Oh Yeon-seo to headline fantasy romance drama Hwayugi
by tineybeanie
Going from princess to monk, My Sassy Girl’s Oh Yeon-seo has confirmed fantasy romance drama Hwayugi as her next project. Based on classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, this Hong sisters drama keeps the central conflict the same—a monk battling evil spirits that run rampant in the world—but brings the story with a romantic modern-day twist.
Oh Yeon-seo is set to play Jin Sun-mi, the monk who teams up with Sun Wukong, the trickster Monkey King, and the charismatic but vain Bull Demon King to defeat the evil spirits. Currently, Lee Seung-gi (Love Forecast) is being courted for the role of Sun Wukong, and Cha Seung-won (Hwajeong) recently confirmed that he’ll play the Bull Demon King. Along the way, they inevitably fall into a love triangle.
Jin Sun-mi is a big-time real estate CEO who resells haunted houses, deserted houses, houses of mourning, basically any house with bad chi for a profit. She’s wealthy, beautiful, and has an unyielding tenacity that makes her so good at her job. Her only downside is that she’s not the friendliest, which is making me anticipate meet-cute misunderstandings and squabbles.
Similarly, Cha Seung-won’s character is also a CEO, albeit of an entertainment agency. Oh no, I think I’m experiencing second lead syndrome already. I’m not quite sure how the evil spirits will be incorporated, but if this drama is anything like Best Love meets My Girlfriend Is a Gumiho, I’m totally down to watch.
tvN’s upcoming Saturday-Sunday drama Hwayugi will premiere in December.
Via Joy News
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- Cha Seung-won courted for Hong sisters fantasy romance on tvN
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Tags: Hwayugi, Oh Yeon-seo
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1 Thaisfrede
October 17, 2017 at 11:49 AM
I loved it...
Now I only need that Lee Seung-gi confirms and everthing will be allright : )
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Drama god
October 17, 2017 at 5:13 PM
I think we will hear his decision after he is done with his MS. In oct. 31
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2 fgb4877
October 17, 2017 at 12:49 PM
I hope this script DELIVERS. I used to love Hong Sister's Dramas, but Warm & Cozy left my love for K-Dramas badly scarred.
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3 sooyi
October 17, 2017 at 1:05 PM
I was thinking, 'why destroy a good friendship with triangle romance', but then I remembered that Sun Ohgong and the other disciples fought for their teacher's affections 😊
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4 cantbothertologin
October 17, 2017 at 2:00 PM
That's weird, because Xuanzang in JttW is probably the most peace-loving, amiable monk ever.
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tummy
October 18, 2017 at 12:58 AM
Exactly! They would be better off NOT relating this to JttW. There would be little chance of making the original JttW fit to modern sensibility and yet staying true to the characters and their behaviour.
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5 Ek Ladhki Thi
October 17, 2017 at 2:03 PM
Had me at Cha Seung-won and Oh Yeon-seo (whom I love for the simple fact that she's an EXO-l), then you lost me at "love triangle".
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6 KLKlys
October 17, 2017 at 2:50 PM
Honestly, I am alone on this, however I don't wanna Lee Seung Gi...
I'd prefer Park Bo Gum or any rising actor... I really want the next Hong Sister drama to create a new wave once again!
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Drama god
October 17, 2017 at 5:17 PM
Wtf realtalk seung gi is better actor than pbg.. You're clueless tbh. Popularity of an actor alone is not enough to make a drama good and make if famous worldwide. And seeing all the dramas of lee seung gi vs. Pbg.. What a huge difference.. Pbg is not on lee seung gi's level yet.
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Dia
October 17, 2017 at 8:34 PM
Uh no. Park Bogum has shown amazing range in his projects way before he hit it big with Reply. Just because he's popular and therefore "overrated" nowadays doesn't mean he's not good in acting.
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Drama god
October 17, 2017 at 10:55 PM
I did not say he is overrated /he is not good in acting.. What i really meant is he is not on lee seung gi's level yet.. All of Seung gi 's drama were a hit. Lee seung gi's performance @Kingof 2hearts alone will make me think tht he is above him. PBG is a rising star.. Ofcourse the hype and fame.. He acquired it.
But Lsg is now an established actor with various of hit shows. Pbg needs more hit project to reach lsg level.
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redfox
October 17, 2017 at 11:13 PM
you kind of did though, you said LSG is a better actor. I wouldn´t say it, they are on par, they are both the puppy type too by looks, but I´d say Park Bo Gum has established himself as the Magic Actor - he almost gets mentioned in every other drama. He is a household name already. Nations´ Son-In-Law etc. And I personally can read his microexpressions better than Lee Seung Gi´s.
Drama god
October 17, 2017 at 11:35 PM
@redfox wth???? You kind of though??!
That is a fact.. You haven't watch king 2 hearts dont you?? Saying lsg is better than pbg means he is overated to you???? Hahaha u need to expand your comprehension.. The awards and hit drama says it all. Lsg is better than pbg but that doesn't mean pbg is a bad actor.
Drama god
October 17, 2017 at 11:40 PM
@redfox lol on par.. Come on ! Experience and acting wise lsg is better. Lsg was casted on a sitcom first then a supporting role in kbs drama after that he improved his acting producting high rated dramas .. No single digit on his drama ratings. Saying that they are equal right now is disrespecting lee seung gi's journey before achieving his stat status in dramas.. How many dramas did pbg did?? To prove that he is equal to Lsg??
alasecond
October 18, 2017 at 3:47 AM
hmm.. i have watched LSG.. and JJ stole the show.. so while LSG is good.. but all the dramas that i have seen , i won't call them some acting challenges... quite like LJS.. dramas he does are good, he is good.. but acting wise challenge is not huge (in terms of emotional range.. maybe VIP for him)
and even if i take all projects together, i would still say that LSG is good.. but there is nothing to say he is better than PBG
alasecond
October 18, 2017 at 3:51 AM
and special callout.. this does not mean i am saying replace x with y or y with x..
or that x is better than y or y is better than x..
I am only refuting your argument that there is not much to say x is better than y as you are stating ( edit: forgot to write king2hearts in previous comment.. and that was my 1st kdrama ever.. so you can imagine how special that drama is and will be.. but even then the second lead shined way more.. and emotional range is not some overtly challenging stuff.. its mundane for a decent plot)
Dramagod
October 18, 2017 at 4:05 AM
@alasecond whatever.. lol Seung gi and hajiwon were the heart of the show in that king 2 hearts dramas.. pull out lee seung gi as a king in that drama and it would not shine.
Dia
October 17, 2017 at 8:32 PM
I'm fine with either of them tbh because I like both. But frankly speaking he is too young for the rest of the cast. And he rejected this drama :/ I would have loved Hong Sisters' original line-up - Park Bogum x Park Shinhye would have been awesome to see. But I think Lee Seunggi x Oh Yeonseo fits better age wise with Cha Seung-won, since they are going for a love triangle here.
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frabbycrabsis loves KBS Drama Specials
October 18, 2017 at 9:15 AM
Everybody chill.
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7 C
October 17, 2017 at 4:04 PM
There must be something this year. There are at least 10 actors lead 2,3 dramas.
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C
October 17, 2017 at 5:06 PM
Park Seo-joon - 2
Go A-ra - 2
Park Hyung-sik - 2
Yoon Hyun-min - 2
Yoon Kyun-sang - 2
Chae Soo-bin - 3
Kim Ji-seok - 2
Um Ki-joon - 2
Oh Yeon-seo - 2
Namkoong Min - 2
Yang Se-jong - 3
Jung Hye-sung - 3
Yeon Woo-jin - 3
Gong Seung-yeon - 3
Lee Seo-won - 2
Yeo Jin-goo - 2
Shin Se-kyung - 2
Gong Myung - 2
Jung So-min - 2
Song Seung-heon - 2
Lee Yeon-hee - 2
Lee Jun-ho - 2
Uee - 2
Woo Do-hwan - 2
Ryu Hwa-young - 2
Yoo Seung-ho - 2
Go Kyung-pyo - 2
Park Sung-woong - 2
Park Eun-bin - 3
Jin Goo - 2
Jang Hyuk - 2
Ji Soo - 2
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hannaehh
October 18, 2017 at 12:11 AM
I also don't like how people trashing Chae Soo Bin for being the lead for three times this year, but I understand their POV. CSB being the first lead for all the three dramas and all of her dramas are in the major three channels: Rebel (MBC), Strongest Deliveryman (KBS) and I'm not a Robot (MBC).
Let's see those actors/actresses who played three dramas in 2017:
Yang Sejong - 1. Saimdang (SBS), he's not the first lead, Song Seung Heun is. 2. Duel (OCN), first lead but cable Tv. 3. ToL (SBS), first lead.
Jung Hye Sung - 1. Chief Kim (KBS) and 2. Manhole (KBS), she's not the first lead for both dramas, 3.Doubtful Victory (SBS), finally she becomes the first lead, so some people are rooting for her.
Yeon Woo Jin - 1. Shy Boss (TvN), cable drama 2. Seven Day Queen (KBS) 3. Nothing to Lose (SBS) - not confirmed yet.
Park Eun Bin - 1. Father, I'll Take Care of You (MBC), running 2016-2017, 2. Age of Youth 2 (JTBC) cable drama and the leads are 5 people so her screening time are not that much, 3. Nothing to Lose (SBS) - not confirmed yet.
Gong Seung Yeun - 1. Shy Boss (tvN) cable drama, not the first lead 2. My Only Love Song (netflix), short drama, 3. Circle (TvN). 'Are you Human' drama is pushed to 2018.
This is just my opinion why people don't bash the other actors/actresses who played three dramas this year like they did for CSB.
Personally, I don't mind watching actors/actresses having two or three roles in a year as long as they're playing different roles in different drama. I just hope that CSB would erase the traces of her character in SD when she played the first lead in I'm Not a Robot drama as the genre of both dramas are the same.
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C
October 18, 2017 at 12:43 AM
correction: Chae Soo Bin is not the first lead on Rebel. YKS is the only main lead. Others 3 are supporting lead, they appear once every few episodes.
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Jolly
October 18, 2017 at 9:22 AM
You're lumping in people who haven't actually been leads. When someone refers to lead, they usually mean one of the top two (male or female) leads. Ji Soo, Park Eun-bin, Ryu Hwa-young, Jung Hye-sung, Kim Ji-seok wouldn't count and that's just off the top of my head when looking at that list.
Having said that, and to your overall point, I find it ridiculous how often I'm seeing a lot of the same actors in major roles. Their "acting" just ends up feeling the same.
One of the flaws of the drama system is that actors don't really get the chance to dig into their characters and create something really memorable. It's rare that happens.
So how are these guys possibly doing that when they're taking on 2 or 3 major roles in quick succession? The answer is they're not. Their characters feel familiar, and they just hurt the drama because they're not able to create enough of a difference between their previous roles.
For every Nam Goong-min, you have Ji Soo or Uee or Shin Se-kyung or Chae Soo-bin. They are not good enough to get away with it.
And the sad thing is there a lot of talented actors just stuck in minor supporting roles when they should be given that opportunity to lead. Not only would it allow the drama to feel a little different, it could allow for something more fresh in terms of the character.
Like Shin Hye-sun in My Golden Life. It's her first lead role and she's killing it. You know who was up for that role first? Uee.
And I'm incredibly glad she didn't take it because I think the show would be lesser for it.
Actors need to understand that giving the audience a break can work to your advantage. It allows you to come back with a greater focus and try to portray something different from when they last saw you.
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C
October 18, 2017 at 11:07 AM
Ji Soo - SWDBS, Bad Guys
Park Eun-bin - Age of Youth, Father, I'll Take Care of You, Nothing to Lose
Ryu Hwa-young - Father is Strange, Mad Dog
Jung Hye-sung - Chief Kim, Manhole, Doubtful Victory
Kim Ji-seok - Rebel, 20th Century Boy and Girl
If you dont count these as lead why do you count CSB as lead in Rebel.
CSB has worked her way up as every one else. First start drama special, then small roles, then weekend drama, then web drama/cameo, then 2nd lead then 1st lead. STRONGEST DELIVERYMAN is her FIRST main lead. Robot is her second - lead 2 dramas a year, there are plenty on the list - but you call out on her greedy, desperate for fame. If there is a good project, script will go to famous actors first. The chance of pretty much nobody like her getting lead on good script is slim. And you actually criticize her for actually working.
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-
October 18, 2017 at 11:41 AM
I wonder if you are being thick-headed on purpose. Those actors you mentioned were never billed as first MALE or FEMALE lead. Whereas in Rebel, Chae Soo-bin was billed as the female lead for the show. Even news outlet called it her first lead role which established her status as rising actress.
Nobody said she doesn't deserve the lead roles because lbr, she is indeed better than many models and idol-actresses AND has worked her way up for it. But her acting is too bland to create distinct characters, especially by doing dramas in quick succession. You can't compare her to people like Kim Ji-seok or Park Eun-bin, who imo should be placed in the same league as Namgoong Min in regard to acting skills.
Nobody has called her greedy or desperate here. They just pointed out where she is lacking - both star power and versatility.
C
October 19, 2017 at 1:44 PM
Kim Yoo Jung was called Secret Door as her first leading role til she got replaced later on. If Kim Ji Suk is not the lead on rebel why is CSB? Kim Sang Joong even have more screen time, his role is even more important than CSB role.
You can go back to the article that announce CSB is the lead of Robot to see the amount of hate she got. Im not even her fan, only watch rebel and few minutes of SD but the amount of criticism she got is ridiculous - yes people call her desperate for fame. Its damn hard to make it as an actors.
vanny
October 17, 2017 at 8:41 PM
Lol I realised the trend too (esp with people thrashing Chae Soo-bin in almost every casting thread). But wow you actually took the time to compile all the names.
No wonder ratings have been so bad. Koreans must be sick to see the same faces over and over again, especially when they watch tv unlike intl fans who watch selectively on internet.
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ar_arguably romantic
October 17, 2017 at 9:20 PM
I think they're used to seeing same faces over and over again. When someone gets famous, they're all over the CFs and printads.
Anyways, I think there are just more channels, timeslots, and dramas nowadays. I'm tired of people trashing Chae Soo Bin too. She's still relatively new and doesn't have enough clout to be turning down lead roles.
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Jolly
October 18, 2017 at 9:24 AM
I've been thrashing multiple actors. It's really ridiculous this year. Hell, there are some actors like Seo Kang-joon who I believe shouldn't even be given one lead role.
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-
October 18, 2017 at 11:48 AM
The reason why people thrash Chae Soobin is because her fans would go "oh, so XXX is doing his/her 2nd drama this year. would people say they are sick of xxx like CSB?" and "people are bias toward oppas!!!! female actresses get hate all the time". You can see it in Park Eunbin, Yoon Kyunsang and Go Kyungpyo's articles off the top of my head. So obviously people will make a response to these type of comments.
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8 SnarkyJellyfish
October 17, 2017 at 4:05 PM
I'm not super familiar with Oh Yeon-seo, but if she's goes all-in with the funny like she did with Come Back, Ajusshi I'm on board. Between that and the fact that Cha Seung-won confirming, I'm really hoping the Hong can make up for Warm and Cozy. Dokko Jin is still one of my favorite characters of all time.
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9 nomi
October 17, 2017 at 4:06 PM
I always thought that she was an actress made for dark comedy.
Her new agency is totally new and already 10x better than her previous one at choosing projects. She can finally choose what she wants to do!
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10 ⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
October 17, 2017 at 4:24 PM
Yeay! Just hope this drama will be good!
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11 PakalanaPikake
October 17, 2017 at 4:51 PM
Thanks for the update, tineybeanie!
The cast of HWAYUGI is coming together. Any word on whether Lee Hong-ki will play the pig god?
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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
October 18, 2017 at 8:54 AM
I read somewhere he's also confirmed. We just need to wait for Lee Seung-gi's confirmation now. 😊
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12 bananachocolate
October 17, 2017 at 8:01 PM
Something seems off but I can't put my finger on it 🤔
Wonder how will OYS defeat evil creatures? Chanting sutra? Although I enjoy watching (and reading to an extent) the classic novel, I hope they give OYS a power that is advantageous to her and her alone so that those cliche situations where the heroine gets save can possibly be avoided or can be reduced to a minimal (that "modern'" twist).
Did the two actors for the Pig Demon and the Sand Demon confirm yet (anyone know) ?
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bananachocolate
October 17, 2017 at 8:07 PM
Correction: Not a Pig Demon, and used to be a heavenly immortal... guess I'll just refer him as Zhu Bajie 😅
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tummy
October 18, 2017 at 12:52 AM
That would make it very unlike Journey to the West. The monk was pretty naive and powerless (except for his ability to control Sun Wukong). Journey to the West is the story of the monk and his four (powerful) bodyguards, essentially. Sun Wukong is the most cunning, (possibly) mischievous, ruthless, proud and powerful member of the party.
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paroles
October 18, 2017 at 8:28 PM
Four powerful bodyguards.
You probably meant one.
Lol.
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13 rubytuesday
October 17, 2017 at 11:57 PM
Everyone here talking about the casting or triangle and I'm like, "Wait, our FEMALE lead is a CEO? SIGN ME THE F UP."
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fanitha
October 18, 2017 at 6:57 AM
Same thought here! I actualluy had to read that sentence twice because I was shocked.
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14 tummy
October 18, 2017 at 12:44 AM
This will be interesting although approached with a bit of doubt, for myself.
Journey to the West, is not a simple morality tale, by modern standards anyway. It proposes two sides, good and evil. Although redemption is possible, it is only through judgement and punishment (of the evil by the good). However, good and evil are pre-determined (stereotyped, as it were) not necessarily by deed or action. The protagonist themselves (Sun Wukong etc) behave in rather non-heroic ways - trickery, violence, kidnap, murder and theft. In a sense, "the ends justify the means".
My concern is that the "retelling" of the Journey to the West will end up having nearly no resemblance to the original stories. Much like "retelling" Hamlet and leaving out the spurning of Ophelia and murder of Polonius.
NB: Demon Bull King was not a member of the party that journeyed to the West. In fact DBK was married and had a son. Sun Wukong stole DBK's property through trickery/deceit and had to be saved.
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15 Nana
October 18, 2017 at 1:23 AM
This looks interesting! I can't wait to see how they going to make this drama with a modern day settings, but having a female monk???? Hmmm, maybe when I watch it, I'm going to ignore the fact that they are based on the classic JTTW and treat it as a totally new drama.
Very funny how Oh Yeon Seo recently had her drama My Sassy Girl in a historical settings and now it's the reversal of it. In any case, the casts look good and I love OYS as well so I'm up for this!
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16 alasecond
October 18, 2017 at 3:54 AM
can someone tell me what happened to her movie... cheese in the trap
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17 lemondoodle
October 18, 2017 at 5:18 AM
Love triangle aspect sounds terrible already
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18 Shoelaces
October 18, 2017 at 8:46 AM
How come there's a comment saying Park Bo Gum is better than Lee Seung Gi for Hwayugi?! It's a simple case of ignorance! I like PBG too but I guess, even PBG knew that he's too little compared to LSG's status, & achievements. The fan who posted that should even know how to show respect. As of now, I don't think PBG can even achieve half of what LSG have achieved when it comes to his career. In 13 days, wait for the return of the King.
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Janey
October 18, 2017 at 10:56 AM
Because Park Bogum IS the first choice for the drama.
What do you mean he is too "little" when he is well-loved across demographics in Korea just like LSG, and is even popular overseas?
LSG might have been in the industry longer but this doesn't mean he's automatically BETTER. Don't come across as so insecure and bitter. You are the one coming across as ignorant.
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hoperrrtyyy
November 16, 2017 at 3:34 AM
wtf its the fact!!! LSG have many hit shows and has shown much potential despite being active also as a host and singer. LSG>PBG see their achievements and awards. PBG can't even much up of 50% of LSG's awards.. ur too blind to see it.
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19 frabbycrabsis loves KBS Drama Specials
October 18, 2017 at 9:08 AM
What? A love triangle? That's mean - Cha Seung-won obviously doesn't have a chance. Make him an awesome character, Hong Sisters, so I can forgive you for breaking his heart.
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20 Jolly
October 18, 2017 at 9:27 AM
I'm so conflicted. Both CSW and LSG are absolutely ace. I want CSW to be the first lead in a drama again, but I also want to see him back on screen soon. And LSG is no different.
Hopefully they do CSW justice here. I don't like the idea of a love triangle, but we'll see how it goes. I'll definitely watch for these two though.
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