Choi Kang-hee confirms Secret Agent War
by girlfriday
Confirmations are in: Choi Kang-hee (Protect the Boss) has signed on to be Joo-won’s leading lady in the new spy action rom-com drama Secret Agent War. I… can’t pretend to be ecstatic about this news, as I’m not exactly her biggest fan, but I’m willing to keep an open mind. Who knows, maybe she just played characters I didn’t like before, and somehow she and Joo-won will defy the strangeness of their coupling, have fantastic chemistry, and make me eat my words? Maybe? Possibly? A little bit? I’m trying here! Sigh, the things we do for aegyo monsters. Joo-won, if this drama sucks, I’m putting you on a timeout.
The series is based on the hit movie Level 7 Civil Servant, and will feature a pair of spies who keep their identities a secret from each other while they navigate the muddy waters of dating. It’s like Mr. and Mrs. Smith: The Dating Years, which is a fantastic premise. I loved the movie with Kim Haneul and Kang Ji-hwan, and have wanted them to make this drama forever. It’ll be a fun genre mashup: spy action thriller, romantic melo, and healthy dose of comedy. The 20-episode drama will be written by Chun Sung-il, of Chuno and Level 7 Civil Servant. Directing is Kim Sang-hyub, who was the second director on Dong Yi.
Choi Kang-hee will play Kim Seo-won, an agent with brains, brawn, and looks, but lacking in wealth. She’s the eldest daughter of a poor farmer, and works hard to support her family financially, from living expenses to all her siblings’ tuition. Seo-won is tenacious and independent, and a realist with fierce pride. Joo-won plays Gil-ro, a rookie agent who comes from a well-to-do family. Their initial conflict will arise out of — what else — money and pride.
Phew, well at least they changed it so that Joo-won will be the rookie to Choi Kang-hee’s higher-ranked agent, because I just didn’t see how they were going to pull off same-aged characters and agents on equal footing. But if he’s just playing the younger man and we’re not pretending they’re the same age, it works better all around. Chemistry concerns aside, I am still excited for the drama, because who doesn’t love spies and secret identity hijinks? I hope they milk the hell out of the comedy on this.
Secret Agent War will air in January on MBC.
Via Joy News
RELATED POSTS
- Joo-won’s dapper photo shoot for Arena
- Choi Kang-hee as Joo-won’s potential leading lady
- Joo-won signs on to rom-com spy drama
- Joo-won interview: Ratings man and aegyo boy
- Joo-won offered Level 7 Civil Servant remake
- Protect the Boss posters and character stills
- Choi Kang-hee’s sexy assassin transformation
- Drama version of Civil Servant in the works
Tags: Choi Kang-hee, Joo-won
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
51 SprinkledPink
October 22, 2012 at 10:55 PM
I like Choi Kang Hee. She was great in Protect the Boss. I honestly have no issues with this pairing. I'm just happy that Joo Won is acting with someone that can actually act.
Required fields are marked *
sally_b
October 22, 2012 at 11:17 PM
oooo now there's a thought.
I just listed in my mind about a dozen model/idols that COULD have been paired for this show....and I have to admit a sigh of relief ~
(I'm still wincing from the terrible beating that Wild Romance took with the love triangle...and The Moon Embraces/Sun as well....) perhaps there IS some mercy in the cast-PD's heart.
Required fields are marked *
canxi
October 22, 2012 at 11:33 PM
LOL, I was wondering what you were talking about with Wild Romance (thinking about how the love triangle was OTP + maid and how I like the twistyness of it) and then I remembered Jessica from SNSD was in that drama as the love rival. WOW, I had completely wiped that character from my mind and therefore the drama until now. I think that says so much, lmao.
Required fields are marked *
sally_b
October 23, 2012 at 12:03 AM
@canxi - that show. was so funny and cute and had the BONUS of the Robot Couple....then...dun, dun, dun.....the PD inserted a PLANK in the story.
---and despite the belief that wood floats ~ the drama totally TANKED for me from that moment foreward.
I literally....truly, no exaggeration, had my head on my keyboard during some of the later episodes. I could not fathom how anyone editing the video did not go to the PD and say, "Dude, we've got a problem...the corpse is starting to smell. We can't keep propping her on sofas and hoping no one will notice."
Required fields are marked *
canxi
October 23, 2012 at 7:06 AM
LMAOOOOO!
Irian
October 22, 2012 at 11:56 PM
My thoughts exactly! I bet she'll be better match than quite a few actresses of his age (because, come on, with his intensity, it'll be a bummer to watch someone not his level). And she'll kick his butt.
Required fields are marked *
52 estellebyul
October 22, 2012 at 10:59 PM
OH NOoooo... *sobz*
Required fields are marked *
53 girimon
October 22, 2012 at 11:03 PM
Money and pride. thats what all kdrama about. Another PTB in making, why CKH like to play the same character every time. im officially out best of luck to JW, dont think he choose a right drama.
Required fields are marked *
54 ayma
October 22, 2012 at 11:33 PM
so this is happening again. one person i'm not too fond of against one person i like a lot.. in the end i just cant bring myself to endure watching it T_T
Required fields are marked *
55 girimon
October 23, 2012 at 12:08 AM
My last comment:
I think JW suspect his comedy acting so he wanted an experience actress,
Once read his agency has right to choose his co star. Funny think his hyung UTW co star with so much younger actress than JW.
Required fields are marked *
56 Katherine
October 23, 2012 at 12:12 AM
........... *face palm*...........
Hopefully by the time I see a teaser for this drama my initial thoughts (WHY ?!!!! ... *tears*) will evolve into (OMFG !!! They look good together). Keep my fingers crossed.
Required fields are marked *
57 AF
October 23, 2012 at 12:25 AM
This made me sad :(
Required fields are marked *
58 Star
October 23, 2012 at 12:26 AM
i just do not see how this is going to work out ........ please let me be wrong
Required fields are marked *
59 jedi
October 23, 2012 at 12:31 AM
Maybe they chosed her because her face in my sight little bit resemblance with kim ha neul...
Required fields are marked *
60 Liemkopi
October 23, 2012 at 12:52 AM
OK another drama to miss......
Required fields are marked *
61 rheina07
October 23, 2012 at 12:52 AM
Oh no, My joo won :(
My lee kang to ! :(
Required fields are marked *
62 mimimi
October 23, 2012 at 12:53 AM
I wanna watch a drama with Joowon as the lead. Didn't watch Gaksital cos I'm not a fan of the genre... Joowon lands a rom-com (yay!) but Choi Kang Hee... :( she isn't memorable...
What's with the recent pairing curse for 1n2d current and previous maknae? T_T
Required fields are marked *
63 bear99
October 23, 2012 at 12:53 AM
This will be one of weird OTP in drama land ...
Dramagod like to matched nuna dongsaeng these days ... I had enough seeing Lee Min Ho OTP in Faith ... and now I have to see this ?? Hell ....
Required fields are marked *
64 juliesean
October 23, 2012 at 12:55 AM
NO.....Why did she have to accept it? How am I gonna watch him make out with HER?? My mind just can't wrap around it. What's happening to the broadcasting stations? They even have Seung Ho paired up with YEH. That is just all kinds of wrong.
No matter how good an actress CKH is, it is just not a suitable match, and I'm not just talking about age. Our aeygo boy can match up to a noon, but not CKH. There are definitely older noonas that are a better match. Like Kim Tae Hee? Shin Min Ah, even Ha Ji Won, even Yeh.
There is no doubt that both Yeh and CKH are good actresses, but not paired up as the OTP with their much much much younger co-stars.
Required fields are marked *
Sandy
October 23, 2012 at 1:48 AM
joo won can match noonas.. not ajumma looking noonas.. (am i too harsh? but every photo i have seen of her looks unflattering)
Required fields are marked *
65 sinda
October 23, 2012 at 1:34 AM
We'll have a real life drama for A MAMA BOY.
Required fields are marked *
Sandy
October 23, 2012 at 1:44 AM
THIS.
Required fields are marked *
66 Esmee
October 23, 2012 at 1:34 AM
this can not be true.. this can not be true.. this can not be true.. this ... can .. not ... T__T
Required fields are marked *
67 SS
October 23, 2012 at 1:43 AM
I must credit girlfriday for choosing the perfect picture of CKH here. If she can look exactly like this the whole drama, I will not need to buy any crack from MBC.
Actually her age and looks were the first things that I got over quickly. What I am still struggling with is her acting. I have not watched her dramas, but since the news came out, I have checked out drama clips of PTB and video and I just thought she has this tendency to overact and very passe big eyed syndrome. I hope that her character in this show is a serious one, perhaps that will be better. And Joo Won can be that hapless dork instead
Required fields are marked *
SS
October 23, 2012 at 2:15 AM
I forgot to add that I am banking on the opinions of those who have watched more dramas than I have and people like girlfriday, javabeans and Softy that CKH is good. This is one time I really really want to be proven wrong. Hopefully by the time the drama ends, I will be saying JW & CKH, you two rock!
Required fields are marked *
68 Sandy
October 23, 2012 at 1:46 AM
SIGH PLEASE PROVE ME WRONG PDs. execution can be everything.
PLEASE BE LIKE HJW X LSG who looked absolutely compatible by the time the show started airing.. not like Han Ga In and Kim Soo Hyun who STILL does not bear OTP material (sry, OTP for moon embraces the sun remains the kids)
Required fields are marked *
69 jolli
October 23, 2012 at 1:52 AM
I was like some of you, really digging this until the announcement.
Would prefer a girl closer to JW age. Guess will have to make do.
It will be very pressurizing for her too i think as if the show does not turn up well..... they will say the paring is mismatch...
Good luck JW.
Required fields are marked *
70 crysalide
October 23, 2012 at 2:27 AM
If they want a nuna to play the role they can cast Im soo jung, son yeh jin, lee min jung, han hye jin, shin mina heck even lee shi young i will take it.. but CKH is not at all what i imagine. I've never get to finish whatever her works is however hard i tried.
This maybe because of the painful memories of a drama staring her, wonbin, lee dong gun and bae doona where i can't understand why in the world the 2 guys want her when there is Doona who rocks in the drama.
And if she is so talented, why does she never gets any awards in movies or drama, even for critic awards. This is like lee ji ah and yoon shi yoon 's Me Too Flower all over again.
Sorry JooWon even my love for you cant make watch this and suffer
Required fields are marked *
GG
October 23, 2012 at 11:23 AM
"And if she is so talented, why does she never gets any awards in movies or drama, even for critic awards."
Hun, she has gotten awards before: top excellent actress awards and a popularity award.
Required fields are marked *
71 sighhhh
October 23, 2012 at 2:33 AM
Can I just say that I am realllyyyyyy reallllyyyy disgusted by these news? WHYYYY??? An old ajjuma and our baby-boy who is afraid of almost every insect in this world???? WHYYYY??? Who is the casting lady/man??? Are they just blind...Okay try to ignore the age difference(trying realllly haard) but then we have like girlfriday said,"this odd couple" who I just can stand to see together..sorry..but this drama will definitely be NOT on my watching list..Even though I like Joo Wonie...Sorry, that's a no go with these two characters/actors!
Required fields are marked *
72 Poppi
October 23, 2012 at 2:46 AM
Eriks, Choi Kang Hee totally puts me off from watching the drama. Such a mis match. She totally turned me off the last drama she acted in that I refused to finish it.
Required fields are marked *
73 JOOWON nie....
October 23, 2012 at 3:11 AM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO..... They looked more like mother and son.... he's way toooo young than her.... NNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO......
Required fields are marked *
74 Monona
October 23, 2012 at 3:18 AM
Even though I find this pairing completely random and just odd, I do wish this production the best of luck. I do like the premise, so I'll check it out for sure. After all, some of the 'classic' highly rated dramas with supposedly awesome OTPs have left me cold. The fact that they've made her character older makes it better, but fighting over money issues? Eh.
However, can certain people stop assuming that everyone who is against this pairing is a Joo Won fangirl? I for one haven't even watched him in anything, whereas I have seen at least seen CKH in PtB. She was decent in that, though I hope she'll develop this character enough so that's it's not just a replication of that role.
Required fields are marked *
75 april
October 23, 2012 at 3:48 AM
I'm so sad.. T.T
just hoping it will turn good,
I can't say anything more.. T.T
Required fields are marked *
76 shoesrgreatrite
October 23, 2012 at 3:59 AM
i want to ......cry...... JOO WON OPPA WHYYYYYY
Required fields are marked *
77 song yong in
October 23, 2012 at 4:04 AM
oh, okay, so they'll be playing older woman and younger man. that's good; i guess they'll pull it through.
fighting, joo won!
Required fields are marked *
78 Artemis
October 23, 2012 at 4:11 AM
NOOOOOOOO!!!!
Required fields are marked *
79 fdyane
October 23, 2012 at 4:38 AM
are they planning to kill the drama??seriously..a really awkward couple...cant wait to see how it plays out
Required fields are marked *
80 Yuhotarubi
October 23, 2012 at 4:48 AM
ok, I don't know how to react to this news, I never saw CKH act before so I can't say anything if she fits the role or something but pairing her up with Joo Won ??? that's what really makes my head spinning, but I'll try to be optimistic, who knows ?? it might turn out to be a great drama ( n_n )
Joo won oppa FIGHTING!!!! Choi Kang Hee FIGHTING !!!!!!!
Required fields are marked *
81 Irene
October 23, 2012 at 4:54 AM
Ew.
Required fields are marked *
82 matinsoleil
October 23, 2012 at 5:25 AM
I'm writing this post crying cause man i'm not excited at all about this pairing!!! It' seems...a bit...you know...I don't know actually. I just wished for him to have a co-star of his age! I like both of them but not together. Even though you never know the chemestry can be awsome on screen...or not!!! T_T
Required fields are marked *
83 Kdramafan89
October 23, 2012 at 6:38 AM
Love CKH she's a genius comedic actress. I have no worries about the comedic portion of the story but as for romance I need to see chemistry in order for the drama to work for me. I'm excited to see Joo won in a comedic role!
Required fields are marked *
84 apple
October 23, 2012 at 7:30 AM
Nooooooo!
I mean just ughhhh
No!!!
Required fields are marked *
85 mintiefresh
October 23, 2012 at 7:41 AM
I...dunno. That's all I can say cause I honestly don't know how I feel about this.
Required fields are marked *
86 Grimchi
October 23, 2012 at 7:59 AM
What...!!! The...!!!???
CKH is attractive .. but I just don't think she's hot enough for Joo Won..
I don't agree with the casting of the leading lady. I don't.
ARRGGHHH!
Required fields are marked *
Grimchi
October 23, 2012 at 8:01 AM
..not gonna watch it even though I admire Joo Won's work enough to be excited for this new project of his .. but no.. not with that lady as his love interest.
Required fields are marked *
87 sudi
October 23, 2012 at 8:57 AM
Oh,Lord
Have mercy on the baby face man
No wild imagination,no fantasy works out
My nerves bang-bang boom boom brusting
Head/heart-ache I want no more
Close eyes,deep breathe just fast forward each eps
Required fields are marked *
88 sasa
October 23, 2012 at 9:52 AM
All kdrama in recent years about nona-dongseung love i remember all flop or at best average. im amazed how MBC wants to repeat same mistake ever and ever.
Required fields are marked *
mars
October 23, 2012 at 10:28 AM
I don't think you're correct. I'm really tired of these age comments. I hope that Korea adapts Harold and Maude and one of the ~darling young actors~ gets paired with Kim Young-ok and they kiss and roll around in her bed so I can cackle in glee and be totally into it because what's wrong with an older woman gettin' it? Absolutely nothing.
Required fields are marked *
Grimchi
October 23, 2012 at 9:27 PM
Don't mind it either.. but the lady's gotta be hot.
Required fields are marked *
89 sasa
October 23, 2012 at 11:33 AM
If one story revolves about older younger love its ok, not 10 dramas every year same concepet...rich-poor, immature-responsible for her family, pride enz...Men in korean drama are: 1-immature,rich 2: wants a revenge......and must be tamed by leading actress.
JW must be at ease now, nobody gonna ship them for real.
Required fields are marked *
sasa
October 23, 2012 at 11:44 AM
Forget to say whats the most common in k drama: first love..
the only bad thing in bridal mask was this so called childhood love.
Required fields are marked *
90 GG
October 23, 2012 at 11:35 AM
I like both Choi Kang Hee and Joo Won, though I do agree with many that they don't look very compatible together.
However, it disgusts me how some people are behaving and the comments they are making. Sure, they might not look great together, but they may make it up with chemistry. Who knows? Stop being so judgmental before you even give it a chance.
Required fields are marked *
91 maracarrero
October 23, 2012 at 12:02 PM
This forum has turned into a love/hate fest. I remember
when Faith was casted and everyone was "Oh no girlfriend,
don't go there" and now it's total LMH/KHS fanfare and respect. I think both JW and CKH have the comedic chops to pull this off. In the movie version KJH and KHN did not have that much onscreen chemistry (that is my humble opinion) and KJH was so great as a bumbling, fumbling secret agent. Maybe this drama version will have both stars vying for laughs and we'll all be the happier for it.
To pull off the female leading role, an actress with skill is needed and we all know that the pickings are pretty slim in JW's age range. Let's give props to the actresses who were not idols/singers who have managers getting them cast into roles they are not prepared for. Because you can sing and model, a great actor it does not make you. Teen idols today are judged by their CFs, being part of a singing group which has 3-12 other members and that skill does not necessarily translate to the screen.
I will cast judgment when I watch ep. 1 'cause I imagine the casting director had them screen test together before offering the roles or he/she would have a rough time justifying the pairing.
Required fields are marked *
keltt
October 24, 2012 at 5:02 AM
...now it’s total LMH/KHS fanfare and respect.....
What about the rating then? Is 9% enogh for JW drama?
Required fields are marked *
92 Quiet Thought
October 23, 2012 at 2:43 PM
Considering another aspect, I do remember from the original movie that this should be a spoof on the action spy genre, as well. In this case, instead of wondering if the leading lady is trainable to fake the athletic part, like Kim Tae Hee, we've got Choi Kang-hee and her fabulous, gorgeous long-distance runner's legs. Flower boy better watch out, she'll kick so much bad guy butt he'll be looking like an old man with surgery.
Required fields are marked *
93 lookingfordramacrack
October 23, 2012 at 3:08 PM
RE:diorama comment....
"I guess we’ll have to get used to the noona trend, given the YEH and Yoo Seung Ho/Yoochun pairing coming up."
YEH has a babyface and Yoo Seung Ho looks older than 19. Plus, YEH has chemistry with just about anyone!
I don't have anything against the noona-romance trend if the chemistry is there (see: Kim Sam Soon, What's Up Fox, Personal Taste)
Unfortunately, this couple together does not do it for me but I'll try the first few eps with an open mind.
Required fields are marked *
Grimchi
October 23, 2012 at 9:29 PM
only 4 yrs difference.
Required fields are marked *
94 Carol
October 23, 2012 at 3:35 PM
LOL it is so crazy seeing people go crazy over a drama that hasn't even air yet....they could have smoking chemistry or the opposite. And the petition thing is a bit much for the love of god, and why the hell are people not remembering the SEXY Joo Won in suits from gaksital....DREAMMMMY, the boy is SUPER FINE in tailored suits. Awwww me like ;)
Required fields are marked *
95 Paola
October 23, 2012 at 4:12 PM
I really wanted him to be paired with Sung-Yuri instead of Choi Kang Hee. I don't know how the other think but personally I really saw her with Joo Won. You need to see Detective Cha.
Required fields are marked *
96 sokhasen
October 23, 2012 at 4:50 PM
I can't wait for this drama!!! Joo Wo is not all that hot in my opinion. His acting is so so. He should be thankful that he gets to act with CKJ. She's one of the best korean actresses out there.
Required fields are marked *
97 Odet
October 23, 2012 at 4:55 PM
I promised not to read this but I can't help it. It's like suppressing myself from peeing... anyway.. I agree to most of the comments. My baby Joo-won, my baby Joo-won. I really don't like CKH but we'll see. I’m also willing to keep an open mind for my baby.
Required fields are marked *
98 Eunice
October 23, 2012 at 5:41 PM
they should either recast Ji-Sung in Joo Won's role or cast Uee to replace CKH when she is done filming her drama with Cha Tae Hyun. The current cast is disturbing and will (for sure) result in low ratings. What is a romantic comedy without a compatible, believable couple in love?
Required fields are marked *
Guess
October 23, 2012 at 7:03 PM
TOTALLY AGREE!!!!
Required fields are marked *
99 malta
October 23, 2012 at 6:43 PM
Choi Kang Hee Fighting!!!!
I like her. I think she will do well.
:D
In regards to the age difference, it seems they changed the script to give a younger male lead the chance to play the part. In the original movie the leads are the same age closer to what Choi Kang Hee naturally plays.
So if anything we should be talking about how they changed the male role to a younger age in the story. Not the other way around. It's not CKH's casting that changes the story...
Anyway love them both.
Required fields are marked *
100 Guess
October 23, 2012 at 6:50 PM
I'm literally crying! Not tears of tears, but tears of frustration and anger!!! I'm sooo disappointed with the main female cast for the past few dramas!!! Why are they pairing all these older women with younger men
Required fields are marked *