Ara eyes lead role in soccer drama
by javabeans
Go Ara
After a brief rocky period for the producers, Go Ara‘s name has risen as top contender to lead MBC’s soccer drama Heading to the Ground [맨 땅에 헤딩 — and if anyone has a better translation, I’m all ears!].
The drama production had been imperiled once its lead star Kim Rae-won had to drop out to enlist in the army this year. I read last week that the production was having a hard time finding a replacement actor, and the tone of the news was not good for the drama.
Then, Han Ga-in announced that as a result of Kim Rae-won dropping out, she would not be taking on the lead role, either. She had not been confirmed, but had been seriously considering the role until Kim’s announcement, and now she has decided to decline.
Now Go Ara is looking to be the likeliest actress for the role. If she confirms, perhaps her attachment will help get casting back on track for the vacant male lead spot. DBSK idol singer U-Know Yunho (aka Jung Yun-ho) had been rumored to be considering the role, but almost as soon as those speculations started circulating, the production company came out to deny them as untrue.
Han Ga-in, U-Know Yunho
I wasn’t too disappointed to hear of Han Ga-in dropping out of the running because she, while beautiful to look at, is a stiff actress at best. Seeing her try to emote opposite Jae Hee in Witch Amusement made me feel sorry for them both — she because her limitations were so clear, and he because he was trying his damnedest to carry them both (when the story could barely carry either one of them). It’s odd because I do like her for some weird reason, but I would not have enjoyed watching her dragging down Kim Rae-won. She has announced that she is still searching for her comeback drama project, hopefully to air sometime in the latter half of this year.
A drama production representative explained, “Go Ara is currently looking positively at this role, and it’s very possible that she will decide to take it.” If she does, she’ll be back on television a year after her last role in the heartwarmingly funny MBC drama Who Are You.
The plot is described as a love story between a soccer player and a beautiful agent. The drama is planning to air in September, although it’s amazing that it’s already the end of July and they’ve still got no main cast — as we know, rushing these productions rarely elicits a good result. Perhaps they’ll decide to take a little more time and give everyone proper time to prepare.
Via My Daily, Asia Economy
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Tags: Go Ara, Han Ga-in, Kim Rae-won, U-Know Yunho
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1 spy
July 22, 2009 at 6:12 AM
Why did Kim Rae-won have to drop out?! It would have been awesome if he did his drama. I'm going to miss Kim Rae-won while his in the army. Hurry back home safely!
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2 CyNurse
July 22, 2009 at 6:13 AM
You were so right with Han Ga-in. She is really pretty but she's really blah when it comes to acting.
Can somebody suggest a drama wherein her acting skills really show?
As for Ara, she's cute and sweet so I hope that if she plays the agent, she will come across tougher than her usual image.
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3 name
July 22, 2009 at 6:17 AM
Ground Heading?
Bare Floor Heading?
Heading from the ground
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4 samsooki
July 22, 2009 at 6:19 AM
Han Ga In may not win any drama awards, but I am drawn to her. She was good enough in Super Rookie (which probably didn't win any drama awards either, lol), and Super Rookie was fun enough that I didn't really care that none of the actors were actually that great. Han Ga In's role in that drama series as a shy secretary who has a bit of quiet, inner strength in her, was fun to watch.
Btw, Super Rookie was just good enough that the entertainment / fun aspect of the drama was more than enough for my wife and I to sail through the series. Not every series has to be a potential Baeksang nominee for us to enjoy, and Super Rookie was just like a McDonald's #2 extra value meal (2 cheese burgers with fries and a coke) when you are hungry - not much for the nutrition and it won't win any culinary awards, but sometimes, that is really all you want out of life).
And Han Ga In is really, really pretty in a non-bitchy way, and I guess that makes me blind to her lack of superlative acting talent.
Haven't seen Go Ara in anything yet. She is also really pretty though (though in a different way than Han Ga In). The first picture reminds me a bit of a Devon Aoki - style look.
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5 name
July 22, 2009 at 7:14 AM
@cynurse: i thought Han Ga In was pretty good in "Doctor Kkang(Gang)".
Starring opposite Yang Dong Geun.
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6 Snikki
July 22, 2009 at 7:16 AM
Great! 'Coz I don't really like Han Ga In... very blahhh-nd.
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7 capricious
July 22, 2009 at 7:30 AM
I really like Han Ga In in Terms of Endearment. Perhaps the only drama of hers that I watch till the end. The awesome Song Il Kook as her co-star did help increase the entertainment value of the series.;p
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8 amktsy
July 22, 2009 at 7:47 AM
umm....i think is kind of too bad kim rae won has to drop out of this drama because his enlistment..........
If he didn't go for enlistment and act in this drama,i'm sure goona watch...
i think is fine that Han Ga In drop out.....
i'm not sure but i' doubt i will be really interested in the series so it don't really concern me. :)
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9 Bellamafia
July 22, 2009 at 7:57 AM
I know one actor who looks good with Go Ara, he happens to like soccer too... yeah... Lee Min Ho!! :-)
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10 Clarice
July 22, 2009 at 8:03 AM
There's a bunch pretty actress in korea but has lack acting skill ( you must know who they are! ) i'am prefer her best for some of her inner beauty. Instead she's the only pretty actress that nobody doubt about her natural beauty
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11 Chalinee
July 22, 2009 at 8:20 AM
There's something about Han Ga-In and Go Ara that makes you want to like them but honestly, neither of these ladies has much to offer in the acting department imo.
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12 GreenFreak
July 22, 2009 at 8:21 AM
@ BellaMafia: I second that!!!
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13 rainey
July 22, 2009 at 8:42 AM
I really like Han Ga In despite her limitations so I'm still pretty excited that she still plans to act before the end of the year.
This drama doesn't appeal to me especially not with Go Ara but I can be swayed to mild interest if the male lead is someone I like.
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14 djeedjes
July 22, 2009 at 8:44 AM
From Han Ga In to Go Ara? isn't a bit strange - age wise, for example. And I personally think Ara is too young as an agent - OK, there's no limitation how old someone can be an agent, but still Han Ga In would fit the image better.
And no, I'm not Han Ga In's fan, I agree she was bad on Witch Yoohee, and I also don't really like Ara.
Anyway. The story is not that interesting - athlete falls for his agent - isn't that sound similar with Dream's storyline?
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15 mapamundi
July 22, 2009 at 9:35 AM
Heading the ground?
Bare ground heading?
Up against the ground?
As in hitting/banging your head against the wall...
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16 ar
July 22, 2009 at 9:46 AM
not that great of a fan of Go Ara, but I think she will be able to breathe some life into a sports drama. i like han ga in despite the mediocre acting- i was wondering what her next project would be
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17 Biscuit
July 22, 2009 at 10:36 AM
Not a big fan of Go Ara, but hope she does well~
I remember when Yunho was being mentioned, and also to be in Zettai Kareshi KR. Ver (rumor), but a few days ago, there was a message from his company saying that he would not be involved in acting activities.... I think he would have been a good actor. When he was acting on the television recently to trick to the Japanese comedian, I almost got shivers at his realistic coldness TT___TT
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18 Kyu
July 22, 2009 at 11:55 AM
I learned from Ara's daum cafe that Ara's schedule is the releasing of a new Spris CF with Kim Bum/ TV appearance on July 25th on KBS2. She is also going to be in a new drama in October. (I think they mean September.)
There was this picture of her with bangs saying that she was auditioning for a role in a drama starting in the fall. I don't think that that role was for Heading to the Ground because she looked like a student. I thought it was for the drama Don't Rebel (canceled) with Jang Hyuk but Jang Hyuk got cast in another drama. If it wasn't for the drama Don't Rebel, it was for You're Beautiful which I REALLY REALLY want her to be casted in.
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19 gphoenix
July 22, 2009 at 12:43 PM
What happened to Lee Da Hae? I thought she was in the lead for this series. Did MBC canned her fearing another EOE quitting or did LDH sensed this series is going to be bad?
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20 mzpakipot
July 22, 2009 at 1:31 PM
she's pretty and i love her eyes. Is she half Korean?
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21 Acalle
July 22, 2009 at 1:56 PM
#7 capricious - Same here. I watched Terms of Endearment just because of Song Il Gook but found Han Ga In was beautiful although her acting was a little stiff there.
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22 vis
July 22, 2009 at 2:28 PM
Hmm, I also heard that Lee Da Hae was eyeing that role or something along those lines. Maybe that was only the case if Kim Rae-woon had accepted the role? I think he had to decline the offer because his enlisting date in the army was so soon that he wouldn't have been able to squeeze in a last drama.
Anyway, I'm glad Han Ga In dropped out... she's really not a good actress at all. Go Ara is probably a better choice, but truth to be told I don't like her much either ^^;;;;
Well, if this drama manages to pull throught, it looks like we'll have a real sport drama season this fall!
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23
July 22, 2009 at 2:35 PM
#20 - No she is full Korean and she does not wear contact lenses or circle lenses!!!
Ara is so prettyyyyyyyy!!!!! I really want her to be cast in something. lol hahahaha
At least ara is way better than like lyh or . . . kse. imo.
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24
July 22, 2009 at 4:50 PM
I hope Lee Mino Ho gets casted for the male lead!!
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25 jo
July 22, 2009 at 4:59 PM
go ara is pretty and all, but dayumn her eyes are freakin' plastic scary. tsk tsk....
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26 Sogba
July 22, 2009 at 5:30 PM
i love Go Ah Ra
she is one of my fav actress even though she hasnt done much
and she is so beautiful
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27 sue
July 22, 2009 at 6:12 PM
oh my oh my yunho?
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28 Msyty
July 22, 2009 at 6:26 PM
Was there only one actor who wa available ?, O_o
Come on ! Hurry up and get one : there's plenty of actors with talent on the market ! I wanna see this drama !!
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29 yvhsien
July 22, 2009 at 11:18 PM
I like Han Ga-in despite her so-called lack of acting skill. I think she' really pretty.
I too find the storyline not too interesting even though I love soccer. How about a sports broadcaster instead of an agent? There might be more in terms of development of her character. It's very difficult for a woman to break into a sports broadcasting role and it would be interesting to show her struggles getting there - the prejudice etc. and at the same time his struggles to get to where he is. She may not be a fan of his arrogance but she is impressed by his skills. He is skeptical like the rest about her knowledge of the sport but is silently impress by her perseverence. How do they meet? Ok - here's where the cliche comes in. Her brother was a soccer buddy of his from high school but due to an injury had his dreams cut short. I can go on with the cliche that the girl her brother is interested in also likes the soccer player, creating a lot of heartache all around.
Or is Korea not ready for a female sports broadcaster yet?, even if it's just a drama? I know for NCAA college football, there's only one female sports broadcaster. Don't think there's any for NFL. And in Asia, probably no female soccer broadcaster either, huh?
Anyhow, even if they don't change their storyline to mine ;), I'll probably still watch if the male lead is an actor I like.
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30 Jo
July 22, 2009 at 11:27 PM
I dislike Kim Rae Won from the depths of my heart. I think ... actually i dont know why. But when I first saw him act when I was a child, i remember feeling grossed out by his desperate character (the ACTUAL character, not him). Put an imprint on me forever I guess. How sad that my brain has already been programmed to dislike him...never can give him a chance. ahh well.
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31 bd
July 22, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Go Ara is a pretty girl, but yeah, her eyes look a bit "off" (she should have never had the procedure to increase her natural fold).
Han Ga in, Jeon Ji hyun, Kim Tae hee, Yoon Eun hye, Lee Yeon hee, Han Hyo ju, Han Ji hye, etc. have better looking eyes (their natural folds change shape/thickness depending on their eye movement).
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32 rh
July 23, 2009 at 4:09 AM
i really like hangain despite of her lack of acting. (i dont think she's bad, just that she's not versatile. she was really good in yellow handkerchief , terms of endearment and dr. gang. and i love super rookie too) i like her, i think its more because of her personality. she's really someone who keep herself low, and have a good manner. and i cant sense any bitchy personality from her at all. she married young although she's someone who is always praised for her beauty. and her reason is also sweet, because 'she loves yjh and meeting a good guy in life is just once in a life time'.
as for Go Ah Ra, i like her too. but doenst she seems to young to be a sport agent?
sorry for the long essay about hgi :p
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33 Yoo Jin
July 23, 2009 at 4:14 AM
hmmm i actually really liked Han Ga in and was kinda the reason for me to see the drama same goes for Kim Rae Won =P Grr stupid military had to take away him away T_T I'm really gonna miss him (all the good ones are going away this year).
I loved Who Are You and Go Ara but for some reason when i tried to watch her other drama she started to irritate me =/ I still like her and she is a good actress but I'm not looking foward to this as much as before...hoping Rae Won's replacement will spark my interest since the plot doesn't...
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34 amy
July 23, 2009 at 12:38 PM
If Lee Minho didn't hurt his leg in that car accident, he would've been the perfect main lead.. how sad...
PD Park used to be known for not liking to have "kotminam" as his drama's male lead, so I'm really curious to see who will end up being the male lead.
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35 mellissa
July 23, 2009 at 4:20 PM
there are only 2 korean actresses who can really act - son yeh jin and kim sun ah. the rest are just pretty faces....
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36
July 23, 2009 at 4:43 PM
heading on bare ground
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37 chayeh
July 24, 2009 at 12:12 AM
I guess that KRW 's dropping means the end of the drama ...but seriously, now that U know is confirmed, so does Ara..I think i will watch at leats the first episodes...
I'm truly a DBSK fan but i don't like them to do something else than singing...you can't be all in one^^ But like Heaven postman, for Jae joong, I may take a look when it will be aired.
As for Ara, i think this girl really can't act...i mean, seriously. I watched Who are you to the end thanks Yoo Kye Sang, otherwise i would drop it. She is just a pretty face, like all the SM entertainment girls...
And I guess she willl be very soon attacked by Cassies...they also don't care if she is from the sane company ad the Dong Bang boys!!!
Yet, they are still idols that's why i don't expect any truly kisses or lovely scenes...the original cast would make it real.
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38 Becky
July 26, 2009 at 7:48 PM
agh you are so right on point javabeans when it comes to Han Ga In in Witch Yoohee altho i cant say much about it because i couldn't get myself to watch past a few episodes . . . I thought her acting was pretty blahh in Super Rookie as well, i don't really have anything against her tho, she seems nice enough
i guess i should give her another chance and check out terms of endearment since i do love Song Il Gook . . .
KRW is a great actor, loooooved him in Gourmet and Which Star R U From. Counting down 22 months till he gets back :(
YUNHO?!?!? dude. i am a huge dbsk fan and my fave members are definitely Yunho and Junsu, so yes i will be the crazy Cassie who (mentally) attacks the chick yunho gets paired with and yes will go balllllllllisstic if there are kissy senes >:( hahahaha i will probably yell at my tv lots but yeah
not that i think the dbsk boys are the best actors or anything (Dangerous love anyone?) but their cuteness and the fact that i'm a crazy fan blinds me to any faults . . . i mean it's yunho come on
i guuuuuuuuessssss it will be alright if Go Ara plays the part . . . i probably woulda preferred Yoon Eun Hye as i love her, if not her then myself (duh)
*off topic* which would be uber scandalous since i'm not korean HA! and my korean is rudimentary at best lol i think it would be hilarious tho . . . hahaha . . . ok ok back on topic
but yeah Go Ara is cute . . . and i actually liked Who Are You, i thought it was pretty unique and kinda funny, not that her acting is amazing but she's better than HGI imo
of course i will probably end up hating whoever the girl is that plays yunho's . . . omg i can't even say it, i'm starting to get upset aaaaaaaaaargh hahahaha :P
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39 pk
July 29, 2009 at 9:54 PM
she's pretty i wouldn't mind seeing her in a movie wit u-kno
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40 Sarah
July 30, 2009 at 1:55 AM
so sad that KRW never get to participate in this new drama because of the need to enlist in the army. 2 years long to wait... he's such a great artiste. such a waste... am sure he's selected into this drama for a reason.
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41 fei
September 23, 2009 at 10:58 PM
ahww.. im actually a huge fan of han ga in since ive seen her in witch yoo hee, too bad she didn't accept this role, hopefully she comes back to the acting scene sooner than later. maybe in a much better project, were she can showcase her acting skills.
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