Unpredictable laughs and tears in JTBC’s Fantastic
by javabeans
You know, you had me at “Joo Sang-wook playing a foot-actor.” It wasn’t until Joo Sang-wook took on comedy (Sly and Single Again, Birth of a Beauty) that I really thought he lit up the screen (though it’s true that his moment of reawakening can be traced back earlier to weekend saga Giant, and then crime thriller TEN), so I’m dying to see his take on a top star who’s a terrible actor — and knows it — in the upcoming JTBC drama Fantastic.
Or maybe “dying” is the wrong word for him, since it’ll be Kim Hyun-joo (I Have a Lover) who’ll be playing the part of the dying lead; she’ll play a drama writer who’s diagnosed with a terminal illness. But despite that downer of a premise, Fantastic is going for a light-hearted, upbeat approach and calls itself an unpredictable romantic comedy. I expect some tears — and Kim Hyun-joo is literally shedding one in her character poster, above — but those will hopefully be balanced out by levity and laughs.
In the poster, Kim Hyun-joo’s character is described as a drama writer with six months left to live: “In this moment, now, I’m the healthiest!” Meanwhile, Joo Sang-wook’s poster describes him as “Great Star of the Universe, Foot-Caprio” (for all the foot-acting he’s so known for), and his copy reads, “I know! That I’m a foot-actor… The whole world knows, so what?!” HEHE. I love the character’s ego, and from the clips of the script reading, it looks like he’s so full of himself that even Joo Sang-wook was embarrassed to say the lines (about how awesome and good-looking he is).
(I’m noticing that the drama title is stylized “FantastiC” and am hoping that there’s a solid, totally not-cringe-inducing reason for the spelling… although considering dramaland’s history with dubious English, I’d better be prepared to cringe.)
Fantastic also stars Park Shi-yeon (Greatest Marriage), Kim Tae-hoon (One More Happy Ending), and Ji-soo (Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart: Goryeo, Doctors). The series will be JTBC’s next weekend drama following Age of Youth, and premieres on September 2.
Via Sports Chosun
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Tags: cable programs, Fantastic, Joo Sang-wook, Kim Hyun-joo
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1 Sir pawcelot
August 5, 2016 at 8:21 AM
Jisoo is everywhere
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Hearherstories
August 5, 2016 at 9:30 AM
The fact that he's everywhere literally makes me feel the same set of emotions I have when I find my long lost money in unexpected places - surprised but also overjoyed!
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bips99
August 5, 2016 at 10:02 AM
Except he does these tiny tiny roles. Not even a proper second lead.
I really am not sure what exactly is his agency doing. I have seen actors younger than him and far less experienced than him headline shows.
He is a good actor. People like him. Then why is he not doing anything more substantial?
I loved him in Page turner. Let him do a solid second lead at least
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Alessar
August 5, 2016 at 10:39 AM
You know, it might be for money. When you have a regular acting gig you typically get paid one rate, but a guest star doing 1-2 episodes may make a higher per-episode rate. Since he's so popular he may be making some good cash doing all these easy little roles that don't carry a lot of commitment while waiting for a show that is just right for him, maybe even as a lead. As much as I like him, I don't think any of the shows that have been on recently would be the right fit for him. But all these small roles have been great and keep ramping up his exposure.
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bips99
August 5, 2016 at 12:28 PM
hmmm ... i think as a long term strategy it might backfire. Too much exposure and the audience might get tired of seeing you or you might end up getting typecast and not even be in the running for lead roles anymore.
i dunno, when agencies push for their actors for substantial roles (even when they are clearly not good enough), his basically makes him sign one role after another even though the role is not great at all
purpleowl
August 6, 2016 at 2:07 PM
@bips99 I don't think it's possible for me to get tired of my puppa. And I don't think he's been in any bad roles so far.
wackycashew
August 5, 2016 at 12:36 PM
I think he's still building his résumé and I actually like this better. He gets to act with stars who may be very popular (i.e., Doctors), which would help him gain exposure to viewers who have yet to notice him because they haven't seen his past projects. I definitely saw people who watched this show for PSH/KRW wondering who is this "gangster"? He only appeared here and there for 6 eps but still made an impact with his role. I think he just has the ability to capture people's attention no matter what character he is playing and how much screen time he gets.
Also, Jisoo can hone his skills next to veterans (i.e., Angry Mom) and now in Fantastic. He was a solid second lead in Sassy Go Go and a solid lead in Page Turner and Glory Day movie. It's great to have steady work instead of being propelled to lead only to fall short of expectations (e.g., his buddy Nam Joo Hyuk--I like him too, but obviously he didn't perform great in School 2015).
This time, I'm very excited that he will have 2 dramas airing simultaneously. Moon Lovers:Scarlet Heart:Ryeo will definitely garner more fans for him since it's a huge production and a lot of people will be tuning in to the live broadcast, not only in Korea but also in China. Expectations are very high all around. His part might not be big compared to other princes, but I don't doubt he would be a scene-stealer playing the lovable maknae. =P The original Chinese series had the 14th Prince playing a significant role, so I'm looking forward to his part.
As for Fantastic, I'm not sure if he's second lead or a lesser role. But he is breaking the school boy uniform mode and donning suits as an attorney. So, I'm anticipating this to be a more mature role for him, which is a great change from being stuck in teenage roles.
He will be in a variety show very soon: 8/18 called My Ear's Candy. Again, he will get more exposure because Jang Keun Suk is also in it along with Kyung Soo Jin. He was in Celebrity Bromance earlier and people really loved his personality. That was arguably one of people's fave bromances that aired.
Not to mention, he's also a spokesman for Chris Christy clothing brand along with Ahn Jae Hyun. It might not be that well-known, but some of their clothes have been worn in popular dramas lately (The Good Wife, Oh Hae Young Again) and even for airport attire by Xia Junsu. He's also been featured in some popular magazines, such as Cosmopolitan Korea and CéCi.
I actually think his agency is doing a fine job of building his audience with a variety of projects and activities. Honestly, even though I love Jisoo to bits and enjoy his acting, I'm not sure if he's ready to step into the big shoes yet and play lead in a production that is not high school/college setting based. That's why I like that he's doing various things and improving his skills through building his repertoire. Less bad boy roles and more of different roles. ^^
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fleurofjasmine
August 5, 2016 at 4:52 PM
absolutely agree with you Lisa :)
I'm happy that basically everyone said they want Jisoo get lead role soon. But I prefer he takes a lot of projects and building his experiences before he headlines his own 16-20 episodes drama as 1st male lead.
wackycashew
August 5, 2016 at 7:34 PM
@fleurofjasmine (such a pretty handle XD)
Me too. He's only really been in two full productions with Angry Mom and Sassy Go Go that have aired. The other shows were brief appearances. Scarlet Heart is the next big thing. But still, I don't see him ready to headline a 16-20 ep drama yet unless he's playing a high school/college student. He can take the time to observe, study, learn...
Given his age, no one is gonna cast him as lead in a mature role. He's not there yet in terms of star power. Plus, he's no idol; hence, not gonna be first choice when it comes to high school/college dramas. Not to mention, he's not backed by the big 3, unlike NJH who has YG. Again, not gonna snatch those lead roles easily. I'd rather for him to get better with each project than be pushed as lead for something unsuitable or he's not quite ready for yet, and then be criticized. He's got a bright feature ahead full of potential. =D
Maybe he just needs another breakout role since not everyone saw Angry Mom. Like PBG and RJY in Answer Me 1988, which totally made RJY a household name. ^^ Interestingly, they starred in Glory Day together and I don't think the director knew RJY would get so big when he was cast.
fleurofjasmine
August 6, 2016 at 5:45 PM
@Lisa hihi thanks :)
I just want to say thank you for your comprehensive explanation about Jisoo's acting career. I always read comment about "oh I hope Jisoo will get a lead role soon etc etc" literally everywhere, on DB, twitter, soompi etc. I'm so happy about that but there's always part of who think..hmm..I think he's not ready yet except like you said in drama special like Page Turner (and PT also was a high-school themed drama) or webdrama like Lunch Box.
About his star power, I agree with you. We should admit that he hasn't a star power as big as NJH or PBG/SKJ/YSH/LHW (1993 liner like Jisoo). Interesting you mentioned PBG and RJY because I always remember them if I thought about Jisoo's acting career and that because RJY and Jisoo are basically has the same path of career, debuted in indie projects and got popularity because of one drama and also BFF in BYH48 :p.
I think because Go Bok Dong was so popular and phenomenal, he was typecasted to role similar with GBD. I saw the similarities in GBD, SHJ, Yong Bi and Soo Chul character (fun fact: even Jisoo admitted in on of his post sgg interviews that GBD and SHJ were indeed have many similarities, the difference was only SHJ has a BFF, Kim Yeol, while GBD hasn't a BFF). Two Jisoo's role which quite different in my opinion were Yong in Lunch Box and Chasik in Page Turner. So I'm anticipating how his character in MLSHR and Fantastic esp Fantastic (the character description said that Jisoo's char will have an affair with Park Shi Yeon's char :o)
I tweeted about this discussion and my friend on twitter responded which cracks me up. She said that actually she just want Jisoo get a girl in drama first, before Jisoo get a lead role. That's all she (and I) ever wanted!!! LMAO XD so true!!
oh, I noticed that DB hasn't write an article about character description of Kim Tae Hoon, Park Shi Yeon and Jisoo. Jisoo's character description will make everyone throw question --> "why is it so hard to Jisoo has a proper love line in drama?" LOL XD. Hopefully DB will post about it soon.
ps: sorry for my bad english. This is and yesterday's comment are not my first 2 comments on DB but this is my first long comment in here :p
wackycashew
August 7, 2016 at 10:03 AM
@fleurofjasmine Haha... No problem! I'd love for Jisoo to headline everything, but that just isn't reality. :P
I don't know that much other than that he started out in plays, then indie projects, then finally drama screen time with major networks. He's got the height of a model, but not a model-turned-actor. I actually think being in theatre first helped hone his acting skills, which naturally translated onto the small screen. That's why he garnered such attention in Angry Mom, to the point that I think the writer gave him a more meaty role than he signed up for. XD
I loved him in PT tremendously just cuz he got to play a happy character for once! Lunch Box was cute and what I liked was the cross-cultural collab. I wanna see Seoulmates as well, but only saw trailer footage so far cuz it was at a Philippines film festival only. That role is also quite different. I want him to break the bad boy mode and I think it's gonna happen in Fantastic (will write a new separate comment).
Agreed about his star power compared to the 93-ers. But he has time to build that up. I just found out he had a fanmeeting in Hong Kong earlier today. So cool! ^^ More Jisoo love!! Yes, RJY also came out of nowhere and got everyone's attention. The BYH48 BFFs are so funny!
Haha... Did he say that in the interview? I guess he got typecasted cuz he does wounded puppy so well and can easily draw in the audience that way. But I think he wants to be challenged and he's definitely able to perform in different roles! So, I'm looking forward to Scarlet Heart (hope he can mostly be happy maknae) and Fantastic (bring on the suits and romance)!
ROFL I think that is on everyone's wishlist! Just get the girl for once!!! If he wants a proper love line, I think he's gotta play a student again. At least for the next little while until he does more mature roles.
Wow! Honoured to have your first long comment! Your English is fine! =)
wackycashew
August 5, 2016 at 12:05 PM
I love discovering that he's in upcoming projects/shows!! Variety show on 8/18!! I just love seeing Jisoo--that is all. XD
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purpleowl
August 6, 2016 at 2:14 PM
@TaBs +1000000
This exactly how I feel when I see Jisoo's name. And almost every project, except for Angry Mom and this one, I would watch even if he wasn't signed up. So when he does pop up it's such a bonus I can barely stop smiling and fangirling to pay attention to the story.
It amazes me that Angry Mom was the first time I saw him. I wanted to keep watching it just for Jisoo puppa even though the story made me anxious.
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fab
August 5, 2016 at 12:07 PM
Hopefully soon as thé lead! Unfortunately, not even Jisoooo can make me watch that "medical drama".
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bips99
August 5, 2016 at 12:31 PM
That "medical drama" had jisoo for a grand total of two episode (and just a few random blink-and-miss scenes in the beginning)... nothing substantial so you did not miss anything
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2 The other Kiara
August 5, 2016 at 8:23 AM
Kim Hyun-joo + Park Shi-yeon girl power <3.
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3 soondubu
August 5, 2016 at 8:47 AM
What's ji soo's role? This looks interesting though
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wackycashew
August 5, 2016 at 12:03 PM
He's supposed to be an attorney. =)
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4 Nami
August 5, 2016 at 8:50 AM
Ji soo <3
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5 Chandler
August 5, 2016 at 8:57 AM
This drama took me by complete surprise, but it's actually one of the ones I'm most excited for! Yes, elements of the premise are bothersome, but something about the whole package just appeals to me. Lol, really though, Joo Sang Wook + foot-acting + Kim Hyun Joo + rom-com + Ji-soo + Park Shi-yeon = sold, for me.
Have to say, JTBC seems to be hitting their stride again this year. And KHJ looks radiant in that poster.
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Lin_K
August 6, 2016 at 2:04 AM
I like your equation. I love JSW, KHJ, and PSY too! I am excited!
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6 wapz
August 5, 2016 at 9:04 AM
Aren't all the posters of these new shows very similar? I mean the editing. Beautiful Mind, moonlight drawn by clouds, uncontrollably fond and now this. They probably hired the same photographer.
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7 Ok
August 5, 2016 at 9:08 AM
Can someone explain what "foot-acting" means? Thanks.
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IheartLinen
August 5, 2016 at 9:23 AM
"Foot acting" refers to bad acting
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Rachel
August 5, 2016 at 9:28 AM
What I can surmise from this previous DB article on this show, it means he's such a bad actor he's as bad as a foot?
"A top star who really can't act"
http://www.dramabeans.com/2016/07/rekindled-sparks-for-kim-hyun-joo-and-joo-sang-wook-in-jtbcs-fantastic/
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8 Sancheezy
August 5, 2016 at 9:19 AM
HANDSOME!!!
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9 SuziQ
August 5, 2016 at 9:26 AM
Love the cast!
Everyone is having such a good time and laughing at the script read.. Hope this is a funny drama..but poor Kim Hyun Joo is terminal? Please say it's a medical mistake...
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10 canxi
August 5, 2016 at 11:12 AM
Seems like it could be fun and touching like Scent of a Woman. I like how that drama ended on a hopeful note. (:
Hopefully Joo Sang Wook can shine in this like he did in Sly and Single Again which I think is his best rom-com role so far.
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11 stringofpurls
August 5, 2016 at 11:15 AM
What drama gods do I need to pray to so I can have Ji Soo as the lead of a noona romance? I'm willing to sell my soul for it. That should be worth something since it's barely used.
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12 wackycashew
August 5, 2016 at 12:02 PM
Love this table-read vid! Looks like the cast is getting along great and I can't wait for all the laughs!! Jisoo puppy--yes, lots of love comin' at ya!! ^.~
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13 yucaesar
August 5, 2016 at 12:18 PM
I just watched the teasers for FantastiC (seriously, what's with that capital C?) and it made me go from "Yeah, that sounds exciting" to "YEAH, THAT SOUNDS EXCITING".
Now that I think about it, maybe that's the message behind the capital C in "FantastiC". You go from "Yeah" to "YEAH", expecting something to expecting A LOT.
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Lily left the valley
August 12, 2016 at 9:27 AM
From looking at the poster, it was a design choice to match the curve of the Korean letter above.
The font size match with the F seems off though. I don't think it was supposed to be taller than the F.
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14 milktea
August 5, 2016 at 12:22 PM
the teasers are out too! and they look hilarious
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsssXK7s8BI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzXlFgWUb5Y
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blnmom
August 6, 2016 at 4:26 PM
Wow, those look great! I wish the people who made the teasers would make the actual drama though, too many times I've been fooled into thinking I'd get one thing and end up with another.
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Lily left the valley
August 12, 2016 at 9:31 AM
Why does the giraffe sculpture baa like a sheep as it's flying though the air?!?!
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15 crazedlu
August 5, 2016 at 12:53 PM
Why is Jisoo not headlining anything??? *criiiies*
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16 blues
August 5, 2016 at 3:09 PM
They release another teaser already and it looks so hilarious.
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17 fa
August 5, 2016 at 5:29 PM
So excited!! The teasers are really exciting! So glad to see him back in a rom-com!
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18 Ego
August 5, 2016 at 6:18 PM
Why that jisoo kid is everywhere, I find his acting is so soo nothing special, his flat smal eyes not to live, makes me feel sleepy whenever see him, heh
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19 elvira
August 5, 2016 at 6:34 PM
As if Jisoo is not the reason to watch this drama, they add Joo Sang Wook and Kim Hyun Joo...
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20 salt n' pepper
August 5, 2016 at 6:48 PM
Where's Park Si Yeon though? Why isn't she at the script reading? She'll still be in this, right? She probably just had another schedule, hopefully.
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21 jadea
August 5, 2016 at 7:41 PM
I wonder if the terminal disease she has is cancer. When I see FantastiC, I think of "The Big C", but maybe they're going for some kind of play on words. Who knows.
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22 ⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
August 6, 2016 at 5:04 AM
JSW, KHJ and PSY - just so much love. Then they add KTH and JS it gives more love.Cannot wait for this drama.
Kim Hyun Joo looks so radiant and elegant.
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23 Tia
August 6, 2016 at 8:57 AM
Watching BTS videos.. I always get this desperate feeling of leaving my life here and running off to Korea and joining a drama production team. I will be the happiest person even if my job is to hold lights or just fetch water for others or any small job... I just want to be there when the drama is being created. It seems such fun
Oh and by the way, my puppy Ji Soo better not be the lovesick second lead... he better get a girl just for himself.. I just cant bear him losing another girl. And since I am making wishes here, a hot kiss too. That's all for now.
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24 Eman Resu
August 6, 2016 at 1:15 PM
I really like Joo Sang Wook! I was first exposed to him through his roles in Sly and Single Again and then Birth of a Beauty. He's so great at comedy. His expressions are hilarious and he showcases natural comedic timing. As a guy, I appreciate that he doesn't take himself too seriously. He has a laid-back confidence that makes him very likeable. All in all I'm excited for this show. It seems intriguing. (I never thouht I'd say such a thing in regards to a show concerning a foot model. Who knew? Lol...)
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25 wackycashew
August 7, 2016 at 10:25 AM
[NEWS] Jisoo's role in Fantastic starting 9/2 on JTBC at 8:30pm will be a "perfect" attorney, Kim Sang Wook. He is someone who possesses good looks, physique, personality, and intelligence. However, he's never been in a romantic relationship. Before meeting Baek Seo (starring Park Shi Yeon), he was only focused on being filial to his parents. He is an all-around great youth. But the fairytale type appearance of Baek Seo before him disrupted Kim Sang Wook's life routines, and they will have a risky and exciting romance. Baek Seo is the daughter-in-law of a high-profile political family and suffers from her husband and mother-in-law's humiliation. But she decides to be her true self again and be a power woman. So, this will be a noona romance for Jisoo. =P
Source (Chinese article): http://m.allthatstar.com/view.php?action=1790&postID=263082
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wackycashew
August 7, 2016 at 5:04 PM
Forgot to translate what he said... XD
Regarding being a part of this drama, Jisoo expressed, "Being able to participate in the same drama as such amazing sunbaenims, I feel very excited and also very honoured. This is a really good role, so it's hard not to feel a bit burdened. But I will work hard to learn and to show everyone my unique charms."
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