A romantic first encounter for Gu Family Book
by javabeans
I’ve been scratching my head trying to get a read on Gu Family Book ever since it was announced, and having trouble knowing what to expect. Would it be a comedy or a melodrama? Fusion or straight sageuk? Thrilling or romantic or action-packed or dramatic?
We’ve got a lovely set of stills here that at least give me some idea, as Lee Yeon-hee (Ghost) makes her guest appearance playing the mother to future Lee Seung-gi, our half-human, half-gumiho hero. She falls in love with Choi Jin-hyuk (Panda and Hedgehog) upon their “fateful meeting” here on Jeju Island, shot earlier this month.
He’s a guardian spirit of Mt. Jiri, while she’s the daughter of a nobleman who becomes a gisaeng (her father is framed for treason and killed). A previous article stated that she falls in love with Chio Jin-hyuk’s character after he saves her from danger, though we don’t yet have the details on that rescue.
Gumiho lore likes to depict the mystical liver-eating fox creatures as females (though not exclusively; consider 2004’s Tale of the Gumiho / Forbidden Love starring Kim Tae-hee), and so the immediate assumption was that the mother would be the fox. But I love the reversal here with Dad providing the mystical DNA, and in the drama’s “present” storyline it’s a male lead who’s struggling with his half-beast side, hoping to become human. Maybe Woong-ah will finally feel some sympathy pangs retroactively for how he treated Mi-ho’s need to become human?
It’s also a nice change of pace to make the heroine the warrior, since Suzy plays a skilled fighter with particular prowess at archery. Her father (played by Jo Sung-ha) is a former soldier who now teaches the younger generation, and Suzy is a martial arts instructor at his school. Go kick some hero ass, honey! (I’m sure I’ll fall for the hero soon enough, but since Seung-gi’s character’s personality is described as rash and reckless, I’m thinking he could use a little disciplining.)
Gu Family Book will follow Horse Healer on MBC and premieres mid-April.
Via My Daily
RELATED POSTS
- News bites: February 4, 2013/a>
- Lee Yeon-hee cast in Gu Family Book
- Lee Seung-gi and Suzy’s new drama scores time slot
- Lee Seung-gi and Suzy cast in fantasy sageuk
- Sugar and puns for Panda and Hedgehog
- Ghost: Episode 1
- Cable drama Panda and Hedgehog serves up sweet romance
- Choi Jin-hyuk, Lee Ji-hoon in upcoming drama
Tags: Choi Jin-hyuk, Gu Family Book, Lee Yeon-hee
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1 topper
February 20, 2013 at 5:13 AM
Lee Yeon Hee looks beautiful in the stills.
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2 browncoat_78
February 20, 2013 at 5:16 AM
Choi Jin Hyuk with a mane of glory. Can we say rawr?! I need more of that in my life, Dramaland! Only problem I would see with Choi Jin Hyuk in a sageuk is less chance of shirt removal.
I still am highly skeptical at the casting of Suzy in this. Unless they keep this light and fun, she may be a disaster. But I believe in Lee Seung Gi's acting ability after King2Hearts. That proved to me he can do anything. I'm also happy to see they are starting the filming of this so early. Less live shoot is always good in my book!
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Mama J
February 20, 2013 at 6:36 AM
I was thinking he looks gooooood that way, doesn't he?
Seriously though, these pictures are just lovely all the way around - the scenery, the humans in that scenery, the colors, the quality of light, the scale, all of it.
Getting really excited about this.
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Bengbeng
February 20, 2013 at 8:32 PM
agree on the scenery... i never knew that a wild forest could look this romantic =)
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TS
February 20, 2013 at 7:01 AM
He's so gorgeous! I'm emailing Dramafever now to ask them to sub this.
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trotwood
February 20, 2013 at 10:26 AM
What a good idea! He looks incredible (with the emphasis on "edible."
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kfangurl
February 20, 2013 at 10:00 PM
LOL! You've just given new meaning the word "incredible" ;) Nice one!
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tieuyeunu
February 23, 2013 at 12:42 AM
I really thought LSG was a novice compared to the rest of the cast, he was the weakest link to me.
He's whole segment of when HJW's character was captured was done very text book but lacked the actual essence of the scene. In less then one minute, HJW managed to portray so much more while sitting in her cell then he did in his 'moment'.
I'm not completely sold on him yet, he's still playing essentially the same character. I wished he'll take something more dark on, show some manliness instead of this idol boyishness.
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3 Jae Shin
February 20, 2013 at 5:21 AM
One word: pretty... ^_^
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4 crazedlu
February 20, 2013 at 5:25 AM
Suzy. :|
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Fosho
February 20, 2013 at 8:19 AM
Suzy :) :) :)
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pogo
February 20, 2013 at 11:02 AM
at least she's pretty?
(as far as I can see she's not good at the live singing, dancing or acting, though)
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Lovebug
February 20, 2013 at 1:36 PM
Ha that made me laugh out loud!
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danteee
February 20, 2013 at 3:36 PM
Lee Yeon Hee. :|
Both are meh actresses..... though i don't know if I should label Suzy as one.....
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5 song yong in
February 20, 2013 at 5:27 AM
April is so far away. I'm so excited to see Seung Gi again in his first saeguk.
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Amanda
February 21, 2013 at 9:01 AM
I agree!! I mean, he is the reason this drama popped up on my radar in the first place.
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6 lemondoodle
February 20, 2013 at 5:29 AM
So pretty. Choi Jin-hyuk's is rocking them side swept bangs. Lee Yeon-hee is seriously gorgeous too. I had no idea how this drama was going to look, but I'm liking it so far. I'm still worried about Suzy though.
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7 cg
February 20, 2013 at 5:33 AM
eagerly waiting for this.....
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8 Jenny
February 20, 2013 at 5:38 AM
What a fine mane of glory and Lee Yeon Hee looks ethereal in the stills.
It's interesting how in Japanese mythology the gumiho/kitsune is more of a trickster which takes the form of a beautiful woman and seduces the man or vice versa. Even the onmyoji Abe no seimei was said to have a kitsune mother ^^
Still skeptic about Suzy, she's good as a supporting actress but not sure she can pull of a leading lady part just yet.
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Nallali
February 20, 2013 at 9:02 AM
If IU can pull it off so can she...(sarcasm very much intended!)
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9 CaroleMcDonnell
February 20, 2013 at 6:26 AM
Oh my gosh!!! Those forest scenes!!!! Loooooooovely!
I didn't know this was a sageuk. I'm in drama heaven now. End of the world medical/plague dramas AND sageuks AND time travel. Major joy in these parts. Thanks so much!
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10 Ilona
February 20, 2013 at 6:28 AM
So sweat! They are indeed very beautiful.
Mane of glory!
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11 Alexis
February 20, 2013 at 6:31 AM
Oooo!! Badabadabayakyyaaaa!!! \^o^/ I am very curiooous about this drama & it seem very interesting, ofc.
~ I am looking forward to watch this drama in April ;) ~ Woot!
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12 orenji
February 20, 2013 at 7:17 AM
mid-april...nooo..i thought it will come out on early april.i can't wait anymore. i'm so excited for this drama.These photos are very pretty.Lee Yeon-hee is beautiful. :)
Regarding Suzy,i heard the main focus of this drama is about Kang-chi and his father.I read that his dad will become evil working with the bad guy.So the romance probably just side story. Anyway i like Suzy.I'm excited to see her try a new things and i can't wait to see her cross dressing...lol
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Rozza
February 20, 2013 at 4:52 PM
So ..like Darth Vader - Luke Skywalker .
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13 DARAling~
February 20, 2013 at 8:13 AM
She still look plain and boring as usual, always have that sleepy-sad expression on her face in EVERY fucking drama.
I'm glad they didn't casted this boring bitch as female lead, at least Suzy's more fun to watch.
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Birdsinarow
February 20, 2013 at 8:59 AM
Does one have to be that rude to express his/her opinion?
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topper
February 20, 2013 at 9:21 AM
Way to destroy the mood of the beautiful pics with your potty mouth.
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ck1Oz
February 21, 2013 at 1:57 AM
Aww... I love you.
I hate expletives and I love all 3 of your comments. That's right, never could understand why some people can't comment without using expletives.
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houstontwin
February 20, 2013 at 9:50 AM
Daraling, what's all that anger about? How can you hate someone you don't know? Even if you don't like her acting, the name calling is inappropriate.
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NOOO
February 20, 2013 at 2:03 PM
wowwwwwww you are really sad.... if you don't like the actress don't post anything i don't know but i think you are mad that she is cast in dramas and maybe your favorite actress is not.... anywaysssss poor you i think when you look in the mirror what you look is what your mouth says!!!!
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14 emmy
February 20, 2013 at 8:21 AM
Beautiful shots.
I wouldn't mind if they used this camera throughout. I'm in this drama already just for Seunggi, and I just adore pretty dramas and am really impressed with the dramas this year like Flower Boy Next Door and That Winter, the latter of which being one of the best cinematographic K-drama I've watched.
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Abbie
February 20, 2013 at 9:00 AM
Agree with you wholeheartedly. Good camera work is usually the backbone of the good dramas, other than story. We already have one of these, so I'm hoping the story is as wonderful as the camera.
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15 manassuper
February 20, 2013 at 8:22 AM
The cinematography stands out.....since this drama is well shot in advance i am expecting it to be visually classic in depicting the saeguk fantasy genre.........can't wait for still of our hero choi kangchi (LSG).........It has all ingridients to be a'DAEBAK" drama......"GU FAMILY BOOKfaily " fighting.....
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16 Abbie
February 20, 2013 at 8:57 AM
The stills look gorgeous, so already I'm loving it. But it has Lee Seung-gi in it, so I'm predisposed to love it. Looking forward to it!
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Toystar
February 20, 2013 at 8:57 PM
Me 2!
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17 Nallali
February 20, 2013 at 8:57 AM
I finally watched Architecture 101 and i gotta say Suzy's character potrayal was quite decent. I daresay she even sorta outdid her older counterpart, considering Mrs Vampire Prosecutor isn't exactly known for her acting chops! So I'll go into this with an open mind...she just might surprise us all!
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forty_two
February 21, 2013 at 11:14 PM
Suzy is daebak! ^^
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18 wanne
February 20, 2013 at 8:59 AM
Love these stills!! Directing-wise looks promising so far. Looking forward for more!
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19 eunchans
February 20, 2013 at 9:02 AM
Gorgeous! Gives me the same vibe as Arang. Praying this will be good as I like the cast and need a good sageuk in my life.
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20 haha
February 20, 2013 at 9:30 AM
The still cuts are really pretty. The scenery is also very beautiful. This PD is alway showing beautiful scenery and good camera works, plus the plot is really interesting so I'm more excited!
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21 Lilian
February 20, 2013 at 9:56 AM
Ooh..the pics are looking good. I can't wait to see more pics with the leads! Where's the pics of Suzy and Seung Gi?
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lemondoodle
February 20, 2013 at 10:30 AM
They haven't started filming yet
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22 canxi
February 20, 2013 at 10:51 AM
WOW. The trees in that second still. Beautiful.
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23 redfox
February 20, 2013 at 11:31 AM
redfox likes this fox. and that forest.
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24 marid
February 20, 2013 at 11:52 AM
I never liked men with long hair until I stated watching Kdramas. Now even the side bangs look hot. April hurry up!!! I going to need something to patch the hole FBND is going to leave behind.
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25 minsoo
February 20, 2013 at 11:56 AM
Has someone realize this drama plot seems similar with manga nura no mago?? Human marrying spirits.
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26 JC
February 20, 2013 at 12:40 PM
I was a little skeptical before, but this drama is sounding better and better! I'm excited to give it a try. :)
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27 hkgs
February 20, 2013 at 12:49 PM
I have a question on why everyone keeps saying that Lee Seung Gi's character is half gumiho. I would think a mountain spirit would be different from a gumiho. At least from the way gumihos are depicted in dramas. Are gumihos the only mythological creature unique to Korea and that's why people assume it must be a gumiho that they are referring to? Or are the producers describing the mountain spirit with characteristics that normally only a gumiho has?
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afan
February 20, 2013 at 6:08 PM
This may explain for you, credit to http://www.hancinema.net/choi-jin-hyeok-joins-medical-novel-52991.html (wrong name btw)
"Choi Jin-hyeok takes on the role of Koo Wol-ryeong. He is also called the Gumiho because he makes those who want to harm the forest see a hallucination of a fox with nine tails.
Koo Wol-yeong is strong and charismatic but is so pure when it comes to love and falls in love with Yoon Seo-hee (Lee Yeon-hee). He gives up life as a guardian angel and lives as a human."
Some articles says Seung Gi's character is half human - half beast, we have to wait to know.
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hkgs
February 20, 2013 at 11:55 PM
Thanks for the info.
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manassuper
February 21, 2013 at 11:39 PM
quite agreee......
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28 redfox
February 20, 2013 at 1:01 PM
in oriental mythologies most spirit beings are connected to mountains somehow, cause mountains are sacred, mystical places, like symbols of a realm beyong reality so whether a gumiho a fairy or kirin, why not. and for example, in chinese mythology the fox spirits can only live on mountains, there are certain plants growing there that they make elixir of longevity of. I have read a lot from some very good folklore and mythology books, I could go on for pages about fox-spirits
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redfox
February 20, 2013 at 1:02 PM
my post was meant as reply to hkgs
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hkgs
February 20, 2013 at 6:09 PM
Thanks for the reply. This makes more sense to me now.
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29 Gidget
February 20, 2013 at 2:27 PM
"Maybe Woong-ah will finally feel some sympathy pangs retroactively for how he treated Mi-ho’s need to become human?"
LOL...
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kfangurl
February 20, 2013 at 10:02 PM
Ditto! Took the words out of my mouth - this was the exact line that had me snickering ;)
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30 Fasiris Fay
February 20, 2013 at 2:39 PM
Lee Seung Gi!! I'm suddenly reminded of his brief mane of glory in My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, when he's showing Mi-ho his 'amazing acting skills'. Hehehe!
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31 SonYeJin-is-love
February 20, 2013 at 2:46 PM
No offense but LYH is like the WORST actress in Korea. After 10 goddamn yrs she still haven't improved her acting.
Since Suzy's an idol I'm not gonna judge her, her acting is actually decent though.
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32 Yanny
February 20, 2013 at 3:11 PM
I am so here for Choi Jin Hyuk! This man needs more recognition
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33 sweetcloud
February 20, 2013 at 3:14 PM
The stills look straight out of a manhwa. I like the feeling so far, I hope the performances can deliver
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34 WM
February 20, 2013 at 4:31 PM
This just sold me on trying the series out. I wasn't too sure about what the series was, either, but you did a great little summary for me which helped me decide. Thanks for the heads up!
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35 Ew
February 20, 2013 at 6:35 PM
UGH Lee Yeon hee is such a joke. She should stick to modeling.
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36 Mini Roo
February 20, 2013 at 6:52 PM
Half-beast....archery...Inuyasha....????? I'm looking forward to it!!!
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37 ladymoxie
February 20, 2013 at 7:28 PM
Ooohhh those pictures are gorgeous! Great composition and the color palette is just lovely!
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38 ar
February 20, 2013 at 9:52 PM
Is it weird that I want to see Lee Yeon-hee and Choi Jin-hyuk's story instead from these stills? I've never been fond of Lee Yeon-hee because there is just something so bland about her, but even though she is doing nothing in these stills, she surprisingly stood out. And I find Choi Jin Hyuk adorable from the episodes of Panda and Hedgehog that I watched.
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39 Ueno Rie
February 20, 2013 at 10:47 PM
looks mystic and I love it. I really hope this drama will do good.
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40 7258salt
February 20, 2013 at 11:38 PM
MBC..?
i suggest we pray very-very hard that this drama will make it on air intact, on time and complete until the last intended episode..
we can never be too sure...
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manassuper
February 21, 2013 at 11:45 PM
It has top star in LSG plus top notch director PD and writer so i don't think MBC will dare to do something rash and gointo their and fans bad books ....I CAN GAURANTEEE YOU IT WILL COMPLETES IT'S QUOTA OF SET EPISODES....on airing it was supposed to air in MAY originally but it may air in mid april if horse doctor is not extended and heard horse doctor may extend due to soccer.....
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41 Ivy
February 21, 2013 at 10:35 AM
Can't wait for this! :) I'm excited about the cast: I love Lee Seung-gi after King2Hearts and My girlfriend is a gumiho and ama excited to see how Suzy will do - she's not the actress I would prefer in this role, but oh well, maybe she'll be great ? (doubt it :P )
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42 SeriesDee.com
February 21, 2013 at 12:27 PM
I love you, Lee Yeon Hee
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43 Ren
February 22, 2013 at 10:32 AM
Man, it looks like this drama may be beautiful, scenery-wise. I hope it'll be good!
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44 MyluvLSG
February 23, 2013 at 5:47 PM
OMG, the scenery is so eerily beautiful :D. LYH looks gorgeous too. Don't know why ppl keep bashing her but I think she was pretty decent in Ghost. I have a high hope that the drama will have great background effect. Gosh, can't wait until April. Miss my daily dosage of Seung Gi for too long now. Can't wait to see how his character will look like in the drama. And hope all the actors & actresses will do their best to make an epic film. :D
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