Park Bo-gum offered Hong sisters fantasy romance Hwayugi
by girlfriday
I’m trying really hard not to get my hopes up, but how is that even possible when Park Bo-gum (Moonlight Drawn By Clouds) might be coming back in a new drama? Eeeeeee! He’s currently entertaining an offer to star in the Hong sisters’ new fantasy romance Hwayugi, which is headed to tvN later this year and already courting Cha Seung-won (Hwajeong) to co-star.
The fantasy drama is a reimagining of the Chinese classic novel Journey to the West, called Seoyugi in Korean, but modernized for a contemporary setting. In the original tale, a monk goes on a journey with four companions who need to atone for their sins. Among them, Sun Wukong the Monkey King is the most mischievous and troublesome, a minor god who is powerful and quick-witted but also quick to anger, and has a great deal to overcome and atone for. Sun Wukong is the character Park Bo-gum is up to play, and he’s considering the script but nothing has been decided.
In the modernized drama retelling, the heroine will be the monk character, and the drama is about her and Sun Wukong “finding the light in a dark world overrun with evil spirits.” The monk is described as snobby and materialistic, while Sun Wukong is corrupt. He was extremely powerful, but because of his pride, his powers were sealed up and he was exiled to the human world, where he became a bystander who does nothing but idly watch people fall to ruin. One day he discovers that the monk can unseal his powers, and they end up bickering their way to love.
Cha Seung-won is considering the role of Woo Hwi-chul, based on the Bull Demon King who is Sun Wukong’s sworn brother. In the drama, Woo Hwi-chul is described as a gentleman and a successful businessman. I expect some sort of impish twist on this character too, given the kinds of personalities we’re in for. The drama is said to be a mix of horror, thriller, comedy, and romance, not to mention that it’ll be adapting some of the fantasy mythology of Journey to the West; I hope the Hong sisters are well-rested and bringin’ their A-game on this one! I’m hopeful because they’re reuniting with PD Park Hong-kyun of Best Love and Queen Seon-deok, but let’s cross all fingers and toes just in case. If you make me mad at Park Bo-gum the Monkey God, I will never forgive you!
Hwayugi is slated to air on Saturdays and Sundays on tvN beginning in December.
Via Osen
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Tags: Cha Seung-won, Hong sisters, Hwayugi, Park Bo-gum
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1 Ahj ❤ ❥ ♡ ♥ ღ
July 4, 2017 at 2:04 AM
Omoooo! Bogummy! I so miss him in the small screen. I would love to see him back! I hope if he agree on being part of this show, the story will be as good. *cross-finger*
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2 nofrilldaffodil
July 4, 2017 at 2:04 AM
As someone who was big fan of the original material - be it the novels, cartoon or movies - I just say that I am pleasantly surprised by this twist and the direction they're taking it! It already sounds quirky and all sorts of hilarious... Plus I love Park Bo Gum. Gonna be looking forward to this
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ilikehim
July 4, 2017 at 10:09 AM
Me, tooooooo. My favorite version is , hands down, the 1996 one from TVB with Dicky Cheung!!
To think dear Bo-Gummie will put his own spin on the Monkey King, is just too exciting not to get hopes up!
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3 kitkat
July 4, 2017 at 2:06 AM
im super excited to see him in a new drama series :)
Its awesome that he is trying out such a new character and type of setting, I love that he is such a versatile actor!
Looking forward to hearing more about the series, and even if he doesnt choose this project, I wish him the best of luck! <3
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4 neener ~ Inside the Magic Shop ~
July 4, 2017 at 2:08 AM
For now, I would say, anything with Bogummy!
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5 Elle
July 4, 2017 at 2:11 AM
On one hand, I can't say no to more Bogummy and the premise sounds interesting. On the other hand... *stares into space and remembers Warm and Cozy*
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pigsnout
July 4, 2017 at 2:52 AM
It's the same PD from Warm & Cozy, that drama was bad and outdated-feeling anyway but I heard the director is really harsh to actors too which is why Kim Woo Bin didn't take the offer for w&c.
And I don't trust this literature-sounding story either, didn't they first say Warm & Cozy was a Jejudo version of Great Gatsby? Get rid of this PD and get the Masters Sun PD, maybe that make it better.
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Elle
July 4, 2017 at 3:10 AM
Not to mention the writing actively ruined the chemistry between Yoo Yeon-seok and Kang So-ra. It was just a mess of a production all around.
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The first_Strawberry
July 4, 2017 at 4:09 AM
Yes, if this turned out to be like Warm & Cozy.... bbbrrrr *shudder* ?
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6 ⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
July 4, 2017 at 2:11 AM
I have no idea at all about the novel but the idea of having back Cha Seung Won back to kdrama is all I needed. Park Bo Gum is a bonus if he accepts. Now all we need is a decent female lead.
And Hong sisters pls bring back the magic!
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Elle
July 4, 2017 at 2:18 AM
There's some talk on Twitter that Park Shinhye may be offered the female lead role. We'll see.
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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
July 4, 2017 at 2:53 AM
Park Shin Hye is pretty decent as an actress so if she is offered, it will be alright imo. I also hoped for someone popular (with decent acting) for his partner. I don't think I want to see any actress getting bash by some fans just because she will act with their oppa and she is not pretty/popular enough for him.
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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
July 4, 2017 at 4:15 AM
Park Bo Gum's fan and Park Shin Hye's hater did this. ????
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Elle
July 4, 2017 at 4:25 AM
????
Flightey Gazelles
July 4, 2017 at 8:01 AM
Ha!
Pip
July 5, 2017 at 5:18 AM
Funnily enough, I've just seen the beginning of a (ridiculous) fan war between this potential Park-Park pairing on Twitter. Both have avid fanbases and have numerous shipper factions. Haha!
Leyla
October 8, 2017 at 10:20 AM
Where did you see?In twitter where?In which oage?Can you answer please?
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hannaehh
July 4, 2017 at 2:58 AM
I hope the lead actress is someone who can act, not a crappy idol who's actress wannabe. Not saying that all idols can't act, but I hope they cast someone decent.
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7 hannaehh
July 4, 2017 at 2:14 AM
OMG please accept! I miss him in dramaland. Pretty please~
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8 korfan
July 4, 2017 at 2:18 AM
The combo of Cha Seung-won and Park Bo-gum certainly sounds fantastic!
I'm unfamiliar with this particular story on which the drama will be based on, but it does sound interesting.
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9 maryxiah
July 4, 2017 at 2:18 AM
Yes to Bo-gum, but Hong sisters AND Sun Wu Kong?????
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Jessi Bear
July 4, 2017 at 4:57 AM
Yeah!! I admit I cracked up at pairing the monk with SWK. I have to look up the Korean version of Journey to the West bc I'm here going "bull demon brother? What??"
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10 junichyung
July 4, 2017 at 2:19 AM
Hong Sisters is a hit or miss kind of writer.
I hope Hong Sister's magic will be back because of this drama. I loved their dramas such as You're Beautiful, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho and Best Love. But still, I'm trying to forget the disasters called Big and Warm and Cozy.
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11 Kudo Ran
July 4, 2017 at 2:19 AM
So we may be able to watch Park Bo-gum as "the most mischievous and troublesome, a minor god who is powerful and quick-witted but also quick to anger, and has a great deal to overcome and atone for." All fingers and toes crossed, please bring it on again Hong sisters amazing drama we're waiting for. Thank you Girlfriday for the news.
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Lola
July 4, 2017 at 2:57 AM
Those can also be used to describe Prince Lee Yeong though! This is why I was hoping for him to go melo or anti-hero route for his next project.
But man, mercurial PBG was truly such a delight to watch especially after seeing him as shy and timid Taek.
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12 midnightmint
July 4, 2017 at 2:21 AM
oh my god! please let this one be true AND good!!!!
I miss him in my screen, but I want it to be good for him too
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13 kayedrama
July 4, 2017 at 2:21 AM
Fantasy and Park Bogum? Two of my fave things! Count me in!
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14 Dona
July 4, 2017 at 2:23 AM
I would suggest Kim Ji Won for the female role, since she knows how to play snobbish and materialistic really well (hello Yoo Rachel!) and PBG and her looked cute the 2 times they presented together, but I think she'll be too exhausted after Fight for my way. But whatever they do, just don't cast an idol for this part. There are already too many idol 'actresses' starring in upcoming dramas. I need something good to watch during my winter holidays.
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Mina
July 4, 2017 at 3:19 AM
Apparently it was already an open secret that the Hong sisters were actively courting Cha Seung-won, Park Bo-gum and Park Shin-hye for this. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DD37QQeUwAAGzWs.jpg
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Dona
July 4, 2017 at 4:07 AM
PSH is good too although I've never seen her play anything other than damsel in distress, but if they're really going for it they'll need a BIG budget. TVN be ready to open your pockets wide!
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Nano
July 4, 2017 at 5:45 AM
You should check out a few first episodes of Doctors... She can be anything she liked
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Samurai
July 5, 2017 at 6:31 AM
Check her out in Pinocchio :) I loved her there.
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15 autumnrain
July 4, 2017 at 2:25 AM
OMG I'm so hyped only by seeing his name in a casting news! I have no idea about the story but I hope it will be good. If Park Bogum takes this role, I will be sooo happy and support him. Plus there's a big possibility for another epic bromance in K-dramaland given that Cha Seung Won also courted for Hwayugi. YAY! ^^
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16 azzo
July 4, 2017 at 2:33 AM
OMG!! YESSS!! Bring back Bo-gummie!
Hong-sisters have written two of my all time favorite dramas but then again they've also written Big and W&C, I don't know what I feel about this but Park Bo-gum, I can't help getting excited for this! Fingers (and toes) crossed he says yes and this turns out great!
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17 Myka
July 4, 2017 at 2:36 AM
I am a simple girl. I see Bogummy, I click AND watch.
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18 deegee
July 4, 2017 at 2:37 AM
ok this sounds exciting! Will Gong Hyo Jin make an appearance? :P
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19 circulate9oo
July 4, 2017 at 2:39 AM
Hong Sisters? With Cha Seungwon? And Park Bogum? OMGGGG ♥♥♥
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20 Muzeeka
July 4, 2017 at 2:41 AM
If they both agree it will be soooo Daebak!!!
Love them both! Miss them both!!
And i like journey to the west and the writer
Please!!! Hope it push thru
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21 KO5
July 4, 2017 at 2:41 AM
I was going to watch this for CSW but now with this kid..pfffffff
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Ina
July 4, 2017 at 2:49 AM
IKR?! The extremely popular "kid" who has had two syndrome-inducing dramas in the past two years and who is widely-known as a versatile and effective actor?! Wow! Why are they casting this guy, really?!
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pigsnout
July 4, 2017 at 2:54 AM
10/10 for sarcasm ?
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James
July 5, 2017 at 3:05 AM
And LOL @ him being called a kid as if that is a great insult. It just reminded me that the guy is only 24 (just is six years into debuting) and I still find him more talented than a lot of actors older than him, whether it be SoKor or Hollywood. He's still young, by leading man standards, so I get that he's trying out youthful roles too.
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Patty
July 5, 2017 at 3:08 AM
TBH, I'm more surprised by him entertaining an offer from tvN after his success in public broadcasting with "Moonlight". But then again, even Queen Bae Doona chose tvN for her small screen comeback so...
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Beam
July 5, 2017 at 3:13 AM
This is a spin on Journey to the West aka The Tales of Monkey King. Did you really believe that they're not after a younger guy for the Monkey King especially after CSW is announced as (not-so-important-in-the-original) Bull Demon King? Like... come on.
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22 Katz
July 4, 2017 at 2:47 AM
I'm surprised there hasn't been a Korean adaption of Journey to the West until now, considering they have a variety based on it. I had to re-read the article again as I thought PBG was asked to play the monk, but it's the monkey king haha.
Also was the monk ever materialist and snobby? I watched the "Monkey Magic" series as a child, and the monk was the absolute opposite.
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badtanline
July 4, 2017 at 3:42 AM
Yeah weird to think of the monk character as materialistic though he certainly got misguided by self-righteousness many a time. Kinda gross to think of SWK and the monk falling in love cos they essentially had a father-son thing going on, but I sure hope the Hong sisters do an un-Bigly job with this one! Bogumyyyyyyyy!
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23 pigsnout
July 4, 2017 at 2:48 AM
But isn't the PD also the PD of Warm & Cozy?
That drama was so bad and the directing was bad too. Stay away, Bogummy! No thank you to this outdated-feeling direction and scripts.
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24 dreamer620
July 4, 2017 at 2:51 AM
Now.....who's going to be the heroine?????
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25 redfox
July 4, 2017 at 2:52 AM
Bogummyyyyyyy! This seems like a really weird project and the latest from the Hong sisters haven´t exactly wowed me. But with that PD it might have a chance. of course, Cha Seung Won would knock it out of the part with something so weird and eccentric, I just know it. the role of crown prince Lee Yeong showed Bogummy is quite capable of something witty and hilariously charming. but I wonder if it will be too much charisma in the same drama *fans self* If they both wear tailored suits as well, I am so done for.
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26 allphryne
July 4, 2017 at 2:56 AM
It has been 5 minutes and I still cannot breathe. This has such potential, if it works out, it will be dramaheaven. And if you miss, Hong Jung Eun and Hong Mi Rae, it might kill me, so make it good. And don't ♻ much.
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27 jellybine
July 4, 2017 at 3:04 AM
Yay to more Bogummy! The premise looks exciting but I'm kind of worried because this will be made by the Hong Sisters. I love most of their works but lately, it's kind of risky. But with Cha Seung-won here, I think things will be more on the positive side. Fingers crossed
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28 coffeecaramello
July 4, 2017 at 3:17 AM
Finally Bogummy is back on dramaland. Still manage my expecation but it's bogummy everyone. I am anticipating.
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29 kabsy
July 4, 2017 at 3:32 AM
I really want to see Park Bogum back on my screen, he is such an amazing actor but I do not know about the Hong Sisters. I came close to watching Warm and Cozy and thank God, I did not, looking at the reviews for that. It would be nice to see him in a fantasy romance but has to be a good one.
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30 gadis
July 4, 2017 at 3:56 AM
Omo, omo, omo.
Cha Seung-won and Park Bo-gum in one drama? Kyaaahhh.... Please confirm it.
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31 javinne
July 4, 2017 at 4:18 AM
I dont really like the Hong sisters... but i will wait for other Posts and see my schedule before taking any decision... He he
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32 coby
July 4, 2017 at 4:21 AM
Mixed emotions here! I'm excited but I have my reservations. I still can't get over Big and Warm and Cozy disasters. It ruined both comeback dramas of Gong Yoo and YYS after a very good/successful dramas. Spare Bogummy but I miss him!
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33 boomboompow
July 4, 2017 at 4:31 AM
I cannot imagine how the Sun Wukong legend would be in modern world and, I'm guessing, in romcom setting too (because it's Hong Sister's script) but I'm in 100% for Cha Seung Won and Park Bo Gum!
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34 Adal
July 4, 2017 at 4:33 AM
Ahhhh! The Hong Sisters can be hit or miss...I don't know how to feel about this casting decision. I really want this to be good for Bommie's sake. I wasn't interested in this drama before, but now I definitely want to check it out.
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Adal
July 4, 2017 at 4:34 AM
*Bogummie*
my bad.
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35 celine
July 4, 2017 at 4:34 AM
The Hong Sisters are out to get my favorites and they failed me twice! First Gong Yoo, then Yoo Yeonseok. I wonder how this one will turn out.
The premise is interesting. I love me some Bogum in a fantasy drama. Then the possibility of Chajumma is such a huge bonus! I am praying to dramagods that the Hong Sisters have gone on a serious creative writing boot camp and are back with mojo.
I've read that Park Shinhye's attached to this. I love her as Choi Inha in Pinocchio. I like her in general though I'm not particularly a huge fan. I would love to see Kim Jiwon opposite Bogum. Or Park Boyoung.
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36 Hye Mi
July 4, 2017 at 4:34 AM
Journey to the West is my childhood joy. I literally grew up with it and always have a fond memory of it. I personally love the 1986 TV show version and Liu Xiao Ling Tong is the Sun Wukong to me. That said, I'm always excited for fresh re-imaginations of the original story and concept and will be looking forward to the Korean version of the story. The story will work well even without a love line but if they decide to insert one in here I'll be waiting to see how this goes.
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37 Jrr 🌈
July 4, 2017 at 4:47 AM
i can totally see Bogum playing the over the top Sun Wukong but realised the personality is kinda different from the original novel. though im still waiting for Bogummy to pick a good wholesome psychopathic role (me & my thing for psychopaths ?), im sure he can pull off almost any type of roles, given his talent. he's born to be an actor. ??
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The first_Strawberry
July 4, 2017 at 5:25 AM
Comment was deleted
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The first_Strawberry
July 4, 2017 at 5:26 AM
Ha! Me, too... I'm still most impressed by his performance as Min in IRY, although I enjoyed his roles in Moonlight & Reply ☺ I haven't seen his movie 'Coin Locker Girl' with Kim Go Eun. It's a crime/thriller genre, I believe, and the story seemed pretty intense.
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sooyi
July 4, 2017 at 6:12 AM
Wukong is not necessarily a dark character but in the upcoming movie with Eddie Peng, I think, according to the trailer, he starts out as cheeky yet he becomes darker when he recovers the full extent of his powers. So I really hope that the Hong Sisters' Monkey King would experience such personality growth.
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The first_Strawberry
July 4, 2017 at 7:11 AM
Oooh... that would be interesting! If only... But with a Hong-sisters' drama I doubt that there'll be any shade of darkness anywhere. Their dramas are usually sunny with no chance of cloudy, although they might surprise me with this one and I'll gladly eat my words later! ? Now that I think of it, Master's Sun was pretty dark and scary at the beggining.
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38 Pickwick12
July 4, 2017 at 4:48 AM
I'm so torn! I love him, and I love their hits, but I think when they miss, they tend to miss in a major way (even Gong Yoo couldn't make "Big" that awesome). If he decides to take it, they better be up to the challenge like at their best times.
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39 cariad
July 4, 2017 at 4:50 AM
Yay! Ure Bogum! Really miss him in dramaland... hope he says yes... i hope Lee Seung Kyung will be the lead female as i miss her too...
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40 jillian
July 4, 2017 at 5:07 AM
Park Bogum and Cha SeungWon!
That certainly peaked my interest. BUT its the Hong sisters, so i wish they will do better with the writing. I know nothing of the source material. I' ve gotten a gist of it watching Na PD's variety show of the same name. But how the story is laid out is quite interesting.
Mischievous Bogummy and possibly Cha SeungWon too, would be a delight to watch. I like both actors so *crossing fingers and toes it will be good* if both accepts.
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41 Juliesean
July 4, 2017 at 5:18 AM
I can't imagine him as the Monkey God. But if Eddie Peng can make it work, so can Bogummy. He can do no wrong in my eyes. I'll just stalk Hong sisters to put them out of their misery if they screw this up. Plus with Cha Seung Won!!! Pls.... no female idol to screw this up as well. No Suzy pls......
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sooyi
July 4, 2017 at 6:09 AM
Lol your Eddie Peng reference! I think he is the best (visual) Wukong so far...
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42 isabel
July 4, 2017 at 6:04 AM
is it too much to hope for Na PD to sprinkle some magic dust on this
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43 Thaisfrede
July 4, 2017 at 6:05 AM
I agree that Warm and Cozy was a disaster...
But I just don't understand why people don't like BIG... Should I watch again? It was such great show... I agree that ins't the best, but its pleasant, especially the end that I love..
Now You're Beautiful is sooo bad, really bad and people say wonderful about...
Anyway, I love him, and I would love see him in this drama and together with Cha Seung-won.. I hope there is a lot funny scenes...
And i hope they cast a really good female lead : )
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nuWOy🍄🍄
July 6, 2017 at 9:15 PM
Yeahh.I love Big too. Talk about being a minority. I know how you feel?
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44 sooyi
July 4, 2017 at 6:07 AM
Okay what's with all the Monkey King adaptations??? I read that China has like multiple adaptations, both on the small and big screen, coming up this year and the year after... Still I hope the writers' would lessen the hair and face in the Monkey King's appearance like Eddie Peng (another heartthrob)'s Wukong.
HA I find it kind of befitting that the monk is female in the Hong Sisters' version. I mean to me, there were a lot of (b)romantic subtext between the monk and the Monkey King.
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Kim
July 4, 2017 at 7:25 AM
Netflix got in on the game too. They have one in production co-produced with a Kiwi company. Apparently there are no Asian actors in the cast save one, the monkey king.
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renebean
July 4, 2017 at 9:46 AM
Oh dear, I haven't heard about the Netflix version but it sounds tragic already
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45 laisfrede
July 4, 2017 at 6:30 AM
I love Hong Sister drama with the exception of You're Beautiful and Warm & Cozy. But unlike the Beanies here, I love BIG <3
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renebean
July 4, 2017 at 9:51 AM
I thought I was the only one who wasn't a huge fan of You're Beautiful
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Ek Ladhki Thi
July 4, 2017 at 9:53 AM
My favourite Hong Sisters drama was The Greatest Love and the best of all their dramas in my opinion. But, I really don't like this kid. I mean he seems like a really nice boy and a complete sweetheart, but I cannot get his hype. He's in the same category as Yoon Si-yoon and Joowon for me.
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nuWOy🍄🍄
July 6, 2017 at 9:18 PM
Me too!❤BIG. Hihiks.
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46 pisangoreng
July 4, 2017 at 7:40 AM
Rumour is the heroine will be Park Shin Hye. Not a big fan of her but is her casting falls through, they should totally cast Kim Go Eun. Been wanting to see PBG and KGE together after Coin Locker Girl.
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Ek Ladhki Thi
July 4, 2017 at 10:14 AM
I hope Park Shin-hye doesn't do this so I don't have to watch him.
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chingu
July 4, 2017 at 8:14 PM
I love me some Park Shin-hye, but omg, YES to a Kim Go-eun and Park Bo-gum reunion. <3 They're so cute together and their rl friendship is very sweet, too. They've been closed ever since Coin Locker Girl and he even surprised her at her first fanmeet!
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⭐ Sera The Ms Temper ⭐
July 4, 2017 at 11:40 PM
I am more interested with you username 'pisangoreng' - made me craving for some " pisang goreng" yums!
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47 Peridot
July 4, 2017 at 7:44 AM
Can anyone recommend a particular translation of the novels? I'm curious and might try to read a bit of the tale when I get the time.
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Hye Mi
July 4, 2017 at 8:05 AM
I've found a translated version here:
http://www.gutenberg.us/eBooks/WPLBN0002827909-Journey-to-the-West-by-Cheng-en-Wu.aspx?&Words=Chinese%20mythology
There are 100 chapters so brace yourself :P. I was lucky enough to get to read the picture book version and it was much easier and quicker to digest (for a kid that was me at that time). I can't seem to find it online though.
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Hye Mi
July 4, 2017 at 8:08 AM
You can look up the English translated version of the novel on Google. It is hosted on Project Gutenberg website if it can be of any help. There are however 100 chapters which can be quite overwhelming.
There is an old-schooled picture book version of the novel which makes it much quicker and easier to digest, but I don't think I can find it online.
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Peridot
July 4, 2017 at 10:29 AM
Yes, it is a long work. I don't really like reading things online, so I might look for some versions through my library system or through WorldCatalog. Thanks for the suggestions.
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renebean
July 4, 2017 at 9:44 AM
I once found several copies with English and Chinese in the Chinese section of my local library. If there is a Chinese section in yours, maybe check it out to see if they have any books with both English and Chinese.
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Peridot
July 4, 2017 at 10:27 AM
Yes, I am sure I can find a couple of versions through my library system or through WorldCatalog. I was just wondering if there was a particular translation that anyone would recommend. Sometimes, translations can be quite dry. I also don't like when translations omit too many things.
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PakalanaPikake
July 5, 2017 at 3:48 AM
@Peridot,
While REBEL: THIEF WHO STOLE THE PEOPLE aired, there was lively discussion in the recap threads on the historical and literary roots of Hong Gil-dong, with Beanie liina being one of the early prime movers, along with a host of passionate contributors. IIRC, in addition to Journey to the West, she also note the novel Demi Gods and Semi Demons was also a basis for the characters in SIX FLYING DRAGONS. (Ursula K. LeGuin's short story "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas" was also referenced in REBEL. See my fan wall for a link.) Needless to say, the wide-ranging discussions amounted to a crash course in East Asian literature that went on for months. A terrific education. Oh, yeah -- REBEL was great, too. ;-)
I haven't read the book The Monkey King, A Superhero Tale of China itself, but author Aaron Shepard has excerpts and lots of great background information online. It is anything but dry and boring. ;-)
http://www.aaronshep.com/stories/036.html
See also the longer version of the author's note on Monkey:
http://www.aaronshep.com/extras/MonkeyKing_note2.html
Here's hoping that the Hong Sisters can create a script for HWAYUGI that is done even half as well as Hwang Jin-Young crafted REBEL's characters, plot, and ethos. Just my $0.02 -- but I have to admit that she's raised the bar for scriptwriting to the stratosphere. I'm ruined -- in the best way possible for a Kdrama fan. ;-)
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Peridot
July 6, 2017 at 3:54 PM
Hi @pakalanapikake
I'm so sorry I was late in reading this post. Thanks for all of the information; this is a much appreciated two cents! :)
I will definitely check out the translation of the work you mentioned. And Rebel is one of the dramas I will have to add to my list of (every growing) already-aired dramas that I'll need to watch...one day...maybe...if I get the time. :)
I will also check out your fan wall. Thanks again!
p.s. I just looked at the synopsis of LeGuin's short story...All I can say is, wow! I guess it's very apropos in the case of Rebel.
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PakalanaPikake
July 6, 2017 at 9:30 PM
@Peridot,
Not a problem. I'm just glad you got to see it. ;-)
Re: literary references in REBEL, there were scads of them. Traditional music and dance are also performed. There were ties to old Goryeo songs such as "Gashiri" that also appeared in SIX FLYING DRAGONS and A FROZEN FLOWER (which also featured Ju Jin-mo playing black crane zither and singing the title track -- divinely). The REBEL OST is epic!!!!! I think the "Green Mountain Special Tune" that appeared in SIX FLYING DRAGONS also cropped up in REBEL.
In ep. 7 of REBEL, Gil-dong sings a wonderful duet with the incomparable Honey Lee as gisaeng Gong Hwa (later better known as Jang Nok-soo) as they walk through a tea plantation. She renamed herself after the Nok-soo or Green River (formally known as Amnok -- or Yalu, its Chinese name) they sang about. It is stirringly beautiful. Yoon Kyun-sang has a lovely singing voice that matches well with Honey Lee's. I couldn't find a clip of them singing. Darn.
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Peridot
July 7, 2017 at 11:47 AM
Oh, wow! I definitely need to watch this one day. I love when traditional music is used in dramas (I am not a fan of modern pop music in period pieces).
I have watched A Frozen Flower and really I like the folk song performed by Joo Jin Mo. I also watched a clip of Honey Lee singing as her character is led away to her eventual demise. That was a very moving scene and her voice sounded lovely.
48 PakalanaPikake
July 4, 2017 at 7:50 AM
Chajumma and Bogummy in an updated version of "Journey to the West"?! Yee haw!!
I nominate Seo Hyun-jin as their female monk accomplice. She has the chops to pull it off with aplomb. After her turn in OH HAE-YOUNG AGAIN, I can just imagine her riding herd on CSW and PBG.
Maybe one of the remaining two miscreants could be female as well -- in which case Kim Seul-gi or Kim Mi-kyung would be great. Kim Min-kyo of SNL Korea was a blast in the KING'S DAUGHTER with SHJ, and I'd love to see them reunited.
I'll motorize my prayer wheel if that will help ensure a good, solid script and sparkling directing and production values. ;-)
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49 renebean
July 4, 2017 at 9:42 AM
Am I the only one who would have rather they kept it more similar to the original by having bromance between the four main characters, rather than changing the monk to the heroine. Also for anyone who doesn't know the original story you can start by watching Na PD's Journey's to the West haha :D
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50 Chandler
July 4, 2017 at 9:53 AM
Well, I can't not get ridiculously excited for this now. Not just for the casting or the Hong Sisters (who I desperately want to love wholeheartedly again!), but for my catnip, leads working together as a team! I LOVE the premise for this more than any other fantasy drama I've seen lately, maybe because this one seems a bit wacky and it will be coming from the Best Love PD.
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