Kang Hye-jung returns to television in The Marriage Plot
by javabeans
Kang Hye-jung is back in a lead role for a new cable drama, The Marriage Plot, which sounds like it could be a fun romantic-comedy to take up Mondays and Tuesday nights on tvN.
Kang plays the second daughter to a woman who sounds like quite the character: Mom’s a kimchi factory president and so determined to marry off her four daughters that she embarks on a grand marriage project. How? By getting her girls to cohabitate with prospective groom candidates. Ha, is she trying to encourage compatibility in some kind of progressive way, or is she trying to provoke a shotgun wedding? And just how does she scheme to force eligible bachelors into such a living condition? I’m thinking Mom’s got a few shady tricks up her sleeves…
Kang Hye-jung’s character Gun-hee is a strong and smart modern woman, but also prone to making the odd silly mistake. That sounds like a familiar role for her, but perhaps there’s more to her than meets the eye, since Kang said, “I’ve played a lot of nice or innocent characters before, so I think of this as a chance to take on a new challenge.” I’ll be looking forward to seeing Kang headline a project again, since she was pretty much wasted in her last drama, Miss Ripley, where she was all set up to be a formidable rival… and then fizzled into meaninglessness. Kang’s such a talented, quirky actress that it was a shame to see her sidelined; her unconventional, understated 2007 drama Flowers For My Life remains one of my favorites.
Lee Kyu-han (Smile, Can You Hear My Heart) steps into the main hero’s role, which will be his first time playing a lead in a drama miniseries, though it’s not his first time as chaebol; he plays Kang-jae, the son to the owner of a food corporation.
Cast in a supporting role is Lee Min-woo (The Princess’s Man), who I presume will be another suitor roped in by Mom’s big plot. Lee Young-eun (While You Were Sleeping)plays the eldest sister Sun-hee, who possesses a personality that’s diametrically opposite to second sister Gun-hee, which naturally leads to confrontations between the sisters.
So this leaves me with a few questions: How does Mom rustle up the bachelors for her daughters? If one’s a chaebol, it’ll take some doing to bend him to her will. And are each of the daughters set up in their own separate dwelling for their living-in-sin situations, or is Mom just throwing all four girls and their four matches into one big house and hoping for the best? Such questions can only be answered by watching the drama, I suppose.
The Marriage Plot is set for 16 episodes and began filming this week. It’ll premiere on April 2, following Shut Up: Flower Boy Band on tvN.
Via My Daily
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Tags: cable programs, Kang Hye-jung, Lee Kyu-han, Lee Min-woo (2), Marriage Plot
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1 birdscout
March 1, 2012 at 6:03 AM
I always look forward to Kang Hye-jung's projects since I watched "Flowers For My Life". This drama sounds fun!
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2 alua
March 1, 2012 at 6:24 AM
Don't know any of the people involved, but you have just added another drama with your "Flowers for My Life" recommendation to my to-watch list!
It follows "Shut Up: Flower Boy Band"? Nooooooo... don't remind us that SUFBB one will soon be over. I don't want to know that!!! I want another sixteen episodes of the bromance, the music, oh everything!
Never mind that that's going to be a hard one to follow up...
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Maymay
March 1, 2012 at 9:07 AM
Haha...I was having the same thought. This sounds exciting but the thought that SUFBB will be over make me all sad. :(
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3 Amber
March 1, 2012 at 6:40 AM
I have to admit...I'm rubbing my hands together gleefully. It's either high hopes or sleep deprivation. Or both.
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4 Christy
March 1, 2012 at 6:49 AM
yay!
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5 Alvina
March 1, 2012 at 6:54 AM
If this does happen, it sounds like it'll be a hoot; kind of like 7 Brides for 7 Brothers...which was a pretty fun and hilarious American movie.
That aside, Kang Hye Jung is awesome and everything but I'm most excited for LEE KYU HAN!!! wooohoooo!!! :D
Seriously, this guy isn't conventionally good looking but I somehow love him in everything that he's done. Especially in variety shows and Can You Hear My Heart. The way he played over-protective childhood friend was almost heartbreaking and his scenes were pretty kickass. I hope he stays with this project.
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Alvina
March 1, 2012 at 6:57 AM
random, but do you think his role is going to be similar to what he did in Smile with Lee Min Jung? The "type" seems familiar...
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ahjummabunny
March 1, 2012 at 7:20 AM
no. I hope it's closer to his more charming . . . and if tomorrow comes roles.
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ahjummabunny
March 1, 2012 at 7:21 AM
similar to his samsoon role too.
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Lisa lulu
March 1, 2012 at 9:02 AM
I love 7 brides for 7 brothers.... Old movies ROCK!!!! If it's like that I will be sooooo excited
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ahjummabunny
March 1, 2012 at 11:52 AM
7 brides for 7 brothers is one of my favorite musicals!
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Alvina
March 1, 2012 at 3:30 PM
me too! I mean, when I was younger, I remember getting freaked out by the whole concept. But, I think I'm suitably jaded enough by the world to appreciate the utter silly sweetness of it.
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MsB
March 3, 2012 at 12:06 PM
My absolute favorite musical next to Flower Drum Song! Those were the days of great musicals!
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Czak
March 1, 2012 at 7:38 PM
Hahaha... I thought I was the only one who was excited for lee kyuhan! He usually plays bastard and spineless chaebol who ends up not winning the girl and ending up such a loser..! But I like him, I like his comedic timing ever since my name is Kim Sam soon as well as in smile, you..!
Anyway the plot sounds super interesting, hope the two leads make great chemistry that would sizzle and burn my tummy with the funny!!!
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pipit
March 2, 2012 at 2:10 AM
I might be confusing him with somebody else but I think Lee Kyu Han was the male lead in 'Love Needs Miracle'. He was a useless chaebol's son who got kicked out by Daddy and ended up meeting this ajumma.
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6 ricky
March 1, 2012 at 7:13 AM
K-Dramas are getting more and more wacky these days.
I'm so happy! Whee....
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7 mud
March 1, 2012 at 7:17 AM
About time Lee Kyu-han got his own lead! And I'm glad Kan Hye-jung is coming back as a lead.
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Damselfly H
March 1, 2012 at 1:27 PM
Couldn't agree more. Been waiting for Lee Kyu-han to step up the male lead plate. How can we neglect his abs for so long? http://i359.photobucket.com/albums/oo31/yadalistuff/Lee%20Kyu%20Han/LeeKyuHan2008-7-311.jpg
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Mama J
March 1, 2012 at 4:03 PM
We must rectify this situation, immediately! We have been terribly, terribly remiss.
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Tishi
March 1, 2012 at 5:14 PM
Someone make a banner for that please! I must admit I wanted to scratch his eyes out for his role in Kim Samsoon, but Samsoon already tore him a new one anyway.
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Ani
March 1, 2012 at 3:31 PM
Agree! I liked him in More Charming By the Day, questionable haircuts and all! XD
And I'm so glad Kang Hye-jung is back in the lead again. tvN sure is turning out shows that I like concerning women: I Need Romance, 12 Men in a Year (ok, haven't seen it, waiting for subs patiently, but the premise alone makes me want to watch it), and now this. Yay!
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8 ahjummabunny
March 1, 2012 at 7:17 AM
This sounds awesome! I really have a lot of affection for lee kyu han. I hope I don't have to work hard to find this drama subbed. Fan subbers, for this drama too chal butakhae ha sae yo!
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ahjummabunny
March 1, 2012 at 7:19 AM
grr that's butakhae sae yo.
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who.am.i.and.do.you.care.
March 1, 2012 at 12:19 PM
d'you mean butakhae yo?
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ahjummabunny
March 1, 2012 at 12:55 PM
ha ha! even with two tries I couldn't correct it!
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ida
March 1, 2012 at 1:18 PM
aww, it was close, super close. ^^ just the grammar of it.
9 Cynthia
March 1, 2012 at 7:35 AM
I love this and I hate this.
Love: Forced living situations crack me up.
Hate: My Eye Candy will be going away.
:)
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10 anotheraddict
March 1, 2012 at 7:40 AM
I think it'd be funny if it turns out that the mom's cohabitation scheme was inspired by reality shows like We Got Married or The Bachelor. Maybe real life will imitate art and we'll see a reality show featuring bachelorette sisters.
I'm cautiously optimistic about this one-- I think both of the leads have been underutilized and are capable of much more than we've seen so far. I think they could be a good match. I'm hoping their characters will both be bright, quirky people who really come alive when they meet someone (each other) who finally "gets" them. And I'll be happy to see Lee Min Woo again-- he broke my heart in The Princess' Man.
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11 comradeS
March 1, 2012 at 7:47 AM
GGGAAAAAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!!!!! I ADORE Lee Kyu-han and I have been saying for the longest time how he needs a leading role!! And now it's here! Best drama news I've heard in a long while :D
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12 canxi
March 1, 2012 at 8:09 AM
I LOVE LOVE LOOOVE both Kang Hye Jung and Lee Kyu Han and I am so excitesssss!!!
I found this out the other day and nearly cried, seriously. I was watching Que Sera Sera over a couple weeks ago and was wondering why Lee Kyu Han hadn't gotten a lead. I know they both can make me laugh, so this will be awesome awesome awesome. Such high hopes, they're both really great.
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avocado
March 2, 2012 at 3:28 AM
Yes, agree with you..I watch Que Sera Sera..and feel sad because he didn't get the girl....
I love the lead female to...Hopefully this drama get subbed...
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13 oi
March 1, 2012 at 9:20 AM
Yes...finally a lead role for Lee Kyu-han
and like Kang Hye Jung, so will surely check this one out
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14 jubilantia
March 1, 2012 at 9:21 AM
Heeeee it's the Korean Mrs. Bennett! This sounds like fun. If this one turns out to be as good as the Flower Boy ones, I'm all for it.
Is it actually the next installment in the Oh! Boy series? The Flower Boy moniker is really silly and misleading, but now that it's not there I don't know that it is!
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Mama J
March 1, 2012 at 4:04 PM
Pride, Prejudice, and Kimchi
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Ani
March 1, 2012 at 9:06 PM
It's not part of the Oh! Boy series.
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15 annie
March 1, 2012 at 9:31 AM
YES! FINALLY a lead role for Lee Kyu-han!
*fangirl scream*
Ahem. Sorry. Should I be commenting about the actual main point of this post?
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16 danni
March 1, 2012 at 9:42 AM
I was sold as soon as I saw that Lee Kyu-han was the male lead. About time; I thought he'd be stuck in secondary roles forever. But the plot sounds potentially great as well, or at least different from the usual drama landscape. I hope some kind souls will sub it because I really want to watch this
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17 Llamaesque
March 1, 2012 at 9:43 AM
I suspect Jeffery Eugenides would think it's cool that his book title has been co-opted by a Korean drama =X It's like being crowned official king of Western pop culture.
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Mama J
March 1, 2012 at 4:05 PM
He wrote another book and I don't even know? I loved Middlesex. Is it as good?
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18 maria
March 1, 2012 at 10:31 AM
Yes! Finally, lee kyu han, as a lead! I loved you in que sera sera, and I don't freakin know why, but I loved you even in sam soon, and even if this flops, I'm gonna love just having you in a drama again. Yaaaay super happy!
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Shee
March 1, 2012 at 11:40 AM
likewise, i agree with you & am happy too for him!
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19 Maricel
March 1, 2012 at 10:33 AM
I love her since flowers for my life which i watched because of Jb recommendations...what a beautiful drama it is, and her a wonderful, charming actress...
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20 Shee
March 1, 2012 at 11:38 AM
I like Lee Kyu han since que sera sera & am happy to hear he's got a lead role & high time he does; i did enjoy him as han sae in smile, you and thankfully he's gonna be in this drama! look f/ward to this one!
thnx JB et al
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21 Fate
March 1, 2012 at 12:10 PM
Ooh. I'll definitely watch this. Reasons:
1) Plot sounds fresh
2) The potential hilarity that will inevitably ensue
3) I really like Kang Hye Jung and Lee Min Woo
4) I'm suffering drama drought (I'm only watching SUFBB right now; my lightest drama load since I got into this kdrama stuff) and need something to look forward to.
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22 ahjummabunny
March 1, 2012 at 12:59 PM
you know what I realized I've rolled all the drama news into one. In my head the new hong sisters drama with lee joon ki and shin mina will also have two plots if not 3 and also star kim sun ah and lee kyu han.
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23 Misaé
March 1, 2012 at 1:44 PM
This guy was pretty great in Que Sera Sera!
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24 'dalia
March 1, 2012 at 1:59 PM
i just may watch this. it's nice to see Lee Kyu-han FINALLY getting a leading man role. he was really wasted in Can You Hear My Heart.
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25 So3
March 1, 2012 at 2:05 PM
Sooo happy for Lee Kyu-han. He deserves a leading role.
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26 mihinikki
March 1, 2012 at 2:37 PM
Lee Kyu-han is the LEAD! Finally, casting directors seeing his charm and comedic abilities! LKH totally made me waver from shipping the OTP in Smile You and Can You Hear My Heart.
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Alvina
March 1, 2012 at 3:28 PM
This is what I love about dramabeans. It shows me that I'm not so alone in my thoughts haha. *high five* for having the guts to admit that you wavered in Smile, You and CYHMH. I did too. Poor Kyu Han :(
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annie
March 1, 2012 at 7:54 PM
I know, I felt the same way! Or that he could somehow get the girl too, in an alternate reality... I dunno. The guy breaks my heart. I'm so glad to see him as a lead.
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Alvina
March 1, 2012 at 9:11 PM
Who knows... in CYHMH, they kind of left his "love story" open-ended, hinting at chemistry with Go Joon Hee's character. I always had hopes that in an AU they got together haha.
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annie
March 2, 2012 at 4:09 PM
Oh true, I had forgotten! Yes, let's say that they did. :) They'd make a cute couple.
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27 JoseonPowerRangers
March 1, 2012 at 2:41 PM
finally
:D
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28 lilr
March 1, 2012 at 2:46 PM
it's not lee kyu han's first leading role. i know because i'm always on the look out for any of his dramas. he was the lead role in Love Needs A Miracle. that was really fun to watch.
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Dee
March 2, 2012 at 7:28 AM
yeah, love needs miracle was entertaining to watch, mostly because of lee kyu han
looooove him
glad he finally got another leading role
^^
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29 Tha
March 1, 2012 at 2:57 PM
I'm so in! Love me some Kang Hye Jung!
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30 Geneva
March 1, 2012 at 3:11 PM
KHJ is one of my favorite Korean actresses (though I couldn't even force myself to watch Miss Ripley for her, and it sounds like I made the right choice), so glad she'll be back as a drama lead. More and more big name stars seem to be turning to cable dramas lately, which is okay by me.
And LKH has been the second lead so many times it's about time for him to step up and show off what he can do as a lead (he's made me laugh out loud in Smile and Samsoon and be totally creeped out in Hon, so I trust he has the chops). And the premise sounds funny enough. :P It really depends on who plays the mom.
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31 Barbara Starks
March 1, 2012 at 3:14 PM
I love her! She is one of the few actresses’ that I would watch regardless of the storyline... Flowers for my Life holds a special place in my heart, her character was rare, the storyline was so well written and everyone did good job acting but in my opinion she carried that drama effortless.
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32 malta
March 1, 2012 at 3:45 PM
On growing list of what to watch! Love KHJ and LKH. Also I've really been enjoying tvN lately so I'm hopeful this will be a good one.
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33 Jacek
March 1, 2012 at 3:55 PM
Finally he's the lead. He's such a good actor!!
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34 Linda165
March 1, 2012 at 4:30 PM
About damn time Lee Kyu-han gets a lead role!
Oh, someone said it before me, like 20 times... kekeke
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35 JD
March 1, 2012 at 5:24 PM
YES Lee Kyu-han!!! I was wondering if he'd be stuck in second-lead territory forever. He's good at playing the sleezy yet dorky second-lead like in My Name is Kim Sam Soon and Smile, You. I really do hope he leaves that behind LOL but overall, I'm excited to see him in a lead because he deserves it after holding out for so long!
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36 min
March 1, 2012 at 5:28 PM
Lee Kyu Han in a lead role. finally! :D
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37 ar
March 1, 2012 at 6:14 PM
YAY!! A pairing and a story that I'm totally interested in. And yay for Lee Kyu-han nabbing the lead role. He makes sleazy and cowardice look adorable! I'm sure he'll make an even more adorable romantic lead!
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38 DarknessEyes
March 1, 2012 at 6:17 PM
Hmm i like the plot, but i dont know about Kang Hye-jung. I mean, there's nothing wrong with her or anything, she's good at acting, pretty, talented and cool... i just... some how dont like her. I feel awful for saying so, but just something about her face bothers me... idk. Im probably like a terrible person, but i dont know. The way she looks bothers me. Haha yeah that sounds like im an awful shallow person. Well anywayyy i hope that this drama will change my opinion of her.
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39 Schmazel
March 1, 2012 at 8:50 PM
I think a very pertinent question here is:
WHO'S GONNA PLAY MOM?
Oh and...LEE KYU HAN!! KANG HYE JUNG!! :D
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dramacafe
March 1, 2012 at 9:40 PM
Yes! Love this casting news!!! Loved Lee Kyu Han in Smile, You and CYHMH!!! So glad he's getting the lead role now! It's about time!
How I would love the mom to be played by Park Joon Geum (Lee Kyu Han's mom in Smile, You / Hyun Bin's mom in Secret Garden / Choi Jung Yoon's mom in Ojakgyo Brothers)
I believe she can pull off the crazy manipulative matchmaking mom!
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annie
March 2, 2012 at 4:14 PM
Oh God please no. I HATE her. I thought I hated her in Secret Garden, but she was even worse in OB. I can't take any more of her shrill screaming. I would rather the mom be played crazy but well-meaning and sweet, than crazy scary and manipulative.
Kim Ja-ok would be awesome (Park Bok-ja from OB). She's good at being sweet, but with a spine of steel underneath.
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Schmazel
March 2, 2012 at 7:47 PM
I'm pitching for Kim Sumi to be Mom.
She would totally rock that role with all the sass she has!
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40 Cam
March 2, 2012 at 7:11 AM
YAY!! I am GLAD that this actor Lee Kyu Han is finally having his first-time leading role in this new drama!! I really enjoy watched him in that dramas My Name Is Sam-Soon and Can You Heart My Heart ~ he had been working as a small, average role, of course. I AM LOOOOOKING forward to Lee Kyu Han's acting!!! (I don't know why I really like him, hehe) :D :D
FIGHTINGGGGGG!!!!! \\^o^//
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41 Clyde
March 2, 2012 at 7:16 AM
For goooodness's sake, it's FINAAALLY!
I had been waiting for Lee Kyu Han to take the leading role....for a long time TILL now!! Wow, I think it's probably about 7 years till Lee Kyu Han finally takes his leading role this year -- 2012 ! ! !
I wish that they should have to give him for a leading role from back then ~ oh well! I am so happy to see him in this drama!! Also, I expect that he will do his best!! ;) :)
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42 MsB
March 3, 2012 at 12:09 PM
This sounds fun! I like where 2012 is going with the dramas! Someone in dramaland is listening! I liked lee kyu han since CYHMH!
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43 crazyjnx
March 3, 2012 at 3:50 PM
Ha I was thinking reality show big brother crossed with a group blind date meeting.....would be funny.
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