Hong sisters’ upcoming Big finalizes cast
by javabeans
The lineup is set for Big, the Hong sisters’ latest drama (their eighth series in eight years), and it’s pretty much everyone we’d been told was considering the show:
- Gong Yoo, in his drama comeback post-army and post-Coffee Prince;
- Lee Min-jung, coming back to dramas after a string of movies (Cyrano Dating Agency, Wonderful Radio) and hopefully finding more success than with her disappointing Midas;
- and It Girl of the moment Suzy, who’s in the spotlight these days due to her movie Introduction to Architecture, which has proven to be a box-office hit.
The drama initially sounded like another version of Big and Thirteen Going on Thirty (which is basically an updated Big): a teenager suddenly finds himself in the body of a thirtysomething man (Gong Yoo). But it turns out it’s not the same setup after all, because the adolescent doesn’t turn into an adult; he enters his body. Thus it’s actually not about a hero speed-aging, but about body swapping.
So, instead of one body changing overnight, we have two male characters: the 18-year-old is Kang Kyung-joon, who’s in love with Suzy. After he gets into an accident, his soul enters the body of a 30-something businessman, Seo Yoon-jae (Gong Yoo). But adult Yoon-jae has a fiancée (Lee Min-jung) who’s left wondering what happened to her man overnight that left him with an adolescent spirit. Jang Hee-jin has also been cast, playing Yoon-jae’s ex-girlfriend, but I don’t really care about her (she was meh in Myung-wol the Spy and What’s Up), so whatever.
On one hand, I think this storyline is a lot more conventional than the other one, when I thought he was gonna grow up overnight. We’ve had a lot of body-swapping and possession dramas already, like Secret Garden and 49 Days, so it’s less novel. And why title the drama Big, then, which clearly references the Tom Hanks movie, if our hero’s not doing any embiggening? Swapped seems more apt. On the other hand, I really enjoyed body-swapper Who Are You, and if Gong Yoo is anywhere as good as Yoon Kye-sang was at playing dual roles (and I anticipate he will be), it’ll be a hoot.
With this added tidbit, I think the storyline effectively clears up potentially squicky moments arising from our leads’ ages (she’s near 30, he’s still a minor). It’s already less disturbing than that other boy-grows-big-overnight drama I Love Lee Tae-ri, which stars Kim Ki-bum and Park Ye-jin, where Kim goes from 14 to 30. At least 18 is a lot closer to adulthood. Plus, the fact that the fiancé is originally an adult makes the relationship less, uh, illegal.
In any case, Big is definitely on my shortlist of dramas I want to see, NOW. It’s too bad there seems to be a growing backlash against the Hong sisters’ work, which saddens me but I can sort of understand; if one drama’s brand of fast-flying banter, wordplay, and comedy isn’t your thing, then chances are high that the other seven dramas won’t appeal to you, either. Which isn’t to say that you must like or hate them all; I definitely have my favorites.
Fingers crossed this’ll be a good one. Big begins airing in June.
Via Sports Chosun
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- Lee Min-jung in California for Singles magazine
- Lee Jung-jin and Lee Min-jung in Wonderful Radio
- Fabulous Hong sisters sit down for an interview
- Best Love: Hong sisters’ meta lens on K-variety
Tags: Big, Gong Yoo, Hong sisters, Lee Min-jung, Suzy
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1 Venus
April 13, 2012 at 8:16 AM
HELL YESSSSSSSSS!!!!! I'm SOOOO on Board of this train for sure!!!!!.....
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JayDee
April 13, 2012 at 10:05 AM
I double that !!!
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pabo ceo reom
April 13, 2012 at 11:19 AM
Woot! Count me on board! I already adore the Hong sisters and now with Gong Yoo and Lee Min-jung (all time faves!), I am a very very happy drama watcher. Plus, I actually really liked Suzy in Intro to Architecture so it's frosting on the cake for me. Mmmm.....caaaaake.
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Hazel
April 13, 2012 at 2:06 PM
You've already watched Architecture 101? I'm so jealous!
I can't wait till someone uploads it online or they start selling the DVDs where I live.
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MsGB
April 14, 2012 at 7:08 PM
IKR......*sigh* I probably won't be able to see it until the end of June or something....*sooo hating I can't understand korean right now*
By the way looovvvee cake!!!!
Cam
April 13, 2012 at 8:17 PM
YUPPPPPSSS YUPPPPSSSSS!!! \\^O^//
I AM LOOOOKING FORWARD TO THISSSS!!!
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MsB
April 15, 2012 at 11:47 AM
Triple that! For the post Gong Yoo shower scene alone :-D
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2 nickynisa
April 13, 2012 at 8:19 AM
i love lee minjung. and this is gong yoo's 1st drama after army. and i like suzy. enough reason for me to watch this drama. (hope i'll still have good internet connection when this drama starts airing)
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3 Joo
April 13, 2012 at 8:24 AM
Gong Yoo + Lee Min-jung!! What's more to say? Definitely watching this drama just to watch this pair act together! I'm one of those who's not a big fan of Hong sisters' dramas but I do have a few favourites too (hated Best Love and My Girl but loved Choon-Hyang and Gumiho). The Hong sisters have their own style of writing and you have to really like their style or be in the right mood to watch to really love their dramas. I hope Big doesn't go to (my own defined) gagaland where Best Love went - I dropped Best Love because I just couldn't stomach all the craziness despite liking Gong Hyo-jin. Please, drama gods, please let Big be more "normal" drama!
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mary
April 13, 2012 at 8:38 AM
I loved Chun-Hyang too!
I used to think My Girl was a copycat of Chun Hyang's success formula before I found out that My Girl was the 2nd, possibly more polished drama of the Hong Sisters. Hehe
But that's like complaining about the iphone4s after seeing iphone4 right? I'll eat up anything by the Hong Sisters. Their worst drama is still better than most. :D
+ so excited to see the cameos. I miss Jae Hee. :(
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Nicole
April 13, 2012 at 11:21 AM
Pretty much a die-hard Choonhyang fan here. ^__^ It was the first romcom drama I watched (I was 11/12?) and remains my "sentimental favorite", to put it the way JB does. I rewatch it at least once every year (last time was in November, I think). And I still cry like a baby.
I've only seen DGCH, My Girl, and Best Love of the Hong sisters' dramas and I love them all (I got through five episodes of You're Beautiful until I just couldn't take any more of Mi-nam's bumbling idiocy).
I will probably check this one out - I've only seen Gong Yoo in Biscuit Teacher and Lee Min-jung in Cyrano but I think she's so pretty and he is definitely awesome. Yay!
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mary
April 13, 2012 at 7:25 PM
Yes, more dramas for Gong Yoo, please? :D
And I <3 LMJ since she popped up in BOF and had amazing chemistry with Lee Min Ho.
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canxi
April 14, 2012 at 3:00 PM
Really Nicole?? So, you haven't seen Coffee Prince yet?! That's like required k-drama watching right there! Give it a try! Hope you like it :))
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MsB
April 15, 2012 at 11:53 AM
KDrama 101 :-D
houstontwin
April 13, 2012 at 11:56 AM
Me too! ...Gumiho and ChoonHyang...
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4 topper
April 13, 2012 at 8:25 AM
Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung. Enough said.
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Kgrl
April 13, 2012 at 12:03 PM
Yep. Even if I'm part of the 'backlash' on Hong Sisters' dramas. Just don't feel the way I used to about their scripts when I was younger. All I can say is I've grown up?
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5 rainey
April 13, 2012 at 8:26 AM
I'm in. Gong Yoo is one of my absolute favs as is Lee Min Jung.
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6 Pitch
April 13, 2012 at 8:32 AM
Gong Yooooooooooo, I´ve missed you sooooooo.
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7 Raine
April 13, 2012 at 8:33 AM
It's not on my backlist and we know we've been waiting for Gong Yoo. I want to see how they work their magic with this premise. They really do find clever ideas to work within: A Gumiho, the entertainment business, idol bands.
Thanks for the awesome updates!
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8 Cynthia
April 13, 2012 at 8:33 AM
I can handle the 'Freaky Friday' concept a lot more easily than the 'Big' way to go. The former is funny, cause you know that the switcheroo will revert in the end, but 'Big' enters squickyville. Just the idea of a 14 year old in a 30 year old body getting it on with the leading lady - well, nuff said.
The Hong Sisters will bring the sassy funny - looking forward to this one!
:)
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skelly
April 13, 2012 at 11:25 AM
Same here. I was set to avoid this one, Gong Yoo or no, but with the tweak to the premise I think we are in for a lot more comedy and a lot less, er, squickyness.
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9 Rashell
April 13, 2012 at 8:34 AM
This is my first comment at Dramabeans, but I couldn't resist voicing my exciment at this news. GONG YOO! HONG SISTERS! I can't wait for this one!
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mary
April 13, 2012 at 8:43 AM
Hey, welcome! :D
So strange that this is just your first comment... Have you seen how crazy this section is?
The metaphors about hand towels and blatant man-claiming by everyone will do for a Human Anatomy course.
And by "human" I mean people with perfect, post-military abs and never-aging, still-in-noona-killer-territory faces.
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Rashell
April 13, 2012 at 10:09 AM
I KNOW! It's crazy that I've resisted since finding this site about 3 months ago. But I'm really new to the kdrama scene. I fell in love with Gong Yoo from Coffee Prince (of course), and was so looking forward to his next drama now that he's back from military service.
I really wanted to comment on the Lee Min Ho vs. Hand Towel post, but didn't dare wade into that one. But I'll be watching both dramas for the eye candy alone. :)
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mary
April 13, 2012 at 7:51 PM
They scare me too, sometimes. O_O
Just don't eat or drink anything while reading the comments. :P
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Allie
April 13, 2012 at 10:12 PM
I have a son, that's why I think I should pass this drama. Too bad, because I like the writers.
Enz
April 13, 2012 at 10:42 PM
You're like me then. I got into k drama with ojakgyo brothers and through that discovered coffee prince and am still rewatching coffee prince cos i just love how great gong yoo was in that role. All the little changes in his face, all the little expressions he brought to it.
I just can't wait to watch him again cos I can't seem to find the DVDs for his other roles. Really want to watch crucible but it's not here in Malaysia .:(
It's my first comment too. And I have been so waiting for this news!!! Aaaarrghhh GONG YOOOOO
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mary
April 15, 2012 at 8:21 AM
Enz, I want to watch Crucible too.
That part in the trailer where he was translating for the little girl and the girl starts talking about rape, the way GY's face shows shock and heartbreak at what happened to the kids is just... heart. breaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaak.
10 Ani
April 13, 2012 at 8:38 AM
Gong Yoo is the Big (heh) draw for me here. It'll be interesting to watch him in action again. As for the backlash on the Gong Sisters, you could say I have a love-hate relationship with them. It's gotten to the point now that I know I'll like their drama, but for some reason I find it soooo hard to get past episode 10/11, when they turn the angst/predicatable dial up. But I also think their drama is still going to have people tuning in just for the crazy fun. The big names attached to the project is also a draw for the audience in South Korea I would think.
But yes, when it comes to the Hong Sisters, you either like them, dislike them, or it just depends on the material.
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hanabi
April 13, 2012 at 12:23 PM
I have the same trouble with getting past episode 10/11. I stopped both DGCH and Best Love around there. But I loved, loved, loved My Girl; I've watched You're Beautiful at least twice; and watched the others.
The Hong Sisters' writing is hit or miss for me. I always look forward to their work.
I'm glad the premise changed to a body swap. I love these! And Gong Yoo? Yes, please.
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11 Mia
April 13, 2012 at 8:42 AM
looking forward to this! I just finished watching Finding Mr. Destiny and I have to say Gong Yoo does the best kissing scenes, usually 90% of the kissing scenes in dramaland make me cringe but his seem to be so much better, dunno if that's actually due to him or rather the director/writer but still, he's awesome <3
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Enz
April 13, 2012 at 10:47 PM
Totally agree bout his kissing scenes. He really looks like he is getting into it!!
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12 Biscuit
April 13, 2012 at 8:43 AM
If there was one thing I didn't like about the actual movie Big, was the fact that it was a little kid who actually had a romantic relationship (even sexual?). He's an "adult". But he's still a "kid". So many questions on ethics and morality on that one.......
I can see the appeal in the body switching. In Big, after time Tom Hank's character began to literally turn into an adult in his thinking and lost his childishness. In the end, everything was solved by him simply turn into a kid again. To me, it was showing "what would life be like as an adult" and yet appreciating your time as a kid. But what if you're already an adult and can't simply turn back to the past?
It's like Peter Pan where you're either a kid that has fun, or an adult that's a pirate. Why can't there be a kid that learns to be mature or an adult that can be fun?
By switching bodies, I think it can portray a better message of understanding life from the perspective of an adult and gaining maturity. While on the other hand, for the 30 year old who turned 18, finding out that even as an adult, you can still find your inner child within.
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J.REAL
April 13, 2012 at 11:28 PM
Great philosophy in life ^^
It's a Hong Sisters' drama, so there will be a lessons in life or maybe it'll tell the true meaning of life.
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13 Ace
April 13, 2012 at 8:45 AM
I love the Hong Sisters but I admit that I haven't watched Hong Gil Dong because I've heard about the ending and not (currently) a fan of KJH and not (ever) a fan of Sung Yuri.
I do believe they're improving a lot and they manage to tickle my funny bone every time. My most fave is MGIAG, least fave is DGCH. Their shows are one of the few I can watch over and over and still find it hilarious too.
So really looking forward to this one. I liked Gong Yoo in his latest film (though the film's topic was kind of sad and the villains kind of won), LMJ ever since BOF, and Suzy since DH. I even like Jang Hee-jin in SMY (yeah she's the only one I like during the second half).
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Saima
April 13, 2012 at 10:27 AM
Since I've been totally LSG fangirling I guess I'll have to watch MGIAG. Was not really interested in watching it but my interest has been piqued since it stars my current K-love!
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trixicopper
April 13, 2012 at 10:50 AM
Gumiho is insanely adorable! Totally dimples overload. :)
I always enjoy a Hong sisters drama. While I do have favorites, even the ones that aren't faves have entertained me.
Gong Yoo and Lee Min-jung? Count me in! Nuff said. :)
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14 E_Kun
April 13, 2012 at 8:55 AM
Gong Yoo!!! Yes! Yes! Yes!
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15 meenuby
April 13, 2012 at 8:55 AM
OMG YESSSS!!!! FINALLY!!!
Cannot WAIT to see LMJ and GY together in a Hong Sisters drama.
*does the happy dance of joy*
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16 Oopz
April 13, 2012 at 8:55 AM
YESSSS!!! My dream finally come true, GongYoo-MinJung in 1 screen >.<
Curious at who gonna play the 18 y.o boy, i heard rumor said that the boy from Bachelor Veggie Store n SkinFood CF is being casted. Hope its true coz i kinda him :-p
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17 jomo143
April 13, 2012 at 8:55 AM
Really- a back lash against a romcom that has:
"fast-flying banter, wordplay, and comedy?"
I liked them all but MGIAG, which was too cute for me.
(Now that I have been brought in to the LSG fangirl fold, I keep saying I will give it another shot...)
We all have different tastes, which makes the world interesting.
I cannot wait for this one. I like all the leads, and whatever level of actress Suzy is at right now, she is incredibly appealing to me when she is on screen. Maybe because I can feel or see the wit behind her eyes. She's cool.
GONG YU is a god. He is going to make me fall in love with him all over again.
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xylophonic
April 13, 2012 at 1:09 PM
Agree with you about Suzy! I absolutely adore her. She lacks that 'precious' quality a lot of young female idol-actresses tend to have, so even when her acting isn't stupendous, it's kind of endearing, and not annoying.
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18 strawberryfieldsforever
April 13, 2012 at 8:56 AM
It's Gong Yoo, so I'll say yes to whatever he's in! aw yeah!
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19 fab
April 13, 2012 at 8:57 AM
I've only watched My Girl from the H-sisters. And this one is definitely on my list, especially b/c of the leads. :D
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20 song pong
April 13, 2012 at 8:59 AM
The leads are great and I have a soft spot for Suzy so I'm anxiously awaiting this one! :D
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Saima
April 13, 2012 at 10:30 AM
Suzy's really cute. She was asked who did she want to guest on Invincible Youth (?) and she totally fangirls adorably and goes, "Fantastic Baby" haha. Meanwhile all the MCs were a bit taken aback since KBS and YGE are not on good terms anymore!!
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21 Mia
April 13, 2012 at 8:59 AM
i love Hong sisters' dramas!!! will be waiting for this one ^^
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22 taraLuvJJ
April 13, 2012 at 9:02 AM
yay, gong yoo and lee min jung!!
i like both big (tom hank) and 13 going to 30 (jennifer gardner) so i'm exited with this hong sisters' version. love their previous dramas, my favorites list are you're beautiful, sassy girl chun yang and my girl.
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23 Rooftop Fan
April 13, 2012 at 9:20 AM
omg Lee Min Jung !!! I will watch this for her. She's like my idol >_<
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24 Noelle
April 13, 2012 at 9:25 AM
Woot! I was thinking of him recently. I want him and Gong Hyo Jin to do a drama. It's time to get these two back together. Please please please. I'll be very good. Also him and Yoon Eun Hye. She needs a winning drama so why not with GY? Dang I can think of him with all my favorite leading ladies.
So I'm guessing Suzy has improved acting wise. I haven't seen her in anything since DH.
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Llamaesque
April 14, 2012 at 5:38 AM
The only thing that could possibly make this show more wonderful (well, other than being good, anyway) is Yoon Eun Hye guesting on it as Gong Yoo's sister or something ;)
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25 Mystisith
April 13, 2012 at 9:25 AM
OK. So the kid is 18. It's already more acceptable for me. It sounds like a comedy version of 49 Days: Possession and body swapping. Of course, i love Gong yoo.
I usually love the Hong sister's dramas. The way they deal with the over the top comedy is close to my sensitivity i guess. The only exception is Fantasy Couple: I love male jerks, but i have no patience with bratty females.
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26 danna
April 13, 2012 at 9:26 AM
hmmm...I didn't know the Hong Sisters were getting a lot of backlash, especially since they've been doing well as far as fan following for their dramas go...I also thought that most actors have benefited in some way or the other by being in their dramas even when they weren't huge ratings successes...that said, having watched 7 of their 8 dramas, I am beginning to get tired of their usual "formulas" and general plot patterns and despite being ecstatic about this cast I am only checking it out if there are some noticebale changes
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27 missjb
April 13, 2012 at 9:30 AM
usually I love the first half of hong sister drama, but my interest dropped when their drama start getting full angsty.
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pauper
April 13, 2012 at 9:49 AM
Hoh! I thought I was the only one who thinks like that. This is exactly my problem with Hong sisters and Kim Eun-sook's dramas. The first half would be light, funny and less angsty then the later half would switch on the angst like no other. It would be nice if they could strike a balance and sustain our interest.
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28 canxi
April 13, 2012 at 9:35 AM
*dances*
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29 djinni
April 13, 2012 at 9:43 AM
im so .... HAPPY RIGHT NOW! ALKDJFLAKDJF;LAKJDFA;LKJDSFLAKJDSLAFKJ FANGIRLING
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30 djeedjes
April 13, 2012 at 9:45 AM
This is one of the dream cast ensemble.
I like Suzy so much ( her personality, or her K-variety's one whatever ), and read that everyone praised her acting's improvement, I hope she can show that here.
Definitely must watch.
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31 Joan
April 13, 2012 at 9:53 AM
Saw the picture of Gong Yoo. Decided I'm watching this.
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32 Mashimomo
April 13, 2012 at 9:59 AM
OMG OMG OMG Gong Yoo!!!l I am *super* excited about this. I thouroughly enjoyed Best Love precisely because of the meta metaphors abound. Super excited what meta-ness they have in store for this one - Yoon Eun Hye cameo maybe? a fan girl can only hope :)
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33 mellowyel
April 13, 2012 at 10:19 AM
Interesting you mentioned the backlash against the Hong Sisters - I've liked the two dramas of theirs that I've watched (You're Beautiful and MGIAG), but haven't really been able to get with them as much as you, JB. It's partly because I miss a lot of the jokes, not speaking Korean and all, but it's also because I feel like they often eschew development of the female lead in favor of the male lead's grand journey from asshole/man-child to hero. That's one of the things that put me off watching Best Love. It's not that I've hated the female leads, or that they haven't had their own stories, but they don't seem to have much of a character development arc. They stay the same, sweet person the whole way through, and that just rings a bit false for me. Women have flaws too! Ultimately, they are good writers, but they're not my faves.
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34 mellowyel
April 13, 2012 at 10:20 AM
Interesting you mentioned the backlash against the Hong Sisters - I've liked the two dramas of theirs that I've watched (You're Beautiful and MGIAG), but haven't really been able to get with them as much as you, JB. It's partly because I miss a lot of the jokes, not speaking Korean and all, but it's also because I feel like they often eschew development of the female lead in favor of the male lead's grand journey from asshole/man-child to hero. That's one of the things that put me off watching Best Love.
It's not that I've hated the female leads, or that they haven't had their own stories, but they don't seem to have much of a character development arc. They stay the same, sweet person the whole way through, and that just rings a bit false for me. Women have flaws too!
Ultimately, they are good writers, but they're not my faves.
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mellowyel
April 13, 2012 at 10:20 AM
oops, posted twice. Sorry!
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Kim Yoonmi
April 13, 2012 at 11:12 PM
Not all of their male characters went on the journey you describe.
Sassy Girl Chun Hyang (which should be its proper name considering the deliberate meta joke to the movie and the fact it chares the title) had a wry male character that was more mischievious than an a-hole. Immature, yes, but it was more Jae Hee than the writing that shaped that role. (He poured a lot of himself into it.)
Gong Chan wasn't immature at all-- he did love-hate with his counterpart, but he kinda was the traditional stiff hero.
Fantasy Couple--the mature one was the male lead. While he was at times childish, he didn't look to the female as a mother figure at all. He just majorly pranked her and in the end himself. I wouldn't say he was a man--child though. Didn't really go through the jerk phase.
Hong Gil Dong, was more mischievous and devoted out of all of the characters. Mainly to justice. Did not go through the jerk phase so much. Went through the cool man phase, as did the second lead.
Now, YAB, they turned up the awkward jerk--I kinda think of him as a major dork in that. Second lead went back to the too sweet mode--though they'd tried other types too--seems like they wanted to try for once making the second lead evil per the conversation back in My Girl. (I know it's weird dialogue to track)
This leads to My Girlfriend is a Gumiho. They broke their major rule--that their characters would all be hard workers. This is because they believe that being human means working hard. And since it was a question of humanity--well, the main male lead needed to be immature to grow. The second male lead was a pure kind of evil that got to you. So, I think they got their wish from My Girl. I think of Woong Ah as more immature.
Greatest Love--definitely channeling YAB for this one. I kinda watched it as YAB if everyone had grown up a bit more. The premise and theming was around heart, so again, called for an immature character.
Three immature characters means that I'm guessing they are going to theme the next one around maturity--what is it? The original Big asked that question and played with it a lot. Adulthood and maturity... it kept asking questions about it.
You can see how the characters grew from that--but definitely they don't stick to a set formula, but more ask questions and sometimes you can see them asking questions of each other within the script. They are pretty decent at bending most standards of what is a K-drama script as well. Plus with what minimal Korean I do have, the jokes *are* really that funny, especially if you watch the Korean dramas before theirs as they like to stack the drama with meta jokes about other shows.
And before you say it--the female characters have ranged all over the map too.
That said, I'm still curious about what they want to do about the second male lead characterization this time--they play with that a lot more these days.
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J.REAL
April 13, 2012 at 11:37 PM
AGREE! <3
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Elle
April 15, 2012 at 1:16 AM
Agreed AND JAE HEE WAS THE BEST!
Despite his childish self, he grew throughout the show, and became such a man(still with that childish jokester side but really mature in the side of love).
Well, my personal favourite from Hong sisters was definitely DGCH. Well, i liked My girl more in the past, but then after rewatching both the dramas a few times over the years, i realised that DGCH was actually better.
DGCH was way more angsty than My Girl. But i think the angst in DGCH played out really well.
Sad to say, there really has been a backlash of their dramas over the years.
DGCH and MG was awesome, Fantasy couple was FUN!!!(the only show i liked Han Ye Seul) Hong Gil Dong..... was good at first, but didn't quite seem like a usual Hong Sister drama to me.
You're Beautiful was fun while it lasted, but the ending was really........ not good. The sad parts were really pales in comparison to DGCH and MG's sad parts(which i felt was awesome, because the sacrificing of love part made the show seemed so much better).
Gumiho, played out really well i must say. It was the closest to MG and DGCH for me. Of course, Miho was so awesome SO... DUH.
And Well, i didn't like BL at all. It was fun at first, but damn i hated Cha Seung Won behaving like a kid throughout.
Anyway, Yeah my love for HS's dramas went down by the years....
Either Hong Sisters is running out of good refreshing ideas cause they are ageing, or either im maturing so ... i don't like their work anymore.. But i don't think it's my fault since, whenever i rewatch MG and DGCH, I STILL LOVE THEM SO. But even their worse piece ranks as one of my favourite romcoms.
Hong sisters just, can do it like no other!
Anyway, just to say again, DGCH is the best for me, so girls(or guys), watch it if you NEVER DID!!!!
MG toooo! Though the 2 is rather similar in terms of the way their play with your emotional feelings, and the typical bickering couple... that lives in the same house and falls in love.. and you have your male lead "still in love with his ex-gf" and your female lead, having some guy falling for her... Yeah, but it's still different and awesome in different ways.
Don't think im crazy, ive watched MG and DGCH individually over 15 times i must say. Hahahah well i was in middle school in 2005-06 so, i had plenty of time... Since then i watched each of them like at least 2 times a year.. Not anymore though! HAHAH
Anyway, DGCH owns! And Jaehee rocks, Mongryong is the best! Gongchan is of course, more appealing cause his rich, and matured. HAHAH But i fell harder for Mongryong.. the way he matured was awesome.
K nuff said.
Im definitely anticipating Big.
Like, we're gonna see Tae in again!!!!! I mean Taein was 18 in BTSC!! I mean Gongyoo! So yeah he aged, but i swear he can still pull off the i love nuna image YAY.
And GY and LMJ are already looking so good in their modelling jobs together, swear they'll own in the chemistry.
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35 ilovemandoo
April 13, 2012 at 10:20 AM
SOOOOO EXCITED!!!!!!!!
Great cast + Hong sisters?? I'm in heaven!!
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36 im_eve
April 13, 2012 at 10:23 AM
it's a Hong Sisters drama so def interested. tho i do miss the times when Hong sisters dramas turn not-so-known stars into household names..but guess they do deserve to cast A-list stars like recently...& i bet A-list or not, a lot of actors would love to do a drama from them :)
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Elle
April 15, 2012 at 1:19 AM
Yeah like how it was the first lead role for Han Chae Young and Jae Hee. Not so much for Dongwook and Dahae but still, they weren't that famous before that.... And Junki as well.
Now they are like A-list script writers, so they don't have newbies in their dramas anymore T_________T
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37 Rovi
April 13, 2012 at 10:33 AM
Anything written by the Hong Sisters gets me into their crazy and quirky train. Not to mention their tried-and-tested formula of mixing up together the actors to be...
Who would even think of mixing up Gong Yoo, Lee Min-jeong, & Suzy together in a drama???
And then again, I'm also awaiting on whose gonna cameo from the previous dramas. But I hope this time another set should cameo. In my mind I'm wishing for Oh Ji-ho, Eom Tae-woong (if he's not busy with angry-bromance), Yoon Kye-sang (please please please as perfect guy forgot-the-name), & the-girl-playing-Wang Coordi-in-YAB...
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Kim Yoonmi
April 13, 2012 at 11:17 PM
Writers don't do the casting, though.... *confused* They have confessed that some directors assume things of their scripts and insert stuff, like the random disco ball scene in Hong Gil Dong. So it might be that their reputation proceeds them, which is really the directors assuming stuff about the brand and building on it--which is really from previous directors' choices.
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Elle
April 15, 2012 at 1:22 AM
I want a Dahae dongwook cameo.... OR MY GREATEST WISH WOULD BE JAEHEE AND HAN CHAE YOUNG!
MG & DGCH fangirl forever.
How did Mongryong mature so beautifully? Only Hong sisters can do this.
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Rovi
April 15, 2012 at 2:13 AM
Could be, and they could just be a random couple...no, make that a cutesy-bickering Joo Yoo-rin & Seol Gong-chan (who now I realize is somewhat name-similar to B1A4's maknae...)
Yes, only Hong sisters do that...any actor + Hong sisters drama = instant fame...
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Elle
April 15, 2012 at 6:37 AM
Well, i didn't like Dokko Jin but Jae hee was the best. Hong Sisters had 3 super childish leads. Dokko Jin, Mongryong and Taewoong, but Mongryong really beautifully matured in the side of love, despite his childishness forever being there.
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38 Saima
April 13, 2012 at 10:37 AM
I've just watched Delightful girl and My girl! When everybody was on the BL kick last year it just didn't appeal to me. How could a grown man behave so abominably!! :/ It's a good thing all those older actors declined LSG's role in TK2H...him behaving like an a$$ is still okay but if CSW were to portray another one of those CH/BL-esque characters (at least initially) it would've annoyed me so!! I'll have to wait for your initial reviews before I give this one a chance...
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39 matinsoleil
April 13, 2012 at 10:57 AM
OMO! Is it possible to be more excited than I am right now?? Can't barely wait to be in June!! Feel like I waited the cas confirmation for a year!
I'm a big fan of Hong sisters (watched 6 out of their 7 dramas) And some are among my favourites so I'm ready to jump into Big!!!
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40 Arhazivory
April 13, 2012 at 11:17 AM
Hmmm....I wonder who is playing the 18 yr old version.
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41 Overbitegirl
April 13, 2012 at 11:20 AM
Agggh Gong Yoo! I am so elated about this update. Missed him so much in the drama world
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42 canxi
April 13, 2012 at 11:26 AM
I think I've just realized how many Hong Sisters dramas, I've actually watched.... My Girl, MYGIAG, Best Love,You're Beautiful...okay maybe it wasn't that many LOL, wait how many do they have??...I usually like their dramas, I just dislike how they tend to get slow near the end. Like after all the major sillyness and then things become serious suddenly.
But Gong Yoo + Lee Min Jung :D Who plays the 18 yr old? I guess I should google it, unless he barely ever makes an appearance? It'd be cool if we got his POV too and how all the high school girls react to his new-swapped maturity, LOL. And then a meetup between the two...eventually.
And aww Jang Hee-Jin, I bet she would probably do well if she played a likable character, but she's the ex-girlfriend? I'm trying to remember a likable ex-gf of the male lead in k-dramas...uhhhhhh
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43 JD
April 13, 2012 at 11:37 AM
The one qualm I have with Hong Sisters drama is the apparent need to have at least one dumb, slowwitted character who doesn't know anything about love or liking someone. A nun, a gumiho, a "stupid girl" (HGD), an overgrown manchild...it gets rather exasperating.
That and the very dramatized comedic acting. I'd rather they have them act natural while bringing on the funny, like how Rooftop Prince is done.
Nevertheless, I'll be tuning in since I LOVE Gong Yoo and Lee Min Jung.
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Arhazivory
April 13, 2012 at 1:52 PM
Gumiho knew about love. She wanted to mate.
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Kim Yoonmi
April 13, 2012 at 11:24 PM
Fantasy Couple. Both main characters had been in previous relationships.
I second Gumiho--she waited a long time for her fiance to show up, but he never did. She wasn't ignorant about love, she was ignorant about the modern/human world. Woong Ah knew about child/puppy love, but didn't know how to act human.
Hong Sisters are kinda like the Mel Brooks/Monty Python style of comedy. They are not Fawlty Towers or Woody Allen. And they don't ever pretend they were. They've always been a bit over the top, but like hare-brained crack comedy, by doing that, you have to follow their rollercoaster to the beat of their drum and get swept away. But some like pacing to breathe in between the laughs. I respect that too.
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44 cindy
April 13, 2012 at 11:44 AM
My problem with Hong sisters are:
Main guy always a jerk that doesn't change that much and do annoying stuff that people find funny but I don't. (Dokko jin of acting was so annoying and all, but people though he was a funny jerk )
The main girl always fall for this jerk guy even though he didn't do much and still treats her badly. (WTF girl? Go find a nice man)
The main guy always seem to have 12 years old.
Their side characters are forever silly and superficial.
Second guys are perfect but that is it. Meh.
Second girls are just annoying bitches.
And the fun starts to get old and the story gets repetitive.
The last episodes drag........
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redfox
April 13, 2012 at 12:24 PM
you obviously are not very observant towards life. thats how it is really. people are not all sophisticated Mr Perfects most of us are really like big kids we dont know how to live our life we have many flaws our characters arent perfect but that doesnt mean we do not deserve love.
turning your points around: the main guy is someone who has issues and needs a woman by his side to be a balanced individual. the woman can look through the rough facade, she aint a superficial bimbo who runs when a dog barks once. the second leads are boring men and if you go with them you´ll drink tea for all eternity. the side characters are like the whole colorful palate of individuals not a gray mass of people where no one stands out. etc.
I would go with a difficult guy cause it is a challenge. well, if I was a romantic person at all that is.
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cindy
April 13, 2012 at 12:34 PM
I know it. I like flawed characters. I don't like second perfect guys btw.
It is just Hong sisters make their men too childish and look like they are 5. You can have adults flawed, don't need to look like 5.
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Kim Yoonmi
April 13, 2012 at 11:38 PM
Fantasy Couple. Main girl was the jerk more than the guy was. Main guy was immature, yes, but an outright jerk, no. I should also point out that the pacing on this drama was perfect--with no lag.
Hong Gil Dong, same. Immature, yes. Jerk, no. The character changed a lot during that arc.
And also Gong Chan--so many fans of My Girl, yet no one seems to remember the male lead???
BTW, the male second leads were not perfect either. My Girlfriend is a Gumiho--the emo boy was quite evil.
*SPOILER FOR CHUN HYANG*
And the second female lead in Chun Hyang was really no threat.
*END SPOILER*
^_^ I watched them ALL way back from when My Sassy Girl Chun Hyang first came out.
I do agree that the "fixing guys" thing messes girls up and leads them to be with losers, but then truly if you went with neither character wanted anything, but love from each other, then one has to manufacture conflict rather than have it come from the characters and you are left with a mess. Besides, the point of stories isn't to really photocopy real life--it's to imitate it in a digestible fashion. (Even the slice of life stories) So for convenience it is better for the girl to be with the guy because he needs and he needs to change with something they are interminable ill with, but are better together. (Ala why the second male lead never gets the girl--she ends up being a tool boy machine shop and fixing him but can't fix the main guy, so feels like she should be with him, which in RL is not a healthy relationship, but makes for better story and reading.)
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Elle
April 15, 2012 at 1:26 AM
Watch MG!!! Gongchan is no jerk:)
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45 kdramafan89
April 13, 2012 at 11:49 AM
I am a huge Hong sisters fan. Thier comedic writing is birlliant in my opinion. That's not to say I've enjoyed all thier dramas ( didnt really like hong gil dong or best love). I am comepletetly excited by the casting. Love LMJ and I think Gong Yoo is a wonderful actor. I'll be counting the days till this one starts to air!
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bd
April 14, 2012 at 9:13 PM
HGD was barely tolerable; "Best Love" is the Hong sister's most complete work.
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46 redfox
April 13, 2012 at 11:58 AM
Gong Joo in a drama like this, I hope for a lot of heart laid out at our feet, less goofyness and more sincerity... but I hope it is still more like Greatest Love rather than My Girlfriend the 9 tailed bad 3d fox-person.
why does everyone like that gumiho drama I thought it was ridiculous and like it was meant for brainless people. you people dont seem brainless so....why ?
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xylophonic
April 13, 2012 at 1:13 PM
I loved both those dramas. To each their own, hmm?
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nomu nomu nomu
April 13, 2012 at 1:41 PM
redfox,
Every person on this entire planet has their own taste in drama's. It's called individuality, preferences, opinions, etc.,etc.
I'm curious, what do get out of insulting people that does not have the exact same taste as you?
I liked both dramas, but it's cool if other like or dislike it, just like xylophonic said, 'to each their own'
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redfox
April 13, 2012 at 2:33 PM
if nyou read carefully I wasnt insulting. I said there are no brainless people here. where are they? I dont know., maybe I am. well, I am just saying. if you are defending anonymous anybodies I might or might not, maybe, be insulting then... but anyway, I wasnt. dont go all kdrama enima on me. relax, babe.
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nomu nomu nomu
April 13, 2012 at 3:20 PM
don't consider my comment personal (it never is, to any replies I make)
your ending sentence could easily be misinterpreted, such as: there's no way you can like this drama unless you are brainless
I am just making a general defense for people's rights to have a differing perspective on dramas, that's all.
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redfox
April 13, 2012 at 10:28 PM
it is not that you cant like it unless you are brainless, but it seems to be directed at such people, and thats why I am amazed completlely normal people would like it. cause it is made in a way that.... it is absurd. It is written and put together very childishly. it seems put together more like a saturday morning anime cartoon for 9year olds while still carrying a content for grownups you know.
nomu nomu nomu
April 14, 2012 at 7:44 AM
I have no problem on your perspective (or any perspective) of the drama itself, as I said I support people's rights to have different viewpoint.
you might want to avoid using phrase such as it seems to be directed at brainless people (that's not just an attack on the drama but includes other people that don't share your viewpoint)
If, you are still wondering why some people might like that particular drama, you don't have to go far. just read javabeans and girlfriday comments at the beginning and ending of each recap of that drama.
redfox
April 14, 2012 at 9:40 AM
yeah I know. I apologize for the rude choice of words.
replace brainless with simpleminded, shallow, loose-knit, plain, unenchanting and stereotypical then.
Javabeans
April 14, 2012 at 7:27 PM
Yeah ok, consider this particular thread done. It's clear to me that the apology was snide and that the author meant it to be so. Best end things here.
np
April 14, 2012 at 9:54 PM
I'm truly amazed.
Redfox here didn't want to offend anyone. And she didn't, come on, it's clear. That was a compliment even - "I thought that show was super silly, so I don't understand why you are (awesome and smart people here) like it."
And you are saying she can't do this?
I was always wondering why while JB seems really sarcastic and witty there are not many discussions of the same kind. That's why?
That's a personal blog I remember yeah.
But I really don't get it, thus am mega curious.
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Javabeans
April 14, 2012 at 10:43 PM
Because you don't say, "You sure are pretty... for a fat/old/tall/short chick" — or in this case, brain-dead — and argue that it was a compliment.
47 theedie
April 13, 2012 at 12:04 PM
I'm really curious to see how the pairings will ultimately play out. I understand that Gong Yoo is playing the lead, but which spirit will ultimately win Min-jung's character's heart? If she falls for the younger self, would she leave her fiance to be with the 18-year-old in the end? Or would it be that swapping bodies makes the 30-year-old re-evaluate his outlook on life and rejuvenates his relationship with his fiancee? So many questions!
And with Suzy and the ex-girlfriend character, this pretty much sets up a love pentagon of sorts. I can only think of one other instance that the Hong sisters did this and that was You're Beautiful, but I feel that was ultimately more a love square since Jeremy was never that much of a presence in the love story. Very much interested in seeing how the dynamics play out in this particular pentagon for Big.
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48 Dubu
April 13, 2012 at 12:07 PM
Suzy is why I will not watch this drama.
Someone please convince me to do otherwise.
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cindy
April 13, 2012 at 12:36 PM
lol it's a silly thought to not watch because of her.
Don't worry Hong sisters usually focus more on the main couple that will be Goo and Jung.
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canxi
April 13, 2012 at 12:41 PM
Gong Yoo.
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ar
April 13, 2012 at 5:45 PM
Suzy is just a second lead. And in a Hong sisters' drama that second lead doesn't even do much, so even if she is a mediocre actress, it doesn't matter. I heard she was much better in her movie Intro to Architecture, anyways.
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Angela
April 13, 2012 at 5:51 PM
woooow... suzy's acting has obviously improved. she got a lot of praise for her newest movie architecture 101. you probably only watched her in dream high. fyi, she was still a rookie back then. but now from dream high she has gained more experience in acting. im pretty positive she wont mess up this drama. lol. so consider it again, yeah? (:
& ya know... there's gong yoo... & lee min jung...
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49 Yuna
April 13, 2012 at 1:12 PM
Yay for the new Hong sisters drama!
Actually body swap was never my thing. It complicates everything too much. (I enjoyed Secret Garden more when they were on their own bodies. But maybe that's because the body swap elment was badly executed in Secret Garden.)
But I trust Hong sisters' writing and also Gong Yoo can make anything watchable. So, I'm looking forward to this drama.
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Enz
April 13, 2012 at 11:10 PM
I don't get why secret garden was so popular. I saw the first three episodes, albeit very badly translated ( completely literal translation ) and thought that ha ji won was pretty with the best tight butt but had only two expressions the whole time, mad and madder. She seems better in king 2 hearts though. Had to give it up cos trying to translate the translation while watching the acting too gave me a headache!!
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Yuna
April 14, 2012 at 12:14 AM
I think it was a fun drama to watch. Hyun Bin's neurotic character made me enjoy it very much. But the body swap parts made me want for them to change back as soon as possible. It was interesting when they first swapped bodies but then I realized that I don't like it at all. Haha. I don't know. Still, it was a nice drama.
But I can understand the struggle with the subtitles. I'm sometimes forced to watch dramas with subtitles in my own language because my best friends don't know English very well. And it kills me. Sometimes I understand even Korean better than those subtitles. :D
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enz
April 14, 2012 at 7:27 AM
hey, youre not the same yuna in cadence are you? :)
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Yuna
April 17, 2012 at 1:21 AM
No, I'm not. :D I'm new around here. If there's another Yuna, I can change my nickname, haha. :D
bd
April 14, 2012 at 9:16 PM
SG, despite its popularity, wasn't that good.
Plot that went nowhere (the whole body change was gimmick that was poorly done w/ no cohesiveness), stereotypical characters, overacting galore and non-interesting dialogue w/ the "relationship" btwn the 2 leads making absolutely no sense at all.
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enz
April 15, 2012 at 12:34 AM
ahhh, thank you. thats what i thought from the first three epi ! very one dimensional female lead in particular. am glad am not alone!
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50 xylophonic
April 13, 2012 at 1:19 PM
The past several summers have been highlights for me largely due to the fact that Hong sisters dramas air in June-August. (Yeah, I don't travel much...)
LKASDJFHKSJDFHLSKDJFD GONG FREAKING YOO. I cannot get enough of that guy. Rewatched Coffee Prince like ten times, and his one movie Finding Kim Jong-wook (couldn't bring myself to watch Crucible, 'cause I'm a big coward). And I love Suzy. She was super lovable in Dream High, and I'm looking forward to getting my hands on Introduction to Architecture soon, as it just so happens that it stars the two actresses I have soft spots for (as in, not necessarily for their acting).
Wonder who'll be playing the 18-year-old?
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