92

Cheese in the Trap’s PD returns to tvN with media-centric drama

Coffee Prince, Golden Time, and Cheese in the Trap director Lee Yoon-jung has secured her next drama project, which will be titled Argon and is set to air on tvN, which has been the home of her past two dramas (Cheese and Heart to Heart). Argon is the title of an investigative journalism program within the drama, and the show will be set in the world of the media, featuring characters who are anchors and reporters.

Not much information has been provided about the plot or the premise, but the drama purports to tackle the topic of fake news that’s so rampant these days, and will center around three main characters: a reporter-turned-anchor named Kim Baek-jin, a contract reporter named Lee Yeon-hwa, and a veteran news reporter named Shin Chul.

More than the content of this new show, I’m curious to know whether viewers will welcome PD Lee back, or whether they’ve turned their backs completely after the mess that became of Cheese in the Trap. She is a director who’s skilled at drawing out subtle emotions and mining slice-of-life moments in a breezy and appealing way, and had largely been praised for her directorial talents through many of her prior dramas. In fact, she drew a lot of praise for her work on Cheese in the Trap, too—at least during its first half, before the story shifted away from its central premise, to the confusion of fans, and essentially wrote out a main character in favor of his rival.

I’ve always been fascinated and puzzled by Cheese in the Trap’s strange trajectory, not because it was a bad drama but because it was on the path to becoming something quite great—only to be derailed by what seemed like the director’s blatant disregard for the drama’s main relationship and leading man. I’ve never understood why that happened when it seemed so unnecessary, and I’ll always be frustrated with that lack of understanding!

But perhaps this negative reaction is only coming from a small segment of the viewership, and the rest of the viewing public will accept the new drama on its own terms. It doesn’t seem like it based on the tenor of the netizen comments now, but hey, it could happen? We’ll have to see how that shakes out; Argon is being planned for a broadcast in the latter half of this year.

Via Joongang

RELATED POSTS

Tags: , , ,

92

Required fields are marked *

She'll forever be in my shit list. Pass

30
8
reply

Required fields are marked *

Mine too because although I haven't watched it, I would've if I hadn't heard about how rubbish the second half was.

2
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

The funny thing was, I was quite upset when the controversy happened, but when I marathoned CITT again, a year later, when the scandal was no longer at the forefront of my mind, I enjoyed it immensely. My kids, who had no knowledge of the controversy enjoyed the drama as well. So, my conclusion is, as a standalone drama, it's great. But when compared to the source material, and the manga, maybe, not so much.

14
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

I have to agree.
I watched CITT in vacuum, completely unaware of all the controversy - and I loved it.
The funny thing, I have not even noticed anything was the matter with the second half. I have noticed that the main lead did not get a proper closure with his mental problems and the ending was left open, but I am not a person to judge the whole series based on the ending.
So yeah, if one doesn't know it is based on a manga, it is really great.
But if I were that manga's fan, I would hate it.

10
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh. Good to know! So maybe I should try it then...

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I personally like the webtoon better than the drama for the romance because the romance in Webtoon is way more compelling and detail. But anything else, i prefer drama version. Because at times soonki is become too preachy.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

That's great to know! I'm definitely gonna re-watch it one of these days. It'll always have a special place in my heart, that drama.

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I've watched it several times and most of those times, I'd still jump from 8 to ending.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

She's also in mine. Pass.

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I like her. Loved her work with CITT until things went south with the bts conflicts taking more preeminence than the drama itself. She's a good eye for the introspective and the way she shows "relevant minutiae" enhances the viewing experience for the audience, so I'm definitely looking forward to this. Any drama that can make a flickering street light seem romantic, is a winner in my book.

7
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Same here. And let's not forget that Heart to Heart was a good drama too. I have enjoyed that as well.

5
reply

Required fields are marked *

the woman has given coffee prince.. and the quality is consistent through her other dramas.. if CIIT was on its way to greatness.. that's 30% because of her ability to portray that fantastic story so well..

I absolutely hated what they did to CITT>. but i don't think i'd ever pass any of her drama.. because she is good..

another story that she chooses to tell, i know i am in for good actors, screen art, and music.. oh the amazing music

6
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yeah, that moment with the street light was beautiful.

I'm on board with the skill of this director.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I don't know how I feel about this! I liked Coffee Prince and loved CITT to bits but what happened to it in the second half still hurts! I just hope this time there will be no behind-the-scene drama!

2
5
reply

Required fields are marked *

Crying again....why, why,why?

1
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

One of the great mysteries of the universe...*passes Sunbae's monogrammed handkerchief*

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Me too, Coffee Prince is one of my favourite dramas and it is true that the director is skilled at drawing out subtle emotions from her actors but I was burned so badly by Cheese In The Trap. I loved that drama more than I could say in the beginning but she ruined it badly. She's the reason I can't really stand to watch Seo Kang-joon again, through no fault of the actor, his impression as Baek In-ho is still too strong and the fact that I hated his character towards the end keeps me from being able to love him as someone else.

4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes, we don't need any more drama behind the drama, man. C'mon! There's still a ?-sized pain in my heart when I think about what could've been, but I won't write this off just yet.

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Second that. I loveee Coffee Prince, like it's forever on my personal wall of fame, and was ready to love CiTT from the beginning. I'm just flabbergasted over all the production drama, and find myself still puzzling over it. I'm not above conspiracy theories lol.

But the comments about CiTT being an enjoyable drama on its own, minus all the backstage drama, is a fair point. Although, to argue, CiTT had the makings of a superb drama, not merely enjoyable and good. Ah. Que sera sera.

This drama and everything connected to it will forever be a sore spot for beanies.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Well I certainly became a fan of hers because of Coffee Prince, but now... I am curious who will be the leads of her new drama.

4
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yoon Eun Hye is planning a drama comeback right? Coffee Prince will always be one of my favorite drama of all time.

4
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ooh, Yoon Eun-hye reuniting w/ her Coffee Prince PD?! That'll be fun. If all goes well, this could be a great comeback for the both of them.

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

If this happens, I might be willing to overlook my animosity towards this PD, I need YEH in my life. It's been too long.

4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Mine too. To this day, Coffee Prince is still fresh to me. It's as if the drama did not age at all despite being released 10 years ago. I sure would like to see YEH back on the small screen.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Eh, it's a similar case to actors getting into controversies like SHK's tax evasion, or LBH's infidelity for example - Knetz are upset when a project is announced and gets over it as soon as they realize said project is good. Anyone who thinks her previous record could truly make viewers boycott her new work despite quality is simply naive.

Nothing to say on Cheese. I feel like everything that could've, should've (and shouldn't have) been said about it has already been said. So I'll leave it at that.

7
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Comment was deleted

4
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

So many shitty things have been said about the director but right now I'm only interested in the story. I've been looking for serious, interesting, and meaty dramas, and this feel like it has everything I'm craving for. I'll definitely keep an eye on this one.

5
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I enjoyed CITT despite the controversy, the last 4 episodes were annoying for me but overall it was a fun watch.

the premises of this drama doesn't look interesting, let's see when the casting begins.

8
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I enjoyed CITT too, despite the flaws (of which there were numerous). The director will have to prove herself again.

The plot may be interesting if It's about investigative journalism and they bring some mystery and excitement into it. There have been some excellent movies about journalism in the past, for example Spotlight or All the President's Men.

2
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

When I read investigative journalism, Spotlight is what came to my mind too. Hope it is something like that and more about journalism itself.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think the investigative journalism is just a backdrop to the story. This is korean drama by PD whose credit is romance drama like coffe prince an CITT. I think the journalism is just a backdrop to the rooomaance.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

If her new project turns out to be good, I believe the viewership will be fine. It is not the first time celebrities or production teams who had got involved into controversies pick up new projects. Most of the time, they will get harsh comments when new projects are announced. After that it will depend on the quality of their new projects. If they are good, feedback will be positive. Otherwise, they keep getting bashed online.

2
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I like her candid, slice of life direction..which is rare in dramaland

6
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I like her work. The small details and nuances she gives a whole new life to , in her dramas are worth looking forward to. It's kinda sad that CITT ended the way it did, but I won't hold that against her lol

6
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I agree with you...

3
reply

Required fields are marked *

This should be interested. Of course I want the drama to be good (due to my own selfish ways of wanting good dramas to watch) but this drama BETTER be good. I think this is her opportunity to mend her errors... although I dont think I can ever forgive her for ruining such an amazing story like cheese.

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Interesting*

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm with javabeans. I'm still confounded by what happened to Cheese in the last four episodes. It was a drama destined for greatness and then it became something conventional and lacklustre.

Argon is a noble gas, isn't it? Interesting title for a show about journalism.

2
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I didn't like how the drama ended, but I didn't think it was as ruined as people said it was. I was just puzzled at the lack of proper development of the main love story.

3
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

JB has echoed my exact thoughts. Everything.

2
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I realise it's irrational to some extent but man I've been burned so badly by her I just felt like spitting fire after reading the title. CITT was on its way to such great heights only to be slammed hard against the concrete. I dont think my curiosity will outweigh the disappointment for me to watch this drama

6
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This didn't just happen in CITT but also Triple...she uses her male leads for hype & then screw them over!
Except for Coffee Prince all her projects start good and go downhill...
I also remember in Heart to Heart she tried casting Lee Dong Gun first to make use of his actual trauma of losing his brother to hype the show.
Personally I'll pass & when the drama finishes...if it gets really good reviews I'll try it out...

4
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

I remember when the kerfluffle over CITT went down, and drama fans mentioned she'd done this with another drama but couldn't remember the name. I think she's a talented director, but I will not start one of her dramas until they are completed. Directing isn't just about making things flow and camera work, it's about being a leader of a production. I think egos get in the way and this PD tends to play favorites. The director of Scarlet Heart is also on my list for similar reasons...he demanded rewrites to favor an actor, filmed in a time intensive way for his signature close ups leading to a rushed live shoot situation on a pre-produced drama and has an icky thing about wanting his actors to be super skinny (Lee Joon Ki and Kim Bum). He's another one that was given too much influence and power to the detriment of a drama. Doesn't mean he's not talented and doesn't have great work in him, but I've got the same rule about him now as well. (And I actually enjoyed all but the last three episodes of SH in spite of his directing.)

I didn't know about the casting choices on Heart to Heart. It's not for everyone and it went a little makjang, but I overall enjoyed it. I imagine because of what happened on CITT, which to me did mar a solid drama, she'll be pretty straightforward with everything this time around.

2
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Comment was deleted

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

The director and whoever was in charge of editing Scarlet Heart are on my shit list forever. I still managed to love that drama in spite of the ridiculous close-up shots and camera angles because I really enjoyed the story and the acting, but that director needs to watch out.

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I have the same feeling for Scarlet Heart director..
His directing style used to be very unique and gorgeous...but in SH it was simply messy.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Aww man, Triple. I was so miffed for Lee Jung-jae when his character's development became so weird and meh.

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

tvN, you can't name a show Argon and not tell us why! Is the team inert? Noble? 18 team members?

*lies awake in bed, asking "important" questions*

8
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Nobly inert.

AKA, sleeping on a poofy, glorious bed with princess covers like a prince.

A Prince MinMin awaiting his Princess BongBong to come kiss him awake.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Comment was deleted

3
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Noooooooo~ hahahaha

I can barely stomach the required 1-2 eps of noble idiocy in normal kdramas. How can we survive 16 eps of it? And from a whole team?

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I still don't understand everyone saw is wrong with the second half of the drama? Othet than In Hoo screen time getting larger as the drama progress.. There is nothing is wrong. Might be many people expecting a differrent trajectory and something what they want to see. I'm really glad they flashout several interesting /weird /dark character like Min Soo, Young Gun, Sang Chul and the gang and questioning my own moral compass.

5
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

I don't think it's about Min-soo, Young-gun or others, they were the same in the webtoon, too! It's what they did to Yoo Jung that got people mad! They never really fleshed out his character and left a lot of viewers confused, they hated him and that's really sad! Being an avid reader of the webtoon, I know Jung is a lot more than what he was in the drama! I don't know what else to say since everything has been said already, so yeah, it's about that!

9
3
reply

Required fields are marked *

I didn't read the webtoon and you are right that the show didn't flesh out Jung properly. He was very interesting at first and I really wanted to see how Jung and Seol's relationship would turn out. It didn't happen and the ending was a let down.

By the time, the drama ended, it had gone from addictive to boring. I was unaware of the drama behind the scenes so it just felt very confusing to me.

6
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

For me, The writers already flesh out Yo Jung quite well... Might be the writers doesn't flesh out as much as we want to, but it's not make the drama a total let down.

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

To get an actor in Korea to speak out about how much of his work got left on the cutting room floor shows that something went down. It just doesn't generally happen. The rage of fans of the source material really fanned the flames, but since that fan base is the reason the drama got produced in the first place, it shouldn't have come as much of a surprise.

11

Considering the drama was named Cheese In The Trap and it was about Jung, Seol, and their relationship In-ho didn't need to dominate the second half of the show with unnecessary scenes of him playing the piano and moping about his broken hand when they could have used that time to properly wrap up Seol and Jung's relationship.

5
reply

Required fields are marked *

"Other than In Hoo screen time getting larger as the drama progress.. There is nothing is wrong. "
It's not about the webtoon nor that In Ho role was bigger...
It was revealed that some of Jung scenes Seol were scraped after shooting and re-shoot with In Ho...other scenes too was deleted in favor of the random "Piano Scenes" When netizens complained a PD said..."Why don't they just like it!"
Then Investors in China complained & Soon-Ki "the original writer" complained and even Park Hae Jin confirmed that some filmed scenes (of other actors not just his) didn't air which turns his character into a psycho...
Then they announced the ending change which was crappy...
and even Though PHJ was responsible for marketing the drama & flying everywhere to sell it they released a photobook with Jung character cut off pictures...
In short...it was a mess.

4
reply

Required fields are marked *

She is just crazy, i remember her at the press conference she was so unprofessional...
I still can't believe what happened to my webtoon.

4
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

well, I definitely agree the drama is not the same as The webtoon. But I don't mind, I actually love they are not in Yoo Jung Side 100 %, Yoo Jung has a reason why he act they way he does, but doesn't excuse anything you have done. It's a sarcastic way to allude any drama who depict an anti hero but turn them out of character in the end of the drama for the sake of romance/happy ending between the lead. I haven't read the latest chapter of the webtoon though, But She is not the one who wrote the script right? I don't know why she is the one who get curse?

4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Still bitter here.

5
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Right there with you.

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

My first reaction is: LOLOLOL ??

1
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ha, me too!! I'm tired of crying lol

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

At least I learned something from Cheese: never ever recommend a drama to a friend until you've safely finish watching all episodes.

15
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Comment was deleted

4
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

BIG and CITT scarred me for life.

2
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

This reminds me abit of Pinocchio, and I liked that drama.
If she cast people worth watching, I'll tune in.

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes, Pinocchio totally came to my mind, too. I'll most definitely tune in if familiar faces are cast.

1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Though it's less popular, I adore Heart to Heart so much, the second half was kinda disappointing because the script took that cheap predictable path (IMO). But, overall it was enjoyable.

For Cheese, I actually enjoyed it until episode 12. Then, I just simply didn't care about the story or characters anymore. Not because of the drama behind the drama, though, LOL. I lost interest with it before I even knew about that mess.

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Sadly, though I love this directors style, I will take a hard pass as well. The differences in CITT went beyond artistic license, and betrayed the implicit trust placed in her, and the subsequent fallout was poorly managed. I will spend my precious drama time elsewhere.

5
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I never blamed her for the CITT mess, and find the cartoon villain she's been painted out to be ridiculous.

She's a fantastic veteran PD, and I hope this new project reaffirms that to naysayers.

6
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Agree with you. Despite the "big" outcry and netizen witch hunt, says alot when the bosses choose to stick by her side and give her the biggest support simply by commissioning her next production. We will never really know what happened behind the scenes. Action speaks louder than words.

6
reply

Required fields are marked *

Coffee Prince makes it so hard for me to write her off. Even Heart to Heart was lovely and refreshing. I actually had to go on a trip during CITT and had to put it on hold around episode 11 or 12. I had Coffee Prince on DVD though so I ended up taking that along to marathon. And, well, let's just say I was very in love with her directing by the time I came back to hear about the controversy.

While I want to resent her for tanking what could have been an amazing drama, I also recognize that she played a huge part in what made it so great in the first place. So I may have to be one of the few that gives her another chance. That is, as long as she stays away from adapting any more beloved material...

2
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

So instinctive flashbacks of heartbreak aside,

Who wants to bet that we just may finally find out someway, somehow, what happened in the (terrible, not even)Cheesy mess in this new show through subtle meta( I vote for blatant)? Its about media right? Let it be glorious!!!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I still don't get why people don't like the entire second half. It was TWO eps that focused more on SKJ's character and the "open" end made a lot of sense to me *shrugs*

Personally I adore this writer - CITT, Coffee Prince, Heart to Heart - they're all among my favorite dramas. And the premise for this show sounds amazing, so I'm stoked! :D

5
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Okay I have no idea what the problem in CITT is because for me it is one of the best directed drama as it is quite unique and different from the normal repitetive plots. The only thing I don't like is that I felt there are too many crazy students.
About the ending it is okay . Seriously not every drama must get either a tragic ending or an happy ever after . I havr seen waaaaay worse ending that no one said anything about because although it didn't make sense it was a happy ending -.-

5
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Ok so I read about it. Strangely when I read the webtoon after the drama (though I watched till chapter 50 i think ) I didn't feep that park hae jim character is different it is baek in ho that is really different as he is much kinder. And no I never though that baek in ho is supporting I thought that he was just like park hae jin that he was second lead . About deviating from the original it is thing I am used to starting from Harry potter and most of the other books turned movies. Some of Harry Potter movies are soooooo different from the book yet they are liked . Treat both as different stories with common characters that how i watch it.

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

The premise totally reminds me of Pinocchio, which I loved. I'm not too crazy about a drama about the world of news reporters and tv anchors, but if I like the cast and the promos look promising, then I'll definitely check this out. I'm actually really missing the more simpler, slice-of-life dramas nowadays and hope I can find that tone in this one. Crossing my fingers there won't be any psychotic murderers on the loose!

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I looove CP (it was my first kdrama so and it'll forever be one of my favorites ever) and a few others, but she also directed kdramas that made me rage. So IDKKKKKK

I was soooooooo hyped for CITT tbh. I was actually waiting for it to finish back when it was airing so I could marathon it all in one go. In fact, I'd only heard good things, I got even more hyped, until hell broke loose with the second half of the show. Then it ended and more of what happened behind the scenes was revealed and I was shocked, you guys. So shocked! Reading Park Haejin's interview was such a bitter experience and I felt for him.

I'll probably wait till this new show finishes and then I'll see what the reviews say. For sure I won't blindly trust her.

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think I'll still watch her work. Even with the weird shift in the 2nd half, Cheese was still an enjoyable drama and there were lots of things that I did like about it. I do generally appreciate her work, so I'll watch and see before I write her off for some the Cheese mishap. Frankly, I think all of us are still confused about why it even happened.

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I saw the word Argon and can only think about argon oil... Reporters and media huh... Idk. Pinocchio was never enjoyable for me despite multiple tries, so now I'm kind of wary of projects with this subject. I think it also depends on the age of the protagonists. If they're young again like Pinocchio it feels less interesting because it'll just be another coming-of-age story about idealism coming against the harshness of reality. However, if it's a bunch of older, more seasoned characters, then it could be a very interesting and nuanced exploration of media and media culture.

2
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

You know, I have to agree with you on Pinocchio. I watched it and liked it, but never thought to tease out why some parts of it bothered me. I guess, like you said, it really was a cute coming-of-age butting of ideals against reality. Well-put! : )

2
reply

Required fields are marked *

My question is: can lead actors trust her anymore? She has the reputation of screwing male leads in favor of adorable second leads( or so she says)..
Me, I'll trust her only as far as I can throw her...

3
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'm willing to watch the new drama and give her another try, cos I'm 100% sure the director knows how much she upset CITT's fans. Perhaps she has learned a lesson, and will adjust herself going forward. Or, at least that's my hope.

4
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

dunno if i will watch, it's touch and burn with her on CITT

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I will forever boycott anything from this director. Shame on her what she has done to Park Hae-Jin and Cheese in The Trap. Shame of tvN for bringing her back after that.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Was it really all her fault. How do you all know for sure if it she wasn't just taking orders. Anyway I like her work so I will watch out for it. Personally I just watch anything that has good story or my favorite actors in them. :D

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I'll never be able to forgive her for killing my favorite show for no reason.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I find it fascinating that so many people here have completely written her off. I thought I followed the saga well enough as it occurred, but I don't have this burning resentment towards her that most people seem to have. Maybe it's because I'm missing a crucial part of the news, or I didn't have an adoration of the original source material.

Genuine questions - Was it really all the director's fault? The writers must have been involved at least? And I remember seeing that Park Hae Jin alienated the rest of the cast and crew and/or the rest of the cast and crew gave him the silent treatment, and if that's the case, how did Kim Go Eun get off so easily? These really are genuine questions; it's just I'm used to grumbling about scriptwriters and actors, but such a passionate hatred for a director is new for me.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I like her. I watched her dramas, Coffee Prince and Heart to Heart. I think she's a good director. Her dramas has its own charm that I really, really enjoy. I don't watch Cheese in the Trap so I can't say anything about that. But what I learn over the years of watching K-drama is that the story/writing is what makes me watch said drama. Argon's plot looks interesting so I hope it would be good drama and Korean viewer could 'accept' PD Lee back. It would be such a shame if she's got blacklisted by Korean viewer thus would lose her job. Her drama always has this certain feel/quality that I can't find in other PD drama. What do people call it? Trademark? Signature?

I wish you the best, PD Lee.

1
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

What about second chances, people? Besides, it's not like Cheese in the Trap was a complete waste ... I loved the nuances and the amazing combo it had going: acting, music, writing, directing ... At the end, It slipped and failed, but stayed on my mind. I cannot say the same for many other K-dramas ? ...

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *