And @ Su-Pah, I loved Bad Love too..... I know there are tons of ppl who hate it

Although I don't like KSW, I wouldn't mind him too much in Iris 2 because I ended up not liking LBH in Iris. I don't know if it's his character or what, but the only person who works it in Iris is Kim Seung Woo. He's the only believable character who doesn't make me roll my eyes to the back of my head. Everybody else just fails at being kick-ass, which is what this series should be about.
The love story is so out of place, I sometimes feel like I'm watching two different dramas cut in together.

Also, they had a ginormous budget, but they couldn't teach their actors how to hold guns properly?

How about Oh Ji ho in IRIS 2?

What about Jang Hyuk and the lead actress shin min ah ?

Oh! Oh !! SSH could be busy as godfather to KSW baby boy.

I find it extremely ridiculous that KSW made such annoucement "...I received an offer to be in IRIS 2.”, when there are no directors, no scripts, no castings yet. He's got to be careful when speaking with the media. If I remember correctly, this is not the first time he says something recklessly. There was some scandal how he said he got his now-wife pregnant to get married? And then that he didn't want to raise his child in Korea?

Does he want this role that bad to make such a commotion?

DNW

Kwon Sang Woo ; Are you Kidding me ?
NO way ...
I think Kwon Sang Woo is more suitable for melodramas not action-spy drama, I think So Ji Sub or Song Il Gook would be the better choice!

I'm not sure if this is a good idea, KSW is a great actor, but his facial expression is very limited. He can't pull a tough look, if he does try, he'd look very evil, as oppose to "cool". Although I really loved his role in Sad Love Story, he played a rough hoodlum guy that often got into fights because of his gf, played by kim hee sun, and few of the fighting scenes in this drama looked very cool and professional. He might be able to pull the cool agent look, but he'll need a lot of practice.

OOhh...I like the idea of Song Il Gook, he was great in The Lobbyist, I had never seen him before and after ended up watching Jumong (my first period drama, I still can't believe I watched such a long series but it really was good!)...

@46 nycgrl
You are not alone, I find Jo Hyun Jae expressless as well...I personally he was the worst actor in Nine Tailed Fox...His facial expressions were just...how do you say...bleh...but talking about Nine Tailed Fox, Han Ye Seul was a great villain in it, definitely would want to see her in another action drama...

Else, I think JGS would definitely do a good job, he is such a good actor, even if a bit young, maybe they could do IRIS 2--The Next Generation??? Then, definitely, the cast of YAB would be great together, a fresh, young spy kdrama....now that would be something else!

And what about Uhm Tae Woong? He was great in Resurrection and The Devil, he can do action! Oh, he was also in Nine Tailed Fox...hmm...

Kang Ji Hwan??? That would be very different for him...but he too is such a good actor! who else is there? There are so many great actors out there...Hyun Bin?
If any of these actors are in IRIS 2, I will definitely check it out! And I like the idea of Shin Minah!

Overall, there are no positive feedbacks about KWS trying to be in a sequel of the hit action-spy Iris.

@58 Bita, I haven't seen much of So Ji Sub in action movies, but I can watch Song Il Gook any time any drama.

@ 52 thua

LBH not a badass in IRIS??! Please allow me to introduce you to the 2:47 mark in IRIS ep 8. That kick alone wins LBH the Badass of the Year Award!!

Please let's, at least, use our eyes when judging.

But I do agree that Kim Seung Woo is really good in his role. :)

"Overall, there are no positive feedbacks about KWS trying to be in a sequel of the hit action-spy Iris."

I think Kwon Sang Woo is really, really underrated (like I said -- when he goes into full rage, it's awesome to behold) due to his TV work. However, my primary concern is that because Iris is a money-money project (rather than an arty thriller like Story of a Man), you kinda have to limit yourself to true Hallyu stars. This inherently limits the playing field, so to speak. And unfortunately, the only actors of comparable star status to LBH internationally (who are of age to play this kind of part) are Song Seung Heon, Rain, So Ji Sup, Bae Yong Joong, and Kwon Sang Woo. However, the strike against KSW is that he's not that popular in Korea. SSH and Rain are the ones that IMO make most sense. So Ji Sup is going to do the big war epic "Road Number One" (the one that was originally attached to Kwon Sang Woo.) BYJ already did the Legend.

Now, if they want to think outside the book, THEN think about bringing in a Kang Ji Hwan or Song Il Guk. KJH is popular overseas and he has strong versatility. Same is true with SIG and his experience playing kings in sageuks already gives him the bonafides to play macho spy types. Personally, I'd like to see Hyun Bin get a shot at this. If nothing else, I want him to pull an "Angel of Bae Soo Biin" and bring Sexy Binnie back.

Another thing: because you can't pair Kim Tae Hee up with another star, you'll have to also come up with another Hallyu actress. Let's see . . .

1) Yoon Eun Hye? Rom-com princess would have a chance to play super-sexy 24/7. (Anybody remember that CM where she was in stilletos and holding a gun? It can work.) And YEH has guy-like star power.
2) Jeon Ji Hyun? Though My Sassy Spy may be the Kwon Sang Woo of the female leads, a comeback is still a comeback. She can obviously do action, and I think she STILL hasn't kissed anybody in a show.
3) Kim Sun Ah? Seems counterintuitive, but Ms. Samsoon has done the action babe thing in the movie Yesterday (with Kim Seung Woo.)
4) Song Yeh Jin? SYJ turned down Iris before. Maybe give it another shot?
5) Song Hye Kyo? The Iris golden goose would be to reunite Rain and Song Hye Kyo. Should this happen, 2012 will happen 2 years early and the Pacific Rim will shift into Hallyuasia. I can't even imagine what the ratings will be like. You're Beautiful would be a mere blip compared to the avalanche of dormant BiKyo fans. And BTW, don't think that's impossible The Iris director has worked with both of them.

"BTW is it me but do you find Jo Hyun Jae doesn’t have a lot of screen presence. Also how popular is he overseas? "

JHJ is very popular in Japan (probably due to Love Letter.) Not sure about China/Taiwan. In terms of acting chops, probably at the level of Song Seung Heon for me, but in the right role, he has a wonderful boyishness. Again, I couldn't see him carrying this show, but in a 2nd or rival role.

hmm...I thought about Jang Dong Gun, but then thought, he's not on the same level as LBH (he's way ahead in my book!) so I don't see him "following" in IRIS 2.....and I can't see Won Bin either for some reasons...

I don't know why, I can't really see any of the actresses 1-5 Belleza mentioned either...hmm...Choi Ji Woo??? not really....Lee Da Hae...pass...I think the lead actress should maybe be a rather new face...someone fresh...NOT Lee Jia...

Oh, what about Park Si Yeon? Park Yong Ha? Eric???

Nooooooo. KSW please... unless the production company of IRIS wants a low rating drama. His last drama flopped!!

@62
His kicking/fighting does not make up for his whole character, sorry.

Even if Kim Seung Woo's character doesn't have much fighting going on in the series, he still exudes such a badass vibe. I was expecting this from So-yeon's character Sun-hwa as well (from the first few scenes I was anticipating her more and more), but alas, she became a very disappointing character to me with no umph. That haircut was a waste, she could have totally owned it with a kickass aura, but she ended up being weak and almost melancholic in every scene.
KTH's character is definitely not very believable as an agent on any account, but I wasn't disappointed only because it's exactly how I imagined her to portray it - pretty (yeah, I know her face isn't her fault lol) and fragile, very unlike an agent. Her character just doesn't work very well, maybe she should just stick to being a pure profiler.

I think it mostly has to do with the love angle not meshing well with the action aspect, and bringing down a lot of the kickass potential Iris could have had.

I hope Iris fans don't bash my opinion 'cause I only want to put in my input that I haven't really seen others mention before.

Interesting comments. I, too, think that KSW will be ill-cast in IRIS 2. Just my personal opinion...he's a bore to watch.

So Ji-Sub. Absolutely! I would also like to offer up Chun Jung-Myung and Gong Yoo since they're both out of the miliary now. Any comments? Oh Ji-Ho and Song Il-Guk are also interesting prospects. Bae Soo-Bin?

I think that Rain is a non-factor. He's facing mandatory military duty and he won't be able to push that back much further than he already has. I wouldn't want to see him in IRIS 2, anyway. Just don't care for him.

I totally see Jo Hyun Jae in a spy/action drama - he's got the acting chops, the screen presence, the physical skills and the fan following to deliver the goods. JHJ himself has expressed his desire to take on a villain role even before he started his military service, so a bad guy role for him wouldn't be a bad idea. However, it would still be nice for a JHJ fan like me to have him in the lead role. Plus, from what I have read, he is coming off a very successful stint in the military - one of those rare Korean stars who decided to be an active duty soldier instead of going the soft route - that would be a great angle for the producers to explore. I really hope his release from his MS would not make it too late for him to be considered for a role in IRIS 2.

Oh, yes, JHJ is famous in Japan, and other Asian countries like China/Hongkong, Philippines, Thailand, etc.

"I thought about Jang Dong Gun"

Can't see that anymore than I can see Sang Kang Ho or Choi Min Sik doing this kind of role. Byut let's just I had Mark Cuban-level money and I wanted to beat Sandglass. Well then my choices would be:
LBH -- Jang Dong Gun or Jung Woo Sung
KTH -- Son Ye Jin or Ha Ji Won
JJH -- Ryu Beom Seom or Cha Seung Woo
President -- Song Kang Ho
President's Wife -- Shim Eun Ha
Head of Iris -- Choi Min Sik
KSW -- Jo Seung Woo or Ha Jung Woo
TOP -- Seo Taji or Kang Dong Wan
KSY -- Kim Hye Soo

"I think the lead actress should maybe be a rather new face…"

But that's the thing. The lead actress can't be a fresh face. Iris Franchise banks on pure star power. It's not about art -- this is about money (with just enough art to keep people watching past the first week.)

"Oh, what about Park Si Yeon? Park Yong Ha? Eric???"

Same problem. PYH is popular in Japan, but he's not popular enough to land a huge hit domestically. Same with Eric. Both would be more appropriate as a support or rival character.

"I would also like to offer up Chun Jung-Myung and Gong Yoo since they’re both out of the miliary now. "

Gong Yoo would be good in a support role. (He's played a hitman in a Takashi Mike film.) But neither he nor CJM has enough pull to support the Iris budget.

How about Mr Lee Jung Jae in AIR CITY, isn't he a PERFECT cast? I stopped watching IRIS from episode 2, but I will be watching IRIS 2 if Mr Lee is in it :)

Mikki - Dec 11, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Oh, yes, JHJ is famous in Japan, and other Asian countries like China/Hongkong, Philippines, Thailand, etc.

- JHJ is also famous in North America (US and Canada). An antagonist role will be a good idea though if not the lead role. And there is no question about his acting ability - JHJ has a lot to offer.

"- JHJ is also famous in North America (US and Canada)"

How so? Has he done American/Canadian TV?

"How about Mr Lee Jung Jae in AIR CITY, isn’t he a PERFECT cast?"

My Man would be wonderful, WONDERFUL in a lead role. But he's not hugely popular outside of Korea, so at best, he'd be in a rival or support role.

kwon sang Woo

i think he seems really Upset Lately.. i bet he is so regret by all things that happened to him . Reject " Love by my side " Which made Kim myung min won 2 awards as best actor ( because KSW don't want to loose his sixpack abs ) and the only lead actor in yoo ha's movie which NOT WIN awards as best actor.( he even curse Yoo ha don't know it's joke or not ).
he seems has a big ambition to be recognized as "actor"

i used to be his fan because "Love By my side " he is only heartrob not actor for me

Song Seung heon ??? are you kidding me KSW whole better than Those mediocre Actor.. at least he is hard worker.

SSH he is mediocre + Picky

I want RAIN only RAIN in IRIS 2!! with Kim Tae Hee (of course)
RAIN + Kim Tae Hee = PERFECT!!!

belleza - Dec 12, 2009 at 12:03 am
How so? Has he done American/Canadian TV?

- I would like to re-phrase it as Jo Hyun Jae has a lot of fans who are based abroad such US and Canada who are closely following his career in Korea.
JHJ and Son Ye Jin would be a good pair to match in IRIS 2.

Heck no. I ain't watching this guy be the lead haha. boycott iris 2!

Kwon Sang Woo? - N.O !.

At the same time, I don't quite see anyone replacing Lee Byung Hun at the moment.. I have this feeling that I won't be liking Iris 2 - I mean what does a drama have if the main cast is out? It will suddenly revolt around some other character, and it just seems all too weird. Imagine Grey's without Meridith & patrick, imagine smallville without Tom Welling.. We're not talking about the side cast man. We are talking about changing THE MAN.

They should just not do it or do what jdrama always do. Extend two episodes.

@ belleza #70

Thanks for your comments re Chun Jung Myung and Gong Yoo. I'm really sooo ready to see both of them re-enter the drama world in a big way, and I figured that producers would be clamoring to cash in on millions of people feeling the same way. So even if they don't have the name power that top tier actors do, it would be interesting to see what projects they'll both work on first and to see the subsequent results.

You know ... although I consider myself a fan of Takashi Miike's, I haven't seen "Yakuza", yet. It's gonna go to the top of my Netflix queue now .....! ☺

WON BIN!!

He has a good guy next door image - and I don't think he will do justice as an agent - replacing Lee Byung Hun in IRIS 2 is a big gamble for Taewon Entertainment - 2ND Season of Iris without LBH won't get much success as the 1st season.

Never watched him in any drama but do not like his wimpy look. Will not watch Iris II if he is in it.

Ji Sung is a much better choice!

I agree with Perla. IRIS 2 will not be the same without LBH. I think they should just put of filming until LBH schedule allows, and bring him back.

The main reason I watch IRIS 1 was because of LBH who acting and portrayal of the character was superb; there is no one else I believe who will be able to fill his shoes.

ermmmm
well first of all i like Kwon Sang Woo but i think
that song seung hoon or so ji sub would suit
the lead role more in IRIS 2,
its not that, that i dont like KSW, its only after i watched him
in CInderella Man, im kind o_O he is a good actor and so
but for this drama °_°
nothing is clear, with directors actros and actresses,
we have to wait and see, what gonna happen
and IRIS without LBH ~~ its a empty but we have to give other
artists also a chance,

KSW was a pretty boy and now is a pretty guy. Can't see him with a gun in his hand and starts killing. He might get away with being in a fugitive role, hair slightly awry to give him a desperate look and yet sexy at the same time and in this scenerio, a gun in hand is not misplaced. But a cool agent he is not.

Really wish him the best for old time sake. But casting him as the lead in Iris2 is not only disastrous for the company but for himself too.

I would only like to watch KSW in the crying scenes. Besides his puppy face, there's nothing else to get excited for. LBH is a far better actor with looks to add!

And can someone please explain the ending of IRIS? What kind of ending was that?!

Kwon Sang Woo?

why not? he's a great actor... he can do it.
Kwon Sang Woo fighting!!!!!

...well, i like the idea of so ji sub!! he is better..
i think son ye jin and him are good fair for this drama

just an opinion..kwon sang woo is great,.

..son ye jin and so ji sub?

why not?

You know, I haven't had a chance to watch IRIS yet but it looks intriguing enough. I'll watch it as soon as my schedule clears up this year but I have been watching Kwon Sang Woo dramas and movies for awhile now and to be honest, I grew fond of him. I respect him as an actor and would love to see him play a spy in a possible sequel of IRIS. If anyone can do it, it's Kwon Sang Woo and at the same time, I am anticipating a possible collaboration with ever-so-versatile actress, Son Ye Jin.

If IRIS 2 can get Son Ye Jin and Kwon Sang Woo together, OMG, that is the perfect team for me and who better to play cops and spy and make it that much better than these two? Plus, if all fails, I'm sure these two will manage to get viewers tuning in week by week with their amazing looks and acting consistency. :D

Song II Guk would be great.... he has charisma and intensity to pull it off. I really liked the actress who play the North Korean. Would love to see her come back. Will miss LBH. He is a great actor and love his presence.

aX,

I love your idea of Son Ye Jin and Kwon Sang Woo pairing... They are my fave korean actress and actor... Really!!!!!

I would so love to see my fave actor JO HYUN JAE in IRIS 2. At least I know he knows how to hold a gun, fire it and hit his target (from his army news i found out that during 1 arms training (out of so many training he had to go thru as a regular soldier) he hit 19 targets out of 20!!! woot woo!!! He has done action dramas (Seo Dong Yo and 9-Tailed Fox) and an action movie (GP 506) in the past so his physical skills has been proven already. As for acting skills, he has taken on a variety of roles already and he has always delivered and performed beyond what is expected of him. As for his ability to draw people to watch his shows, well he has a good following not only in Korea but in other countries as well (in Asia, North America, and now even Europe).

But having said that, I sort of pity whoever replaces LBH in IRIS because no matter how i look at it, that actor will be in a lose-lose situation. If IRIS 2 get high ratings, people will say that it enjoyed reflected glory from IRIS 1, but if it gets low ratings, people will put the blame on the new lead.

I THINK JO HYUN JAE IS THE BEST ACTOR FOR THIS ROLE

iris Han ji min, and the like so ji sub because I love both shows

Well now we know its Jung Woo-sung and Cha Seung-won (who ironically is Kwon's co-star in 'Into TheGunfire') in Iris 2.

( Ponder, ponder...my overactive imagination is guessing that perhaps he pissed the honchos at Taewon with this 'faux pas' so they decided to ask Cha seung-won instead...). But hey, Iris 2 is still looking for supporting actors so maybe they'll offer him a role?

@ belleza #70

" LBH - Jang dong-gun or Jung Woo-sung
JJH - Ryu Beum-Seom or Cha Seung -won"

Wow, your 2nd choice got the part in Iris 2.

Now for 'KTH - Son Ye-jin or Ha Ji -won", if based on your luck, its probably HJW BUT I am rooting for Kim Sun Ah @ belleza #63 ..."has done the action babe thing in Yesterday"...sounds perfect and she gets to pair up with Cha again, the only OTP in my kdrama world. Can Kim Sun Ah redeem Cha again the second time around...??

my choice : jo hyun jae and son ye jin or bi rain and han ji min

I think he can do it. He needs to be challenged and his reps need to let it happen.
I can see why some actors dont take the "drama' melodrama romance romantic comedy roles. They think its fluff and wont challenge them..but I think that is exactly why KSW would be great...he understands nuance....got to have that to make someone 'believe'.
I personally think his having a baby then getting married ticked off some folks and he took (perhaps) the last couple of roles to be able to work.
As someone new to kdrama world...can someone tell me why he isnt popular in Korea? is part of the above mentioned?

I think Cha Seung Won would be excellent in ANY role...he can surely pull off any role...

I absolutely hated that LBH character was killed off...so lame! he needed to finish what was started. period.

KSW????OMG...I REALLY LIKE HIM..........I HOPE PEOPLE WILL GIVE SUPPORT TO HIM...HE IS REALY A GOOD ACTOR....I HAD WATCHED ALL OF HIS DRAMA....IT'S REALY AWESOME......I LIKE HIM SO MUCH...HAHA....CAN'T WAIT FOR HIM.....HAHA.....I HAD WATCH HIM IN FATE.....IM SO SHOCK....HE DO VERY WELL IN THAT MOVIE......U MUCH WATCH IT........................I HOPE PEOPLE DONT SAID SOMTHING BAD ABOUT HIM........SINCE HIS MARRIED PEOPLE ALWYS SAID SMTNG BAD ABOUT HIM.......I KNOW HE CAN DO VERY WELL IN THIS DRAMA......................................GOOD LUCK KSW.....................................LOVE HIM FOREVER N EVER.................PLEZ GIVE HIM CHANCE FIRST....N THEN U CAN JUGDE HIM....SO IT WILL BE FAIR 4 HIM..............