The Chaser cast and crew reunites for new drama, courts Lee Yo-won and Go Soo

71 April 13, 2013April 13, 2013

The Chaser cast and crew reunites for new drama, courts Lee Yo-won and Go Soo

by girlfriday

Lee Yo-won, Go Soo

The writer-director team from last year’s gripping daddy-revenge conspiracy drama The Chaser is getting the band back together for a new drama this summer called Empire of Gold, and is currently courting Lee Yo-won (The Horse Healer) and Go Soo (Bandage) to headline. The Chaser’s star and daesang winner Sohn Hyun-joo has already signed on to reunite with the production team, along with Jang Shin-young.

The 30-episode drama is set to air in SBS’s Monday-Tuesday slot after Jang Ok-jung, and will tell the twenty-year epic of a rising chaebol empire. It begins in 1990 and follows the journey of a poor hero whose ambition grows feverishly after witnessing the misfortunes of his poor hardworking father. The heroine, meanwhile, is the second daughter of the giant conglomerate at the center of the story, who struggles between love and family loyalty as the hero goes head-to-head with her family’s company. It’s another political thriller very much in the same vein as The Chaser, this time with a focus on the turbulent economic era and a struggle for power within one family.

Park Geun-hyung is reprising his Chaser archetype as the head of the chaebol family, and this time Sohn Hyun-joo plays Park Geun-hyung’s eldest son, and oppa to the heroine. Oh interesting — he’ll play one of the baddies who clashes with the hero. Ryu Seung-soo (the prosecutor) and Jang Shin-young (the killer-instinct assistant) have also signed on, but no word yet on their characters.

Jang Shin-young, Sohn Hyun-joo

I see a lot of the same themes and setups from The Chaser being reworked into a different set of characters — it’s actually a lot like Go Jun-hee’s storyline in that drama (chaebol daughter falls in love with prosecutor taking down her family, has to choose between daddy and justice), just brought to the forefront as the main storyline.

It’s a little less exciting that they’re doing such a familiar premise, but more of The Chaser ain’t a bad thing in my book, so I’m interested to see if they can up their game and deliver another well-written epic dogfight for power. I don’t know if the romance will have that heart-tug that the daddy-daughter storyline did for The Chaser, but I’ll definitely be tuning in to find out.

Empire of Gold premieres in July on SBS.

Park Geun-hyung, Ryu Seung-soo

Via Star News

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1 Jennifer

April 13, 2013 at 10:06 AM

What great news!!! I love Lee Yo Won and Go Soo. The drama sounds very promising. Can't wait!!!

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sister joy

April 14, 2013 at 3:35 AM

I hope Lee Yowon would confirm. I love her too.

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2 Selena

April 13, 2013 at 10:06 AM

I love Go Soo.... Can't wait to see him back in action. Thanks GF for the update.

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3 Mystisith

April 13, 2013 at 10:22 AM

I like the cast but I may be overdosing on chaebol's stories about 2nd generation sons... I don't know what I want myself, just something a bit different.

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4 MsB

April 13, 2013 at 10:24 AM

Not fa,iliar with Go Soo but for Lee Yo Won I would watch.

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sister joy

April 14, 2013 at 3:33 AM

I don't know him too, but I am an ardent fan of Lee Yowon, hehe..

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5 Kiara

April 13, 2013 at 10:24 AM

Loved "The Chaser", one of my fav from last year.

I like Lee Yo-won but she lacks screen presence and I get bored watching her pretty fast. A good actress can easily steal the spot-light from her *cough* GHJ in QSD.

So this means Han Ji Min is free. Lee Jun-ki might be happy about that.

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snow

April 13, 2013 at 1:49 PM

yeah, i find her kinda bland onscreen.

i'd like to have seen kim ha-eun pair up with go soo on this. i wonder what she's up to now.

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Jyyjc

April 13, 2013 at 7:35 PM

Oh here I thought I was the only one. I've always found her very.... Not captivating on all fronts.

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sister joy

April 14, 2013 at 4:47 PM

she is very captivating in all fronts, now I am crazy for her, lol.

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6 Jo

April 13, 2013 at 10:41 AM

I like Go Soo and especially Sohn Hyun Joo but I think Lee Yeo-won acts in that tired way...as in she literally looks and feels tired all the time :T

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Annie

April 13, 2013 at 12:35 PM

She literally sucks the energy out of any scene that she's in - like a more palatable version of Yoon Jung Hee.

I'm hoping that these reports aren't true.

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Gala

April 13, 2013 at 1:43 PM

Omigawd @yoon jung hee! She portrayed the role Danah quite well in Family's Honour. Then... Saw some of her other works and she basically play the same characters the same, even if the character might've been written differently.

And if anyone's familiar with Junsu of JYJ, YJH looks like the female version of Junsu, or simply Junsu with the boobs and long hair. Lol.

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jk

April 13, 2013 at 3:38 PM

How can you say she literally sucks the energy out of any scene that she's in? Maybe you haven't seen her in 49 Days or Surgeon Bong Dal Hee. To each his own - I for one finds LYW charming and a fine actress. :)

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Annie

April 13, 2013 at 4:16 PM

To each his/her own

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sister joy

April 14, 2013 at 3:39 AM

Yes, I find her very charming too & a talented actress. It will be great to see her again.

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cynkdf

April 14, 2013 at 4:28 AM

The first LYW drama that I watched was "49 Days" and IMHO she was awesome in that show. I love her chemistry with the three male leads.

sister joy

April 14, 2013 at 4:42 PM

Oh, she was awesome! I even like her with the doctor.

KDaddict

April 14, 2013 at 1:33 AM

She literally sucks the energy out of any scene that she's in.

I agree. 100%.

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sister joy

April 14, 2013 at 4:45 PM

Oh, I disagree, 100%. I totally I enjoyed every performance.

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Yasmin

April 13, 2013 at 1:27 PM

I know what you mean! I felt the exact same way watching her in horse doctor (the only drama I've seen for her). I really like Go Soo and have heard good things about him despite never having seen a drama for him.
Still waiting for bandage to be subbed!

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Kiara

April 14, 2013 at 8:24 AM

Bratty princess played by Kim So Eun was more exciting to watch. She light up the screen every time she's on, its a pity she didn't get more screen time.

The whole production was a snorefest imo, from the writing to the directing, acting etc.
Me thinks PD Lee is ready for retirement.

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sister joy

April 14, 2013 at 4:50 PM

Oh, you should try her other dramas too. I have yet to see Go Soo.

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KDaddict

April 14, 2013 at 1:30 AM

Watching her in 49 days was really painful.

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sister joy

April 14, 2013 at 3:44 AM

I became a huge fan of Lee Yowon through that drama. Now I am always seeking for her other projects, haha! Now my family is also loving her, LOL!

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DddD

April 14, 2013 at 8:19 PM

different strokes for different folks

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sister joy

April 16, 2013 at 6:31 PM

Yes.

7 mayke88

April 13, 2013 at 11:13 AM

Sometimes ago when LYW's Soompi thread talk abt actors we want to be paired with her next, Go Soo is among the ones that I mentioned. I thought they'll be great together, as they're excellent in heavy or melo dramas, can cry so convincingly, almost never do straight romcom or light projects, but when the script call, they can give funny and cheerful performances as well.

All in all, IMO they'll be a nice pairing. And I already learn not to trust the initial synopsis, but to lean more in the director-writer credentials. The Chaser was superb so I believe them.

And look at their clothing brand CF together. Cute!

http://leeyowon.clanteam.com/2000%20litmus%20collection.html

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jk

April 13, 2013 at 3:46 PM

I have yet to see any of Go Soo's work but I'm happy for LYW if she decides to accept the offer although I was hoping her next project would be a rom-com but beggars can't be choosers. ;)

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nika

April 13, 2013 at 11:15 PM

I remembered that discussion very well. I never had the chance to watch the drama of Go Soo that was recommended. Maybe I can see him here with Lee Yowon, I hope.

As a big fan of Lee Yowon I am already happy & proud that this writer-director team is considering/courting Lee Yowon to star in their project. It must mean that they are pleased with her talent as an actress & are confident she would do a great job.

Thanks for this wonderful article. I hope in the next article, I will read the confirmation of these two lead stars.

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8 snow_white

April 13, 2013 at 11:26 AM

Haven't seen The Chaser, so this might be a new thing for me....and I like the leads :)

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9 smo_ore

April 13, 2013 at 12:31 PM

This has nothing really to do with this post. But I can no longer see Go Soo's name without hearing the chant of the Running Man cast. Makes for interesting reading.

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10 cc232

April 13, 2013 at 2:07 PM

this is sad video http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?o=U

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11 AnotherFan

April 13, 2013 at 3:12 PM

Oh yaay!

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12 jomo143

April 13, 2013 at 3:49 PM

I needed a reason to marathon The Chaser.

I Marathon for Go Soo.

Even it if is totally a next season connection, Go Soo is enough of a draw for me.

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13 Mia

April 13, 2013 at 4:12 PM

YATAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA !!!!

DEOKMAN IS BACK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ^^

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14 jr

April 13, 2013 at 5:17 PM

Go Soo...YAY! Lee Yo Won...yawn.

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sister joy

April 14, 2013 at 4:40 PM

Lee Yowon.. I'm wide awake! When she's on TV I suffered from sleep deprivation.

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15 fateme.r

April 13, 2013 at 5:22 PM

wish they were courting han groo instead, she's awesome :P

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sister joy

April 14, 2013 at 4:54 PM

Oh, I don't know her.

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LOL

April 14, 2013 at 10:53 PM

LOL, same! She's great with action scenes. I would so prefer her over Lee Yo Won!!

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sister joy

April 16, 2013 at 5:30 PM

But this drama seems not an action genre. Just finished with Chaser & it's quite a suspense & a melodrama. I think I can quite guess why the team wants Lee Yowon & Go Soo to star in their next project. These two are known for their intense crying ability.

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16 joy

April 13, 2013 at 5:47 PM

Oh, I hope LEE YOWON would say YES. I really love her. She's beautiful & talented. I became a huge fan of her after 49 Days, she was really good there. I also love her in Surgeon Bong Dah Lee & Queen Seonduk.

Lee Yowon, I am waiting for you... & thank you if you will say YES to the people courting you.

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17 kimchilee

April 13, 2013 at 8:09 PM

I hope report not true.. what awful put off if pairing with Lee YoWon.. she is so boring .. dead pan face all the time.. Go Soo deserves better.. besides, isnt she a bit taller than him?

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18 yasminsatria

April 13, 2013 at 8:09 PM

Synopsis sounds like Giant, with epic of a rising chaebol empire and revenge stuff.

But I LOVE Go Soo and I only heard praise about The Chaser production team whenever I check their review *want to watch but lack of time* so I think I'll check them out along with The Chaser.

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19 Fasr

April 13, 2013 at 9:39 PM

i loooove Lee Yo Won so I'm happy her face will back on television.

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sister joy

April 14, 2013 at 3:29 AM

Same here. I am excited!!!

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20 Jushi

April 13, 2013 at 10:24 PM

Currently watching the first ep of The Chaser and I am like WTF (is this allowed here? Hahah) all the time. Now I'm on the scene where the doctor's about to 'kill' the daughter and I just couldn't continue.

I'd probably try this one out just because I want to see the same Chaser actors in this new endeavor not as much as the courted leads. Go Soo is hot and all but I ain't excited over his acting.

Scanned some of the reviews DB has done with Chaser and I have to agree that the show needed more budget to umped up the quality, shooting style and cinematography. I hope they get a bigger amount of financing on this one now that they seem to be going for big actors.

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Rach ^^

April 14, 2013 at 9:03 AM

Just finished watching The Chaser and I find that you have to suspend your disbelief for it. But some scenes are really OTT.

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sister joy

April 14, 2013 at 5:04 PM

I got curious about this drama after reading this article. Now I am on episode 4. It's heartbreaking.

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Rach ^^

April 15, 2013 at 7:08 AM

The most disturbing scene is the one where the daughter got knocked down. Going back and forth... was that even necessary???

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sister joy

April 16, 2013 at 5:59 PM

They wanted her dead. It's amazing that she survived in that fatal situation. But then again, the evil people didn't rest in targeting her. This drama was so sad & a really good one.

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21 bd

April 14, 2013 at 12:40 AM

A lot of comments about LYW - while I can see why there are people who feel that way about her on-screen presence/acting, I think it really depends on the role/part LYW has.

She's definitely not the spunky, heroine type and does better in "quiet" roles.

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sister joy

April 14, 2013 at 4:59 PM

but the producers, directors & screen-writers find her a heroine type thus casting her in the lead role, isn't that something?

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22 altair

April 14, 2013 at 2:09 AM

Yes!!! Go Soo is finally back! Love him!

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23 fab

April 14, 2013 at 2:29 AM

Where is my comment....

I squealed at this news! everything is right about this drama, can't wait for the summer.

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24 Bells

April 14, 2013 at 7:29 AM

Love the bag. HA! Anyway, looking forward for this drama. YAY!! :D Lee Yo Won and Goo Soo. AWESOME!

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25 Lilian

April 14, 2013 at 7:47 AM

I did not watch The Chaser too so based on the comments above, Go Jun Hee was in the Chaser? Is she in this drama as well? Since she has just finished the drama with Kwon Sang Woo, seems like she has nothing else on her plate besides the WGM stint with JinWoon.

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26 Rach ^^

April 14, 2013 at 1:07 PM

Seems to me that LYW mostly does one drama and disappears for two years. Since she just finished Horse Healer, is there a chance she may not take this up? This drama is a definite watch for me!

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sister joy

April 14, 2013 at 5:13 PM

Yes, I heard that's her routine, take a break & spend time with her family after doing a drama.

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27 Ladymoonstone143

April 14, 2013 at 8:10 PM

This is such great news. I think the dramagods has been calling me back . I read the new drama with Lee Jun Ki and now this one, with 2 of my fave stars. I miss the days that I tried hard to understand and watched (with my meager knowledge of the language) my fave unsubbed dramas. Now with these 2 dramas coming, I am so excited...:))

Now, if I can read another news that Ha Ji Won and Hyun Bin will have another drama..........that is really a wish come true!! lol

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28 hillah

April 14, 2013 at 9:15 PM

gosh Lee Yo Won for a new drama ?
great!! i always enjoy her performance, really great actress.
hope she confirms !!

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29 kz

April 15, 2013 at 12:07 AM

Woah, Lee Yo Won and Go Soo.. Two of my favorites.. Daebak!!

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30 anonymous

April 15, 2013 at 1:05 AM

I like GS in Green Rose. I wish he and Ha Ji Won can make a drama together. I'm also a fan of LYW especially when she played QS but I agree she is somewhat a quiet type of actress.

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31 kimchilee

April 16, 2013 at 7:07 AM

Anyone who watched LYW in Bad Love is enough to put them off her forever.. she has deadpan face and the same deadpan face in 49 days.. urrgh.. Go Soo is too young for her in terms of face and Go Soo needs someone more alive like Han Hyo Jo or the girl who acted in May Queen. More spunk!

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jk

April 16, 2013 at 9:24 AM

I don't think we'd watched the same 49 Days! She had a sad face when she played Yi Kung because she was mourning the death of her boyfriend, Yi Soo but then she became animated and full of life when she was Ji Kyung. Maybe you need a pair of glasses if you think Go Soo is too young for her in terms of face! And who says she won't be spunky if the script calls for it in Golden Empire. My goodness the drama is still a few months away...

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sister joy

April 16, 2013 at 6:28 PM

But then a lot of people were loving her in Bad Love & 49 Days, why is that?

For the young look, hmm, almost everyone seemed couldn't believe Lee Yowon was 31 when she was wearing the high school uniform in 49 days.

Preconception is hard to shake off.

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hillah

April 17, 2013 at 1:01 AM

hahaaa... Yess, even Jung Il Woo amazed ,and said that Lee Yo Won looked youngest in the uniform compared to other. :)

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hillah

April 17, 2013 at 12:58 AM

really? i wacth Lee Yo Won first in Queen Seon Deok and she's great and did her role so well, and in another of her drama like Surgeon Bong Dal Hee and 49 Days she's awesome !!

maybe you just wacth first episode of 49 Days? ummm....

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0082

June 25, 2013 at 7:12 PM

I blame the script of Bad Love. 49 Days is very good, and LYW did a pretty good job. Probably her second best after Surgeon Bong Dal Hee.

HHJ is very good too in Love 911 but again I am disappointed with the script, lack of depth. It touches a few interesting ethical topics but didn't dig deep enough and end up with 90 minutes of standard romcom.