Lee Beom-soo and Yoon-ah as potential romantic pairing. What.
by javabeans
Er, what now? KBS is preparing a new Monday-Tuesday drama to close out the year called Prime Minister and I, and the two names in the mix as likely candidates for the leads are Lee Beom-soo and Yoon-ah. It’s just so odd.
Sure, they’re both headliners and popular stars. But… together? Lee Beom-soo (History of the Salaryman, Giant) is as sharp and charismatic as they come, an actor’s actor who has had so many memorable performances that you can’t pin him down to a single character or type. Intense? Done it. Quirky? Done it. Badass, hilarious? Done it. And Yoon-ah (Love Rain) is an idol star twenty years his junior (he’s 43, she’s 23).
The age difference is intentional, if that makes it any better, as Prime Minister and I is being called “the Korean Sound of Music”—except instead of an army captain and a nun-governess, we get a prime minister and a musical actress who gives up that dream to become a private tutor in his household. Great, now I’m thinking of how amazing Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer were in the original and sighing.
The project is being produced by SM C&C, which explains a lot of things. From the wording of the news articles, it sounds like the producers are trying to woo the stars; Lee Beom-soo’s reps were very careful to say that they’d received the script and the offer, but were not ready to make decisions with Lee focusing on his film (God’s Play) for now. Yoon-ah’s reps stated that although she is considering favorably, she hasn’t confirmed.
Prime Minister and I will follow Mi-rae’s Choice on KBS, premiering in December.
Via Star News
RELATED POSTS
Tags: Lee Beom-soo, Prime Minister and I, Yoon-ah
Interview with Kim Yoo-jung
Hello Dramabeans series
![[2022 Year in Review] The Bean Count](https://www.dramabeans.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/beancount_2022.png)
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
1 Ace
September 11, 2013 at 9:13 AM
Come. On. Puh-lease. Not her.
Required fields are marked *
zhill
September 11, 2013 at 6:43 PM
YES, please, not her. The 20 yrs. gap I can handle if the story calls for it, but acting-wise, Yoon-ah will really have a hard time against Lee Beom Soo. Cinderella Man was so painful to watch, so please not again.
Required fields are marked *
akikisetsu
September 12, 2013 at 2:47 AM
Yoon-ah is just a really weird choice if where gonna go with the premise. If they are touting the drama as the korean sound of Music, I would assume that they want an actress who can sing, and Yoon-ah is an idol known mostly for her visuals, not her singing abilities (or lack off). And then, acting-wise..... Lee Bum Soo is just so charismatic and fiery, while Yoon-ah is so bland and green.
I guess this is what happens with SM C&C`s expansion. All their idol-actress being given lead roles inspite of everything else. :/
Required fields are marked *
Jaclcyn
September 12, 2013 at 10:55 AM
+11111111111111111111111
And out of all the SM actresses that CAN sing, like... Yoona???
Required fields are marked *
2HooKD
September 12, 2013 at 10:51 PM
Ew! This match up really doesn't work for me. Love Lee Bum Soo but the age gap is too big this sorta has an uncle/niece sorta feel to it. Ick! Casting gurus - please think about this, ok?
Required fields are marked *
im_eve
September 12, 2013 at 10:13 AM
i luv your comment. so. much.
the heaviness is palpable.
Required fields are marked *
2 kooriyuki
September 11, 2013 at 9:15 AM
I have nothing against Yoon Ah, but please, no. Drama Gods, nooooooooooooooo.
Required fields are marked *
Kiara
September 11, 2013 at 12:47 PM
Why her and why an idol actress for crying out loud. I'll take Lee Yoo Bi over Yoona any day or any idol. She is also 23 and she can act.
Required fields are marked *
sartorius
September 11, 2013 at 1:23 PM
Its SM C&C and youna is part of girl's generation...owned by SM.
Required fields are marked *
pogo
September 11, 2013 at 1:33 PM
Lee Yubi is a gem, after GFB I cannot wait for the day when she gets to headline a prime-time drama (a good one, of course).
Required fields are marked *
kooriyuki
September 11, 2013 at 7:26 PM
yes to Lee Yoo Bi too! Cute and can act!!
Required fields are marked *
kpshyazn
September 11, 2013 at 1:38 PM
Yes to Lee Yoo Bi!
Required fields are marked *
jademwong
September 11, 2013 at 4:48 PM
I also vote for Lee Yubi!
Required fields are marked *
dee
September 12, 2013 at 7:00 PM
She also can sing. Do you remember her singing in Nice Guy?
Required fields are marked *
Joy
September 11, 2013 at 2:32 PM
Same, I don't mind Yoona but Lee Beom Soo and her? They're better off as a father-daughter pair than a couple :|
Required fields are marked *
im_eve
September 12, 2013 at 10:20 AM
this one's a thin thread to walk on. it can be really entertaining and swoon-worthy, if done right (as with the original)..but done wrong, well, it'll feel wrong, just wrong. maybe a mid to late 20s might be more suitable?
more importantly, the chemistry should be AMAZING!
ah, the great possibilities! don't torture us, drama, with the what might have beens!
Required fields are marked *
3 xxvxx
September 11, 2013 at 9:15 AM
I would love to see Yoona in another drama but I don't get why she always (either) gets casts in, or, picks to be in KBS drama AND tends to pair up people a lot older than her (not counting Asia Prince of course).
Lee Bum Soo can't do no wrong though!
Required fields are marked *
xxvxx
September 11, 2013 at 9:16 AM
also, the plot? eh? eh?
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
September 11, 2013 at 9:38 AM
Plot? PLOT??
We don't need no steenking plot!
Required fields are marked *
4 masa
September 11, 2013 at 9:16 AM
I'm sorry but ANYONE but her please. :P
I love SNSD and all but..... no. Not this.
Required fields are marked *
ruthiepoof
September 11, 2013 at 9:38 AM
same thing here! I'm a SNSD fan all the way, but acting is acting,,, and sad to say she is not a strong actress,,, she has the pretty face but acting wise... yeah~
Sooyoung, on the other hand, is really good! Among the SNSD members, she is the best actress!
Required fields are marked *
bd
September 11, 2013 at 12:15 PM
YoonA isn't even the prettiest out of the SNSD members, much less the female idols.
And her acting is just simply bad.
Required fields are marked *
pogo
September 11, 2013 at 10:09 AM
Yoona isn't as wretched an actress as, say, Suzy, but that's not saying much.
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
September 11, 2013 at 10:47 AM
That is true - I think Suzy is a classic case proving that just because you are successful in one field, that may not carry over, especially when you need a different skill set.
Required fields are marked *
david
September 11, 2013 at 11:32 AM
Yoona is not bad she is just ............mediocre.
She doesn`t make me cringe with her acting, but i really don`t connect to her characters either.
Suzy on the other hand, i can`t watch that girl act longer than five minutes.
Required fields are marked *
Anon
September 11, 2013 at 10:31 PM
But Suzy has been sweeping all the awards like nobody's business since GFB. I am dumfounded.
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
September 12, 2013 at 12:42 AM
I don't see where she got all that many, and a lot of what she did get seem to "fluff" awards, like most popular new actress and such.
SP
September 12, 2013 at 12:55 AM
You mean all awards that based on netizen vote.
Bhianc
September 11, 2013 at 1:26 PM
LOL, so delusional. Both of them are not fit for acting roles at all. Yoona should focus on singing and dancing. Or only dancing, since her singing hability is terrible.
Required fields are marked *
pogo
September 11, 2013 at 1:35 PM
Dance? Good god no. The girl is pretty, but looks like a praying mantis having an epileptic fit when she has to dance - especially next to her bandmates who can.
Required fields are marked *
Orion
September 11, 2013 at 1:43 PM
"The girl is pretty, but looks like a praying mantis having an epileptic fit when she has to dance"
Oh bless you for that laugh. Now I have to go find a video of her dancing, just out of curiosity. But anyway, good singing and dancing would be good for the role, yes, but good acting is still the main thing you can't bypass or strategically play up.
Bhianc
September 11, 2013 at 1:44 PM
OMG, what can she do, then? I was betting in dancing...sigh.
pogo
September 11, 2013 at 1:55 PM
Orion - she's not too terrible in formation, but for any moves that require any fluidity at all, she's exactly what I said.
And there is bonus hilarity in shots where she's dancing next to Hyoyeon, SNSD's best dancer. (this isn't too apparent immediately in MVs, but in performances/dance battles, the lols keep coming)
And trust me when I say this, she is a better actress than a dancer. Though that is really not saying much!
Axl
September 11, 2013 at 1:59 PM
I'll have no faith in the future of acting, then.
windsun33
September 11, 2013 at 4:59 PM
Wow, learned something new - that praying mantis can get epilepsy :)
Cynthia
September 11, 2013 at 7:48 PM
Lol!
Sadly enough that comment really does describe her dancing - and she's the first one to acknowledge that she can't sing.
That being said, I must say that she did a really nice acting job in LoveRain. I was pleasantly surprised.
jayne
September 11, 2013 at 8:24 PM
LOL
Not good in singing and dancing and acting and *in my opinion* with mediocre looks and anorexic body......
Really makes me wonder why is she so famous....
I'm not against her or anything, just can't help wondering.
annie
September 11, 2013 at 9:51 PM
It's okay, she doesn't need any skills - she can live the rest of her life on the piles of money she makes being a CF queen. If only people wouldn't insist on putting her in dramas, I really have nothing against her...
Jat
September 12, 2013 at 1:35 AM
Lolw praying mantis and I thought what is the green creature appear in mind whenever I see her dance
5 Mama J
September 11, 2013 at 9:17 AM
I don't mind the age difference...Sound of Music had a compelling romance, as did Jane Eyre.
I guess we'll have to see.
Required fields are marked *
Annie
September 11, 2013 at 9:22 AM
+ practically all of Jane Austen's romances and countless other classics.
Like you said, no problem with the age difference but Yoona ain't exactly the kind of girl who makes someone that much older and experienced lose his mind.
Required fields are marked *
sara
September 11, 2013 at 11:06 AM
Um girl, you obviously don`t live in Korea , those ahjussi are crazy about her.
Required fields are marked *
Annie
September 11, 2013 at 11:10 AM
Yeah, I'm aware she's super popular... but I guess I was assuming that the male in question would be uber sophisticated. Admiring beauty is one thing but falling in love is a totally different ball game.
Required fields are marked *
Mama J
September 11, 2013 at 11:17 AM
Well, to follow along the Jane Eyre thought - Rochester was a sophisticated man accustomed to the best that could be offered, and what he fell for in Jane was her honesty, innocence, and loyalty.
Annie
September 11, 2013 at 11:24 AM
@ JoAnne, totally agree re:Rochester. Though this may depend on the how the characters are written, an honest May December romance would require both partners to have hidden depths that go way beyond physical beauty. Can Yoona portray a character compelling enough to tempt the PM of South Korea, given LBS holds up his end of the deal? I'm not sure. At this point, all I see is a beautiful idol. But we'll see. I hope she succeeds and proves me wrong.
AnotherFan
September 11, 2013 at 11:39 AM
Exactly. She is not that bad as "david" mentioned above, she is simply bland, boring, shallow and uninteresting- it's hard to feel for her character or invest in the story when you have a heroine like that..
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
September 11, 2013 at 9:40 AM
With little or no plot description, hard to say if the age difference is even a factor. She may end up paired up with his (long lost birth secret) son or something.
Required fields are marked *
Annie
September 11, 2013 at 9:48 AM
The continuous allusion to the Sound of Music suggests that this will be the primary pairing but I agree that there may be no Happily Ever After.
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
September 11, 2013 at 5:27 PM
Not sure if this is relevant to the May-Dec thing, but found it interesting anyway:
"Top actor Ryu Si-won has announced his engagement to a woman who is nine years his junior." (October 2010).
"The wife of leading Korean Wave star Ryu Si-won launched divorce proceedings with the Seoul Family Court on March 22, 2012"
"Actor Ryu Si-won has been indicted on charges of installing a GPS tracker in his wife's car without her knowledge, and beating and threatening her." (May 2013)
"Actor Ryu Si-won has been ordered by a court to pay a W7 million fine for beating his wife and placing a GPS tracking device on her car" (Sept 2013)
Required fields are marked *
kit
September 11, 2013 at 10:44 PM
WHAT.
I had no idea this was happening far out.
Required fields are marked *
6 Aly
September 11, 2013 at 9:18 AM
Nothing against Yoona. But..... I don't really think she can match acting wise
Required fields are marked *
ys
September 11, 2013 at 10:51 AM
Yes that's it exactly. Before we even get to age difference and chemistry, it's a total mismatch on acting talent.
Required fields are marked *
7 taegyo
September 11, 2013 at 9:18 AM
She's gorgeous~ hopefully it'll work out better than predictions, but if not.. Sound of Music? I'm in! Could be fun, is all I'm saying.
Required fields are marked *
8 bgr
September 11, 2013 at 9:20 AM
ah...! the clout that SM C&C has. Furthermore, it has secured a timeslot.
Required fields are marked *
mysticmalady
September 11, 2013 at 2:42 PM
Is Lee beom soo in SM C&C too? How many big actors/actresses are in SM C&C anyway?
If this is what future pairings are going to look like if SM gains supreme dominance of the K-ent industry, I hope that day never comes to pass!!!
Required fields are marked *
Orion
September 11, 2013 at 2:47 PM
Lee Beom Soo's agency is HB Entertainment. Unless I'm missing some sort of a collaboration between agencies.
Required fields are marked *
9 browncoat_78
September 11, 2013 at 9:21 AM
This sounds like such a charming drama...that will be rendered completely unwatchable if Yoona is the lead. UGH! Lee Beom Soo= pure awesome. Please, oh, please can they get him the right costar so I can watch this??? If you have to go with a girl from that group, can't it be Sooyoung, who I think would actually be quite charming in that role based on what she did in Cyrano Agency.
Required fields are marked *
Lilian
September 11, 2013 at 9:28 AM
I have the same thoughts. Sooyoung was pretty good in Cyrano...
Required fields are marked *
ck1Oz
September 11, 2013 at 9:38 AM
Yeah I can imagine a 40+ Prime Minister falling for the charm of someone like Sooyoung.
Required fields are marked *
pogo
September 11, 2013 at 10:07 AM
Sooyoung may not be as popular among SNSD fans (why?!) but at least the girl can act, and can generate believable chemistry with a much older/more charismatic costar.
Required fields are marked *
doomy
September 12, 2013 at 3:58 AM
sooyoung is much more popular amongst overseas snsd fans, it's just a korea thing.
Required fields are marked *
alisa
September 11, 2013 at 11:22 AM
Because Sooyoung is not as beautiful and not nearly as famous as Yoona.This is prime time on KBS , they want the IT girl of the group.
The talent really has nothing to do with casting Korean dramas, otherwise people like Han Ga In and Kim Tae Hee wouldn`t get any work.
Required fields are marked *
kopytko
September 11, 2013 at 11:41 AM
Yoona more beautiful than Sooyoung? Standards of beauty across thw world never cease to amaze me. Just like the audience's choices.
Required fields are marked *
alisa
September 11, 2013 at 12:01 PM
By Korean standards she is. Beauty is subjective everywhere else but Korea lol.
Required fields are marked *
bd
September 11, 2013 at 12:17 PM
Korean standards are pretty much the same.
Kim Tae-hee and Shin Min-ah would be considered gorgeous pretty much any place in the world.
YoonA is simply overrated for her looks (facially, there are 3-4 SNSD members that are better).
alisa
September 11, 2013 at 1:10 PM
But it`s your personal opinion. There is a lot of people who think she is stunning.
AnotherFan
September 11, 2013 at 1:51 PM
Actually, would you mind sharing what "Korean standard" is? I am honestly curious as some of the beauties are not resonating with me..
skelly
September 11, 2013 at 3:59 PM
Let's see:
- small face, preferably heart-shaped
- white, perfect skin
- huge eyes
- high cheekbones
- slender, straight nose
- narrow jaw and pointed chin
- extreme thinness
Frankly, I can't tell most of those idol girls apart. I suppose if you hold them under a microscope (or see them un-Photoshopped) you can see differences in personality and face, but to a casual observer they are all kawaii young girls who all went to the same plastic surgeon.
AnotherFan
September 11, 2013 at 4:47 PM
@skelly
Thank you for the list. It really helps for me. It's just sad that beauty has become such cookie cutter things and individuality and interesting imperfections (thinking Audrey Hepburn here) are tossed out the window...
Hazel
September 11, 2013 at 6:56 PM
@AnotherFan: The feminine ideal is very thin and pale with a small face, high nose bridge, and big eyes (oftentimes with double eyelids): a nonthreatening, girl-next-door type with a fresh-faced/innocent look (they use the word "innocent" a lot to describe ideal female celebrities/types; you can unpack that all you want).
Basically, more so than in any other culture I've encountered, there's an unofficial checklist of normative beauty standards; you can still be considered pretty without some of these traits, but their absence will be pointed out to you (sometimes ad nauseum), and you'll feel pressured to get cosmetic surgery and slather on the BB cream to achieve them.
There's also a penchant for alphabetizing desirable women's body types/shapes: V-line (face shape), S-line (a relatively curvy figure...that still manages to conform to Korean standards of thinness), etc.
JD
September 12, 2013 at 8:55 AM
I beg to differ. Beauty and fame is a subjective thing. There isn't a classification on beauty, its different from one person to the other. Saying Sooyoung is 'not-as-beautiful' is unfair for her part. It's a subjective opinion that cannot be taken as a fact. Talking about fame as well, Sooyoung is the most popular member in Japan & America. So she is definitely not 'less-famous' than Yoona. Just to clarify some context into this discussion, SNSD is way past that stage of having one 'IT' girl.
That being said. I do agree with everyone. Sooyoung is a lot more natural at acting, by far; because that has her forte since the beginning. I think she would have aced this role, if it was offered to her. While I can see some improvement from Yoona, I am still worried whether or not she could compliment Lee Beomsoo, who is such a flawless actor. I guess we'll just have to see. Having an open mind is best. It doesn't hurt to give Yoona a chance. If it doesn't rock your boat, just switch the channel.
Required fields are marked *
amberscube
September 11, 2013 at 4:39 PM
I can picture Sooyoung as the leading lady too... She is very charming.
Nothing against Yoona but I would like Sooyoung in this role. Too bad....
Ottoke! Ottoke!
Required fields are marked *
10 Miky
September 11, 2013 at 9:23 AM
Oh well,i love him but i hope they will find a better leading girl more his age...
Required fields are marked *
11 ck1Oz
September 11, 2013 at 9:25 AM
Lim Bum Soo as the Prime Minister and Hot Appa yes.
Yoona as the woman he falls for?
I am going to go now and gag even imagining them together holding hands. Much less a kiss.
* trying to scrub the image from of my memory *
Is the PD nuts? You put someone who's an awesome actor with decades of experience? Against someone known for her bland acting and screen presence. Sure... the casting really sounds compelling.
Required fields are marked *
PebbledBeach
September 11, 2013 at 2:12 PM
I agree, Yoona can not keep up with Lee Beom Soo, that man has so much charisma and talent and having being paired with Yoona, I think is a huge mistake
Furthermore, aspiring musical actress? Last time I checked yoona isn't known for her singing abilities :S
And why on earth is there such a huge age gap, im all for age is just a number and that it shouldn't matter in relationships, hell we just saw sizzling chemistry in "I Hear Your Voice" and "Cyrano Dating Agency" but for me its going to be hard trying to believe that someone who is a 40+ president will relate/rely on someone who is so young, the generation gap is huge, plus Yoona looks so young anyways which will be so visible and awkward on screen. Even in the "King and I" and "Sound of Music" I dont recall them having such a huge age gap.
Honestly, I hope Lee Beom Soo passes, even though I think he would do great but because its an SM drama I have a feeling Yoona is likely to be in it and I know I might be jumping the gun and it may end up being a 40% drama but after Dr.Jin and Iris 2 I don't think my heart can take Lee Beom Soo having another failed drama :(
Required fields are marked *
Orion
September 11, 2013 at 2:46 PM
"... but after Dr.Jin and Iris 2 I don’t think my heart can take Lee Beom Soo having another failed drama."
I am still recovering from the trauma-inducing disaster that is 'IRIS2'. I feel you. It really hurts seeing actors do their best, but be surrounded by popularity-drawing "actors" and idols, in series which look like their writers fell asleep on the keyboard and directors button-mashed their way through.
I will watch, but it will hurt. XD
Required fields are marked *
amberscube
September 11, 2013 at 4:41 PM
I did not finish Dr Jin and did not watch Iris 2 and I'm so ready for another Lee Beom Soo drama if only Yoona is not the lead.
Required fields are marked *
Orion
September 11, 2013 at 5:05 PM
I see. You escaped the torturous pain. Good. Let's hope the female lead changes or then I'll have to go through it for a third time.
Celest
September 11, 2013 at 2:14 PM
You took the words right out of my head.
Required fields are marked *
anais
September 11, 2013 at 4:33 PM
Forget the difference in acting caliber. There's nothing that says that she MUST be 20 years younger than he! It'd be far more believable to have a mid-late 20-something finally giving up her dream than a 23 year old who's just barely out of college. Please.
Also, as for Sound of Music, Julie Andrews is only 6 years younger than Christopher Plummer. There was no indication of a HUUUUUUGE age gap between the characters either in that film. Intentional age difference for PM & I, my arse.
Koreans and their fixation with virginal girls. The day a drama casts a hero 20 years younger than the heroine AND hits the 40% ratings will be the day I reconsider my abhorrence for this particular Korean predilection.
Required fields are marked *
Orion
September 11, 2013 at 5:12 PM
The lolita complex rules East Asia. And patriarchal societies will always favor the men's right to have any woman they want over the women's right to have any man they want. Until society changes, or the mindset of creators and producers alike, this will sadly be more common and an older woman and younger man.
I would not mind this difference with an actress, but an idol carries with her the public persona of a cute, girlish and childish pure creature to be adored, which is why I feel it's a bit more unsettling in this context. I did not find Lee Beom Soo's pairing with Im Soo Hyang in 'IRIS2' weird (same age difference), because she was not carrying an adorable girly image or playing such a character.
However, since companies want their idols to act cute and do in their dramas what appeals to their fans in their singing careers, I really don't think seeing her act like a sweet singing butterfly will help bridge the gap to make this work.
If you're going to do an age gap relationship, you have to show how the two people meet midway. One being more mature than their years, the other less for theirs. I just don't see how they can do that here, with how idols usually carry themselves in dramas.
Required fields are marked *
Hazel
September 12, 2013 at 2:10 AM
Hear, hear!
Required fields are marked *
12 mira
September 11, 2013 at 9:41 AM
.....huh ?
Required fields are marked *
13 Patch
September 11, 2013 at 9:42 AM
May-December romances aren't to my taste and this potential casting doesn't inspire me to take a chance on this one.
Required fields are marked *
14 cimori
September 11, 2013 at 9:51 AM
i am fans of SNSD but i am not blind to see that YH and LBS did not have any kind chemistry to be a couple
YH and LBS are like Daughter and Daddy. i can not see them as a couple.
Required fields are marked *
15 Omona
September 11, 2013 at 9:59 AM
And SM C&C Stars. I'm always afraid about how/who they would use their top actor + one extra idol actor to accept the casting. I fear lots of Actors + idols package from them from now on and their recent top actors put into their terrible dramas they produce. Nooooooooooooooooo!
Required fields are marked *
Omona
September 11, 2013 at 10:01 AM
*Starts
Required fields are marked *
16 Abbie
September 11, 2013 at 10:06 AM
This... is just weird. I love both of these stars for different reasons. Lee Beom-soo for his acting, and Yoon-ah for being a member of Girl's Generation. But the twenty year difference is a bit odd, but understandable to the plot. And, I would like to see them together, despite myself. So, I'm not sure how I feel about this. I like it, and yet I don't. If they confirm, either of them, then I may warm up to it. If not, then that's fine. But I do love Lee Beom-soo, so I'd like to see him in something new.
Required fields are marked *
jess
September 11, 2013 at 11:49 AM
MTE. I'm leaning towards not-liking-it more, though :|
Speaking of Lee Beum-soo and Girls' Generation, I remember watching a variety show of them a few years ago. With Lee Beom-soo as the girls' acting teacher (I don't think Yoona was there, though)... like, he's giving them acting lesson and judge their acting and all. It was pretty hilarious, most of the scenes ended up being a sketch-like though lol
It lasted for few episodes and in the end he picked Sunny as the best student (Sooyoung as the other finalist iirc). I don't think Yoona is terrible, but if it has to be someone from SNSD, I'd def picked Sooyoung or Sunny. While I haven't see much of her acting, Um Ki-joon already gave Sunny the seal of approval as best musical idol, so yeah... she must be good if even Lee Beom-soo and Um Ki-joon approved.
Required fields are marked *
Abbie
September 11, 2013 at 12:38 PM
I haven't seen Sunny act, but I agree, Sooyoung is definitely a better choice. She was really good in Dating Agency Cyrano, and I wasn't feeling the age difference there, maybe because she doesn't look as young as she is. But I think she would work better with Lee Beom-soo. Not only is Yoon-ah younger, but she looks it too. Plus I'm not too sure about her acting, because I haven't seen her act.
Where can I watch the video you mentioned? Do you remember the name of it?
Required fields are marked *
jess
September 11, 2013 at 8:03 PM
Ah, it's Horror Movie Factory. Lee Beom-soo appeared as their acting coach from episode 4 to 6.
EP 4 http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xvoda1_horror-movie-factory-episode-4-english-subbed_shortfilms
(you can find the rest are on the channel)
Half of each episodes are games, the rest is acting lessons. Even though it has "Horror"in its title, the (funny) improv scenes they acted out was mostly romance lol. So yeah, we got to see Lee Beom-soo and bunch of SNSD members as romantic interest like few years ago.
Required fields are marked *
17 canxi
September 11, 2013 at 10:08 AM
Yoona....?
Huh.
Required fields are marked *
18 junny
September 11, 2013 at 10:24 AM
surely there are better actresses than Yoon-ah...
Required fields are marked *
skelly
September 11, 2013 at 1:12 PM
It is more difficult to find ones who are worse.
Required fields are marked *
zsa
September 11, 2013 at 8:06 PM
Amen to that!!....I find her acting very single dimensional...what else? There are some actresses with better looks and good acting chops...idol or not
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
September 11, 2013 at 3:45 PM
I wonder.. do Korean audiences really not see how bad an actor or actress is, and tune in just because they are idols?
Required fields are marked *
sixtyseconds
September 11, 2013 at 4:04 PM
But, it's not the audience that picks the cast. O.O
It's SM C&C, what do you expect.
Required fields are marked *
windsun33
September 11, 2013 at 5:30 PM
I realize that, but it should be reflected in the ratings, unless the idol factor really is more important than ability.
Required fields are marked *
skelly
September 13, 2013 at 10:44 AM
Windsun, you are totally correct: Korean audiences do tune in just to see their idols, and they support those idols no matter how horrible the acting or cracktastic the story. Case in point, all the acting awards that Suzy is winning for Gu Family Book, in every case over much more capable actresses.
After all, we are just supposed to give her a chance, right? She's improving, right? And she's just as cute as a basketful of kittens!!!!!!
And it won't change unless the fangirls move on to something else, and that person - or that way of doing business - is no longer lucrative. Fat chance.
Required fields are marked *
19 ssosh
September 11, 2013 at 10:28 AM
Eeee... I don't like this...
Required fields are marked *
20 Mommai
September 11, 2013 at 10:33 AM
Great, now you make me wish I had Sound of Music! ;) We'll see how things shake down and actually turn out!
Required fields are marked *
21 p3rk3le
September 11, 2013 at 10:35 AM
love them separately, the plot doesnt sound that interesting either, just dont do it!
Required fields are marked *
22 snow_white
September 11, 2013 at 10:44 AM
Age difference is not a problem but Lee Beom Soo (he is so awesome) and Yoona (just meh....)....!!!!!
Required fields are marked *
23 houstontwin
September 11, 2013 at 10:44 AM
Does anyone have a good suggestion for a better female lead? Someone young, smart, and spunky...
Required fields are marked *
ck1Oz
September 11, 2013 at 11:31 AM
Kim So Eun. She has acted with an older actor and married him and I didn't feel eeky.
Required fields are marked *
shiku
September 11, 2013 at 6:42 PM
Jung So Min
Required fields are marked *
Jinnie
September 12, 2013 at 12:38 AM
Jung So Min is awesome! She's in the same talent agency, too. Why didn't they choose her instead? She is a thousand times better.
Required fields are marked *
brian
September 12, 2013 at 11:08 AM
I like Jung So Min, she's so cute :)
Required fields are marked *
twistedworld
September 13, 2013 at 11:46 AM
coz Jung So Min (or Kim So Eun) is not as popular as Yoona abroad. we all know, Japan and other overseas markets will buy Yoona drama and LBS is a respected actor in Korea- so, SM C&C probably think they have both domestic and overseas markets covered. cash register needs to ring at the end of the day :)
Required fields are marked *
24 Trina
September 11, 2013 at 10:45 AM
I love Sound of Music but.... Noooooooo!!!! I do not like Yoona with Lee Beom Soo... I think another actress that is closer to his age would work. Any other actress available at that time?
Required fields are marked *
25 risa
September 11, 2013 at 10:49 AM
What are they smoking?! This has to be the worst pairing I've heard of in ages. I'm not objecting on the basis of age difference (since it's part of the plot), nor acting experience/ability, because I think it could sorta work anyway if the chemistry were there. (Even though JGS is a much stronger actor than Yoona, they weren't a bad OTP in Love Rain because they had enough chemistry.) But if you're gonna sell me a May-Dec romance with LBS as a Prime Minister, you'd better pair him with someone who's got some gravitas, intelligence, and dynamic energy about her. I'm not saying Yoona is dumb, but she has a very airy, little-girlish kind of energy. Energetically, they're more like grandfather and granddaughter. Yuck.
The story brings to mind the film The Romantic President with Ahn Sung Ki ('52) and Choi Ji Woo ('75). Some of the same probs. with that pairing, but to a much lesser extent, and it didn't ruin the movie for me. LBS + Yoona, OTOH, = cringeworthy.
Required fields are marked *
AnotherFan
September 11, 2013 at 11:43 AM
Completely agree with everything you have there.
Required fields are marked *
dreaming....
September 11, 2013 at 3:00 PM
Imagine having Yoona's character calling LBS's character: "Oppa"... and him responding back "aga". Muahahaha.
Required fields are marked *
~Feather~
September 11, 2013 at 7:47 PM
LMAO! I'm going to always think of this from now on, if these two confirm. I refuse to watch the drama if Yoona confirms, though. There are many young and TALENTED actresses who aren't given any love because these popular "actresses" take the job. People must be blind when it comes to judging acting ability. smh
Required fields are marked *
26 Amy
September 11, 2013 at 10:54 AM
Yoona? Really? I gave up on this drama already.
Required fields are marked *
27 Rexy
September 11, 2013 at 10:54 AM
Not impressed with Yoona. Actually the pairing frightens me. If I wanted a bright, shining actress, my pick would be... I dunno, Han Hyo-Joo, who I know can play plucky and feisty. Like when she was in Brilliant Legacy. Alas, the drama is being produced by SM so that will never happen. Sigh.
Required fields are marked *
brian
September 12, 2013 at 11:12 AM
That might work -- since Han Hyo Joo can sing -- not awesomely, but she is a great actress!
Required fields are marked *
28 Orion
September 11, 2013 at 10:54 AM
I don't mind the age difference one bit. I do hate it it's always the guy who is much older, but I still don't mind. People need to be more open to what types of couples there are out there and a series which can make them gasp and maybe open up those minds a little is my kind of show (unless we have another no-kiss and pre-death marriage proposal like we had in 'IRIS2'...)
I'm pretty sold on all of this and will definitely watch if Lee Beom Soo signs up, but Yoona does worry me. A lot. I have not seen her act and don't know the woman, but idols are rarely talented, seasoned actors. Most of the time, they're not even trying.
I would not be against casting her if she were a perfect choice and talented enough for the part, but thinking of how many full-time actresses with singing experience her age probably exist that could do it and knowing idols are mostly forced into shows for exposure, I can't smile and pretend this does not look like what it obviously looks like.
So, I do hope they can find someone else or, if they do go with her, I hope she has what it takes to not drag everything down with her.
Or maybe Lee Beom Soo will decline and I don't have to deal with a potentially show-ruining idol. Works for me. :P
Required fields are marked *
29 Kit
September 11, 2013 at 10:56 AM
Is there anything smc&c has done so far that was good for their actors? Their shows have been a mess that's for sure. And I say this is as someone who's a ridiculous fan of all the idol groups they've churned out. I'm still confused at how they managed to get such big names under them in such a short period of time.
Required fields are marked *
30 amberscube
September 11, 2013 at 11:03 AM
Really? Her? I love Lee Beom Soo but with her? .... Please there are other actresses out there.
Required fields are marked *
31 kumi
September 11, 2013 at 11:05 AM
... So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye
I leave and heave a sigh and say goodbye, goodbye ...
Required fields are marked *
amberscube
September 11, 2013 at 11:24 AM
LOL.... I guess it's sayonara for me too!
Required fields are marked *
Kiara
September 11, 2013 at 12:52 PM
Adieu, adieu, to You, and You, and You...
Required fields are marked *
Bhianc
September 11, 2013 at 1:36 PM
Tchau, tchau. Adios, Adios.
Required fields are marked *
Axl
September 11, 2013 at 2:00 PM
Ciao.
Required fields are marked *
32 Leonardo Farias
September 11, 2013 at 11:06 AM
What would Anthony Kim do?
Required fields are marked *
lianne
September 11, 2013 at 11:16 AM
Cast jung ryeo won instead of yoona.
Required fields are marked *
Orion
September 11, 2013 at 11:22 AM
I'd ship that like a post office. Or any other charismatic and good actress and singer. We need to give Miss Jung vocal training. Then cast her. Yes, I am losing touch with reality now. For reality is cruel. :P
Required fields are marked *
lianne
September 11, 2013 at 11:28 AM
Ha ha, right? Jung doesn't even need much training, heard her singing voice for the ost in NES and it was awesome.
Required fields are marked *
soomp
September 12, 2013 at 11:07 AM
just wanted to mention that Jung Ryeo Won used to be in an idol group called Chakra, which probably doesn't say much in terms of her singing ability, but this pic was too awesome not to post :D http://www33.atpages.jp/hidebuu/kpop/images/CHAKRA.jpg
Required fields are marked *
AnotherFan
September 11, 2013 at 11:48 AM
Yes, that would be a perfect cast! I ship it too.
Required fields are marked *
pingu
September 11, 2013 at 11:59 AM
I third this, if its not JRY then I will never watch this drama.
Required fields are marked *
consortoflight
September 11, 2013 at 1:55 PM
Unfortunately she's in Medical Tope Team that would be airing at the same time/finishing JUST before so it is not going to happen :( they were so awesome together though!
Required fields are marked *
33 Annie
September 11, 2013 at 11:13 AM
Ok, here's a game:
Given the basic character descriptions, who would you cast in the role of the Prime Minister + tutor?
My mind keeps going back to Ji Jin Hee and Han Hyo Joo... I loved their pairing in Dong Yi. Another choice would be Park Min Young + Jang Dong Gun.
Required fields are marked *
bbstl
September 11, 2013 at 7:22 PM
oh! Ji Jin Hee! be still my heart. He and Sooyoung could be greatness.
Required fields are marked *
34 sara
September 11, 2013 at 11:15 AM
I think she is beautiful and not a bad actress, but she always gets boring ,one dimensional roles.
That said i don`t know how is she gonna handle acting opposite giant that is Lee Beom Soo. He is such a strong actor i feel she will be overshadowed.
And by looking at the story she is not just a pretty side kick ( a la Suzy in GFB)she is actually the character with a lot of weight in the drama.I could overlook her bad acting in that case, but here she will really need to step up her game.
Required fields are marked *
35 AnotherFan
September 11, 2013 at 11:32 AM
What?????!!!!!! Well, and whaaaaaat?!
Required fields are marked *
36 jzme
September 11, 2013 at 11:42 AM
sorry mian mian this is completely odd, can't they find another actress that will closely match his age at least? andwae yyo andwae
Required fields are marked *
37 Arhazivory
September 11, 2013 at 11:45 AM
I'll repeat what I said on Twitter after reading this absurd news. No...just no.
Required fields are marked *
38 Noelle
September 11, 2013 at 12:02 PM
I like the story but not the choices for the leads. He's perfect cause depending on how many kids and their age he would be around 40 so he works. I just find it cringe inducing with him romancing a girl in her early 20s. Can't we get someone older? JRW would be perfect and a bonus would be seeing these two together again.
Depending on who exactly signs on I hope they choose the opposite lead closer in age.
Required fields are marked *
39 Mar
September 11, 2013 at 12:17 PM
A "musical actress" give up her dreams to become private tutor.
Yeah, okay.
Whomever hired her is probably the same person that hired Kim Na-na.
Required fields are marked *
pogo
September 11, 2013 at 12:22 PM
wait, Monstar's Kim Nana ? (my fav in that drama)
Am I missing something?
Required fields are marked *
ockoala
September 11, 2013 at 1:20 PM
LOL, different Kim Na Na. Mars is referencing the worst presidential bodyguard in drama history - Park Min Young as Kim Na Na in City Hunter. XD She couldn't convincingly swat a fly, much less take down assailants. And yet we were to believe she passed the test to become a government agent, ergo Mars is alluding to the same government employee who hired Na Na must have the same epic blindness to hire Yoona as a tutor to the Prime Minister's kids.
As a fun aside, Monstar's Kim Na Na would make a kick-ass musical tutor and/or presidential bodyguard.
Required fields are marked *
kumi
September 11, 2013 at 1:45 PM
Monstar Kim Na Na to the studio!
Required fields are marked *
Mar
September 11, 2013 at 3:07 PM
Yes, City Hunter Kim Na-na. I was referring to qualifications and vetting of an employee. Kim Na-na would have never passed a security clearance due to her financial issues-she would be considered open to coercion. Unless this 'musical actress' had a degree in an applicable discipline for teaching, why would she be hired as a private tutor? Yes, I know, I have not read the script, just inserting a little comic relief.
Required fields are marked *
twistedworld
September 14, 2013 at 8:56 PM
yup she shouldn't pass a security clearance and can't swat a fly, but waittttttt.... if Lee Yun Sung who grew up in Thailand jungle can get into MIT, then i guess everything is possible in K-dramaland (including Yoona and LBS pairing) :)
40 Jen
September 11, 2013 at 12:23 PM
If its sm then they at least have go ara or lee yeon hee right? Theyre not very good but yoona is just stretching it past the point of no return. Anyone else knows which actresses are under sm cnc?
Required fields are marked *
Nilechocolat
September 11, 2013 at 2:12 PM
Jung So Min who joined lately.
Required fields are marked *
41 Umm..
September 11, 2013 at 12:32 PM
I think people are mistaking The King & I with The Sound of Music. This sounds like The King & I. They both were written by the same people.
Required fields are marked *
Javabeans
September 11, 2013 at 12:59 PM
All the articles explicitly state that it's inspired by The Sound of Music. There may also be similarities to The King & I, which I'd say is intentional given the naming.
Required fields are marked *
Orion
September 11, 2013 at 1:27 PM
Adapt All The Musicals!
They seem to be a bit on the indecisive side, don't they? The company producing it is scaring me, frankly.
Required fields are marked *
skelly
September 11, 2013 at 6:59 PM
LOL! Well, if one if good, then two would certainly be that much better, right?
Required fields are marked *
ravens_nest
September 12, 2013 at 1:10 AM
lol The Sound of the Prime Minister & I???
Required fields are marked *
Orion
September 12, 2013 at 3:35 AM
That sounds less like a kdrama and more like a porn movie. :P
Required fields are marked *
sa
September 12, 2013 at 5:50 PM
I don't think Yoona could even do porn...I get the pretty, but I don't get the appeal part...you at least need that for porn, right....LBS on the other hand.....
42 Kitchel
September 11, 2013 at 12:37 PM
Ugh yoona really?! Im sorry im sure she is al
lovely person but no just please god nooo!
Required fields are marked *
43 Umm..
September 11, 2013 at 12:41 PM
Yoona will play a tutor that goes to the Prime Minister's house. That sounds like Anna from The King & I
Required fields are marked *
44 lily
September 11, 2013 at 1:07 PM
"a musical actress"
well the biggest fail in that is that Yoona can't sing for shit
Required fields are marked *
July
September 11, 2013 at 1:55 PM
......And she can't act to save her life.
How funny. She can't even do the two things required for this role.
Required fields are marked *
mary
September 11, 2013 at 8:04 PM
Maybe that's why she has to give up her career in the story? :P
Required fields are marked *
July
September 12, 2013 at 4:36 AM
Wise choice indeed but what YoonA gonna to do if the scriptwriter add some flashbacks scene with her characters singing on stage (during the tragic accident where she loose her voice, [I expect that story] ?) ? Will she do like in 200 pounds beauty and use someone talented to sing at her place while she mimick it or producers will tamper her voice ?
Required fields are marked *
45 XYZ
September 11, 2013 at 1:14 PM
It is pretty much done deal, that Yoona's going to be in it, if it's produced by SM&C. I just sincerely hope Lee Beom Soo would pass on this.
Required fields are marked *
Orion
September 11, 2013 at 1:32 PM
I made it through 'Dr. Jin', which was bad, but so bad it was a laugh. I made it through 'IRIS2', which was simply bad (although watching with Twitter friends helped), I don't think I can handle another such choice without deep emotional scarring. But I'll have to. The responsibilities of being a fan.
If Yoona cannot be switched, I am also leaning towards a tiny selfish part of me wishing he'll skip this. But on the other hand, man's gotta work, so I can't really wish that.
Why, company? Why? At least choose a worthy idol. I'm not reading very good things here and even those who I hear praises for often suck for me.
Required fields are marked *
46 Anvesha
September 11, 2013 at 1:58 PM
The age gap doesn't bother me since the story revolves around that to begin with...
But.. I don't think Yoona has the acting chops to portray this story and match with LBS.
Required fields are marked *
47 Nicolette
September 11, 2013 at 2:07 PM
Ew. That is all.
Required fields are marked *
Nicolette
September 11, 2013 at 2:14 PM
Also, neither the King and I nor the Sound of Music have anything to do with a huge age gap so I don't see the purpose in employing that plot line other than to give a young idol a drama role. And maybe I'd buy it, if it wasn't YoonA and it wasn't so blatantly obvious that they are already throwing in the towel on this one by relying on star power over talent. Just a big fail all around if you ask me.
Required fields are marked *
Mar
September 11, 2013 at 3:24 PM
The age gap between Von Trapp and Maria was over 20 years I believe. The age gap in the MOVIE ACTORS Plummer and Andrews was only about 6 years.
yes-the random crap I know is just ridiculous*
Real ages of the actors are not always relevant in casting. But the relevancy of the age of the CHARACTERS certainly is applicable to this drama and conversation as this drama draws inspiration from TSOM.
Required fields are marked *
skelly
September 11, 2013 at 7:01 PM
I am just imagining Yoona giving the 16-year old daughter romance advice, as happened in Sound of Music, and I can't decide whether to laugh or tear my hair out.
Required fields are marked *
Melvina
September 23, 2013 at 2:11 PM
When I imagined that, I found it very hilarious. I cannot see Yoona doing this kind of paper or giving anyone that type of advice.
48 Nilechocolat
September 11, 2013 at 2:16 PM
Jang Na Ra who played the teacher in school drama 2013 she is suitable for the role or any actress not too young.
Required fields are marked *
49 dreaming....
September 11, 2013 at 2:53 PM
Yoona is a turn off for this drama. That girl can't sing nor act. She's lucky she has the face to even survive in the entertainment industry. On the other hand, love love Lee Beom Soo. Maybe they can use Kim Ah Joong. She's 30 turning 31. The age gap won't be that huge and she can sing. :D
Required fields are marked *
fairytail
September 13, 2013 at 9:22 AM
Her face and her popularity are the only one's saving her. lmao
Required fields are marked *
50 NewKDramaAddict
September 11, 2013 at 2:56 PM
Not feeling this. Not even for LBS who I love! The age difference would bother me. Here's hoping someone doesn't take it.
Required fields are marked *