Han Groo offered leading role in Scholar Who Walks the Night
by girlfriday
Now THAT’s what I’m talkin’ ’bout. Casting news for Han Groo (Marriage Not Dating) is always happy news, but when it’s for the leading role in a highly anticipated drama, it’s cause for celebration. Fusion vampire fantasy historical drama Scholar Who Walks the Night has been picked up by MBC for a summer broadcast, and is now courting Han Groo to play the leading lady. The show has been in development for a while, and though Park Hae-jin (Bad Guys) was in contention to star last we heard, his reps released a statement that he’s already turned it down.
The drama is an adaptation of a popular webtoon by writers Jo Joo-hee and Han Seung-hee, set in a version of Joseon where vampires walk the night. The story centers around the young daughter of a nobleman who loses everything when her father is framed for a crime. She starts crossdressing in order to sell books to make ends meet, and ends up meeting a handsome and mysterious vampire scholar. The mystery also includes an evil vampire who resides in the palace.
I know nowadays it’s a cliche to have a crossdressing heroine in a historical drama, but since the script is being penned by writer Jang Hyun-joo who worked on Coffee Prince’s adaptation, I’m hoping for some magic stardust mojo. Directing is PD Lee Sung-joon, who was the second PD on Empress Ki, May Queen, and The Moon That Embraces the Sun.
If Han Groo signs on to play the heroine, that character had better have some spunk, is all I’m saying. Don’t waste a kickass actress (Have you seen Girl K?) on a damsel in distress. It’s just all wrong. I know it’s a lot to ask, but I reeeeeeally (truly, madly, deeply) want an epic fantasy drama with a strong mythology and a sweep-you-off-your-feet romance for this. I’ve been burned by promises of grandeur before, so I don’t want to get my hopes up… Aw, who’re we kidding, my hopes are up and away, damn them.
Scholar Who Walks the Night is being planned for the Wednesday-Thursday slot following the Hong sisters drama Jeju Island Gatsby, which puts the premiere sometime in July.
RELATED POSTS
- Park Hae-jin in the running to become a Joseon vampire
- Marriage Not Dating: Episodes 1-2
- Marriage Not Dating’s reluctant groom and eager bride
- Clashing agendas at war in Marriage Not Dating’s teasers
- Han Groo stars opposite Yeon Woo-jin in tvN rom-com
- Vampire sageuk drama in the works
- Han Groo’s transformation in Be Like Today
- Han Groo cast in daily drama on heels of Girl K
- Girl K: Episode 1
Tags: Han Groo
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
1 mary
March 5, 2015 at 3:05 AM
I'm getting SKKS vibes, which isn't a bad thing!
Han Groo is ♥ I wonder who her leading man is.... it's sad that Haejin turned it down though.
Who can play vampire well? (Aside from Song Jae-rim? hehe)
Lee Soo-hyuk?
Required fields are marked *
2 Panda
March 5, 2015 at 3:10 AM
I'm so happy there's finally casting news with Han Groo. She deserves all that and more.
I hope she takes it And gets a GOOD part in a good story.
Required fields are marked *
3 jomo143
March 5, 2015 at 3:15 AM
Yoo Seung Ho?
Required fields are marked *
4 Sour Grapes
March 5, 2015 at 3:17 AM
Han Groo! Not a fan of vampires, but for her I would probably watch anything.
Required fields are marked *
5 Angélina Eang
March 5, 2015 at 3:17 AM
A little bit out of topic but tvN is seriously awesome when it comes to casting actors/actresses as main leads in its dramas hence giving them a chance to be recognized which public broadcast don't seem to have the "guts" to do.
Just look at Sooyoung/Eunji/Seo In Gook/Go Ara/Jung Woo/Han Groo/Yeon Woo Jin/Siwan/Lee Joon/Yoo In Na ... etc.
SERIOUSLY, they are just too amazing <3
Of course, good script and directing are also needed but yeah', I like the fact they don't really care if you aren't that well-known and just look at your talents.
ON THE TOPIC NOW, I freakin' love Han Groo. She mindblew me in Marriage Not Dating. She gave so much life to her character and she had chemistry with all the other cast members in particular YWJ. They were so so good together ... Where would I find another great romcom like this one ? Whatever, I have read about that adaption for a long time now so I am all in.
For the lead role, I don't want Park Hae Jin because I want Sooyoung and him in the Cheese in the Trap's adaption. And yeah', I am biased but I don't freakin' care. I can already imagine the two of them as Hong Sul and Yoojung, haha <3
Required fields are marked *
6 dramapenchant
March 5, 2015 at 3:22 AM
So looking forward to this now! Coffee Prince writer and SKKS feel? Yea please!
If only Ji Chang Wook would be cast as the male lead, that would make my day...hot Joseon scholar anyone?....a girl can dream....
Required fields are marked *
7 kanz
March 5, 2015 at 3:26 AM
Let's pray she confirms soon!!
I have few male leads in mind for this:
1. Yeon Woo Jin
2. Lee Jun Ki
3. Ji Chang Wook
I'm biased and I know... ;)
Required fields are marked *
8 redfox
March 5, 2015 at 3:29 AM
Now, I am desperately waiting for Ninja Teacher to return from Italy and take on a role on the small screen, and considering how fantastic he looks in sageuk clothes, this would be great. Please, Lee Jun ki! Please, teacher (gosh I sound like a pervu manga character saying that). well, whatever. Just come back!
Required fields are marked *
9 toni
March 5, 2015 at 3:30 AM
Even though I'm not familiar with her, I'm anticipating this because I find the plot interesting since I haven't watched a drama with a vampire during the Joseon era and many people have commended her for her acting chops.
I heard Kim Soohyun was courted for this but he turned it down for Producers. Sighs it would have been nice to see him garb on Joseon wear again and speak Joseon talk but anyway, I hope the lead actor will do great! It's also sad how Park Haejin turned the offer down.
Gonna wait for this (together with Producers and Jeju Island Gatsby hehe)!
Required fields are marked *
10 songsong
March 5, 2015 at 3:40 AM
Unfortunately Park Hae Jin has turned down the offer.
I think Lee Jun Ki or Seo In Gook could be a ggod pick.
Required fields are marked *
11 R
March 5, 2015 at 3:47 AM
Ji Chang Wook please, he will be so perfect in this role imo..
Required fields are marked *
12 Jenny
March 5, 2015 at 3:53 AM
Pleaseee accept this! She's one kickass lady, she should do more action roles as she was great in Girl K.
Required fields are marked *
13 Whit
March 5, 2015 at 4:16 AM
Just go to Jung ill-woo for the hero.
JIW is MBC's darling :D
Required fields are marked *
14 Jyc
March 5, 2015 at 4:16 AM
What is it with the vampire trend these days? Lol. I am not much of a historical/period drama fan, but I LOVED Han Groo in Marriage Not Dating. I hope this drama brings out her talent more and it seems that the plot is interesting. Sooo excited to see her again on-screen. And yes, I echo you on the lead girl being spunky! (P. S. I hope she makes a cameo in Yeon Woo-jin's new drama in SBS. Hee)
Required fields are marked *
15 pogo 🍉
March 5, 2015 at 4:17 AM
YESSSSSSSS FINALLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!
I've noticed a mini-trend of the Big 3 recently offering young lead roles to actresses who've been better known for movies (Shim Eun-kyung, Go Ah-sung) instead of the mostly idol stranglehold of the last few years, but I'm glad the girls who prove their talent on tv are finally starting to be actively considered for lead roles too. First Kang Sora for the Hong sisters drama, now Han Groo for this.
(and please can they keep on with this, this is a good trend)
Required fields are marked *
16 alpha
March 5, 2015 at 4:33 AM
Fuck yes! I hope she accepts the role. I love crossdressing themes because they're just so awesome, and set in Joseon sageuk style? Fuck yes.
All of my favourites themes. Sageuk? Check. Crossdressing? Check. Vampires? Fantasy, romcom? Check. Han Groo? Check!
Now, the leading guy! Nugulkka? Ji Chang Wook? :3
Required fields are marked *
17 Jyyjc
March 5, 2015 at 4:47 AM
Tsk again with the nobleman father being framed and daughter losing everything. Still gonna check this out tho.
Required fields are marked *
18 ellenelle
March 5, 2015 at 4:47 AM
Ugh. Another vampire story? Ugh +++++ I was already sick of the West milking them, and now I have to go through the same in Kdramaland? FML.
Anyway. It's a sageuk, and it'll have Han Groo. I'll still give it a try, but I'm already biased against it, it'll take very good writing and directing to win me over :/
Required fields are marked *
19 esjpx
March 5, 2015 at 4:48 AM
Yes! I like her a lot!
I wanted Kim Jae Wook for the lead but I doubt that will happen.
Required fields are marked *
20 khunchou
March 5, 2015 at 5:04 AM
Lee Jun ki pleasee; he's literally made for the period dramas. Arang and the magistrate was blessed.
Required fields are marked *
21 omomo
March 5, 2015 at 5:05 AM
Han Groo! That's it. I was iffy about this project before, but if she accepts, I am so going to watch this.
Plus points if the male lead turns out to be someone I like too!
Required fields are marked *
22 pogo 🍉
March 5, 2015 at 5:10 AM
Also, potential male leads to match her who could look suitably vampiric?
I would love Kim Jae-wook (a girl can dream) or Im Shi-wan in the role.
Or, if I was really going for broke, Song Joong-ki is coming out of the military in May, if he doesn't take the Kim Eun-seok drama I'd love to see him in this instead (assuming it has a decent script and isn't subject to the usual fantasy sageuk script fails).
Required fields are marked *
23 mysticdust
March 5, 2015 at 5:11 AM
No Min-Woo or Choi Jin-hyuk would look quite good as a vampire scholar. There's already proof that they look awesome in historical dramas.
Required fields are marked *
24 btsxfangirl94
March 5, 2015 at 5:17 AM
Love han groo but does anyone else wish she starred in that other drama with byun yo han instead?nothing against song ji hyo but these two would make a much better pairing! oh well :(
Required fields are marked *
25 Mel
March 5, 2015 at 5:35 AM
HG, please don't let her be a damsel in distress! Ji Chan Wook-isn't he enlisting soon? Vampire? Well, lets see how this story goes. I hope it's a spunky role, she would do that justice especially if the male lead is no wimp!
Required fields are marked *
26 miho
March 5, 2015 at 6:00 AM
lee seung gi needs to pick a drama early this year before going to the military. Well maybr this one, I miss him. Thought I prefer him to do a variety or NOF2 as a farewell.
Required fields are marked *
27 zlyfairy
March 5, 2015 at 6:10 AM
is it true that JCW is being considered? I have been talking about JCW and this drama for a while now
Required fields are marked *
28 So3
March 5, 2015 at 6:11 AM
Some proposals for the male lead:
1. Yoo Yeon Seok
2. Lee Jong Suk
3. Park Seo Joon
(Though Park Hae Jin would have been perfect for the role :( ... )
Required fields are marked *
29 Mandy
March 5, 2015 at 6:25 AM
OMG YUUSS!!!!
Finally. Freakin finally! She's back and in a network drama headlining one of the decently hyped up drama! I'm really not into vampires and was going to skip this, but they had to court one of the few actresses I'd watch in anything. Now I'm actually excited for this so hopefully the leading man is as awesome as Han Groo is.
Since its airing in summer, I'd imagine a whole lot of actors are free. Not sure what Seung-gi is up to after his movie release but I'd love for him and Han Groo to pair up! But really, anyone who's decent and can bring the drama more hype in SK so she can really move up in popularity and recognition. She deserves it so much more than many other actresses who keeps getting offers left, right, centre.
Required fields are marked *
30 kathy
March 5, 2015 at 6:38 AM
What about Joo Won?
I already miss him in a drama.
Required fields are marked *
31 Giegie
March 5, 2015 at 6:50 AM
Finally! Yes please! It's too bad Park Haejin turned down the offer, they would be perfect.
Required fields are marked *
32 azraqey
March 5, 2015 at 7:25 AM
This is MBC, right? Since they have trusted Park Seo Joon in KMHM, can they make a reunion couple for him and Han Groo?
I miss them in One Warm Word.
Park Seo Joon will be dashing in sageuk fashion! Haaa, I wish.
Required fields are marked *
33 missjb
March 5, 2015 at 7:40 AM
I miss Soo Hyuk already...
Lee soo Hyuk please
Required fields are marked *
34 PPasun
March 5, 2015 at 7:45 AM
I like HGR, but she does not fit the image of Yangsun in the original webtoon (petite and cute).
I'd love to see JCW paired with Park Boyoung or even Kim Soeun.
Required fields are marked *
35 4D
March 5, 2015 at 8:00 AM
I'm sad Park Hae Jin turned this down. I hope it's because he's taking the lead in something else. I'm already in withdrawal from not having him on my screen (I wax even considering watching doctor stranger for him despite the terrible reviews), and I want him as lead please!
Required fields are marked *
36 gogummaa
March 5, 2015 at 8:17 AM
Aw...im really hoping Park Hae Jin will get this. but....:( anyways, maybe he's destined for other projects.
Can Healer sign on in this? haha but i doubt since Healer just finished and maybe he is resting or maybe still wants people to see him as the Healer.
hope the leading man be announced soon!
Required fields are marked *
37 pitch
March 5, 2015 at 8:21 AM
OMG YES! She finally gets a lead on a big three network! I´m not a fan of the concept, but I´ll take what I can get...
Required fields are marked *
38 Tae
March 5, 2015 at 10:05 AM
YES! I love her, but I'm so sick of vampires. Oh well..I'll still probably watch it for her haha. Let's hope they don't cast an awful male lead though.
Required fields are marked *
39 Beng
March 5, 2015 at 10:16 AM
I want to see some sword fights. She studied it in China :)
Required fields are marked *
40 canxi
March 5, 2015 at 12:17 PM
Ahhh, I can never finish a saeguk drama no matter how hard I try, but for Han Groo I will try MY BEST.
Required fields are marked *
41 Aigoooo
March 5, 2015 at 12:37 PM
I am happy and sad at the same time. Happy that Han Groo is getting recognized by the Big 3 but sad because it seems like the Big 3 end up putting all these actors who gained fame from TvN dramas into mediocre projects (ex. Trot Lovers).
Required fields are marked *
42 ck1Oz
March 5, 2015 at 12:44 PM
Can I just throw Hyun Bin in the mix? Even if he won't take it? Just to imagine a chemistry laden explosive actress next to him?
Required fields are marked *
43 Ek Ladhki Thi
March 5, 2015 at 12:47 PM
Nooo, Park Hae-jin, please come back and do this project. You'd look so great with Han Groo. Or if you won't do it, can Kim Jae-wook do it? I just really, really want to see him in a drama. Or Lee Soo-hyuk? Am I being greedy? Is this me being greedy?
Required fields are marked *
44 LivelyMango
March 5, 2015 at 1:33 PM
Just throwing some names out there:
Kang dong won? (love him in duelist, and also, he kind of looks like a vampire already. lol)
Song Joong Ki?
Yoo Ah in?
Lee Je Hoon?
Required fields are marked *
45 August
March 5, 2015 at 1:38 PM
Glad Han Groo was offered a lead role in another kdrama. Finally...it's about time for one of the Big 3 major networks to recognize her acting talents. Too bad it took them so long to catch up with Korean & International viewers.
Whether its Kim Jae-Wook, Kim Woo Bin, Lee Jun-Ki, Lee Seung-Gi, Lee Soo-Hyuk, Park Seo-Joon, Park Hae-Jin, or Seo In-Guk each of these actors are certainly capable of pulling off the handsome and mysterious vampire scholar vibe.
Now for the day when the the pool of females in this age group with acting talent like the aformentioned men are automatically considered, scouted, and cast for kdramas on par with the men.
Required fields are marked *
46 logan5
March 5, 2015 at 1:52 PM
why not just bring back Girl K and make it a good 16 episodes of kick ass action?
Required fields are marked *
47 Mint
March 5, 2015 at 2:00 PM
I've always iffy about vampire drama. I read the webtoon and the story is mediocre, too much show-off and i think they will make it even more exaggerating in drama. Somehow i feel Han Groo doesn't fit the female character.
Required fields are marked *
48 angst21
March 5, 2015 at 4:01 PM
"I reeeeeeally (truly, madly, deeply) want an epic fantasy drama"
me too
Required fields are marked *
49 shagaf
March 5, 2015 at 4:08 PM
ji chang wook, he is so damn sexy, it suits him to be vampire
Required fields are marked *
50 Elle
March 5, 2015 at 4:44 PM
Coffee Prince's writer, and Han Groo!? That's all I need to know. I'm in!
Required fields are marked *