Ryu Joon-yeol joins Hwang Jung-eum in a Lucky Romance

165 March 22, 2016March 31, 2016

Ryu Joon-yeol joins Hwang Jung-eum in a Lucky Romance

by javabeans

Score! Ryu Joon-yeol, who had a huge debut year with Answer Me 1988 (also the films Socialphobia and Glory Day, and the variety program Youths Over Flowers in Africa), has been chosen to play the leading man in MBC’s upcoming rom-com Lucky Romance, which just confirmed Hwang Jung-eum a day ago.

I’d heard some fan speculation about how Ha Suk-jin (D-Day) would be a good fit for the uptight, incredibly stingy hero and thought, He’d be perfect. Then I saw this casting and thought, Even more perfect! It’s a tricky role to cast because the hero can be uptight and brusque, but I think Ryu has the goods to allow us to still love him even when he’s being kind of a jerk. I like this casting. A lot.

The story features an eccentric heroine who’s blindly superstitious and obsessed with fortunes, who hangs all sorts of bad-luck-warding objects in her home (from charms to chicken heads), who receives a dire prediction from a psychic saying that death is in her fortune within the year unless she manages to right the bad luck she’s accumulated. The way to do it: Have a one-night stand with a (preferably virgin) man born in the year of the tiger, or 1986.

Enter our hero, a stiff, Scroogey 29-year-old with a sense of frugality that borders on the epic. He sees everything in terms of money and has never dated because it’s a waste of funds; he rifles through trash for recyclables, eats old leftovers, cuts his own hair, and argues for discounts like the orneriest ajumma on a bargain hunt. He’s hilarious and maybe even a little unlikable, and he sees the heroine as absurd and perplexing — and also a money sink, because she’s behind on rent and he’s just taken ownership of her apartment building. He evicts her, she tries to seduce him, comic mishaps ensue, and along the way they gradually start understanding each other and fall in love.

The character was originally named Je Taek-hoo, but has been renamed Je Su-ho for the drama, which has to be for all the punning opportunities: je-su literally means luck (and to the heroine, he’s her ticket to it), and is also a word, when used in slang terms, that means pain in the ass (literally “no luck”). And as far as I can tell, the character will be both of those things. I don’t know how Ryu Joon-yeol’s comic chops are, but this is a character who is funny in context — he’s serious, but the circumstances will make us laugh. I hope!

Lucky Romance will follow Goodbye Mr. Black and premieres in May as a 16-episode drama.

Via Star News

165

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1 cupkate

March 22, 2016 at 11:15 PM

Omygahhhhhhhhhhhhh I'm so happy for him!!!!!!

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Nissa

March 23, 2016 at 12:51 AM

+1 for him and for myself..

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miroufleur

March 23, 2016 at 1:03 AM

Ryu Jun Yeol in a romcom is like the best news ever. I hope he gets the girl this time.

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hagu

March 23, 2016 at 2:10 AM

i hopeeee!!!! this time pleaseeeee

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Tia

March 23, 2016 at 2:06 AM

But HJE!!!! Sad!

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newbie

March 23, 2016 at 8:53 AM

+1
Here I am having sworn to myself to never ever watch anything with her again after I stopped watching KMHM because of her, her over-acting and her voice. Eotteoke!? Luff him.

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zzmarie

March 23, 2016 at 9:45 AM

Not a big fan of hers either. Her overacting during the slapstick just turns me off of anything I see her in. I dropped SWP for this very reason. I hadn't seen her in much before then, but now I know that her comedy is really not my cup of tea.

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jellybine

March 24, 2016 at 5:30 AM

I was so happy to read that he already snatched a lead role in a drama but then it's with her.
I dropped KMHM because of her and kind of regretted not watching Ji Sung in his glory. I hang onto SWP until the end though. I still don't like her there but she was watchable. Loved Seo Joon though.
Will watch this for the love of Joon Yeol <3

Cat

March 23, 2016 at 3:00 AM

Wow that's really good news, was feeling sad since Signal ended. Now Junghwan can finally move on haha

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y

March 23, 2016 at 4:01 AM

where can i read this webtoon! ):

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2 Dreamer

March 22, 2016 at 11:19 PM

I love Ryu Jun Yeol!! He will be looking so fine in those suits!

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3 frabbycrabsis loves KBS Drama Specials

March 22, 2016 at 11:22 PM

AAAAAAAH! This is awesome - his character won't have to suffer crushing heartbreak again!

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4 Z

March 22, 2016 at 11:23 PM

I thought he'd be focusing on movies so this is a nice surprise. But doesn't he have other projects lined up already? Don't want him to overwork himself...

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gifi

March 23, 2016 at 3:25 AM

He waa caat in at least 3 movies due out this year but he's striking while the iron ia hot. As a mega fan, I'm so happy ffor him but yeah he's gonna overwork himself

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5 Silver

March 22, 2016 at 11:23 PM

FINALLLLYYYYYYY. I AM SOOOOO HAPPY FOR HIM!!!! Also can't wait for the kiss scene too ahahahha :P

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hagu

March 23, 2016 at 2:10 AM

buwahahahahahahahahaha XD

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6 tata

March 22, 2016 at 11:23 PM

I'm in, I'm in, I'm innnnnnnn!!! Literally screamed. Haha

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7 silentkecik

March 22, 2016 at 11:23 PM

Nice!

Both of them from CJes right?

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Cheetah

March 23, 2016 at 12:17 AM

Yes. I hope Junsu or Gummy will sing for OST.

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8 seoqueen

March 22, 2016 at 11:24 PM

Yaaaaasssssss!!!!!!! So excited for the Jung Eum & Joon Yeol vs. Ji Sung & Hyeri showdown. Def tuning into both <3

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eynay

March 22, 2016 at 11:28 PM

they become rivals. :D

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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

March 22, 2016 at 11:35 PM

It is unfortunate PBG's new drama will come later, otherwise it could be interesting battle too.

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shauowe

March 23, 2016 at 4:13 AM

Is it the same timeslot?

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weallwantpizza

March 23, 2016 at 5:41 AM

Unfortunately no...
Entertainer will be airing in SBS Mon-Tue from April 20 meanwhile Lucky Romance will be airing in MBC Wed-Thu from April 11...

but on the bright side, our Mon-Thu slots are scheduled! :)

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mashimomo

March 23, 2016 at 7:04 AM

Actually they are on the same time slot as Ddandara/Entertainer! So it will be interesting to see the ratings between these 2 shows. PBG's drama is not scheduled until August, so were spared from choosing which one of these 3 shows to watch!

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meliyasha

March 23, 2016 at 7:15 PM

YASSSSSSS!! Wahh this is amazing! I'm soo gonna watch them

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9 foofoo

March 22, 2016 at 11:26 PM

I'm excited that RJY already had a new drama lined up, but I don't know, I was a bit annoyed by HJE's acting in She Was Pretty. It was a bit over the top and manic for my liking, which seems exactly how she'll be in this drama too. I'll probably still end up watching for RJY though lol.

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weallwantpizza

March 23, 2016 at 5:45 AM

....you got me thinking if HJE is that manic in romcom, and this is a webtoon-based drama, as you can wee RJY's character might be cool but a weirdo too. So, somehow I can visual RJY be that cool as R88's Junghwan but also as weird as Socialphobia's Yangge.

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eynay

March 23, 2016 at 8:11 AM

+1 ^_^

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10 T.K.

March 22, 2016 at 11:27 PM

I'm all in for a one night stand scene with Ryu Junyeol. Hahahaha!
Reading the synopsis, is it safe to say it's like the vice versa version of Penny Pincher, no?
Anyway, This drama officially in my watch list

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erratic

March 23, 2016 at 7:21 AM

Penny Pincher did come to mind. O.o

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11 desi

March 22, 2016 at 11:29 PM

it will be Daebaaakkkkk....yaaayyyyy

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12 red

March 22, 2016 at 11:31 PM

Omg yay!! this is perfect!
I initially agreed with the idea of Joo Won, but Ryu Jun Yeol would be perfect. I was so surprised that Reply1988 was his debut :O

I love Hwang Jung Eum, and I have watched almost everything of hers. But after She Was Pretty, I wish she would dial it down a bit, I honestly found some of her crazy scenes unwatchable, but then she does the quiet touching moments and she is spot on!!

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deyaa

March 23, 2016 at 1:51 AM

it's not ...his debut was social phobia..movie in early of 2015

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shauowe

March 23, 2016 at 4:14 AM

Maybe she meant drama debut?

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Ina

March 24, 2016 at 4:26 AM

It is not.he has small role in producer

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13 Jyc

March 22, 2016 at 11:32 PM

He's going to get the girl this time ?❤

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14 ⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

March 22, 2016 at 11:33 PM

This is exciting news.!

Even I dont watch Reply series, but I am happy for him & Park Bo Gum do not have to wait a long time for next offer.

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15 Kayla

March 22, 2016 at 11:34 PM

Doesn't his character sound a lot like jungpal? LOL.
Prickly on the outside but a big teddy bear on the inside. Somehow, I think this is how RJY will play this character. I'm thinking something along the lines of Chef from OMG lol.

Anyway, that cold & awkward exterior RJY has gotten down, no sweat. As much as I don't particularly love HJE, I think both casting choices are pretty darn good. I can envision both of them in their roles. As long as it wasn't some other actress I absolutely can't stand/connect with for some reason (i.e Jin se yeon, Kim so eun, Han groo) I know some of these names are very loved on this site but I've just never been able to vibe with them.

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16 azzo

March 22, 2016 at 11:42 PM

YAY. I'm so happy for him! I almost did a happy dance in my seat which I can't do because I'm in my office and the CEO is gonna do his annual stroll in the offices!!!

But OMG I'm so excited for this, all I can do now is just wish this pairing works great and wait for the drama to actually happen!

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Flightey Gazelles

March 23, 2016 at 4:27 AM

OMG! re: CEO. Lmao!!!

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17 poko

March 22, 2016 at 11:43 PM

Ryu Junyeol?? Why not Kim Seulgi or Han Groo?? ??

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deyaa

March 22, 2016 at 11:47 PM

I want it to be Kang Sora hahahaha..but HJE is not bad...

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Sancheezy

March 23, 2016 at 12:36 AM

Btw kang sora has drama called neighborhood hero as I remember and will premier shortly (if I remember correctly),
I think she is unavailable for this drama ^^

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deyaa

March 23, 2016 at 1:52 AM

I know that too..that's why i said that lmao...

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Chandler

March 23, 2016 at 2:36 AM

As much as I love those two and think they could probably do wonders with the character if they were older, they're actually a bit too young for this, I think. This is supposed to be a noona romance. And I personally think HJE will be perfect.

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mindy

March 23, 2016 at 5:01 AM

LOL guys poko was joking. Everyone on the HJE thread was all like "Why not Kim Seul Gi or Han Groo?!" Notice poko said "Ryu Junyeol?!" Not "Hwang Jungeum?!"

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18 Nicolette

March 22, 2016 at 11:45 PM

I am so incredibly excited for this right now!!! Drama land has been pretty bland for me lately. I needed this announcement so badly!!! He is going to be perfect. I cannot wait!

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19 jichangwooklover

March 22, 2016 at 11:46 PM

Omg I'm so happy! He's gonna nail the role for sure!

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20 Ellyn@20

March 22, 2016 at 11:53 PM

Hope tat RJY will accept this drama! I will totally look forward to this drama if he takes up the role!!

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Ellyn@20

March 22, 2016 at 11:59 PM

Oh, he is confirmed going to act in this drama! Omg, so excited for it!!

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21 redfox

March 22, 2016 at 11:57 PM

I don´t really get his charm as an actor, but seeing him in Youth Over Flowers Africa...um... well, still not sure, arent they wasting a lot of money there? though he´s one of the more responsible. but the leads here are both a little unusual and odd in both looks and personality, so they are probably a good match

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deyaa

March 23, 2016 at 12:21 AM

maybe you prefer flower boy which is not him AT ALL.

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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐

March 23, 2016 at 1:22 AM

Agree.

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redfox

March 23, 2016 at 9:47 AM

no, I don´t. I actually like quirky looks, but he is too dull for me.

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sung

March 23, 2016 at 12:24 AM

lol

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bd5

March 23, 2016 at 2:01 AM

His "charm" as an actor is that he can actually act.

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Chandler

March 23, 2016 at 2:34 AM

+100

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lovesmarie

March 23, 2016 at 4:19 AM

x100

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Swish

March 23, 2016 at 6:44 AM

x1000

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fatraspberry

March 23, 2016 at 8:09 AM

x10000

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22 pastmidnite

March 23, 2016 at 12:17 AM

Wow, didn't see that coming. Good for him!
Now hoping for drama casting news for other ex-AM88 cast, GKP, AJH, LDH (is he confirmed for Entourage?), RJY, etc.

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deyaa

March 23, 2016 at 12:20 AM

he did

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23 g.pap

March 23, 2016 at 12:20 AM

As much as I like him, there are some obvious limitations on how much physical contact he will be allowed to. The story's juxtaposition of one-night-stand and romance could be a great setting for actors around HSJ's age, let alone the usual hero's cold façade à la Mr. Darcy mixed together into this combination.

The storyline itself has a She Was Pretty vibe, more comedy and less romance which is one of my favorite genres anyway. HJE is involving into a very good comical actress who's able to interact with both older and younger co-stars. She sometimes overacts on screen, a quality that would have been perfect for a theater stage, but she has learnt how to tone herself down in the next shot.

Good luck to all of them!

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deyaa

March 23, 2016 at 1:55 AM

I am confuse what are you saying...who said that he limited physical contact ? and who's HSJ ?? and you said great setting for actor around HSJ or HJE?'s age ? RJY is 30 this year..so what is the problem..

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Chandler

March 23, 2016 at 2:34 AM

Hmm, I mean. HSJ is older than Hwang and it's supposed to be a noona romance. In fact. the male lead is supposed to be born in 86', like Ryu Joon Yeol, who is, btw, 29. I'm not sure what 'physical contact' will have to be limited when they seem to fit the characters perfectly.

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g.pap

March 23, 2016 at 3:19 AM

@ FANNY ~ If you read the article , you'll know who HSJ is. If you don't know him, just google his name.

It's the context of the story that makes me a bit worry about the sexual tension between the leads. If you're sure he's ready to go for it, then that's good for him and perfect for us.

No more confusion, I hope.

@Chandler ~ Actors' actual age is not a big deal. In Madame Antoine, the male lead was supposed to be 36 when he's under 30; the same goes for dramas like Secret Garden or IRY.

In this genre, attraction and physical contact between the leads are essential (in H2H, these two factors made all the difference for me, albeit the makjang of the second half). I really hope you're right and everything works perfectly for the audience. There isn't such thing as saturation of good rom-com on television after all.