime and storyline was dedicated to other couples.
I only hope for separate love interest for LDW
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31 canxi
May 27, 2016 at 4:09 PM
Why is Kim Eun Sook coming for all my faves for this drama??
No way I'll be able to stay away if he confirms and KGE confirms. I love Lee Dong Wook so much. He is just such a nice person and can be so engaging on screen.
I also like the idea of LDW as a reaper. Imagining him flashing people with the pearly whites right before he takes 'em is making me laugh.
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32 Mumu
May 27, 2016 at 8:48 PM
I don't care much for LDW, he is still a 2nd lead man. GY is carrying the drama. I didn't care much about the storyline til it was announced GY signed on. OT: DoTS was overhyped, so boring that I cant finish the darn drama bc i keep falling asleep, the main leads weren't a good match and the only thing I liked was the casting of the 2nd leads.
As for the female lead, I don't like the choice offer so far. Why not cast Yoon Eun Hye!!! Omg- she would definitely hype the drama to the next level X-D
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33 Namirae
May 27, 2016 at 11:08 PM
Kim eun suk, why don't you cast Yoon Eun Hye! she still a-list star .. Writternim, eunhye needs you for bring her popularity back!
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34 Mona
May 28, 2016 at 12:05 AM
I think second lead is as important as first lead in kim eun sook dramas
Yoon sang hyun in secret garden
Kim usururukim min and lee jongjongjhyuk in a gentlemans dignity
Kim woo bin in the heirs
Jin goo in descendants of the sun
So I hope LDW shines in goblin. I can't wait to watchLGY and LDW bromance
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