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Joo-won signs on to rom-com spy drama

Rejoice! Joo-won’s back! He took all of two seconds off after working himself to the bone in Gaksital, but I’m pretty sure nobody’s gonna complain that he’s signed on to a 20-episode drama, Secret Agent War.

I know what you’re all thinking: He just did that drama! But this one’s a romantic comedy (ah, so his interview was a hint!), and based on the rollicking action-romance movie Level 7 Civil Servant. That film starred Kang Ji-hwan and Kim Haneul as exes who broke up when she was a spy hiding her identity from him. Then they meet years later when he’s become a spy, but they’re part of separate units so they have to keep up their covers in real life. All while juggling their cases and fighting their crackling chemistry, giving us basically one big shenanigan. The movie cracked me up, and I’m ALL SET for it to be a drama.

The drama will retain the basic premise of the movie, with both spies hiding their identities from each other. Joo-won plays our passionate hero Gil Ro, who decided in his youth that he wanted to be a spy after watching a Bond movie. That cracks me up. His father became rich practically overnight, so he grows up in wealth and comfort, with a generous spirit toward others and a chic, refined appearance. Gil Ro gets accepted as a secret agent, but he’s not your usual veteran agent; he thinks and acts like the new generation he belongs to, and he makes mistakes and causes conflict. That sounds similar to Kang Ji-hwan’s character (who was forever making hilarious gaffes on the job, then able to turn around and be awesome, and then gaffe again), but we’re told Gil Ro will be a different character from the original.

Secret Agent War will have the movie’s writer-producer Chun Sung-il onboard as its scriptwriter, who has since also written Chuno and Runaway Plan B. I’m hoping Chun has learned from Runaway’s failures (which also was an action-comedy with secret agents and glib humor) and gives us a bit more heart, a little less superficial gloss. I suppose it’s too much to hope that he’s suddenly learned how to write women characters, but still, I’m gonna hope my heart out that they cast an awesome female lead. Someone badass, who can stand up to Joo-won and hold her own, or maybe kick his butt around a little.

The drama is aiming for a January 2013 premiere. Start your countdown clocks!

Via SBS E!

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I am so happy and excited! I want it right now! Can’t wait! Joo Won!!!

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really excited

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I love most of the casting ideas for the female role but I could care less about the heroine if they don't have open mouth kisses in this drama! Let the girl be any age, his age or older or even an idol all long as we can have some mature kiss scenes!!! Move them lips! LMFAOOO! Yes, that is all. I have set my clock and I am all in for this drama.

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+1 this!

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555+ Shia plus me one.

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NO petite/short actresses please!! No offence but since Joo Won is tall I would like someone taller to match his height and also around his age or someone younger!! No noona/dongsaeng drama please!!
My first choice would be Park Ha Sun but I don't mind any if they meet the criteria above and obviously their acting and please no idols not even UEE though she is not bad

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I know, right? I think I'll revolt if Joo Won's partner is much older than him even if she's supposed to be the same age or younger in the drama. Are there really so few young actresses in Korea? Some people were suggesting Han Go Eun and Ha Ji Won and my mind was boggled.

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Ditto. Some of the actresses mentioned could've pulled it off acting-wise, yet their petite frames just won't do. Aside from having to be proportional to Joo Won's tall frame, it would be awkward to see a petite actress throwing chasing and throwing huge men off their shoulders.

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Really? I think the petite adds to the badass factor.
There is nothing more amusing than watching a 5'3'' inch woman throw a bulldozer of a man by the shoulders. Having spies be tall and sexy is so stereotypical. You can be short and pretty and still have mean moves on you.
It would be refreshing, but it'll probably not happen, cause dramas really lack originality.

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Hmm...that got me thinking. Interesting thought you got there. Well, since this is a rom-com, I guess it could work. I'm kinda with you on that one, seeing a small girl throw humongous men could really throw in some laughs. I just hope that if they end up going that route, the female lead would be someone who's got the acting chops and comedic timing to pull it off. :)

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whoever they choose for leading lady will make this drama for me or break it.

No idols or people from SM for leading lady. I dont know why they still hire idols because its already proven that they don't bring in high ratings. They can't act either so what's the point? and they end up looking ridiculous in the end.

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oh and no park min young either. I don't see why she's popular her acting is horrible. did u not all see her in Dr. Jin? it was pathetic

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PMY is just awful. I put her in Lee Yeon Hee's league.

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Han Hyo Joo, Sung Yuri, Park Shin Hye have my preferences.
I would have loved Moon Chae Won (too bad she's doing Nice Guy), Kim So Yeon (same, she's been cast in a new drama) or even Shin Min Ah (Arang).
Can't wait...

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New article on Joo-won pops up -> 100 comments instantly ;)

I've been able to stay out of fangirling over a particular actor for a few years, but then Joo-won came along. I knew I had it bad when I was randomly picking episodes of Gag Concert to watch, saw Joo-won unveil himself on Castle Gamsu, and squealed so hard I almost woke my kids! There was lots of happy flailing and rewatching.

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Rom com? On another site they said its gonna be a melodrama and its 20 episodes...

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This should be the drama Yooon Eun Hye should've signed to not I miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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My choices:

1.) Shin Min Ah (She's gorgeous and can play comedy!)
2.) Soo Ae (She kicks butt!)

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This drama sounds awesome! I like badass heroines as much as anyone, but I'm hoping they do something unexpected with this. Like his leading lady being a techno gadget geekette with her nose always stuck in a manga, super straight forward way of speaking, and her ability to make deadly weapons out of paperclips and chewing gum ala Macguvyer style. It could have super hilarious moments if they think outside the box, but I'm sure it probably won't happen.

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my lists of must watch are getting longer.. but i can't pass theis, i love that movie to bits XD looks like no sleep for me this sembreak haha

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I know MGY has a drama in dec, but i really love to see these two playing against each other. Both deserve so much to act again someone around their age. Their costar are mostly older than them. since mgy is impossible now for this drama, i hope jw can get what he wants(same age or younger lady lead) and some hot make out scenes please.

and no more ajusshi for mgy pls.

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"i hope jw can get what he wants(same age or younger lady lead)"

Because you know what he wants? Seriously? He may prefer older partners for all we know...

"and no more ajusshi for mgy pls."

Are you talking about Park Shi Hoo here? He is one dashing ajusshi for your information and is worth 10000000000 more than your typical pretty idol who most of the time can't act. She should rather be grateful to play with such a talented actor.

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PSH is one of my favorite oppas Older men are so much hotter and charismatic imo.

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Joo-won!!!! <3

My choices for leading lady:

1- UEE - yeah, it's not gonna happen, I know, but I think she could've totally pulled off the role. And their chemistry! *_*

2- Lee Shi Young - we know she can be be badass, sexy, and funny all at the same time. PERFECT.

3- Im Joo Eun/Park Bo Young - I can totes see either of them in this role. Both have that awesomely quirky vibe, which would lend lots to the funny dept, and I don't think being badass is any problem for them.

4- Han Groo - I dunno if she can bring the funny, but everything else? Hell yes. Although this may tyepcast her if she were to be chosen for the role.

PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE kdrama PTB, don't let the leading lady suck. PLEASE???

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Nam Gyu Ri?

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Definitely a "NO" IMHO.

This lady gets zeeeeeeeeero screen presense, with anybody she works with.

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I also vote for Jung So Min! I like her.

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i vote for lee chung ah :)

but i'm afraid she's too thin to become a secret agent :(

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Ever since I've heard of this drama adaptation, had seen the movie, I immediately thought of Lee Shi Young. I can totally imagine her in KHN role, her comedy chops are one of a kind and girl can kick ass like no others. But I don't put my hope up though, knowing how it works there.

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Lee Shi Young would be a brilliant choice for the female Lead! Man now I have my hopes up haha

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I think the failure of Wild Romance has put her squarely back into second lead territory. A pity, because she would be a decent choice.

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I wouldn't say WR as a 'failure', if talk about rating, it didn't do well. But if about acting chop and entertainment, she and LDW were excellent in there, LSY shined in her interpretation of a rough tomboy yet sentimental girl. with only a few other korean actresses I like, LSY is like a hidden gem to me.
But again, as you say, I suspect rating is everything for the prod so yea... I'm still bitter with PSY's comeback drama. Loveed her so much in CH.

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i think so, i like wild romance but , the only problem about her in this role i think she is too skinny

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ohh i love joo won and kim so eun wold be a good choice..

please no to park min young!!

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I love Kim So Eun, and I believe that she's got the acting chops but she's just too petite and baby-faced for this.

As for Park Min Young, I like her as an actress; however, I think it would be hard for her to get out of the confines of Kim Nana if she were to play a similar role. So yeah, no to Park Min Young in this.

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OMG !!! But seriously, as I watched the movie, I kept getting Chuck vibes from the character, when he was still a geek trying to do all the cool spy stuff and completly messing them up !!! I hope we still get that feeling !!!

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OMG if it's like Chuck that'll be the death of me. A nerdy, socially-awkward Joo Won squares off against a femme fatale who's all marshmallow inside = insta-dorable!

I'd totally nominate Shin Se Kyung or Min Hyo Rin in this camp! Girls got such an icy sexy vibe on them, but they can totally bring on the vulnerability, perfection!

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I agree with you! Min Hyo Rin would be perfect!

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*Squeals and jumps around at work* EEEK my prayers have been answered! Joo won in a romantic comedy YAY YAY :D And also i'm really glad it's not one of those cheesy plots because that just wouldn't suit him lol ._. I'm so happy I can't think of what to write anymore..other than YAYYYYYY~

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Yeessss drama gods heard my prayers and casted someone with talent and that I like. Now if they get an awesome non idol female lead i will die of glee. there are plenty of young non idol female talents so casting directors don't let me down.

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The one thing I still remember about this movie was that Ji Hwan was hilarious as the momma's boy on phone!! I hope Joo Won does good in a happy rom com for a change..

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Best news I've heard all day, and it's only 1pm here. XD

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I wonder if the producers could be thinking if Park Ki-Woong would be amenable to taking on a second lead role in this drama (What?! I can dream!)
He probably won't do it, though -- PKW deserves a nice, long break. Like you guys said -- he ain't crazy like Tae-Woong and JooWon

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SO COOOLLLL! I'm SOOO exciting. But who will be the lead girl??????

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OH. MY. GAHD!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
When rumors of him taking this drama came out I was so hopeful and I am now SUPEEER exited that he got this role. We'll get to see Joo-won not like super depressed all the time but still kicking some ass hehe :)

but aside from that, I really loved the movie of this and always wished that they would make a drama out of it, so I probably would have watched it. But having JW in it just makes it so much better :D

So. EXCITEEEEDDDD!

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I have mixed feelings about joo won's casting.. though i am glad to be able to see joo won in a drama again, but worried abt the PD's failed fugitive plan B drama.. and MBC also have a long record of failed dramas.. (besides this year's TMTETS)compared to KBS whose drama ratings were generally more stable. Hopefully all fans can support Joo won and he is able to maintain his winninf streak! Read from soompi and It seems that secret agent wars is up against IRIS 2?

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Aaaah so excited! Joowon must be exhausted. He does seem like the overachiever-workaholic type though!

It'll be good to see him in a more light hearted role than before.

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No park min young please -.- i really want sung yuri or park ha sun or lee yo won(haha too old?)

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:D We have a rom-com, people! *squeee*
Am I the only one thinking of Yoon Eun-hye? I loved her ever since coffee prince because she's cute, but she doesn't act cute (like she's constantly aware of how she looks). Plus she and Joo Won would make a super cute couple.

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I totally think UEE could do this role well, she's been with him before and everyone loved their pairing, and she's fierce but can be subtle and arrogant....i think she'd be great...

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it will be boring if pairing joo won and uee again in a year/two year

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Movie was a total disappointment to me despite the great cast. I think it just lacked development in character. Seeing as this is a drama, it'll definitely give us time to actually start liking our characters than getting so involved with the problem at hand.

I'm excited to see Joo Won in a romcom. He was fantastic in Gaksital but he could totally play out the comedic role so well and throw in some aegyo. Ha!

As for female lead...eep. I'm not sure. The only person I've seen chemistry with him is UEE. So I hope they cast someone tall and younger but not too young like his previous coupling with Jin Se-yoon. They were cute but the chemistry was lacking...D:

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Oh yeah! Bring it on, Joo Won! I'm not complaining that you are basically in my life all year round. :D

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JOO WON-AH! <3 <3 <3

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Wow awesome news
made my day :D !!!!
hmm I'd like Han gro in this role so badass
Lee shi young oy Yoon seung ah maybe good too

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i think he would do good with this girl from the ghost series, they took a couple of pics together too.

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The only one for me for Joowon's partner is UEE on this project. A perfect couple so far. They can pull a 100% acting since both of them can act very well.

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I'm very excited about this! But I think the leading lady will make or break this drama!

After doing some serious thinking, I decided that there's only one actress that fits the requirements for this drama (and hero):

MIN HYO RIN! <3

She's only one year older than Joo Won and she looks a bit younger than him. And her acting skills are pretty good, she's really impressed me.

And a nice coincidence: both these actors have been in only 3 dramas. This would be their 4th.

Please Drama Gods, make this happen! *burns incense and prays*

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MIN HYO RIN please please please!!
She would be perfect.

She¨s not an idol, she looks at the same age as him, she's sexy and gorgeous...

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I know i will get a lot of hate for saying this but i think Yoona would fit this role! I feel like she is always cast as goody girl next door and i feel tomboy ,kick-ass character like this would fit her much more!

Also her acting improved a lot and she is tall,slender and beautiful,i think she would look great with Joo Won!

But i guess nobody will agree with me!lol

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I absolutely disagree that Yoona will fit this role.

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How can you know?

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no. i don't like her acting

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count me in.

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I'm vote for Min Hyo Rin, too! I miss seeing her in a drama and she could definitely play a gorgeous spy!

Excited for this!

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YAY! can;t wait! loved the movie too~

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I'm jooo eunnnn!! She funy dorky n i thinks she fit to rom com
No 2 park in young n other girl who jjust hav a preety face but never interested 2 wacht

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I really want Jin Se Yeon. She really wants to do a rom-com and her and Joo Won have perfect chemistry. Plusher as Mok Dan was so kick ass. I know she is doing Fiver Fingers right now but it's ending soon and I don't know if she will do another drama after another drama like she did with BM, but I would be so incredibly happy if it could happen.

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I like jin si yeon also but its probably not to happen coz they're pairing in bm..even though who's the lucky girl paired to joowon im so excited waiting this drama hope january will coming up soon :)..

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News is out:

Choi Kang Hee is the leading lady

Bungee jump, anyone? we are out of soju

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oh.!where's actress?

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