Gaksital in talks for an extension
by javabeans
Oy, an extension? I could sense this coming, but would really have preferred restraint on KBS’s part. Gaksital (Bridal Mask) has been doing pretty well in the ratings, despite not being a runaway hit (it’s been in solidly in the 15% range, compared to around 11% for Ghost and 8% for I Do, I Do), but I suppose it falls into the category of drama that’s more buzzworthy than its numbers might suggest. And with people talking about the show and visibility rising, KBS is all set to extend it by four episodes, for a total of 28.
Currently the extension is yet unfinalized, as producers and broadcasters are still ironing out negotiations. The directors are reportedly considering it favorably, while the production company is handling talks with its actors; according to KBS CP Lee Gun-joon, the outlook is favorable and a final decision will be announced shortly.
I’m always in favor of keeping a drama shorter, and that hasn’t changed with this case. I fear that tacking on more episodes will slow down the currently speedy pace, which would be a damn shame since the pace is so important to the vibe of the show. You can’t have plodding action, or it just gets tedious.
I also sense much angst in the future for our conflicted protagonist Kang-to (hero seems a bit of a semantic stretch) (Joo-won) and his best-friend-turned-adversary Shunji (Park Ki-woong), which is probably going to break my heart; any more of that than absolutely necessary just prolongs that pain. The romantic angst between Kang-to and his first-love-turned-adversary Mok Dan (Jin Se-yeon) will probably also step up, as well as the somewhat-more-interesting connection between Kang-to and the Japanese-Korean spy Rie (Han Chae-ah)—but frankly that’s just window dressing to the true conflict of friend versus friend, bro versus bro, bro-killer versus mom-killer’s bro.
However, if the darned extension must happen, as I think it will, I will look at the glass as half-full and try to be optimistic. The reasons being:
I can actually see Gaksital accommodating four extra episodes, especially considering that we’re still early in the game. There’s plenty of time to draw out more story points in a way that doesn’t (hopefully) drag out the ending unduly just to fill the added airtime (*knocks madly on wood*). And I do find the plot well-written, with a brisk pace that blazes through story; that speed works to its advantage in sweeping you into the action, but slows down enough to feel the contemplative moments.
Then there’s the tidbit that Gaksital was originally conceived of as a 30-episode drama, though KBS chose to settle with 24 in the end. At least that means writers and producers were confident in having the material to sustain the running time.
The drama is set to air Episodes 9 and 10 this week, and has scripts completed up to Episode 14. CP Lee said, “Our drama has no last-minute scene-by-scene script pages. We won’t have any of those in the future, either.” (Ideally you want scripts to be released by writers whole, episode by episode. However, thanks to the mad time crunch of the live-shoot system, many dramas resort to shooting episodes piecemeal as writers churn out pages of the script in chunks, not whole scripts.)
I’ve never found an extension to be worth it, but would it be naive of me to hope that it will this time? It could happen, couldn’t it? Don’t burst my bubble.
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Tags: Gaksital
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1 cocopug
June 27, 2012 at 5:09 AM
I choose Ghost over Gaksital.
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maria
June 27, 2012 at 6:43 AM
it used to be good but..
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houstontwin
June 27, 2012 at 7:53 AM
ghost fell apart in the haunted school episode. but i will stick around in the hope that it redeems itself. Gakistal is wonderful and just needs to stay that way. I love the seen where Kang to and Shunji are weeping together on the bicycle. It was heartbreaking and beautiful.
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MsB
June 27, 2012 at 9:11 AM
It did not fall apart but that was one case that should not have dragged out to 2 episodes! I fell asleep on both but they had their moments!
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ZD
June 28, 2012 at 3:33 AM
I feel that Ghost IS falling apart but isn't done with the process yet, I'm just hoping that it'll bring itself together. Plus, Gaksital has a more strong storyline behind it I guess.. Ghost is a bit different since it conveys different cases everytime with a thin storyline that started from the celeb's killing. Last week's haunted school episode(s) were boring though I agree, very disappointed compared to the earlier ones! Plus, I need more romance :x
2 pearl
June 27, 2012 at 5:11 AM
extension means more joo won. Fine with me.
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meecheellee
June 27, 2012 at 9:31 AM
hahaha. same. joo won-ah(:
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Alexis
June 28, 2012 at 8:52 PM
ME 2 TOO :D :D
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3 dany
June 27, 2012 at 5:20 AM
Oh, I don't know, I like the drama so much and an extension can ruin the whole thing, I'm afraid.
And today is Wednesday and I can watch episode 9, yuppi!
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observantzani
June 27, 2012 at 6:06 AM
I agree with everything you said. But I think this is KBS's first steady hit for the year, so I'm guessing they wouldn't want to pass the opportunity. Too bad Nice Guy will be pushed back if ever. Well win-win either way since Joo Won is amazing!
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Kim Hayan
July 1, 2012 at 1:17 AM
Yeah. Actually, Nice Guy haven't started filming yet. Maybe Song Joong Ki is working out (literally) to show off his bad boy side in that drama. Anyway, yes, I considered this as a win-win situation.
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4 ck1Oz
June 27, 2012 at 5:21 AM
Oh man.Extension means more suffering.
Plus for those of us on viki we are double booked with Arang in late July with the same airing days. So no extension please darn it.
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Em
June 27, 2012 at 5:24 AM
Thank you for the work that you guys do with the subs, etc.
watching kdramas is so much better with you guys around
Thanks once again :D
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beggar1015
June 27, 2012 at 1:36 PM
Yes, yes, I double that. Thank you hard working and unpaid subbers, editors and segmenters.
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MsB
June 27, 2012 at 5:37 AM
You're right!! Arang! Lord knows where my priorities will be once my LJK returns to the screen!
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mary
June 27, 2012 at 6:27 AM
Thanks for working hard to feed our addiction. :D
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Rashell
June 27, 2012 at 9:26 AM
Yes, thank you so much for all of your subbing work. I can't express how awesome you guys are.
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pigtookie
June 27, 2012 at 9:28 AM
Thank you for your hard work.
However your own business and pacing comes first, so if we have to wait longer, we will just have to wait, like with recaps. I'd help, but I'd have to rely on Chinese translations and the level of dialogue is beyond what I could do.
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5 nuna
June 27, 2012 at 5:28 AM
as long as it's not crappy, it's okay to have extension.
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6 ricky
June 27, 2012 at 5:29 AM
I agree, extensions almost always seem to mess up the pace for a show. Then again who knows, the way gaksital is going we might just end up with extra episodes of awesome.
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7 subject
June 27, 2012 at 5:33 AM
I hope not. As much as I love the plot and the outstanding acting, I really can't stand extension and still whining about the stupid extension that Giant got. If the writer and PD asked 24, they sure know what they need, don't make them stretch the story all over because they need to handle with another 4 episodes.
The only time I was in favor of an extension was in History Of The Salaryman. the production asked 24, they got 20 and than it extended with 2 and we all saw how the end was rushed. Therefore, the obvious conclusion is: Let the professionals decide what they really need and give them that. Popularity and rating are not the only one to be consecrated on television, they must maintain also the quality.
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8 MsB
June 27, 2012 at 5:36 AM
I've yet to see a drama that benefited from extensions! Hopefully this will be different. However, hearing that the writers originally crafted this as a 30 ep drama gives me hope that they won't totally screw up a drama that has now replaced City Hunter as second in my list of favorite action dramas (sorry TBDAW will always be first!). Here's hoping!
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JoJo
June 27, 2012 at 6:04 AM
Me too! I'm waiting to start watching this one until the # of episodes is verified.
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Lovebug
June 28, 2012 at 9:16 AM
Queen of Reversals is the only one I can think of...
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9 Farhana
June 27, 2012 at 5:38 AM
Wow I'm hoping it'll work out for the best. I love Joo Won in this (although I loved him in Baker King and in Ojakkyo too so I'm bias towards him!)
I think that they'll soften his character out a bit. Especially once he's truly in love!
I do hope it doesn't end up like Warrior Baek Dong Soo. I cried too much at the ending of that! :(
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Lise
June 27, 2012 at 9:50 AM
who were u crying for?! as long as BDS stayed alive, i didn't mind so much who died (ok some deaths were a bit cruel but understandable nonetheless!) but 'tree with deep roots', now there i cried buckets, and then some!
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10 Yue
June 27, 2012 at 5:41 AM
I'm partial with the whole extension. On one note, we'd get to see a whole load more and on another note... I don't do long dramas. 24 is already torturing my soul to the max. The only reason why I stick to Gastikal was because it was intriguingly fresh and a whole load of messed up conflicts. If they extend it, I might just drop it coz I don't think I have the patience...
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11 topper
June 27, 2012 at 5:56 AM
Nothing new, KBS is always itching for extensions.
I'll drop it too if it starts to do filler episodes.
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12 Daisy
June 27, 2012 at 6:23 AM
Awwww man that means Nice Guy will be pushed back :(
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13 bella
June 27, 2012 at 6:35 AM
please dont!!..i dont like the extensions
it will ruin the stories...
poor JW it means he probably lack of sleeps!!!
so tired!!!
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14 Olivia
June 27, 2012 at 6:41 AM
thanks JB
extension - ka - boom !. ratings drop !
tired of unbelievable plots .
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15 bb
June 27, 2012 at 6:47 AM
i really lovee bridal mask! but seriously hate mok dan.
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16 mary
June 27, 2012 at 6:59 AM
Perhaps they realized Kang-to was so evil in the first couple of episodes that they needed MORE episodes to establish a more genuine change of heart. :D
It'll take more than just a "beeee.... king beeee..." to wash away evil Kang-to memories.
PS: I hope Nice Guy uses the extra time to make a great drama. :D
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Arhazivory
June 27, 2012 at 7:57 AM
Damn. This bee is starting to show up in every post. lol
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mary
June 27, 2012 at 10:04 AM
I'm sorry. :(
But Joo Won's aegyo is just too cute. And he's legal. One of the few adorable guys who can act, is funny, AND legal.
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J
June 27, 2012 at 7:00 PM
relax Mary, she means it jokingly. The bee talk is ironically funny given how intense he is in BM xD
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17 becca_boo
June 27, 2012 at 7:04 AM
Don't love the idea of an extension for any show, but if there's ever a show that had a chance of making it work, I think it's Gaksital.
If you're naive, javabeans, at least you have company.
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18 -K
June 27, 2012 at 7:20 AM
Then.... every one will die. Shame.
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19 Arhazivory
June 27, 2012 at 7:59 AM
I'm afraid of extensions. Still traumatized by what it did to WBDS....anyone else remember those horridly boring episodes before the climax?
But I'll trust the writers. I think Kang To...erm...Satoshi... does need alll the time he can get to transform into a true hero. And as I said before, if all Joo Won does is stand and stare at the sky, I'll still be watching him. <3
In a few hours - GAKSITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL~!!
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MsB
June 27, 2012 at 9:14 AM
And what they did to History of a Salaryman! What a waste of 2 episodes that was!
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20 Sho
June 27, 2012 at 9:37 AM
I think I'm going to keep my opinion regarding an Extension till at least Episode 20, so we know where the story is getting at right now.
Though I do agree that I do want to see more Kang To - Rie sessions.
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21 Brenda
June 27, 2012 at 9:46 AM
Wow, Joo Won must be really good at picking his projects. First Baker King Kim Tak Gu then Ojakkyo Brothers and now Gaksital. All of which were/are doing good in terms of reception and ratings.
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songjoongkilove
June 27, 2012 at 10:06 AM
haha that's exactly what i said!!!
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Alex
June 28, 2012 at 8:58 PM
Oh yes, obviously, Joo Won is really good at his "eye-catching" any good drama project.
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22 crazedlu
June 27, 2012 at 10:46 AM
we're entering angstville soon, so an extension makes me nervous, but i'll hope for the best!
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23 Mary
June 27, 2012 at 11:02 AM
The should totally do it there's enough material to really flesh out this story. Especially the mokdan kang to story that is still in utter hate mood how is that going to pan out and evil shuji is going to lose it when he finds out. I can't wait
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24 lala
June 27, 2012 at 11:06 AM
A far i can see more joo won i m ok with extension
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25 jin
June 27, 2012 at 12:40 PM
I couldn't have understood why the donning of the mask took so many episodes if I hadn't watched the show. So far, I have faith in the writers, pd, etc.
So yeeeeeeayuh. *also frantically knocks on wood ha*
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jin
June 27, 2012 at 12:44 PM
*wouldn't have lalalaa
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26 Maruja
June 27, 2012 at 1:21 PM
Like you said, I'm too gonna try and stay positive they can do the extension because was originally a 30 episode drama.
Everything is going to be okay. (repeat like a mantra) =P
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27 panshel
June 27, 2012 at 4:45 PM
KBS always wants extensions for its dramas. "Equator Man" was supposed to get an extension, but that fell through. I hope this extension falls through, too. 24 is a good number of episodes for "Gaksital." I fear the story will drag with extra episodes...
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28 Alysanne
June 27, 2012 at 7:53 PM
I'm on the fence on the extension issue. As long as the live-shoot thing doesn't catch up with them, though, they'll have time to make sure those extra 4 episodes will be worth it. I hope for the best! :)
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29 im_eve
June 28, 2012 at 3:06 AM
last pic a threat for your bubble, jb?? hehe
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30 Cammaynn
June 28, 2012 at 9:07 PM
Ooo, I noticed that everybody from some of comments is very concerned and anxious about this drama extension....oh well, I pray for this drama "Gasital" will possibly keep this good story & stay feeding our addiction, please....don't let us down, yups. (close my eyes w/ rubs my hands)
FIGHTING, Gaksital casts and staffs!!!
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31 gomisshi
June 29, 2012 at 1:44 AM
Don't burst my bubble too! >.<
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32 Anon1403
July 1, 2012 at 4:51 PM
I dont know why everyone is so pessimistic with an extension though, it could work and I think this kind of drama with lots of back-stroy as the Japanese imperium period, the japanese samurai organization, the freedom of movement that took place, the people´s life and how they were affected by it. All of those are interesting elements that could have more room to play if the drama get an extension.
I understand the drama is currently circling around Kangto/Gaksital - Shunji - Mokdan. But it can extend more about the period because it´s important. It´s the period and circumstances that forms the people.
I would love to see how Kangto deals with all the conflicts, and how the freedom of movements if fighting against the japanese imperium and how it will develop for the later generations.
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