This kind of reminds me of the whole issue with Lee Da Hae and how she left East of Eden because she couldn't understand her character either.

Wow. He is pretty candid about his disappointments. If you'd said anything like that here in the States, you'd be blacklisted as an actor difficult to work with or someone with a big mouth (ex. megan fox and her criticism of Transformers).

I wonder what the reaction was of the producers and writers of My Fair Lady...

...I still like Jung Il Woo's new do no matter what others may say. : )

Well, he's definitely impressed me! He is well spoken and sounds confident. Good for him for speaking up.

I wonder what kind of ripples that'll cause with the producers or if it will cause ripples at all. Would they get insulted that he's kind of bad-mouthing the character?

A scenario a la Friends comes to mind; the episode where Joey dissed the writers of his soap opera and they killed him off in an elevator.

TY's Pickup Truck Pama = LOVE
TY's Pama Mullet = Fail

Does Hye-na really have a choice now? :(

But let's face it -- Jung Il Woo's unhappy because Tae-yoon is barely in the story nowadays. Eul-Joo gets a lot more actual air time, and in fact the triangle's really shifted to the two women and DC.

JB, thank you for this post.

I feel better about JIW, too. He's quite insightful for his age, and I'm sure he will blossom even more as an actor in his future projects.

"I think our drama only focuses on results [and not the process]."

That's the understatement of the day...no, month!

P.S. Ditto on the hair!!!

When I watched the first few episodes, I immediately thought that Yoon Eun Hye made a mistake in picking this project because I thought the first few episodes were bad compared to Goong, Coffee Prince and even Vineyard Man...I found it odd that someone like Yoon Eun Hye (known as genius for picking her projects) would choose this particular drama, until one day Yoon EUn Hye said she took "My Fair Lady" as her comeback project because of the good script, Jung Il Woo and Yoon Sang Hyun also said that in one of their interviews as well.
But unfortunately, after they accepted this project the scriptwriter for this drama changed, with that, the new scriptwriter deviated a lot from the original synopsis that (YEH and JIW) liked so much.

Yoon Eun Hye even said during the press conference that she wanted to portray a really snobish Hae-na but the PD discouraged her from doing so.

So from JIW's interview it really proves how the scriptwriters and PD's are the one's messing up, but the actors are taking all the blame for it.

@Lily - Thanks! script and direction are so important - I think this lacks both...up to ep. 9 - still the script - thanks for your explanation - thank god the butler has stopped with the clown act.

I think it's a wise move for these two to try to keep their careers out of the toilet. The entire cast should be doing the same.

*sigh* just love this guy.....

am just a little worried about the producers' reaction to his opinions.... I mean, JavaB did explain that he mostly blames himself, but it also seems he is indirectly blaming the writers huh....

However, I do agree with his sentiments (not because I love this guy...), and it obviously shows in the drama.... but then he did say his character will be coming out more decisive and firm...and i believe it.. a tad predictable on that part(i mean there's no other way but for his character to go all angry, jealous, etc)...... am waiting for that!!! ^-^

JAVAB!!!! I love him more with his Iljimae look too.... *sigh* *drooling* am still waiting for a DVD (US region)

ADD:

reminds me of japanese actor, Jun Matsumoto... he also gets very OC with his characters.....

aahh, not entirely in the same sense...

JB,
First of all, thank you for bringing us all these MFL goodies.

Secondly, I am going to trust you on the issue of how JIW's words actually came through in original Korean: you mentioned your "clumsy translating" -- as if there were possible -- as having possibly misplaced the sting of his words. I really hope so. As I was reading JIW's comments, I kept thinking, "Ohai, dude, you are f---ing insane. Way to piss off your bosses while sounding pretentiously-actory."

I am NOT saying that he is a pretentious actor. Far from it. I didn't watch Return of Iljame, but I did read those interviews you translated, only because I have a thing for long-haired ethereal-looking guys. I was struck by his seriousness and his strong commitment to honing his skill.

On the other hand, don't bite the hand that feeds.

His words sound super harsh to me, and considering how petty and fragile-ego-y entertainment people are, especially writers, I can only hope that this guy won't be passive-aggressively blacklisted.

I agree with everything he said, though.

Dunno. When at work or on a job, use the inside voice, people, use the inside voice.

Jung Il Woo, Yoon Eun Hye fighting!

JIW's comments remind me of something I've been reminiscing about for a while: They are better actors than what is expected of them by the production. It seems that the writer and director had forgotten that these stars are famous not just for their good looks and physical appeal. They can also act. And given the chance with a well written script and apt direction, JIW, Eunhye and Yoon would flourish.
The fact that they recognize this and speak up deserves applause. The price for being vocal would come at a high personal price, i'm sure. Producers could not be happy with him. I understand how he is not accusatory in his remarks but rather venting his own frustration. Still, this could not be very pleasing to the producers' ears.

@Shay
I was gonna say the same thing! :)

I also thought in earlier eps. his character would be different,because of the scene where his character fighting with his brother and his brother slapped him. I think, mmhh...this would be interesting story, because his character has some deep history with his family. I was wondering what`ll causing it. Like Lee Dong Wook character, Lee Tae Jo character in Partner. And also with his reaction to Hyena when she come in in the middle of the fight. It`s quite strong reaction.

I was waiting for the progress of the background story of his character, but then...there isn`t. His character after that is like all the plain second lead actor in most of kdrama. I thought maybe there`ll be equal stand for the two lead men. But not!! The story goes and on and on about the buttler story. And leave him with nothing. That`s why at first, when hearing his character in this drama, i was like, why did you even pick this drama?? Or to be exact, this character??

Owww...Jung Il Woo, fighting!!! I hope even with the most dull script you have, you still able to shine.Fighting!!

I'm watching Return of Iljimae and My Fair Lady at the same time; not really by design, it just sort of worked out that way. And the difference between the two performances is amazing. You can always tell when an actor really loves, understands and appreciates the character he's playing, which JIW so obviously did with Iljimae. But in MFL, this luminous, bright, young man is definitely coming across as "flat". Apt description.

In episode 10, JIW's scenes almost felt like the producers were thinking "Oh crap, we forgot about Tae-yoon. Let's stick in a random scene with the brother no one has seen since Episode 1. Then let's have a scene where Tae-yoon eats kimbap on a park bench with Hae-na after some more lame bike riding. But they'll only talk about how great Dong-chan is! Then, we'll have him talk to Eui-joo about how great Dong-chan is! And THEN, we'll have Tae-yoon actually TELL Dong-chan how great he thinks he is!"

Sheesh. Poor guy! I hope MFL does get better for him in the coming weeks; he's certainly capable of a lot more than we're seeing at the moment.

@ asianromance
From perfectionist one to another, i understand his frustation. I know what you mean...in that kind of kdrama, it`s an exhausting effort to be idealistic. He should just enjoy it and be handsome, smile all the time. Because that is what the directors and writers have in mind. And if they do give his character a mysterious illness, i`m glad i didn`t continue watching it...

i admire Jung Il-woo's devotion to the characters he plays. It's a good strategy, but maybe he should take it easy? He did express himself very well. He's honest yet he's not completely blaming the production.

I appreciate for his frankness but not sure how to think of his answers
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
“I personally couldn’t accept my girlfriend falling for another man. Tae-yoon is a person who lets that go very gently, but to be honest, I can’t put up with that. I think to myself, ‘Why does he act this way?’ as I act.”

Jung Il-woo: “If I were put into these circumstances, I don’t think I’d agonize about it — I would think that it’s not worth it to love that kind of woman. To put it nicely, both men have their charm, but to put it another way, the woman is toying with both men. These days, I’m feeling confused and bewildered. … If a woman I liked stopped liking me, I’d leave very coolly. I wouldn’t look back.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The 2 responses kinda clashed each other. On the 1st one, he could not let his GF go without a fight but in the 2nd one, he would leave very coolly & wouldn't look back.....lol, I'm confused too.

I think it's irrelevant if he think in real life it's not worth it to love a woman who is toying with both men, his character here calls for that. As an actor by trade, shouldn't one be acting according to the character or how the script calls for? I understand when the writer constantly or sharply changes the plot or direction of character developments, it could cause great confusion for the casts. But it seems more like Jung Il-woo is fighting between his own values & Tae-yoon characterization.

From the articles/interviews about him here, Jung Il-woo is a very promising actor who shows a lot of devotion to his acting. May be if he could relax a bit and put aside his own mind sets on how he personaly responses in real life, it will go easier.

He sounds pretty hash voicing out his frustration, compared to a subtler voice from YEH). I really hope the writer/director won't hold it agaisnt him.

@langdon813

Yes! He is sooo cool in Return Of Iljimae! Love him doing all those sword fights too. Not to mention he looks so hot with that long hair... *mega nosebleed*

and it is dissapointing to see him "practically doing nothing" in MFL...but then hopefully as the story progresses (which is really starting to..), we will be seeing more of him doing some real drama, and.. smooching....
".......JIW’s scenes almost felt like the producers were thinking “Oh crap, we forgot about Tae-yoon....." I have to LOL on that Langdon... ^-^ poor JIW...

JUST AS I THOUGHT ! AT THE BEGINNING I ALREADY FELT THAT THE SCRIPT & DIRECTING IS WEAK. NO EXCITEMENT FELT AND THE PRESENTATION OF THE MAIN ACTORS ARE KINDA SLOPPY. I REALLY EXPECTED A LOT SINCE THIS IS YEH COME BACK AND I HAVE READ THAT SHE CHOOSES HER PROJECTS WELL (ONE OF THE REASONS SHE STAYED OUT OF DRAMA FOR 2 YEARS)

I CONTINUED WATCHING BECAUSE OF YEH AND THE ONLY EXCITEMENT GENERATED WAS THE SCENES BETWEEN HY & TY. HOWEVER, SINCE THERE ARE A LOT OF COMPLAINS REGARDING THE MALE LEAD. THE PD & SCRIPTWRITER DECIDED TO GIVE HIM MORE AIRTIME AND SCENES WITH HY THUS NEGLECTING TY AND RELEGATING HIS ROLE TO WHERE THEY WANT HIM, "THE SECOND LEAD" WITHOUT DOUBT. SADLY BUT HIS CHARACTER HAS A LOT OF POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT THAN THAT OF THE BUTLER (ARRGARRG).

YEH,SINCE YOU HAVE YOUR OWN MANAGEMENT COMPANY, CAN YOU NOT START LOOKING AT NEW PROJECTS (PLEASE USE CONSULTANTS IF YOU HAVE TO). WE WANT YOU TO FLOURISH AND BLOSSOM INTO A MORE INSIGHTFUL AND MATURE ACTRESS. PLEASE DO NOT ACCEPT THIS KIND OF PROJECTS ANYMORE.

.

I think that my appreciation of this guys has increased immensely. (And I am not the one who falls for his looks).

I wonder what the implications will be. Maybe we didn't get the preview for ep.11 because the production itself is lost somewhere, deciding how to keep going. Maybe they also understand that they messed up with Tae Yoon character. If JIW says that the character will be more decisive and strong, I think that it means that they have already filmed the scenes that can prove that. Otherwise, how can he say something that doesn't really depend on him? So, all those who rooted for DC-HN couple (including myself) should prepare for a heart attack in the next episodes, shouldn't we :-). I wonder how the screenwriters are going to find a way out, when right now it is so clear who likes whom, and I am really not willing to see those typical Kdrama solutions: someone is sick, someone is dying, the lovers turn out to be brothers, something drastic happens is the middle of nowhere etc

I gotta mention BOF here, because I remember GHS also said she was confused with Jandi's character, especially during the 2nd half of the drama. She said something along the lines of not agreeing with what her character was doing between the 2 men, but yeah- instead of pinpointing the fault towards the writer, people find it easier trashing her.

So I feel for JIW too, although I don't think he's being critized (harshly) by viewers as GHS was. I mean, can you really not fall for that boyish charm of his? I just thought that he should've known that he's playing 2nd fiddle and hence should expect a 'flatter' character compared to the male lead.

he reminds me of katherine heigl's complaints against grey's anatomy writers

i must say that's very brave of him to say his real feelings about his character. his complaints might enrage the writer enough to sabotage his character even more.

as for YEH, complaints about her enunciation has been aired before. why didn't she do anything to solve it before. why only now? if she is really serious about her acting, she should seek professional(speech pathologist) help to correct her speech problems. she cannot always blame her acting deficiency on her speech problems.

Essentially, they're all in a drama completely different from what they signed up for. Remember, YEH waited 8 months after reading the synopsis for "LADY CASTLE" that starred her and two sisters with a man trying to steal their family's hidden sledgefund. But now, she somehow ended up in a drama called "Take Care of Agasshi/MFL" as an only child with a scheming butler trying to seduce her into giving him money (Much less exciting and, quite frankly, harder to believe). As the writers have changed, so did the drama. It makes me suspicious of the real reason behind the name change of the drama. I'm so angry that YEH got stuck with the production company while they screwed her over with a whole new project.

I really feel bad for the whole production. They're on such a time crunch -- it's clearly evident that they are filming the two episodes the week it's supposed to air. And of course, the writers are HORRIBLE. If it weren't for the actors (their star power and efforts to keep the script afloat), this drama would have been a massive failure. If you just look at the current ratings of 13%, I'm amazed it's even that high. But I'm sad that it's gone down so much from the 17%, which shows the amazing star power the cast has and the potential it had to be a huge hit, if it had a solid start with solid scriptwriting. As for the PD, I have no opinion. I think he's trying his best with the bad scripts and crunch time, but at the same time I don't think he's that great directing the actors. But kudos to his random cinematography moments in the first several episodes.

I still watch the drama no matter how much I'm disappointed in the script because of my love for YEH and the cast. But the nonexistent character development, unfunny and overly simple storyline, and disregard for the supporting cast is hard to overlook. Even with the questionable first several episodes, I was still looking forward to the unraveling of some depth of the characters and finding new charms to the new actors (3 butlers/maids and Wang Suk-hyun). The only depth we get is verbally. (How many times do we have to hear Ei-joo ramble on that DC HAD to be a jaebi because of his mom? Why didn't they show that in the beginning so we could have a more impressionable visual??? And I guess HN's first love isn't as significant as we thought. Why no mention of him ever again? And HN's dead parents...does she even think about them?) The supporting cast--how is it possible that HN and the baby cutie Wang Suk-hyun have not even properly exchanged dialogue? I was looking forward to their banter when I first read his character description. I think the only reason it got such a great cast was because of the hype that was built up largely (perhaps solely) due to YEH. My guess is that they only had the first episode on hand to read when they had to decide to get on board, two by the time they started filming, which by then is too late to do anything. I really feel for Jung Il-woo. How well can you act if you don't know your character's motivations for his actions? That's how I felt with Hae-na's character in the beginning, which was why she was coming off flat and bad at acting (granted she was not that great in the first couple episodes).

The only winners of this situation are the writers and the production company. Yigim is now unbanned from all 3 stations and the writers are still getting relatively high ratings, undeserving compared to their writing. I know more people are enjoying the current episodes and I don't want to take anything from that, but I'm just sad that the series is below par from what could have been. I really wish for the best for the 4 main actors in the future and learn never to take a project with Yigim and the writers!!! Am I blaming too much on them? Sigh...

"he is sort of obsessed with character analysis (so much so that I feel like telling him to take it easy) and teasing out meaning in the details."

Yeah, but Jung Il Woo's comments are also normal. (I also disagree with the character analysis part -- if anything, most K-drama actors can't do enough preparation due to the live shoot schedule. Lee Byung Hun would prepare so much, he'd get physically ill.) 99% of young actors express that very sentiment. Lee Young Ae didn't like her character Jang Geum because she couldn't understand her (LYA actually preferred Jang Geum's peer rival.) Song Hye Kyo didn't understand Angela at all in All In. The head writer of Star's Lover almost walked out on the production because the story was heavily rewritten halfway (as I sort of feel My Fair Lady was too) through the show. I'm sure Eom Tae Woong kinda feels that Kim Nam Gil has taken over as the male lead of Queen Seon Duk.

My only real issue is that Tae Yoon gets the least air time of the 4 characters. Like langdon813 says, it's as if they forgot he's in the show! And that means the DC-HY-TY triangle is barely one. Instead, the show looks like they want to do EJ-DC-HY instead. I like MCW's performance as Eul Joo, but logically she's supposed to be the 4th wheel; Tae Yoon is the principal rival.

"This kind of reminds me of the whole issue with Lee Da Hae and how she left East of Eden because she couldn’t understand her character either."

Nah, that was far worse. That was a case where LDH was supposed to be the true female lead, but the writers waited too long to make her a major part.

"Remember, YEH waited 8 months after reading the synopsis for “LADY CASTLE” that starred her and two sisters with a man trying to steal their family’s hidden sledgefund."

Oh I remember that!!! Yeah, this is very, very different than the original synopsis. Having said that, this is the norm for many high profile shows.

"They’re on such a time crunch — it’s clearly evident that they are filming the two episodes the week it’s supposed to air"

Normal for majority of K-dramas though. I also think live shoot is why episodes 9 and 10 worked so well for many people. They changed the tone and that connected with many viewers.

"I found it odd that someone like Yoon Eun Hye (known as genius for picking her projects) "

That's mostly management though. If YEH had been able to do Que Sera Sera, it's unlikely the show, being a MBC weekend drama, would have been a huge hit anyway. YEH's had great luck with shows, and MFL is no flop. But you guys have to adjust your expectations too. She's not going to have hits every single time she does a show, NO MATTER how good the show is or how carefully she picks 'em. Kim Sun Ah's comeback show did poorly. Chae Rim hasn't had a bona fide hit since Dal Ja's Spring. Moreover, the drama world, star driven as it is, doesn't revolve around her.

I guess when JIW accepted this movie script; he thought that he will be the lead actor not the second lead actor but somehow the story was change. Come on, the A-list actor like JIW won’t take the scrip when he’s going to be a third wheel! He’s much smarter than that. There should be three lead actors in this drama. That’s why he disappointed with the story.

I agree with JIW, the writers need to develop TY character in this movie. If Hyena finally decides to go with DC, it means TY has to go with dignity. He is a perfect man who can have any woman he wants. He does not need a woman who’s falling for a butler. Butler is not his level.

The only A-lister here is YEH. Jung Il Woo is still at that point in career where he'll do a combination of leads and support roles.

I don't have a problem with JIW being the rival. I have a problem with the rival being barely a rival because he's not onscreen. That's just dumb.

"There should be three lead actors in this drama."

Only if all three end up in a threesome. :D Two leads to play the main couple; one or two supports to play rivals. That's how Korean trendies are usually cast. Even Coffee Prince kinda followed that concept for the 1st half of the show.

I must say he is right.. i understand yeh's frustrations as well.. it could have been better ... it is still watchable though..

Much has been said (and written). kudos to all 4 stars to receive criticism with dignity and honesty. For sure this will be a learning experience.

I just couldn't help but compare YEHs handling from her previous Agent (whom she dropped) which gave her GOONG & Coffee Prince? Even if they canceled her participation with Que Sera Sera, at least they chose her other projects well and apparently promoted her previous dramas way better. Unlike what happened in MFL. . . I didn't say they were good but they appear better compared to what she is getting now.

Do Korean artists have any say (through a professional artists guild or something) if they are being ripped off by either their management group, scriptwriter, or the PD, or of any major sponsors? From what I gathered from other comments above, some are worried of the implications of JIW admission that he can not understand his character. It seemed they expect a backlash from the PD or the scriptwriter. Come on, are they that powerful even if they stink? At this day and age of technology how can they flourish when THE NETIZENS are united against them. We have to support good actors and actresses not the lowly and mediocre script and directing (which is by the way different from cinematography (nice scenery).

It seems that too many chefs have had their hands in the pot. We see glimpses of something that could've been so much better if all had stuck to one vision. Brining ideas from different quarters is great IF they gel together. Mixing ideas just for the sake of appeasing everyone or appearing team like leads to a sense of being lost. That is what we have here: vision is lost and team is not focused. Half way through, people are now trying to salvage what is left. They remain commited to what it could've been not so much what it is.

It is frustrating when you are capable of much more than what is expected or asked of you. It would be different if people were not aware of your talents. That would mean you have to convince them through hard work and give them time to appreciate it. But when everyone clearly understands you capabilies, it is difficult to have to remind them. This is the root of the frustration.

too much focus is given in dong chan's role, eun hye's and jung ll woo's role is confusing, bad choice for yoon hye and jung ll, they have so much to give but are helpless. Its not too late, hope these coming episodes will improve. Still watch it bcoz of eun hye and jung.

He seems serious about his craft, but without interpersonal skills quite frankly. HIs comments seems much too harsh and direct about the script, even if he does blame himself later, and there's a lot of contradiction.

Maybe it's because he's young, but he seems kind of self-involved to be honest, and more willing to show how much he cares about his part rather than the people behind the drama who are also working hard and want the same goals of a good drama.

Either he cares too much to show in interviews what he's doing on his part, at the expense of the other drama crew, or he's just lacking severe tact.

I admire him for his honesty - I just hope this is not career suicide. Totally LOVED him in Return of Iljimae.

@30 BO
technically, 8peak (that's her former agent) didn't choose any project to her, they practically tried to destroy her good reputation.
in Goong, Eunhye was picked personally by PD Hwang Im Roe
and he stood by her side all the way through all anti-words against her. And b/c she has no acting agent then coz she just left BabyVOX, 8peaks, as the one who produce Goong, take her in.
Later on, Eunhye was also personally chosen by Vineyard Man PD as well
in Coffee Prince, it was her own choice of work
8peaks tried to pull her out and made her do their project, but Eunhye had had enough. That's lucky, coz if she let them bully her around, There would be 2nd Que Sera Sera named Coffee Prince.
That's why she departed from them

@19 phiphi and @25
You just speak my mind
I agreed with you
I think they are pretty much decieved. Eunhye name was even used as a tool by Yigim for lifting their ban. And since her name was used by them for months, when things turn out to have a totally different production, she cant pull out in time.
Fans were all anticipated her comeback. Actually as one who support her, I prefer if she walked out. Althg it might break fans heart as they were waiting so patiently for her comeback, it'd have been better
Since day1, Yigim was nothing but burden to YEH
they never show real support to her, never protect her.
Do they even know how much she has done to them? both directly and indirectly?
If it's not YEH, the ban would never been lifted, they wouldnt find the airing slot so easy and there wouldnt be this much of sponsors

Overall, I think I'm disappointed in him after this. He's cute, a potentially good actor, but he really seems way too self-centered here.

It doesn't matter what his frustrations are. He will not always be given a good script. Hundreds of good actors are saddled with less than ideal co-workers. He has the responsibility to trudge through it with a smile on his face, because many have been dealt far worse hands and it is only professional courtesy.

Already you see the comments here blaming the director, the scriptwriter because of his words, feeling sorry for him because it's easy to side with the handsome actor. Who knows how they have worked to make the script has good as possible? Should the second lead really cause trouble for the main two leads by fighting for the girl? Dramas don't always coincide with real life feelings. That's why you're an ACTOR.

It was just overall very careless and inconsiderate of him. I'm more and more disappointed as I read this. His blame of himself seems like empty words to me after blaming how the character is headed; he's obviously blaming the scriptwriter and director there and he'd be stupid not to see that. Stupid or really self-involved.

I think JIW is the A-lister as young actor's level.. agree with you^^ Anonymous
He is in the same lavel with great young star such as JGS MGY or LMH (great at their generation)
not mention to being the lead role only ..also talent ,popularlity..etc
I think you don't know much of him ,you shouldn't say better ,belleza

For JIW,I know he chooses a wrong choice but I'm sure he did his best.
I don't want to see you pressured yourself and overworked like did in ROI.
Take care yourself. I love and support you no matter what~
JIW Fighting!! ,also Eunhey Fighting!

Thanks JB for this article,I'm really appreciate it.

I'm sorry but my respect for JIW has dropped tremendously after reading this

Dont get me wrong, I admire him for his thoughtful attitude, but I'd prefer if he kept that to himself
I continue watching MFL since ep1, and TY character has dropped from the strong wheel into some boring block with plain attitude, so I perfectly understand where he came from

But as an actor, what he supposed to do is get into the role and act as Lee Tae Yoon, not as Jung Ilwoo
as an actor, you cant put your attitude b4 your character's
and this is where my respect for him lost

Also, he is quite harsh toward people he's been working with for months
esp. the PD, the script-writers,
I know they deserve it, but still! as a co-worker, should u do this?
He even call Hyena, the heroine of the show a 2-timing her. Is this supposed to be out from the mouth of someone who I always believe to be very considerate?
His job is to get to know TY and act as TY, not finding flaws in others or in characters as excuses
Seeing it like this, I cant help but feel that he desperate for more screen time :(

I immensely dislike filming episodes so recent to broadcast dates. Quoting "thankyou" - "too many chefs have had their hands in the pot." Audiences, netizens, mgmt companies, etc. all get in and influence the production and it ends up being inconsistent or lacking flow. The practice really doesn't help the artistery/quality of the production (unless the PD/Scriptwriter is very stubborn/confident and won't listen to outside influences), though it may help ratings and money-making.

For me, I'd rather a production be convicted of it's original intent and "die" with dignity, then to sway one way then another to please certain parties but "survive."

"It is frustrating when you are capable of much more than what is expected or asked of you. It would be different if people were not aware of your talents. That would mean you have to convince them through hard work and give them time to appreciate it. But when everyone clearly understands you capabilies, it is difficult to have to remind them. This is the root of the frustration."

I definitely agree here. It's like having a craftsman go and sweep floors, when everyone knows he as skill-sets. It's not only frustrating for the person, but also bewildering and sad for others to see.

@ Rochester & Mao,

I agree - actors need to adapt to their roles and give it their own spin regardless of the script/directing - that's how you become great. Yet, I felt TY's character had much more development in the beginning (conflict with his brother/family, intrique with HN, etc.) but have seriously reduced to nothing in the last several eps. I want to say its because of the complaints from audiences/netizens of the 2 main leads that has swayed the production to adjust for the ratings. And I think that's why now, viewers, as well as JIW, is not adapting. It's like you've been told and given Jajang myung for lunch, and then suddenly you're getting white rice. Not only is it a more bland option, it's also disconcerting when that option continues the next day, and the next, and you don't know whether you should believe what they tell you from the beginning or just accept it. It would have been much better if they hadn't told nor given you jajang myung in the first place.

Though I can not completely connect with TY as a character, I think he has many inconsequential scenes, if he has one, that makes it so. I don't think random shots that doesn't key the audience into the emotional development of the character can really be called scenes for a supposed lead. It's more like plot-development. He needs to be here, do that, hear this, etc. so the other characters can transition. And that's also why I, nor some others, get why TY's so laid back about the whole DC-HN situation, when we've seen early on that he is perceptive, does have a temper, and can be very stubborn.

I do love people being frank and upfront, but doing so doesn't always get you popularity points. Most ppl who are naturally frank and open probably know this too. So if there is backlash, I think JIW is prepared for it. It's a good learning experience.

I can totally understand his frustration, however, I also find him really selfish, egotistical and a bit inconsiderate in this. I am sure they are all frustrated...but maybe, JIW should have waited until the show is through to make such statements. The drama is still airing so he should at least be considerate of how his words could affect the ratings, drama, etc.

What frustrates me about MFL is that it has become "the butler show"
they were too butler focussed and Hae-nas, Tae-yoon and Eui-joo's character weren't written out properly.

We all know about Dong-chan's story why he became a gigolo or why he intended to seduce Hae-na, but we dont know why Hae-na is the way she is in the first episodes of the series, like how maybe her parents death yadayadayda really affected he,r so that viewers can kinda understand her. i think they probably will go into those details later, but I think it's too late, cause most viewers have started to lose interest as can be seen by the ratings decline week by week.

TY's story could have been so much more interesting and less bland.

This drama had so much potential to be a bit hit had it been written well. They had Yoon Eun Hye ratings queen, Yoon Sang Hyun the ajumma magnet, Jung Il Woo the total eyecandy and Moon Chae Won who just came fresh from the hit series Shining Inheritance. This series could have been bombastic!

What was really cringe worthy for me was after I noticed that the writers were pretty lazy. Like they took different scenes from different dramas and used it here. Drunk scene with DC running around outside (Coffee prince), Apple orchard scene (Coffee Prince), HN and DC waking up together in the same room trying not to get caught (Vineyard Man), Episode 9 when DC pushed HN against the wall almost kissing her (Goong) there are many many more scenes that were similar to other dramas I also see some from BOF, Full House and etc.

I just wish that the writers would have been more original and didn't rely too much on the 4 leads popularity.

I respect Jung Il Woo so much more for this. You all know the saying "everyone is a star in their own life," right? I really disagree that a supporting character should just realize they will not get air time and therefore accept a confusing character. JIW is not the star in this drama but Taeyoon is the star of his own life. It's natural JIW would want to understand him even if the character isn't on screen all the time. I hate when people say "He should know he wasn't the lead" as though that means he can't feel bad for a character that doesn't make sense. Kudos, Jung Il Woo!

@SEBAS

Thank you for the clarification. First time I heard of those info. What I can't understand is, why would that previous agent destroy YEH's career when they are reaping financial benefits from her at that time? It's like they had never heard of the proverbial ""killing the golden goose that lays the golden egg!

Hope she does better this time around.

As for JIW being tactless, (I don't think so). He is brave enough to take a stand. How can serious mistakes like these be corrected if no one will expose the truth? So all of them will just have to grin and bear it until the project is finished just because they are working together hence just cover up for each other? That will be adding insult to injury and a disrespect to us viewers.

Someone said JIW must be ready for the backlash when he said what he said. . So the same PD and Scriptwriter will badmouth him in the Industry? If that is the case, JIW can thank them as he doesn't have to evade those kind anymore. He can have better script and directing then.

And what am i doing? I promised not to utter a single word anymore. . . .

At this point I just consider MFL as a great popularity boost for Jung Il Woo career. I'm not dropping the drama but just don't care about it that much.

Yes! I loved the Iljimae hair!

hey all ...
am from the middle east and actually i was surprised of how
dramas are made here esp in Korea .. that they still shoot further episodes as the drama is airing at the same time ..
As for our dramas they shoot way before it is aired so that they can add or modify it as they want .. to avoid any kind of problems .. and as for the cast they can read and choose thier role carefully ... so that helps alot ..

So in this case i think if JIW have read the whole script of his character maybe he would consider working in this drama again .. that's according to his words that he didn't know that his character is going to change into this path ..

i don't know if u got my point but any way actors for acting a certain role they should have the complete script so that they can really know the character they're intendeing to act (^^,)

@ Rochester & Mao

I've had JIW's same sentiments since the beginning of the series. His comments are not the reason people are blaming the writers and director. Personally, I've just been silent because I just gave up on the show's creative direction. That's why I went on a tirade on comment 25, b/c FINALLY someone, an actor from the production nonetheless, held my exact same thoughts!!!! I was relieved to find that the actors themselves truly know what kind of situation they're in. They're not just stand in front of a camera dummies afterall. What a revelation. His comments are not a 'diss' to anyone, but a reflection of what most viewers feel. Besides, telling him to be silent of his opinions doesn't seem to be right, does it? Especially if he did it in a respectful way where he blamed himself for his character's flaws, which is clearly the fault of the writers. Did none of y'all see him buying wedding rings despite seeing HN starting to have feelings for DC???!!! How in the world does that fit in with his initial tough and smart character, or any sane person's character for that matter?