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A day behind the scenes of Boys Before Flowers

Two articles are out today that take a look around the filming location and behind the scenes of the ever-popular Boys Before Flowers.

I admit that I’m not that interested in which actor dated whom five years ago, or who was almost-maybe-barely-but-not-ultimately cast in whichever role — it’s fun trivia, good for a news bite or two. But I do like taking a look at stuff behind the scenes and seeing people talk about how things are made, so I’ve translated the articles below. There are a few minor spoilers, but nothing really big that you probably haven’t already heard.

The first article is from Now News:

Eye of the “Boys Before Flowers” storm — this is how it’s made!

On the afternoon of February 8 in Yangpyeong, I went to the filming location of KBS 2TV’s Monday-Tuesday drama Boys Before Flowers. Although the weather was chilly, a crowd of bystanders had flocked to watch them shooting. It’s Sunday, so there are families and groups of friends gathered in twos and threes.

SONG OF THE DAY

Boys Before Flowers OST – “내 머리가 나뻐서” (Because I’m Dumb) by SS501 [ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.


Today, they’re filming a three-way conflict between the characters of Gu Jun-pyo (actor Lee Min-ho), Geum Jan-di (Gu Hye-sun), and Lee Jae-ha (Jung Eui-chul).

Lee Min-ho and Jung Eui-chul put in their best efforts even as they film their action scene repeatedly, giving a lively atmosphere to the set. Notably, Jung Eui-chul is cast in two roles, having made an appearance in Episode 1 as Lee Min-ha [F4’s rooftop victim], and now appears as his younger brother Lee Jae-ha.

Before filming a fierce action sequence, Lee Min-ho’s enthusiasm is apparent as he adjusts to match Jung Eui-chul. When the PD [Jeon Ki-sang] orders Lee Min-ho to make his action scene harsher, he tells Jung Eui-chul, “I’m sorry. I’m going to step on you,” apologizing in advance with a laugh.

As the scene is shot repeatedly, and Lee Min-ho is pushed further, his intensity and charisma remain strong. In between takes, he chats with Gu Hye-sun and they joke around together, conveying a close, friendly vibe.

Gu Hye-sun cries in the scene in this cold weather, her nose reddened. The visitors watching the filming look toward Gu Hye-sun, dressed in her school uniform, remarking, “She really does look like a high schooler.”

 
Then the second article, from Asia Economy, takes a more detailed look at the day on set:

Reporting from the set of “Boys Before Flowers”… Even F4 is surprised at the crowd of spectators

These days, when women aged anywhere from their teens through fifties gather, mention of a particular drama always crops up: KBS2’s Monday-Tuesday series, Boys Before Flowers. What could be the reason for its popularity? To find out, I visited the filming location.

February 8, Yangpyeong English Village in Kyeonggi Province. Despite the cold, a swarm of spectators has formed, surprising even F4. Amid the dozens of fans here to watch the filming and the actors, a few tourists can be spotted. The following is a general look at the day on the film set, grouped by periods of time.

4:30 PM: “Is Ga-eul is important to you, or am I”

At the scene being shot at 4:30 pm, Gu Jun-pyo has come to school to meet Jan-di, where they bicker back and forth.

After only two takes, the director sounds the OK, demonstrating how well these two work together. In particular, when Jun-pyo says the line, “Is Ga-eul is important to you, or am I,” we can see from his expression how much Jun-pyo truly likes her even as he grumbles at her.

Not letting the cold weather keep them from laughing, Gu Hye-sun and Lee Min-ho’s attitudes bring smiles to the faces of the tired crew.


5:30 PM: F4 films inside the school

As soon as outdoor shots are completed, the crew moves busily, because the scenes for the episode to air this week (February 10) have not yet been completed.

In the drama, a building in the English Village is used as part of Shinhwa High School. Lee Min-ho enters the building, and, before he even has time to warm his frozen hands, F4 members Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Bum, and Kim Joon commence filming.

In contrast to the bright, upbeat drama, the mood on set is solemn, as though not even footfalls are allowed to sound without permission. Actors, crew, and the reporters allowed on set — all are quiet. But PD Jeon Ki-sang, giving instructions in English in his clear, easily understood accent, dispels everyone’s anxiety.

6:10 PM: Inside the waiting room

Sweet rest time for the F4 members.

What do each of these F4 guys look like while they rest?

In short, these guys don’t have time for breaks. They may have “break” time in name, but they’re busy signing autographs, hands busily working. They sign scores of posters and OSTs, with barely a minute for their own rest.

But the actors don’t let their tiredness show, saying with bright smiles, “I’m just thankful that there’s so much interest.”

6:30 PM: Last scene, then more movement

I can see Kim Hyun-joong on the stairs with Kim Bum and Kim Joon, while above are Lee Min-ho with Jung Eui-chul.

This scene shows Kim Hyun-joong, Kim Bum, and Kim Joon ascending the staircase slowly, while Jung Eui-chul apologizes to Lee Min-ho, telling him, “I’m sorry.”

The actors are worn out and many NGs are shot [outtakes], but they stick together and give it their best shot. Maybe he’s read their faces, because the PD shouts, “Great!,” marking the end of their English Village shooting.

However, filming is not over for them. Their faces change when the staff informs them they’ll have to spend all night shooting, but at the words “Let’s go eat,” they head off with simple laughter like young children.

Via Now News, Asia Economy

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I wonder why are these dramas aired while they are filming? Wouldn't it be 'safer' to shoot the drama before it airs? That way they don't have these major deadlines and the actors won't be overworking themselves that much. No wonder there were so many car accidents! I hope the actors will enjoy the much needed rest soon~

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thanks for the song... was looking for the song title

thanks again!!!

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some have tried shooting before airing, but in terms of deadlines and airing, i don't think it's very realistic. and especially for more popular series like bof, it's nice to see the reaction and the interest; popularity probably motivates them to do better.

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first?

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nvm hehe

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Aw... Its nice that they all get along well. Haha, compared to their characters in the drama. =)

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Oh man, they're still shooting scenes to be aired for the ep on Feb 10, that seems to be dangerously cutting it close. I know kdramas are shoot while airing, but shooting this closely to air date ... is that common practice?

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Amy, that made me nervous, too. It's pretty common to shoot that close to the air date, although not at the beginning. As we're only halfway through the series, I hope they can keep it going... Although in that post I linked to above (regarding Fantasy Couple), the director says that the first half of the finale was being AIRED as the second half was being edited. Now that's insane. (Kind of makes The World We Live In's episode 1 fiasco seem all the more realistic, huh?)

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good gawd..o__o..why does KHJ have to look so incredibly pretty..lol

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thanks for the interesting behind the scenes look.

the boys are so cute.

keep it up, fighting.

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I was not used to this kind of shooting before. But as I watched more K-dramas, the production really has other 'side-agenda' of doing so. Like what orr said, this could boost the rating as the production team releases recent pictures/updates. Still, I think it's a very risky way of filming. I know some Asian dramas are using this format, but not as close as Korea.

I hope the actors and all crews will have their breaks too. The 'real break', free from signing fans' posters and autographs.

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Woah.....they really work these guys hard. I wish fans would stay away from the filming locations. It must be a big hassle for the crew. Also it would be nice for the actors to get a break. Why do they have to be 'on' all the time.
I love LMH's motorcycle jacket. I wish Jandi would wear one too. It would fit her tomboyish character. I also want to see her in some plaid shirts.

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I remember the director for Iljimae mentioning that they'd run out of time to film, but that was for the last episode, and not halfway through the show. I hope the BBF people don't get run into the ground because the timing is behind.

Do you have information on how the budget works for a show that seems to need very expensive props?

On a completely unrelated note, that is possibly the 4th or 5th Korean song named 'I'm so stupid' or a variant (that I've seen). Would it hurt to be more creative? :P

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javabeans-

i was wondering...if they finish shooting a show right before it is aired almost, does this mean the scripts aren't set in stone...i.e. do they write the script on an episode to episode basis, or is the entire thing written beforehand? i'm just curious as to how the public may or may not influence what the scriptwriters write.

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they must be so tired!!
i love the picture of LMH with his bottom lip sticking out.
im looking forward to this week's episodes!

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"I admit that I’m not that interested in which actor dated whom five years ago, or who was almost-maybe-barely-but-not-ultimately cast in whichever role — it’s fun trivia, good for a news bite or two."

That's why I love you javabeans, you always make me smile with these bits of writing that you do. No wonder you won as the Best Blog about Korean culture.

Haha. Back on the topic, its really good to know that they all get along nicely, but filming the day (or two days) before the drama airs is quite hectic and time-pressured. And you're right; seeing as how they do their dramas, I can actually believe that what happened in Worlds Within's first episode do happens in real life. Oh well. As a fan of the drama(and manga), I do hope that it would (and not) end so that they can get their deserving rest.

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Hi Javabeans,
just a quick question. Why would the PD be giving instructions in English? Any clue?

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I knew it ! from the beginning of the episode they shoot the scene at English Village -- I feel the 'Rich' vibe with the building and the out door scenery. Feel dejavu because I saw it on suju 'full house' and 'which star are you from'

# 11

I'm agree with you ...

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Hi Dramabeans - I was just wondering, didn't Jun Pyo ask her, "Is Ga Eul more important [to you]? Or am I more important?" rather than “If Ga-eul is important to you, she’s important to me"? I want to make sure since I posted a translated summary on this article too, but reading your translation, I think I may have interpreted the line wrong....

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KP, I was reading the line with a different inflection (obviously, lol) but you may be right; the lack of a question mark made me read it as a statement rather than a question. Let me reread and fix if necessary.

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Hey Dramabeans - In the Japanese version, they film in Las Vegas. Do you know if they will be filming in the US too? Just wondering. Would be nice to go see them film.

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This seems interesting, I hope everything goes as planned for the cast and crew. I'm wondering that same thing that DBSK ask? But here is good news I found this clip on youtube with the top 20 pretty guys in Korea, 3 out of the 4 members of F4 made the list. here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9dnqUgt8oI

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I really hope that they're just so far behind schedule because of all the minor accidents that have been happening, so hopefully when all these accidents stop they'll be able to keep on track. I don't know WHAT i would do if I found out that the next BOF ep didn't air. I think i'd be at a loss for what to do that night lol

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During episode 1, I recognized the kid being bullied as the guy from "doremi" and figured no way was he just going to play that minor of a role. I'm excited to see some more of him bc he's hot stuff too. =) Yippee.

I've also been overdosing on almost anything BOF. Again agreeing with you that BOF is crack.

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The thing I don't get about korean dramas is that they have to shoot the drama as the drama airs. I mean, if they have finished shooting the whole drama earlier, they could have easily avoided the obstructing fans etc. Filming would have been so much easier. I remember I read an article on how the crew had to change the filming location because of the obstructing fans. Now, if only they had filmed it BEFORE the drama started, this problem would not arise because the popularity of BOF wouldn't have shown yet. Sure, there will also be people gathering to take a peek at what's going on but there wouldn't be as many as there is now. Do the korean PDs like to make things harder or what?

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Truth be told, I am really too old to be enjoying this show so immensely, but I am so hooked that I cannot even go a few hours without checking YouTube, this site, and Soompi for updates. And the reason for this is the genuinely good cheer with which these wonderful, young actors are making the series.

Hana Yori Dango (for those of you who are younger, I came of age during the manga, so this is a show near and dear to my heart) is a manga classic because it is just so refreshingly FUN! Yes, there are trials and tribulations, but you also have faith in the characters to pull through. It's a positive story.

So, a blog entry like that that shows how hard these kids (sorry, they are kids) are working, how much care they are putting into the show, and how carefully they are trying to preserve the joy of the manga, makes me just so happy.

Thank you, Javabeans, for translating these news stories. I would have no access to these behind the scenes stories without the help of you and other caring fans.

Seeing the broad smile on Lee Min Ho's face really just makes me so happy that for a moment I am a teenager again.

Younger viewers--if you are loving this show, I guarantee that years from you, you will recall these days with a smile on your face.

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Filming while the drama is airing allows the crew to adjust some scenes/plots according to the viewers' feedback. They always want to know what excites the viewers, or what annoys them; then they consider these in shaping the story and the drama as a whole. While it gives them more stress by the amount of work that should be done within limited time, it also results in high ratings and a more enjoyable drama to watch. To illustrate, Gaeul and Yijeong's budding romance might have been written off or neglected, but after the comments/reactions/acceptance by fans, I'm pretty sure, just as javabeans is predicting, that their love story is something to watch out for. :)

javabeans, your kpop blog is the best (and smartest)! :)

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Thank you JavaBeans for working as diligently as the actors and people on the set to keep all of us in the know about all things BBF--episode recaps, commentaries, news. It's not only a matter of getting an addict's fix or a hit, but thorooughly entertaining--a spoonful of sugar for the medicine to go down, indeed. So thanks, and keep doing your thang!

As for the gruelling work schedule and the producers' cutting it dangerously close to the programme's airing--it seems to be working so far. I just hope the actors can get more time for themselves, to un-plug--I'm sure none of us wants any of them to burn out or melt down from being overworked and overexposed.

Is it just me, or does anyone else here find that JiHoo smiling (well, grinning, more like it) is, more often than not, at inappropriate dramatic moments, and thus, unecessary? Kind of feels like it's against the grain of his character (or at least, how I've understood his character to be)--an introverted, dark, brooding, pensive, deep and sensitive but detached outsider--almost a Zen-like quality, with that unexplained element (the "Fourth Dimenstion," as my friend explained it to me)--kind of a James Dean/Marlon Brando/Nature Boy--esque thing going... There were glimples of it in the early episodes (e.g. You can't imagine GooJunpyo sleeping in a stairwell or playing a violin in the woods), but it seems as though those aspects of his character just haven't been developed. Or maybe, I've just toally missed the train... Glad they've got him riding a motorcycle, though... makes perfect sense...

p.s. Hope we see mroe of Geum Jandi's boss. Everybody loves a cosmic fool, especially me!

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hu-whaaaaaat?! are they really filming in the US??? where?! i'm seriously gonna go. screw the economy! i wanna see lee min ho! (>_<)

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i'm sure filming the drama as it airs makes a lot of sense to them (the productions), you can get the viewers feedback and adjust etc etc... but i think, on the other hand, this drama might benefit if they film it before it airs.... the quality sure would improve.. a lot...
but whatever..., i'm glad that the show is here now, in whatever form it is... i never thought that these words would come out of my mouth but....

Yes!!!!!! It's Monday!!

TO THE WORLD!!!!!!

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"It’s pretty common to shoot that close to the air date", well all the more they need to take care of themselves, i mean, all of them! actors, staff and crew should really be careful.

Master Ugwei once said "there are no accidents", yet what's happening to the F4world? ...they're risking their health and worst their lives just to provide something for the people to look forward to every Mon and Tue...haayyy the life of the famous! They should really take care of themselves...people should take care of them to...

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hm, maybe that's why the editing's so choppy.

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It's one thing to suffer for your art (Pop-Art is art nevertheless, right?) and another thing to risk your health and even your safety. There's nothing in the world worth dying for. Och, all these car accidents... it's getting freaky, like some kind of BBF curse or something... Even if all the circumstances surrounding the making of the show and its aftermath may, one day, add to its legend (like what happened during the making of 'The Exorcist'), let's hope it doesn't get dangerous. The power of Christ compels you... to take it easy!

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Hi JB! :)

For the first time after two years, I see myself getting engrossed in another Korean series. Thank you so much for all the information about Boys Before Flowers! Keep them up!

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What I♥BBF said! I agree. I've just finished Hana Yori Dango II and I'm waaaayyy to curious to watch BBF now. I know it may be totally different from Meteor Garden or Handan, but all the hype must have something substatial to back it up, right?

Anyway, Sarah, thanks for posting the behind the scenes article. It's very interesting. And I can't believe how tirelessly these kids work. They should have a few real breaks inbetween takes, imho. No wonder Asian celebs collapse from exhaustion so often!

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Thanks for the set information. I thought its really interesting and nice to read about how they act when they film scenes. I really wish I could be there to witness it all.

I also have to say all of these actors are such hardworking! They're constantly putting up no complaints and working hard till the end of the night. Plus they're so generous to have the fans watching. If I were them, I'd be a bit nervous to know everyone's watching you, even if everyone is silent and quiet when they are filming.

Thanks and will continue to read your entries javabeans!

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Wow! I wonder which episode this is.... ^^

Anyhoosits.. Im really looking forward to Episode 11! ^^

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Thanks for this javabeans! It's wonderful to know how they go through each shoot & it's as if I was there just reading this article! I myself coudn't believe that BBF's shooting is still going on & we all can understand how hectic this would be for the actors, crews, director etc. if the airing seems so close to the air date! I have a friend who tells me that this is her favorite series which surpassed the others like Full House, Coffee Prince and even Goong --- I really think so too!

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that's why u get extensions like goong, beethoven virus, etc etc etc.

sometimes its to see how the story can flow. if after one episode, the story doesn't seem to make sense (depending on acting, ratings, feedback, etc) and prolly won't make sense, then scripts will change etc...and sometimes later in the story, a casted member backed out...or u get accidents on the day of filming (*uhm.) so scriptwriters (as shown in Star's Lover, though not emphasized, cause its melodrama romance and its bout chul-ri and nothing else) have to be present during filming.

and also sometimes scriptwriters, as they grow with the story, get new ideas. same goes with the director. u get new ideas...that's why sometimes the drama drags. or sucks in the end. or take a sharp turn. or get boosted. or whatever.

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Hey chajjye... this might seem random but u don't go to bellaire high school do u?

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Haha, the word "food" makes them happy..it makes me happy too xD
Can't wait for episode 12! One day seems so far away..

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No wonder the episode was so bad. They had barely 2 days to cut it.

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#41: haha..no. i'm not from that high school..

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This article is about Hye- Sun (Jan Di), how because of this tight schedule and so many scenes that she's in only get about 2 hours of sleep!

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Why does the PD give instructions in English?

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^ The episode for that day involved the Caucasian teacher instructing F4 in English. I'm guessing it was for that scene and actor.

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Oooh i was wondering the same about the English instructions too. Thanks for clearing that up. Oh, and I LOVE THIS SONG!! It's probably one of the few best ones out of this pretty crappy OST...

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wow..pretty tight schedule..

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the pd knows english?
is he american?

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In ep 13-14. The scenes have been filled in Las Vegas. Although through various accounts, many believe that it was only filmed in Maccau, majority of the hotel, palace, water boat, and other scenes are in the US.

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