News bites: July 2, 2016

by awcoconuts

Park Bo-young, Song Chang-eui

• Park Bo-young (Oh My Ghostess) is confirmed for the title role in Strong Woman Do Bong-soon. I’m excited for her return to dramaland, and while there’s still very little plot info available, I love that she’s headlining in what is sure to be a spunky, strong role. Planned for a January 2017 airdate on JTBC, Strong Woman Do Bong-soon will be penned by Beloved Eun-dong writer Baek Mi-kyung and directed by Ms. Temper and Nam Jung-ki’s PD, Lee Hyung-min. [News1]
• Congratulations to Song Chang-eui (Dr. Frost) — he’s getting married in September. Song made the announcement directly to his fan club (instantly breaking thousands of hearts, no doubt) stating, “I’m starting the second stage of my life with a precious person who has constantly been there for me in times of joy, sorrow, and hardship.” His bride-to-be is a non-celebrity whom he met through an acquaintance. [Star Today]


Jung So-min, Lee Dong-hwi

• This pairing seems a bit unusual, but I love them both individually and I’m looking forward to watching their collaboration: Lee Dong-hwi (Answer Me 1988) and Jung So-min (D-Day) have been cast as the leads in KBS drama special Red Teacher, which is based on a script that won runner-up in a 2015 contest. A coming-of-age story having to do with communism and set in the 1980s, Red Teacher is scheduled to air in August. [TV Report]
• There have been conflicting reports about Park Han-byul (I Have A Lover) taking the lead in MBC’s upcoming Blow Breeze. In the drama about a wealthy older gentleman who doesn’t have much longer to live and who suddenly discovers he has an heir, she’s up for the role of Mi-poong (which means breeze; the title is a punny way of referencing her name), a young woman who defected from the North and has settled in South Korea. She grew up in a wealthy Pyongyang household and is correspondingly high-maintenance. Despite her sizable ego, Mi-poong’s a cheerful girl and described as a “lovable Pyongyang punk.” Initial reports stated Park had accepted, while her reps came back with, “It’s true she received a script, but there have been no further discussions.” The weekend drama will be written by Kim Sa-kyung (Rosy Lovers), and the cast so far includes Sohn Ho-joon, Han Joo-wan, Sohn Chang-min, and Lee Il-hwa. Blow Breeze premieres in August after the conclusion of Happy Home. [Joongang, My Daily]


Park Han-byul, Hyun-woo, Seo Shin-ae

• Weekend drama Five Kids has averaged viewership ratings of 25-30% and has been extended from 50 to 54 episodes. The show will conclude on KBS at the end of August. [Digital Times]
• Following Five Kids is Laurel Tree Tailors, and Hyun-woo (Jackpot) is positively considering a role as a young man preparing to enter the workforce in the upcoming KBS weekend drama. [My Daily]
• Former child actress Seo Shin-ae (Queen’s Classroom) has filmed a guest appearance on W—Two Worlds. The Wed-Thurs drama starring Lee Jong-seok and Han Hyo-joo will premiere on MBC on July 20. [Osen]


Lee Hana, Kim Gyu-ri

• Our Gap-soon, the upcoming weekend drama starring Mary’s man, has cast its titular lead: Lee Hana is reuniting with Song Jae-rim (they worked together in Unkind Women) and will play his long-suffering girlfriend. She’s approaching thirty and as she clings to her boyfriend’s hopes of passing the civil service exam (and her hopes of a proposal), she works several part-time jobs to stay afloat. Also joining the show in an unspecified role is Kim Gyu-ri (King’s Face). Our Gap-soon will air on SBS in August after the conclusion of Yes, That’s How It Is. [Joongang 1, 2]

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