Character stills and extended descriptions for MBC's Ruler–Master of the Mask

87 April 11, 2017April 30, 2023

Character stills and extended descriptions for MBC’s Ruler–Master of the Mask

by tipsymocha

We’re less than a month away from the premiere of the highly anticipated drama Ruler–Master of the Mask, finally!! *throws confetti* Production and character stills have been released for the upcoming MBC sageuk melo, starring Yoo Seung-ho (Remember–Son’s War) and Kim So-hyun (Bring It On, Ghost), so prepare yourself for a barrage of pretty.

These productions stills were taken back in early January when cameras first started rolling, and oh my days, does Yoo Seung-ho wear the ye olden times clothing well. I am beyond excited for this drama to start already, because I have a Park Bo-gum- and Kim Yoo-jung-shaped sageuk hole in my heart that needs to be filled, stat. Also, the whole political intrigue mixed with star-crossed lovers plot is giving me strong Princess’s Man flashbacks, which can only mean good things.

MBC has also released character stills and descriptions on their website, which gives us a more detailed look into each of the main six characters. Cautionary note: Korean broadcasters have an unfortunate tendency of sharing more than they maybe ought to before their shows air, so proceed at your own risk. SPOILER ALERT!

First, we have our prince behind the mask, Lee Sun, played by Yoo Seung-ho. He’s described as being born to wield power, but he gives up the throne for the sake of his people and his lover. As we know from previous articles, prince Sun himself doesn’t know why he is made to wear a mask, and so he goes searching through the palace records himself for the reason. What he finds is that he once suffered from an unknown illness, but instead of being treated by the royal physician, a mysterious figure named Woo-bo was called to his aid. Convinced that Woo-bo holds the key to the mask’s secret, Sun flees the palace to go search for him.

The prince’s aforementioned lover is Kim So-hyun’s Han Ga-eun character, who is said to be decidedly unladylike due to her upbringing in a family of warriors. Ga-eun loses her mother early and, coupled with her family’s financial woes, develops a steely, independent outer shell that hides a positive, gentle personality and is still a young girl at heart. Awww, I love her already. It looks like Ga-eun will also have a connection to Woo-bo, whom she visits to learn and dream of freedom. There, she will meet her first love Chun-soo, who shares her aspirations, but their relationship is cut short with the death of her father at the prince’s hand.

L (She’s So Lovable) will portray the peasant Lee Sun, who swaps places with the prince because of love. The peasant Sun was born with a fierce intellect and a temper to match, two traits completely unsuited for a low-born commoner and a butcher’s son. Uneducated and destitute, peasant Sun becomes enthralled with Ga-eun, who teaches him to read, gives him a name, and is basically the first person to treat him like a human being. No wonder he lurves her. He knows his crush can never be realized, so he gives up on his heart and his education. BUT, that’s when he meets the prince, who stops him from getting revenge when his butcher father is killed for stealing water. Looks like there’s bromance in the air, if only the love triangle doesn’t mess it up.

Next, we have our female second lead Kim Hwa-goon, played by Yoon So-hee (Memory). The granddaughter of the leader of shadow organization Pyeonsoohwae, Hwa-goon is used to having her own way. She starts out with a low opinion of the weak prince who has to live behind a mask but has a fateful encounter with the prince in a greenhouse, where she discovers he is not as meek as rumor has it. She starts a dangerous one-sided love that leads her to betray her family and also become the head of Pyeonsoohwae.

Our main villain is Dae Mok, portrayed by the masterful Heo Joon-ho (Beautiful Mind). His outward appearance is misleadingly warm and kind, but he possesses a sharp mind that is expert at using those around him to his advantage. Uh oh, these types are the scariest. Pyeonsoohwae used to be a figurative hunting dog for generations of kings, but Dae Mok decides to become the real power behind the throne after the previous king and his father contribute to his beloved wife’s death. Yeah, I can see Heo Joon-ho acting the heck out of this character.

And finally, rounding out our main cast is the mysterious Woo-bo, played by veteran comedic actor Park Chul-min (Moonlight Drawn By Clouds). Once a star scholar and official at Sungkyunkwan, the incident involving the prince’s illness leads to his royal physician brother’s death in prison and his own exile from the palace. He now lives a solitary life outside the palace walls, selling off his family’s possessions to help others and rejecting offers to return as a government official. A yangban (nobleman) by birth, Woo-bo rejects aristocratic norms and gives zero sh**s about his actions, language, and appearance, lol.

MBC’s Ruler–Master of the Mask will begin its run on May 10. *taps foot impatiently*

Via Topstarnews, MBC

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1 Chandler

April 11, 2017 at 3:18 PM

Haha, you're right. It's April 11, we really are officially less than a month away! There's something so satisfying about being able to say that, especially when you have a drama you've been anticipating for months already. I'm getting Princess's Man flashbacks with the premise for this and Seven Day Queen. Please let at least one of them live up to expectations. Preferably both!

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2 SailorJumun

April 11, 2017 at 3:20 PM

Gahhhhhhhh. I need this drama and I need it now.

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tipsymocha

April 11, 2017 at 4:39 PM

I needed this like YESTERDAY.

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Dark Mago

April 12, 2017 at 10:28 AM

I need another dose of Yoo Seung Ho.

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3 nunchiberry

April 11, 2017 at 3:30 PM

i can't even watch it when it comes out...gotta wait for finals to be over first.
i cry.
RMOTM, WAIT FOR ME!!! T__T

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💜🍍☠ Sicarius The Queen of Melonia ☠🍍💜

April 11, 2017 at 6:46 PM

Can we cry together? I can't watch it whilst airing either, I'll be a long way away from my laptop at that point.

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Caesalpinia

April 11, 2017 at 9:14 PM

good luck for the finals! I hope you do well so you can enjoy RMOTM gladly :p

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nunchiberry

April 12, 2017 at 4:34 AM

thanks! ^.^

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4 neener ~ Inside the Magic Shop ~

April 11, 2017 at 3:36 PM

My body is ready! Come on May 10, roll it.

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5 UmbrellaMan

April 11, 2017 at 3:40 PM

Kim So-hyun was born to play in sageuks. She looks so lovely in that still. Waits excitedly. L my beauty please don't let me down...

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Sunflowerdiva

April 11, 2017 at 7:37 PM

Kim So-hyun looks absolutely beautiful. She and Yoo Seung-ho just are wildly stunning in sageuks. And L/Kim Myung-soo looks good in character, so I hope his acting's improved. YSH and KSH are a tough pair to match with all their acting experience.

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daydee

April 13, 2017 at 11:10 AM

I hope so too! Based on his performance in 'The Day After We Broke Up' (with Yoon Sohee!) I think he's imporoved since 'She's So Lovable'.

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sparkzy

April 11, 2017 at 8:39 PM

Agreed. Sh'es great.
I'm not yet used to Yoon So Hee in sageuk yet, even though I'm always charmed by how adorable she is!!

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6 ahjummadd

April 11, 2017 at 3:41 PM

It's looking really good. Soooo looking forward to it.

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7 jillian

April 11, 2017 at 3:44 PM

I so want to like this drama. Please be good. I so love Princess's Man and to compare this to that makes me look forward to this even more.

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8 reggie12

April 11, 2017 at 3:45 PM

oh great can't wait to see this drama and it has to be a success too, I think it this will be a breakthrough drama young actress Kim Soo-hyun ?

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Grapes

April 11, 2017 at 8:17 PM

Yes I hope so, although she was the lead in 3 dramas and one movie but none of them was a hit, she needs a big hit under her name.

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9 Hikary

April 11, 2017 at 4:04 PM

OMG sounds awesome can't wait since right now the only kdrama I like is SWDBS and rebel so cant wait to have another sageuk in line love it

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10 nehak0000

April 11, 2017 at 4:34 PM

KIM SOHYUN I'M HERE. HIT ME UP.

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11 bananachocolate

April 11, 2017 at 4:49 PM

I hope Yoon So-hee's character along the way will decide that she ought to make things right not from her one-sided love, but from her morality or some character development. I find her storyline the saddest one out of the four.
When I was reading Woo-bo description, I kept imagining a really long white hair elder and then I saw the images at the end of the post lol.

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byeol

April 11, 2017 at 7:43 PM

Awww. I also hope she will and not be dragged by the pain of her unrequited love. I keep on seeing Yoon Sung (moonlight drawn by clouds) in her. Both belong to the enemy's clan of the person they valued. I'm curious to the path that leads her to become the head of Pyeonsoohwae. I read it correctly right? She will become the head? Heol! Did her grandfather also pushes her to be the head and eventually the queen? (that will really make her Yoon Sung's female version hahaha)

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bananachocolate

April 11, 2017 at 9:28 PM

Yes she will become head of Pyeonsoohwae! I'm not sure if her grandfather will push her to become a queen or the head? If you think back to that time, unless there was no son, usually the grandfather would encourage the male protege more so (I'm inferring that there is no grandson in her family). Or maybe the grandfather saw leadership in her! I'm happy they are going to make her a leader somehow. Love female leaders or assertive females in dramas :D I hope she will find love somewhere else and an environment that she is comfortable where her background doesn't affect her ~

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byeol

April 11, 2017 at 9:52 PM

Either way, that's tragic. It means that she will be going against her love, the crown prince. I wanted to know as to how extent is her love for Lee Seon because it will surely have an effect to her decisions. And I'm with you to assertive female leads!
also, being a female leader during joseon era is a positive representation. Women back then are limited to household chores or for entertainment. Those who read books, study swordsmanship, learn horseback riding or work for a living are often criticize for not being lady-like.

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12 yasmina

April 11, 2017 at 5:09 PM

I'm watching the princess's man. Such an epic story, well balanced... hoping Ruler of the Mask would have such balance and consistency in story telling. I mean last year's Moon Lovers really messed up in that department, it had a good story to tell but it took zero in my book for the messy representation... Moonlight Drawn by Clouds did much better but it was a kind of forgettable, mediocre if I may say. Sageuks should only be epic, nothing less, ehem ehem Six Flying Dragons style.

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cutie

April 12, 2017 at 2:35 AM

ehem ehem empress ki style..

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13 rabbitdust

April 11, 2017 at 5:11 PM

I'm excited for this drama. The cast looks so good, especially Yoo Seung-ho and Kim So-hyun.

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14 Junie Bug

April 11, 2017 at 5:28 PM

This drama is sounding better and better!!! May 10 HURRY UP PLEASEEE

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15 Evelia

April 11, 2017 at 5:38 PM

I can't wait for this drama either. The premise looks interesting.

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16 PakalanaPikake

April 11, 2017 at 6:00 PM

Looking forward to this. Park Chul-min is one of my all-time faves. He was great in RETURN OF ILJIMAE. I may get whiplash from seeing Heo Joon-ho in hanbok after his turn as a neurosurgeon in BEAUTIFUL MIND. LOL. But he was terrific in that role, so I expect to have fun watching him in this. (Did he swipe Arang's hairpin -- or was it bestowed by the King of Heaven?!)

More stolen water in the plot. Hmmm. That reminds me. I need to check out SEONDAL: THE MAN WHO SELLS THE RIVER.

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Grapes

April 11, 2017 at 8:30 PM

That movie is funny, watching them conning was fun, but dragged in the middle, I just remembered that I didn't watch the rest of it.

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PurpleTeapot

April 11, 2017 at 9:12 PM

I came across Park Chul-min in Imaginary Cat (with Yoo Seung-ho too) and Bubblegum and I love him too! It seems like he's getting quite a major role here so we'll see more of him ^.^

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17 glowycloud

April 11, 2017 at 6:07 PM

Ever since that gorgeous extended cameo in Goblin, I've been waiting for Kim Sohyun to return to sageuk... and there we go! And she of course looks stunning. Can't wait for this drama, I swear for the plot... has nothing to do with the beautiful faces nope nope!

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Grapes

April 11, 2017 at 8:33 PM

Her cameo in Goblin was of the best cameos in dramaland, It didn't bother me repeating her arrow shot scene there, since i can see more of KSH face.

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18 wackycashew

April 11, 2017 at 6:12 PM

This is definitely the next show I really wanna see!! Love the main leads and other cast members already!! One month doesn't seem that far away. *taps foot along* =P

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19 Mandy

April 11, 2017 at 6:40 PM

Seeing YSH smiling makes me more impatient for this drama - which I didn't even think was possible. The character descriptions are so interesting and non cookie-cutter which is just gratifying. I do hope the crown prince doesn't completely give up on being King. From the description, it sounds like he's perfect for the job and I hope in the end he can be a ruler for his people AND be with his lover. That sounds just about perfect!

Yoon So-hee's character sounds tragic rather than insane second leads we usually get so that's a relief. As for L... I can only hope he took some lessons, because I'd be damned if a drama with such a brilliant cast be ruined by his not-so-brilliant acting/smirks. Hong Soo-hyun's turning point was Princess Man. So *fingers crossed*

And definitely I feel the Princess' Man connection in everything else. The Romeo-Juliet-ness of it, the political intrigue and most likely the intense romance - even typing it out makes me squeal. Less than a month - just. cannot. wait.

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rentenmann

April 12, 2017 at 5:15 AM

To seeing YSH smiling, YES, I am with you all the way! I mean sure, he can cry beautifully (seriously, can they give classes on how to do that for us regular folks?), but I like to see folks smiling, especially if they're goofy, in-love smiles.

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20 accordingtoall

April 11, 2017 at 6:51 PM

I'm gonna finally watch a historical after along time. And with Yeppo McBoomBoom (Yoo Seung Ho) and my B (Kim So Hyun). I'm so happy!!!! I know my pain in this drama is gonna be real. So I better prepare myself. *breathes* I'm ready.

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21 Elle

April 11, 2017 at 6:52 PM

"I have a Park Bo-gum- and Kim Yoo-jung-shaped sageuk hole in my heart that needs to be filled, stat."

Same. *tears up*

But I've long since accepted that I will always have a Moonlight-shaped hole in my heart.

I hope this turns out to be epic and sweeping, like The Princess's Man but with (hopefully) much smarter heroes.

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22 sananas

April 11, 2017 at 7:06 PM

I'm hoping this is as epic as The Princess's Man, but with Moonlight moments. May 10, come fast!

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23 byeol

April 11, 2017 at 7:09 PM

My heart can't be still with all the promos left & right.
I love the strong characters of the girls just PLEASE PLEASE don't get dragged.
Yoo Seung Ho-- seriously, he looks so good in period setting. The clothes, his sageuk speech, his aura. You know he was born for this.
And.. L's character doesn't have a proper name? Am I sensing a birth secret? Or nameless peasants are just typical back then?

My co-beanies please join me as I a kneel, bow & pray sincerely for this drama to be good. Not just for the sake of my love for KSH & YSH but also for myself who already expects highly for this when I said before that I wouldn't & shouldn't. *cries helplessly*

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oneearedgirl

April 11, 2017 at 8:36 PM

*joins prayer circle*

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rentenmann

April 12, 2017 at 5:17 AM

*extends hands for prayer circle, too*

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24 ujsid

April 11, 2017 at 7:20 PM

They all look so pretty in Sanguek garb!

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25 hello

April 11, 2017 at 7:23 PM

So excited to watch Myungsoo and Kim Sohyun ♥

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26 hello

April 11, 2017 at 7:24 PM

So excited to watch Myungsoo and Kim Sohyun ♥♥

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27 keiru

April 11, 2017 at 7:33 PM

I haven't decided whether I can watch another sageuk right after Rebel, but Ruler looks good

Anyway, why does it feel funny to have MBC's sageuks title start with 'R' and 5 alphabets?
Rebel; Thief Who Stole The People
Ruler; King of The Mask
And now I secretly wished that Siwan's drama title become Ryeo; The King's Love

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28 civilsecret

April 11, 2017 at 7:47 PM

im also looking forward to seeing this, there are few saeguks coming our way. this one, then kings love with siwan and then seven days queen with woo jin and park min young, which weirdly sounds very familiar to kings love. all three seems like it might have bromance and love triangles. lol

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29 jeslen

April 11, 2017 at 7:54 PM

This really gives me "The Princess Man Syndrome" feels. I'm really into saguek drama filled with star-crossed themes and great character portrayals. Yoo Seung Hoo is a great and gorgeous actor, while Kim So-Hyun is an incredible young actress. I'm glad she had able to cross from child roles already. And she looks really beautiful. Hopefully, this drama will be a success. Love from the Philippines <3

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Mango Juice

April 11, 2017 at 9:29 PM

It's nice to see a fellow Filipino beanie around here. ?

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byeol

April 11, 2017 at 9:58 PM

I think Let's fight Ghost is her attempt to cross over adult roles. Although I consider RMOTM as her first adult role (probably) only because LFG aired on a cable channel. It so nice to see her (and kim yoo jung) grow up since METS. Hello mga kababayan! :)

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30 imbuk

April 11, 2017 at 8:39 PM

Kim so hyun is beautiful. Hope the drama is epic. Looking forward to both this and suspicious partner.

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31 kurazo4

April 11, 2017 at 8:41 PM

wow! I can't wait for this! I so love the pair already!

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32 azzo

April 11, 2017 at 9:16 PM

Whoa! that is a lot of character description! The posters got me really excited for this so cannot wait but can you guys remind me this drama is going against what drama?

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Mango Juice

April 11, 2017 at 9:27 PM

It's going to be on the Wed-Thurs line up over at MBC, which unfortunately coincides with Ji Chang-wook and Nam Ji-hyun's drama Suspicious Partner at SBS. These two shows also have the same pilot day - May 10. As for KBS, it's Mystery Queen, which by the way has surpassed the double digits mark right at its first week. Tough competition we got here.

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azzo

April 11, 2017 at 9:35 PM

I hope both dramas do well because I'm really looking forward to watching both. And YAY for MQ, I'm planning on starting it this weekend. Thank you.

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rentenmann

April 12, 2017 at 5:22 AM

I have to admit that I didn't pay attention to any news about MQ, so I was delighted to see LWG there as a local police officer. That's turning out to be another unexpected watch for me! The next few months are gonna be busy for drama-watching. *pep-talking my TV to be ready to be on all day*

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Mango Juice

April 12, 2017 at 5:59 AM

Lucky us international viewers, we don't have to choose which channel to switch our tv on.

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byeol

April 11, 2017 at 9:38 PM

They gave us alot for a character description which almost equals to a spoiler as tipsy mocha mentioned. I hope there's something more to dig in to the story.
Re your question, Its going against Suspicious Partner (SBS) w/c will premiere on the same day, May 10 and Mystery Queen (KBS) and will later be replaced by Seven Day Queen (KBS) on May 31.

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33 Le__Ssy

April 11, 2017 at 9:34 PM

I am SO going to make room for this even though exam / LIFE in general will get in the way.

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34 Lulla

April 11, 2017 at 10:25 PM

The story sounded interesting. Is this preproduced?

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happiness

April 11, 2017 at 10:46 PM

Comment was deleted

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byeol

April 11, 2017 at 10:51 PM

It was originally planned to be pre-produced but due to the cold weather and i believe, a casting problem, it seems like it's 50%-75% pre produced since it didn't looked like they will move the airing date. I prefer half pre-produced drama tho.

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Lulla

April 11, 2017 at 11:09 PM

Thx joyee, bangwon! I prefer pre produced drama, since I found my fave dramas changed style along the way. But 50%-75% preproduced is not bad. Okay, I'm gonna watch this!

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UnapologeticAddict

April 13, 2017 at 1:01 PM

I prefer pre-produced dramas. I really dislike the *seemingly* endless waiting. Please be May 10th already.

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35 transient

April 11, 2017 at 10:28 PM

Comment was deleted

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transient

April 11, 2017 at 10:29 PM

Kim So-hyun looks so pretty. I'm having girl crush.

All character descriptions sound intriguing, but I think I will be most invested in Lee Seon. I hope L does a good job on such interesting character.

I can't wait for this drama.

P/S: I deleted my previous comment because all line break was lost, so I want to check whether the bug is consistent. If this comment has no line break either, then there is a bug.

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delurked

April 12, 2017 at 1:09 AM

KSH is definitely the girl crush to beat all girl crushes. She just has that lovely aura of elegance ?

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36 tesshan

April 11, 2017 at 11:10 PM

Ohhhhhh. Interesting. Very promising characters / plot! Hope it will live up to it!

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37 mistblu7

April 12, 2017 at 1:20 AM

omg!! i can't wait for this to come out

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38 nogwanshimm

April 12, 2017 at 1:27 AM

The story's really interesting~ And that heartbreaking romance will surely get me. This is something I really look forward too~ Yoo Seungho slays his sageuk costume, and Kim Sohyun's beautiful as always.

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39 cutie

April 12, 2017 at 2:51 AM

All the characters storylines look so interesting, i think this will be a mature more serious drama judging from the teasers..
Park chul min must be yoo seung ho's father lol how many times have they worked together now?

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40 yuelie

April 12, 2017 at 4:02 AM

*Drums fingers*
*Gets up*
*Walk in circle*
*Sits down*
*Drums fingers*
*Gets up*

Are we there yet?

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UnapologeticAddict

April 13, 2017 at 1:00 PM

This is exactly how I feel! Between Man to Man and RMOFTM I'm a bundle of nerves just waiting to explode.

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41 petalblooming

April 12, 2017 at 4:13 AM

CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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42 yiemei

April 12, 2017 at 5:10 AM

I am dying with anticipation in this drama..cant wait ??

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43 somegirl

April 12, 2017 at 6:53 AM

Yoo Seung-ho x Kim So-hyun, I don't even know how else to express my emotions about this except that I absolutely can't wait to watch this drama!!!! Gaaaaah??

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44 kidlyd

April 12, 2017 at 7:00 AM

Woa I can't believe that Dramabean translated all that long character descriptions which are already longer than normal ones. Get so much spoilers just from reading these but then still a lot of hanging questions about the plot. All I can say is that May 10th please come faster!!

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45 ramenqueen

April 12, 2017 at 7:20 AM

I cannot wait for this! I was actually hoping for Kim So-hyun to be in Moonlight instead, but this pairing will actually be better!!

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46 bentohouse

April 12, 2017 at 8:13 AM

So 'yangban' means nobleman? I heard it often in dramas and thought it sounds like a curse when they used it to someone's older in age LOL
I miss Kim So Hyun in sageuk. Goblin's cameo is not enough for my heart so I'm sooo looking forward to this!