What’s Up finds a new home on cable
by javabeans
Score one more for new cable channel MBN, which will open with a bang this December with a number of projects, including the much-neglected What’s Up, which has struggled to find a home on broadcast television for the better part of a year now.
The drama set at a theater and performance arts department of a university features a line-up of rising stars, headed by Im Joo-hwan (Tamra the Island), Daesung (of Big Bang), and Im Joo-eun (Hon). What’s funny is that early buzz was all about the Ims and Daesung, but now the focus has shifted to include another newbie, Kim Ji-won, who’s made a splash recently in High Kick 3. It’s always interesting to watch projects out of the order in which they were completed, because Kim was given hardly any attention in the first go-around and will now likely overshadow some of the secondary leads like Jang Hee-jin (that spoiled brat princess from Myung-wol the Spy) and Lee Soo-hyuk.
It’s kind of a bummer that What’s Up won’t be seen on broadcast; I know that for most of us fans outside of Korea, it doesn’t really matter where a drama airs as long as we get to see it. But at home, it’s a difference of ratings around 1% and ratings anywhere from 5% (for the dismal) up to teens (modest success) to 20% and 30% (bona fide hits). I would have thought that screenwriter Song Ji-nah’s name would have been enough to guarantee a pickup (she wrote some mega hits like Legend and Sandglass, as well as early campus drama KAIST and one of my favorites, Story of a Man). But there are no absolutes in showbiz, apparently.
Furthermore, with Im Joo-hwan now serving out his military duty and Daesung’s car accident marring his public image (even if he wasn’t the drunk driver, the death of an involved party is bound to darken the mood), I wonder if publicity will be muted for the show. That said: At least we get to see it!
What’s Up will air 18 episodes total, at 60 minutes each. The first episode airs on Saturday, December 3, on MBN.
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Tags: cable programs, Daesung, Im Joo-eun, Im Joo-hwan, Kim Ji-won, What's Up
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1 Pamela
October 24, 2011 at 3:03 PM
First? Why are there more and more dramas on cable now? that's very interesting
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2 otk
October 24, 2011 at 3:12 PM
Hopefully cable in korea becomes even more popular than networks. (Just as it became in the North America, HBO , Showtime or amc rule the crowd of fans)
I'm happy for what's up though, despite not originally being planned for a cable, we get to see it.
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Ani
October 24, 2011 at 3:26 PM
Ah, but CBS, Fox, ABC, and occasionally NBC have shows that are not only nationwide, but have received worldwide love.
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3 disfigurine
October 24, 2011 at 3:15 PM
I'M SO HAPPY ABOUT THIS NEWS. I'VE BEEN WAITING FOREVER FOR THIS. THE TRAILER IS REALLY AWESOME. AND I WISHED KIM JI WON WAS THE LEAD FEMALE. LOVE BOTH DAESUNG AND IM JOO HWAN. IT'S A PITY THE POPULAR CHANNELS (MBC, SBS, AND KBS) DIDN'T PICK THIS DRAMA UP BUT AT LEAST WE CAN ALL WATCH AND ENJOY THIS SERIES NOW.
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Cap Rice
October 24, 2011 at 5:44 PM
Somebody likes to yell. Either that or Kate's high on caffeine. And sugar. Yeay!!! coffee.
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Ani
October 24, 2011 at 6:02 PM
Or her Caps Lock is broken and stuck. Hehehe.
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4 queencircles
October 24, 2011 at 3:19 PM
Yey!! So happy that this is finally going to air! Can't wait!!
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5 myweithisway
October 24, 2011 at 3:23 PM
It premires on my Bday, best BDay gift EVARRR because I get to see Im! Joo! Hwan!
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6 mskololia
October 24, 2011 at 3:34 PM
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY!!!!!!!
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7 kay
October 24, 2011 at 3:36 PM
FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINALLLY.
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8 mars
October 24, 2011 at 3:37 PM
My most anticipated drama of ever! I'mma go watch the trailer approximately a billion more times.
Sorry about Daesung though, but I've noticed that people tend to get into trouble if they're out after midnight. :/
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lei
October 24, 2011 at 3:51 PM
my guess is he was probably tired from all the rehearsals, shows and stuff these idol groups have to do. and they do work these guys to the bone. plus they'd have to maintain a certain weight and physique so they're food intake is also controlled. all of that, plus the dark of the night and it's really possible for someone to get into an accident.
really terrible tragedy for the motorcyclist and his family. and for daesung too.
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9 lei
October 24, 2011 at 3:38 PM
glad that this is finally airing. after dream high, i was looking forward to more music themed dramas.
i'm veering off topic here but it makes me wonder why some of these pre-produced dramas have trouble finding a tv network to air them. i have seen some episodes of the musical and while it's not gonna be raking in year-end awards, it's not all that bad either. it has its appeal and i have seen worst stuff than that. i read some of kaedejun's birdie buddy recaps and it seems like a nice drama to watch. i just haven't seen it due to time constraints.
but anyway, it's a great thing there are these cable channels jumping in on the kdrama fever and airing these dramas
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alan
October 24, 2011 at 3:48 PM
me too,i want a next "dream high" ,but i read heart strings wasn't that great and the musical is still airing ,but i think the ratings in the home country isn't everything,as long as the tv series is good then is fine, for example you're beautiful had low rating in korea but high in japan,but iris had high in korea but low in japan (and i like the both)
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lei
October 24, 2011 at 3:59 PM
i actually liked heartstrings. music-wise, it's better than the musical. plot-wise, i think the musical has a lot more going on but that's not really saying much :)
heartstrings is a light, fluffy, love story. i think i enjoyed it because it came at a time when i need a feel good story that won't squeeze my heart out with too much drama.
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alua
October 25, 2011 at 2:49 AM
Heartstring had so much potential but I ended up liking it less and less with every episode. I didn't think it was well written and it fell flat with me...
Some of the music was good (although they did seem to repeat the same songs over and over). Loved the combination of traditional and modern instruments and I did rather adore Kang Min Hyuk's character (I think he carried the potential of what the drama could have been).
I'm looking forward to "What's Up" - not sure what to expect of it, but I'll give it a try!
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10 aoiaheen
October 24, 2011 at 3:45 PM
Yippee!!! I missed Im Joo hwan so much. I will be watching this.
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11 Alvina
October 24, 2011 at 3:49 PM
Yayyyyy~! Now, finally, I and other fans can stop being so upset about "what could have been".
Totally excited for this. It'll give a chance to sooo many fresh stars that were in this but didnt have a chance to shine :D
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12 xiaoSxin
October 24, 2011 at 3:50 PM
trying so hard not squeal and jump and down here at JFK right now.... OMG!!!!!!
FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!! TEAM PARK KYU!!!!!!
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myweithisway
October 24, 2011 at 4:13 PM
Holla! Team Park Kyu FTW!!!
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Bluefyre
October 24, 2011 at 5:53 PM
DITTO!!! Park Kyu FTW!! :D
He must be so happy hearing the news. I can't wait!!!
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Linda165
October 24, 2011 at 7:00 PM
Team Park Kyu!!!!!!!!!
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Linda165
October 24, 2011 at 7:07 PM
Wait... Does it mean that the "What's up with What's up?" chanting will finally be over?
No more "...or they could pick up What's up" from fans?
Let's take a moment...
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Alvina
October 24, 2011 at 7:57 PM
^haha. Exactly what I was thinking.
I'm going to miss that "what could have been" mixed bag of comments.
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YY
October 24, 2011 at 9:54 PM
TEAM PARK KYUUUUU FOREVERRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!
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himonogirl
October 25, 2011 at 3:03 AM
I was waiting for it: TEAM PARK KYU FTW!!
hahaha, how I missed that community vibe~
(but....What's (lol) that haircut????)
xiaoSxin : JUMP!!!
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13 dulcedeleche
October 24, 2011 at 3:57 PM
Yesssss! Finally! We've had quite a lot of musical related dramas lately but I've been holding my breath for this one.
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14 coconutjuice
October 24, 2011 at 4:14 PM
YESSS!!! I thought it was never going to air :( I'm definitely watching this over winter vacation if there's a team subbing this (hopefully). Off to watch the bts and trailer again!
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15 Stacy
October 24, 2011 at 4:22 PM
DAAAAAAAAEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
There's a small group of southern belles down here in southern Alabama that's spazzing cause we're actually gonna get to see Daesung in a drama! No joke - we were calling and texting each other first thing this morning after seeing the news (no, none of us has a life lol).
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16 hpn88
October 24, 2011 at 4:41 PM
FINALLY! At least the drama will see the light of day and grace my computer screen.
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17 annie
October 24, 2011 at 5:14 PM
This news totally made my day. Park Kyu!!
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18 ar
October 24, 2011 at 5:28 PM
Yay! Finally get to see the Im Joo--s! And now with a Kim Ji Won bonus!
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19 indigowine
October 24, 2011 at 5:41 PM
OH MY GODD!! ~too excited
Finally.. this is like a drama itself, a buzz regarding new drama, fans was let down since the new drama failed to air, fans wishing to death for its airing time... FANS GOT WHAT THEIR WISH FOR, finally!
YESS! x)
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20 pohonphee
October 24, 2011 at 5:47 PM
Team Park Kyu!!
And Daesung!
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21 autumnscribbles
October 24, 2011 at 5:58 PM
yes! I can finally get to see it!!!
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22 Rachael
October 24, 2011 at 5:58 PM
Finally! Ever since the trailer I've been wanting to see this. So excited this finally got a spot. MBN keeps perking my interest. I bet the actors will be pleased they can now have this on their resume as a show that actually aired.
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23 Htagged
October 24, 2011 at 5:59 PM
Finally!!!!!!!!! Yup at least we'll get to see it.
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24 V
October 24, 2011 at 6:14 PM
Dec 3 is marked in my calender now.. Yipee! I had hoped to catch this show since I saw the trailer and also finished Tamra the Island....
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25 Marblelicious
October 24, 2011 at 6:17 PM
It's like FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!
YAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!! Can't wait to see im joo eun!!! :D
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26 Celest
October 24, 2011 at 6:32 PM
Obligatory Team Park Kyu post!
haha jk....I've been excited for this drama since before its production. I honestly believed that it was never gonna get picked up. MBN is already a plus in my book! The only thing I'm saddened about is that Im Joo Hwan is still serving. That means no promotional stuff and pictures with him in it, right?
On another note, are you kidding me? Song Ji-nah wrote KAIST and Sandglass AND Story of a Man? And What's Up didn't get picked up till now?! The humanity!
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27 Linda165
October 24, 2011 at 6:58 PM
Daesung aahhh, I miss you!!!
Also: Go Team Park Kyu!!!!
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YY
October 24, 2011 at 9:51 PM
PARKYUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!! I love youuuuuuuuuuu!!!!! No one comes close to you (except maybe Kang-ahhhhhhh)
Can we have Im Ju Hwan act as Parkyu again pls after his return from the army? I want to see what happens to Park Yu and Beo Jin! So many possiblities for Tamra the Sequel: Park Yu Wants A Baby/ Park Yu Makes A Baby/Park Yu Invents the Shower.....
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Linda165
October 25, 2011 at 5:57 AM
and the modern toilet...
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28 Question
October 24, 2011 at 7:25 PM
Mmm I'm so excited for this!!
Anyway I never understood the whole cable and broadcast thing. Could someone please explain to me why cable shows only get like 1% ratings at most?
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mooses
October 24, 2011 at 7:51 PM
because they're not the main stations that people watch shows on. i.e. in america, you have the cwtv, abc family, fox, etc that most people watch their shows on. (and if cable means the same thing as it does in america) many people can't afford it or they just don't have it.
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mooses
October 24, 2011 at 8:08 PM
can't afford cable*
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MJ
October 24, 2011 at 7:57 PM
Just Guessing Here:
Maybe its because not a lot of Korean's have Cable TV in the household.
Or it's rigged. Cable gets low percentage ratings while the three general networks: KBS, MBC, SBS get the high percentage ratings.
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29 lin
October 24, 2011 at 8:46 PM
THERE IS A GOD AND SHE LOVES ME. I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS DRAMA TO FIND A STATION AND TIME SLOT. DRAMA GODS LOVE ME EVEN MORE AND LET SOME KIND SOUL SUB IT.
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30 sunshine
October 24, 2011 at 8:58 PM
If I wasn't fully on board with cable before, I am now. Any station that gives me What's Up automatically gets brownie points from me.
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31 Elynn
October 24, 2011 at 9:01 PM
i saw this and all i can think of is the 4 Non Blondes song of the same title. =)
can't wait to see this show!! yeay
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32 xylophonic
October 24, 2011 at 9:12 PM
I gave many (silent) screams upon reception of this news.
I AM SO EXCITED. YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW. OH HEY, LOOK, MY CAPS LOCK IS BROKEN TOO...SEEMS TO BE HAPPENING A LOT ON THIS THREAD.
:D
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33 Elaine
October 24, 2011 at 9:36 PM
So freaking excited and even more so since I found out a couple of days ago that Kim Ji Won is in this too. /squuueeeee
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34 just me
October 24, 2011 at 9:44 PM
Good Good Good!!!! Finally it is going to be broadcast! Can't wait for December to come~ ^^
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35 JeSsBeL
October 24, 2011 at 10:44 PM
FINALLY we get some news on this drama.. I seriously ws thinking bout this drama last nite n here I find an update on it ^^
Awesomers
Now we just gotta wait til December...
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36 Katherine
October 24, 2011 at 11:38 PM
FINALLY !!!. I'm not going to deny it, I only came to know about this show because of Kang Daesung and after everything that has happened since the filming with the show not getting picked to DS being involved in the car accident, I'm just super relieved and excited that someone decided to air it. Considering DS has been on hiatus since the car accident and there has been a lot of negative press towards him during that time I personally thought it was sign and sealed that we would never get to see this show BUT god bless cable tv they came to the rescue and I like that this will be airing in December which will be the same month that Daesung will be making his comeback as a member of Big Bang at YG Family Concert ^^.
Even though I don't know any of the other actors/actresses in this drama, I'm excited to discover them and perhaps may even become a fan of theirs in the future ^^
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37 Andra
October 24, 2011 at 11:41 PM
Seriously? What is with all these awesome dramas airing at the ONLY time I won't internet access gahhhhhhhh!!!!
Anyways...I've been waiting for this one, glad it's been picked up :D
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38 Unnursvana
October 25, 2011 at 1:05 AM
Yes! Finally. I have been waiting for this news in a such a long time. I have been on following this ever since Daesung was cast and then I watched Tamra the Island and I found out that Im Joo Hwan was in it. Team Park Kyu!
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39 red
October 25, 2011 at 1:31 AM
YAY.....ive been waiting for this forever
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40 Type
October 25, 2011 at 3:02 AM
Oh crappy idol vanity drama... Yuckkkkkkk
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Claire
October 25, 2011 at 3:26 AM
it hasn't even aired yet and you say it's crappy? and as far as i've known there's only one idol in the cast...then i'm guessing you hate dream high?
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Type
October 25, 2011 at 3:56 PM
Yeah, it is the dramabeans way, prejudice at the peak of its power!!! Yup, I hate Dream High because of artificial acting, just want to extend the idol merchandise through drama, same as this one I guess! I hope the real actors can save this drama though
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41 Claire
October 25, 2011 at 3:22 AM
first Im Joo Hwan!!!
then Daesungie!!!
(coming from YG fan i'm glad that i can watch daesung in a drama...and TOP too in the upcoming Absolute Boyfriend...and i just wish YG permits Sandara to act in dramas too..she can act since she had done movies here in the Philippines)
anyways...i'm looking forward for this drama...not only for the cast for the storyline as well...i hope it's good :)
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42 biankoy
October 25, 2011 at 3:56 AM
BEST NEWS EVER!!!! at least for today!!! :D
DAESUNG!!!! HOORAY!!!
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43 Raine
October 25, 2011 at 7:23 AM
And I feel ashamed *hides face* to be in the dark about this whole project. But after reading the post and the comments I, too, am a happy camper. And as a fan of music in general AND a fan of musicals (I'm a Broadway freeeeeeeak,) I say 'yes, please' to this project.
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44 butterbacon
October 25, 2011 at 10:05 AM
SO. EXCITED.
cannot wait to hear good music and see a good story.
hype. hype. hype.
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45 am
October 25, 2011 at 10:20 AM
I'm so glad someone finally picked it up because the first time I saw the trailer on here I thought 'it would be totally absurd if big stations don't pick this up' plus you throw in an amazing writer...how could this go wrong?
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46 Panja
October 25, 2011 at 1:47 PM
I'm so in love with the trailer and the cast.^^
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47 p3rk3le
October 25, 2011 at 1:51 PM
so glad this is gonna air!!! :D
also, i think that guy from White Christmas (the emo one) is part of this cast too, right? Have you watched WC/did you like it?
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48 Elena
October 25, 2011 at 4:02 PM
I really like Im Jo Hwan, his productions seem to be pushed aside ... He is very talented. I loved Tamra - I laughed and cried, it was wild. And yet, it was pushed aside. I really don't get it.
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49 nonski
October 25, 2011 at 10:08 PM
FINALLY! one of my most awaited drama is gonna be airing...
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50 tara
October 26, 2011 at 1:27 AM
dream high
heartstrings
the musical
and now...what's up
omo i always love musical drama and i love love love IM JO HWAN!
GO TEAM PARK KYU!!
i am not big bang fans but i like when idol cast in a drama..so maybe i watch for daesung too..
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