KBS’s Thorn Birds begins rehearsals
by javabeans
There’s a new drama in the works for KBS’s Wednesday-Thursday timeslot, Thorn Birds, which hasn’t been much on my radar because it seems like a muddly mess in the making.
But first, the details: It stars Han Hye-jin (back to TV a year after 2010’s Jejoongwon), Joo Sang-wook (who revitalized his career with Giant), Seo Do-young (who took an edgier turn with his dark cable drama Yacha), and Kim Min-jung (in her first drama since being forced to drop Hero due to injury).
I have nothing against those actors; it’s the creative team that has me on alert. This drama is described as the story of two women who make radically different choices in pursuing their ambitions. It also centers around “a beautiful and fierce love” between the heroine and the two men (Han, Joo, Seo).
Han Hye-jin plays a tough woman who faces off against a difficult fate, while Kim Min-jung’s villaness character harbors a birth secret that leads her on a path of revenge against the world. Joo Sang-wook plays the heir to a powerful chaebol, while Seo Do-young plays a romanticist and film director whose affection for the heroine is described as a “shadow love.” Oh great, more romantic stalking.
This kind of plot seems in keeping with the director-writer pair behind it. PD Kim Jong-chang did 2005’s weepfest A Rosy Life, and then 2009’s mess of jerky writing (so I hear), Again My Love.
Writer Lee Sun-hee has more tears on her resumé with the 2009 short drama Father’s House, which was a wonderful showcase for its cast (Choi Min-soo, Kim Soo-hyun, Moon Jung-hee) but plot-wise seemed like a mere vehicle for angsty crying. She also did 2007’s airport-action drama Air City, which was so bad I felt bad for Choi Ji-woo and Lee Jung-jae for marring their A-list resumés with it.
Anyway. Thorn Birds recently held its first script reading, shown in these photos, and will premiere on February 23, following the currently airing President.
If it turns out to be good I’ll be happy to congratulate it, but so far? Blegggh.
Via TV Report
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Tags: Han Hye-jin, Joo Sang-wook, Kim Min-jung, Seo Do-young, Thorn Birds
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1 alyssia
January 19, 2011 at 1:18 PM
Awesome cast but eh...story wise.. WTH... Makes me wonder why even Kim Min Jung would even take 2nd lead given her status.
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pabo ceo reom
January 19, 2011 at 6:22 PM
yeah this sounds like a pass for me...
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mayke
January 19, 2011 at 9:19 PM
The basic plot seems so stereotypical and ordinary. Really, Korean, this type of drama again? Don't they think it's kinda outdated?
The female casts are fine, but the male... hmm? Start getting tired of Joo Sang Wook. Queen Seon Duk, Giant, later Paradise Ranch, and now this. Take a breath please, dude. I know it's a long time waiting for you to got recognized, but 2 super long drama + 2 series in less than 2 years are bit too much. And Seo Do Young, one of special "second lead" actor. No wonder he never got lead role again since Spring Waltz except for Unstoppable marriage which was daily drama so didn't really count, his acting just so-so.
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lucia
January 19, 2011 at 9:22 PM
I know, right? He should just stick up to be a model like before where he really good.
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Maho
January 19, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Awesome Jang Sang Wook the cute blue hwarang 2.0 from QSD I'll never get sick of him.
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Janna
January 20, 2011 at 12:55 AM
Sorry, your comment is just bugging me.
Do you have a choice in what to watch? Yes. So don't tell someone who is acting to "take a breather". He really doesn't have a choice in handling when Paradise Ranch went to air, and he's no spring chicken at age 31 either. The man only has recently gotten some recognition from Giant. iIf he wants to do another role, he can do another role. Perhaps he really needs the money.
No one said Moon Geun Young should have stopped at Cinderella Sister this year, then she did Mary Stayed out All Night. Let the actor decide their own career suicide.
(rant mode off)
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Jiah
January 20, 2011 at 1:42 AM
moon only did 2 while joo did that fool, qsd, ranch, giant. i agree it too much. yes you can chose what you want to watch, but what if you like the story, other cast? you might keep watch eventho an actor bore you. there's many more actors we want to see their comeback, or new one waiting chance. korea have many actora, no need to give someone 5 drama continuously rite?
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Janna
January 20, 2011 at 2:12 AM
Ok, I don't want this to start some war of words, so I'm just going to say I have no idea how a casting process works. But I really don't think people are just handed roles on a silver platter. Do you think no one auditions at all in Korea? If someone wants to make a comeback there's usually no one standing in their way. I can't comprehend this.
That Fool? QSD? That was 2009. If you recall 2009 is not 2010. If you're asking for a new actor waiting for a chance:
2010 SBS Drama Awards: New Star Award (Giant): Joo Sand Wook
That's right, at age 31 he won the "The New Star Award". (He's listed in the wiki at starting acting in 2006, or the age of 28).
I'm not saying he's my favorite actor ever, or even one of the best. But you can't rely on star casting to make a great show. How do you know if an actor will bore you before even seeing the show? I mean, give the man a chance. People gave Kim Tae Hee another chance - and she's doing quite well for herself right now.
supah
January 20, 2011 at 4:25 AM
''People gave Kim Tae-hee a chance'' -- haha! I know, right? Damn, if those are not pigs flying overhead. I'll consider myself told. (Though I'm still not touching that damn show.)
I winced at the ''New Star'' too. But he accepted it with grace. Respeck.
I'm surprised at the outpouring of hate, Giant was a real pivotal point in his career where he transitioned from pretty boy to a pretty respectable actor. In spite of him being thrown among so many heavywheight actors he still managed to shine, but then -- not everyone watched that. Which is fair enough.
But those arguments about him being in too many shows don't even make an iota of sense. (You took one for us there, janna.)
Oh, and Paradise Ranch is a pre-produced 2009 show (though I'm not sure whether it's done filming) which was abandoned in the crap-heap and SBS was kind enough to pick it up. But it is unfortunate timing for Joo Sang-wook that it's being broadcast AFTER his reinventing turn in Giant.
So, I'm happy for him, following it up by landing a lead role among the likes of Kim Min-jung and Han Hye-jin, that's great news. Whether or not the show will suck is another matter entirely.
Kristal
January 20, 2011 at 8:24 AM
Geez, Joo Sang Wook hasn't even been cast as the lead in any of these shows besides this upcoming Thorn Birds. He had a big role in Giant but he was still just a supporting character. Give the guy a chance!
LOL @ career suicide because sadly this is entirely what this and Paradise Ranch most likely will be.
I don't see anyone hating on Kim Gab Soo for doing like a bazillion shows at a time or any of the other veteran actors who appear in pretty much everything!
missjb
January 20, 2011 at 7:13 PM
I LOVED Joo Sang Wook in Giant... I WANT TO SEE HIM AGAIN! I'm so happy to see this news, YAY!!!!
SO What's wrong being an actor to manage accept many project in 2 years? Geeezzz....
And.. He is doing a pretty good job in Giant.
enough my rant, hehehhe
peace ;)
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2 queencircles
January 19, 2011 at 1:21 PM
Doesn't look too interesting. I might wait to hear more about it before I would try watching it. I've got a drama to watch list that is too long to waste any time.. which I already did with MSOAN. No time!
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3 Lahlita
January 19, 2011 at 1:44 PM
Thorn Birds? Are we serious? Thorn Birds? What is with K-dramas taking established titles of usually Western media products and re-appropriating them? It confused the heck out of me when I first entered the hallyu scene. Thorn Birds, Cain & Abel, Cinderella Man, City Hall, My Fair Lady, Secret Garden. Plus Yesung's song for Cinderella's Sister was "It Had To Be You." The titles aren't copyrighted, so technically doesn't matter, but it's just odd.
That was off-topic, but "Thorn Birds" just knocked me over. I keep imagining a story about the forbidden love between the priest and his onetime-ward.
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ar_arguably romantic
January 19, 2011 at 2:52 PM
yeah, it does suck when you're trying to google information abt these dramas and get a bunch of information abt something else.
anyways, i'm not interested in the drama, even though it has Seo Do young in it. I have a crush on him after the sitcom, Unstoppable Marriage
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oy
January 20, 2011 at 1:37 PM
I thought it would be a remake too.
Why can't they use a new title? *whine...whine*
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red1
January 19, 2011 at 3:46 PM
that was my first reaction, too...hahaha. i was thinking wth, they're remaking it? but when i read the synopsis, i found out it was an entirely different story.
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annie
January 19, 2011 at 3:46 PM
I know right?
LOL I had the same thought - I thought it was a remake of that original sapfest.
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Northern Star
January 19, 2011 at 5:17 PM
Same here. In fact, the reason why I read the story. Thorn Birds is one of my favourite movies.
I am now reminded of Love Letter, a Korean drama.
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billydbeagle
January 19, 2011 at 6:02 PM
woot Love Letter - the kdrama that started my kdrama addiction. and my long running love for JHJ...
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4 Eun-soo
January 19, 2011 at 1:52 PM
I like the cast but the story???
Anyways still looking forward to it
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5 Kristal
January 19, 2011 at 2:21 PM
OOO Joo Sang Wook! BLECH to everything else in this article sadly...
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6 sandy80
January 19, 2011 at 2:36 PM
about the title its taken from a legend
There is a legend about a bird which sings just once in its life, more sweetly than any other creature on the face of the earth. From the moment it leaves the nest it searches for a thorn tree, and does not rest until it has found one. Then singing among the savage branches, it impales itself on the longest, sharpest spine. And, dying, it rises above its own agony to out carol the lark and the nightingale. One superlative song, exsistence the price. But the whole world stills to listen , and God in his heaven smiles. For the best is only bought at the cost of great pain………Or so says the legend
so yes they are using the same idea fo rthe title as in the 1983 thorn birds tvseries
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annie
January 19, 2011 at 3:48 PM
Wow, if I wasn't turned away by all the tear-filled resumes, knowing this legend is behind the title definitely did the trick. I watch dramas for the happy.
Too bad, because I really love Han Hye Jin.
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tildy
January 19, 2011 at 5:25 PM
Oh, is that what the poster above was referring to? I had no idea there was a tv series called Thorn Birds, so I immediately thought of the novel...
Anyways, this doesn't particularly pique my interest.
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billydbeagle
January 19, 2011 at 5:58 PM
as far as i know the american drama series is based on the novel.
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mellissa
January 20, 2011 at 2:05 AM
like the legend but it sounds to painful for me. too melodramatic. pass!
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7 supah
January 19, 2011 at 2:38 PM
Ooh. Moar news on show.
I lovedloveloved! Father's House, but the writing did feel convulated in parts, definitely the weakest link. The solid cast brought charm and heartwarming qualities to the story (awww! Choi Min-soo and those tender father-son moments) and the directing was quite lovely with an authentic period drama feel and then there was the Sandglass-esque score.
The writer in conjuction with the PD does indeed sound messy; but the following I have just GOT to see:
''Kim Min-jung’s villaness character harbors a birth secret that leads her on a path of revenge against the world.''
Against the world? I say Bring it, sistah!
Seo Do-young? Yeah, whatevz!
Han Hye-jin is stupendously gorgeous and will likely be invoking vicious jealousy in all Joo Sang-wook stans out there.
I mean, that 1980s bus attendant with the unflattering bob cut who dressed like a halmoni, acted like one, sang like one, had a speech impediment like one -- who won his heart in his previous show couldn't possibly be hated on, evah.
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Kristal
January 20, 2011 at 8:30 AM
Did you just call Miju a halmoni?! How dare you! ;)
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supah
January 20, 2011 at 3:40 PM
Haha! Well she certainly dressed like one. :p
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Kristal
January 21, 2011 at 6:21 AM
Aw, she looked cute though! Except for when she wore that horrible performance wig that made her head look like a mushroom! I liked her cheesy little 'Dance Dance' song perfomance but that hair ruined it. ;)
What was up with not even wanting to hold hands or put her head on Minwoo's shoulder though? That was totally halmoni behavior too!
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8 ockoala
January 19, 2011 at 3:02 PM
Oh JB, after our short but succint two tweets on this drama, I slept on it, and now promptly want to forget it's coming.
Man, when I heard the news last week, I thought - woo, Joo Sang Wook gets his leading man role - and then woah to everything else.
I've heard the title also described as Thorn Tree Bird, which is clunkier, but less likely to induce whiplash to THE Thorn Birds.
Cue up the supply of eye drops, Kim Min Jung. Your agonna cry as much as you did in F70s. Sigh, still bitter I didn't get to see her in Hero with Junki. Still bitter.
On the upside, President is so damn good I never ever want it to end.
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hjkomo
January 19, 2011 at 11:17 PM
Hear hear! Viva El Jefe! :D
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9 kellie
January 19, 2011 at 3:22 PM
One nay vote for Joo Sang-wook. Another good-looking wooden actor gets a big role in a drama. After seeing him play an ancient Shilla fencepost in QSD I don't think I'd ever want to see him play anything again.
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Suou89
January 20, 2011 at 2:57 AM
Yep, he's so wooden in QSD, compared to other F4 Yushin, Alcheon, and esp. Bidam. But heard he's quite good in Giant. Some people above said its too short timespan for him to appear in next after next drama. Luckily I haven't watch Giant and planning to pass this Thorn Birds, but I want to try Paradise Ranch. Changmin and Yeon Hee will be eye candy to watch!
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Kristal
January 21, 2011 at 6:23 AM
He's really good in Giant. If you can take a 60 ep show (it is worth it!) then you should watch him in that. His character broke my little heart as did most of them in Giant.
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10 grasya
January 19, 2011 at 3:22 PM
whoa, and I thought it was the Thorn Birds of the past with the forbidden love between a priest and a nun [?].
i think i'll pass this.
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11 Ani
January 19, 2011 at 4:26 PM
Things that are usually described as “a beautiful and fierce love” are things that avoid like the plague because it seems soooooo....... Tiring? X/
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12 Trina
January 19, 2011 at 6:04 PM
Thorn Birds... hrm... i thought they mean that they are going Thorn Birds korean version. as they have the american version already... LOL... oh well, looks interesting.. but, i think I will pass as I already have kdramas full plate already.. oh by the way, did you hear about NMW will be in Midas... anyone.. everyone... ???? ^^
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13 blahblahblah
January 19, 2011 at 6:23 PM
Seo Do-young? In Spring Waltz he played the main lead who was a pianist. That and his looks made me swoon even if he has no real talent in playing the piano.
I'll watch to see him again ;) but I'm not sure since I hate
being on the bandwagon for the guy who just secretly protects/stalks the girl :/
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14 jorosh
January 19, 2011 at 6:27 PM
not too interesting
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15 naquia
January 19, 2011 at 7:14 PM
the title caught my attention! i wish it's the Korean version! still it has Han Hye Jin..tho' the leading men are not my top favs but will watch it!
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16 doozy
January 19, 2011 at 7:21 PM
Thanks for the news, jb!
I have a soft spot for Han Hye-jin after watching Jejoongwon so most likely will check out at least the first episode.
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17 chasen8888
January 19, 2011 at 8:47 PM
Going to take the wait and see approach mainly because I like the cast who are quality actors.
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18 anon
January 19, 2011 at 8:53 PM
Your "bleggh" has turned into "crack" too many times these days JB and vice versa of course
*cough* dram high *cough* my princess *cough* MSOAN
:D
Your drama detection skills are getting rusty :P
Still love your recaps though
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19 Reina
January 19, 2011 at 9:02 PM
Not to judge too early, but the basic plot seems so ordinary even stereotypical. Best friend girls in orphanage together dreams to be a star and then search for their parents when they famous. But along the way, 2 girls start to become enemy/rival, other girl will get jealous for career/boys. Just hope they can spice it up with good twists and turn.
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20 Brittany
January 19, 2011 at 9:46 PM
It sounds like a melodrama through and through...
which happens to be my favorite genre...
I'll be checking out the first episode to see if it's worth watching. It does have a questionable writer and pd...but who knows?
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21 sPark*
January 20, 2011 at 12:16 AM
I'm so disappointed that Joo Sang Wook chose this drama... lol I don't even want to approach Paradise Ranch and now... this... I was really looking forward to JSW's lead role too. JSW in Giant was <3 but I don't know about this one... Hopefully it will turn out better than it sounds? meh
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22 Krickitat
January 20, 2011 at 12:22 AM
what are they gunna revise next Dynasty?
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23 jyyjc
January 20, 2011 at 1:14 AM
chaebol, birth secret. might be a bit makjang-y. pass.
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24 oy
January 20, 2011 at 1:34 PM
yeah..story doesn't sound very interesting
but would love to see Seo Do Young again
Loved him in Spring Waltz and would not mind eye candy Joo Sang Wook. But the ladies.........
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WeiWei
January 21, 2011 at 9:04 AM
*nod* wasn't fan of Han Hye-jin nor Kim Min-jung. Add *meh* story and thank Lord there MBC-SBS to turn into, with 49 Days in my top list for upcoming Wed-Thurs slot and then Royal Family also intriguing.
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25 mskololia
January 20, 2011 at 3:31 PM
I'm looking forward to this one and am loving SDY in Yacha....
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26 yuki
January 21, 2011 at 12:44 AM
I will watch it for the sake of Han Hye Jin
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27 genna
January 21, 2011 at 6:11 AM
im going to watch it because i admired han hye jin...her acting ability and sincere emotions while delivering her lines....
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28 mskololia
January 21, 2011 at 6:23 AM
When I initially saw the synopsis, I actually thought HHJ's character would be a stage actress who rises to fame and immediately looked forward to seeing her perform on a stage doing a play. Even if she plays a TV or movie actress, I look forward to seeing some behind scene activities that shows how she rose to stardom like refusing to sleep her way to the top and being a starving artist with integrity.....
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Suou89
January 21, 2011 at 8:54 AM
You should try "That Summer Typhoon" with deceased Jung Da Bin and Han Ye Seul, about 2 women compete to become renowned actress with their own ways.
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mskololia
January 21, 2011 at 9:17 AM
Thank you...I may do that after this one.
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29 JJ
January 21, 2011 at 7:31 AM
i'd just say to each is own, i luv these three actors & JB said so she doesn't hv a prob with them i also think tho they shld give JSW & oh of course Seo do young who i really liked in Spring Waltz. I hope to watch this in Feb.
furthermore, i think JSW is a good actor & shld by now be given a lead role as well as SDY.
thnx for this JB
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30 Grace
January 24, 2011 at 6:36 AM
I will definitely watch this drama.Congratulation to Joo Sang Wook!! You are the BEST!You are a great actor and i hope I will see you in more dramas and movies adn I can't wait to seeing you in Paradise Ranch and this drama! GOOD LUCK & GREAT SUCCESS!!! I am your loyal fan forever!JSW fighting!
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31 Rav4
January 29, 2011 at 10:14 PM
I like the girl. Han hye Jin is so pretty.
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32 jimin-jisub 4ever
February 1, 2011 at 3:41 AM
jong sang wook fighting!i definitely watch this drama,first time i saw u in giant u impressed me,ur soooo cool,u r now one of my most favorite korean actor,next to so ji sub...GREAT..GREAT..GREAT...SUCCESS sarangheyo!
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33 ds
October 13, 2011 at 9:48 AM
Love SDY! he should be the lead....
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34 lily
September 18, 2013 at 6:07 PM
Now, all you haters of Joo Sang Wook...you can stop your hate right now. He's one of the best actors Korea has ever produced. He may not be the most handsomest but, he has that killer smile and that is all I need. When he starts smling, I'm all excited because not only it's so beautiful, but it makes all 11 women in my office move with exciement and they all say the same thing, it's that smile that makes him 100 percent handsome..See now, and we work in a doctor's office in CAlifornia USA....there you go
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35 Rachel
May 20, 2014 at 11:58 PM
Please watch this drama Thorn Bird....Joo Sang Wook is really worth watching....totally agree he is charming...
I got to like him in this drama....and start watching his other dramas....very very good...waiting for his latest update....hope he is given another good script...
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