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Joo-won offered lead in Korean remake of Nodame Cantabile

Ooh, interesting. Dramaland is pursuing a Korean remake of hit Japanese drama (and manga and anime) Nodame Cantabile, and while it’s only in the very early stages, already the property has generated a lot of buzz about potential casting.

The first big name to be floated as the clumsy but lovable heroine was IU, but her reps swiftly put the kibosh to those rumors, saying that she had yet to receive a formal offer. The same back-and-forth met the latest news about Joo-won being offered a leading role (“It’s still early in the process!” “He hasn’t even received a synopsis!” “Oh wait, yes he has!”), but his agency did eventually confirm that he’d been offered the part.

I haven’t seen the classical-music-themed Japanese drama—which was quite popular in Korea as well—but I have seen the anime, and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it after expecting something simple, loose, and unassuming. Nodame Cantabile is set at a music college and centers around students studying to become professional musicians and composers, with a quirky set of characters led by heroine Nodame and the uptight perfectionist she falls in love with, Chiaki.

The story has a witty, sardonic touch to balance out the wacky cast of characters, which is great in grounding the zaniness (as Japanese dramas can get rather surreal and over-the-top in their comedies). It also makes lovely use of classical pieces (which I love, as a big fan of classical music) and has an understanding of the music without necessarily getting bogged down in it—above all, it’s a story of blossoming relationships and personal growth. And now I’m pretty much going to finish writing this post and hunt down the live-action drama now that this news has reminded me to watch it.

I can definitely see why IU would be the go-to name to play Nodame, the chirpy, cheery savant who can barely read music but has a magical touch with the piano. IU has the ability to play quirky and bumbling in a relatable, charming everygirl way, as she’s done in her previous roles (Pretty Man, Dream High, You’re the Best Lee Soon-shin).

And now that Joo-won is up to play Chiaki, I can absolutely see him as the piano virtuoso with the sterling reputation, who harbors the secret wish to shift his attention from playing the piano to conducting. Their relationship kind of reminds me of IU and Jang Geun-seok in Pretty Man, actually, with her basically throwing herself at him all the time and him gradually getting attached, despite pushing her away in disdain at the outset.

Manga and manhwa adaptations have been all the rage for years now, but they’ve met with mixed success so I really hope they do a proper job of remaking Nodame Cantabile, which I find too charming in its existing versions to muck up with a bad version now. I also recall that Beethoven Virus was touted as a pseudo Nodame series when it launched, but that show sorta became all about Kang Maestro (for good reason) and aside from being vaguely about classical music I found it very little like Nodame.

Producing the remake is Group Eight, which has basically cornered the market on manga and anime remakes (see: Boys Before Flowers, Tamra the Island, Goong, Pretty Man). They’ve licensed the property and are aiming for a broadcast in the second half of the year. Fingers crossed, y’all.

Via Newsen, Star News, TV Daily

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Oh man, I was just talking to Hubs about this drama and how great it was and how he needs to see it asap. (Didn't Asada Mao do a routine to one of the pieces from it this season? I think that's how we started talking about it.) So, on the one hand, yay! On the other, this could potentially be a disaster, so...less yay.

I keep wanting to trust Group 8 on the strength of Tamra, which had a couple of missteps but was by and large SO GOOD UGH, so I think I'll just keep an eye on this project and reserve judgement.

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Oh to the yeah. I've always liked the storyline and hope the Korean remake will be awesome. Joo-won? Oh yeah!!

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OMG.. I really loved the Jdrama Nodame Cantabile. Personally don't feel there is a need for a Korean adaptation. Mainly deterred by the large numbers of failed adaptations Korea has got.

But still feel so intrigued to see Joo Won in the role of Chaki! He is so versatile that I'm sure he can totally pull off the role ^^

As for UI... please..no.no.no..........she is decent but still totally have no acting chops to pull off the role of nodame. Please cast an actress who is young and can really act please....

Don't feel good about the production company too..none of their adaptations went right..though famous...

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I know what you mean. I love love love Nodame Cantabile. Have watched it like 10 times or more over the years. I agree about IU not fitting the role. But what's your opinion on someone like Shim Eun Kyung taking on the role? :)

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Shim Eun Kyung is great! she is her granny role is totally quirky! Now I think she would make one good Nodame...Hopefully they cast someone fitting...

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I actually disagree about IU. I think she has the acting chops to pull this off. Although I haven't seen much of her most recent project, I loved her in YTBLSS. Could they pick someone better? Maybe. But I still think IU can really act and could successfully play the role of Nodame.

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Yes to Joowon back to dramaland. Anytime.

This drama, not so excited.

Script and directing must be good. I dont want it to have too much crazy vibe ala Pretty Man.

They MUST cast a good female lead for this one. Can we have Park Boyoung in dramaland. Sigh.

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I have mixed feelings on the one hand I loved the Nodame Cantabile anime and manga, on the other watching real people act like that turned me off and I didn't even finish the first episode. There are certain stories that, in my opinion should stay in comic or animation form, and Nodame Cantabile is one of them.

I usually don't watch Japanese comedy dramas in general.

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Omg! I love nodame cantabile!! I watched the drama, anime, and the two movie... It was amazing and he should pick this because I can see how he would make a great chiaki. The role for nodame should be great because Ueno Juri made a great nodame with all the crazy sounds.
I just wish they pick a good cast or this would really ruin the whole nodame cantabile.

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Oh man! This is my favorite J-drama of all time (and one of my top three of all time, from anywhere) so I'm very torn. I'm excited to see it, but also worried that it'll turn out to be a hot mess...

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Saw Nodame Cantabile ages ago when I didn't know who Ueno Juri or Tamaki Hiroshi were. They were perfectly fantastic, and I have enjoyed them in other roles since then. Saw both the Jdrama and the movies.One of my favorites. Loved the music and the funny quirky characters.

There will be alot lost in the translation just as other remakes such as BOF, Playful Kiss, You are My Pet.

I think Joo Won can pull it off, but IU doesn't have the acting experience to be over the top Nodame who suppose to be a genius pianist.

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I'm not very fond of the over the top wackiness Jdramas have so I don't tend to watch them unless their a little more mellow. I keep hearing good things about nodame cantabile though so I might have to try it out to see what all the ravings about.

I didn't have plans on watching the remake either, but if Joo Won takes the part I'll definitely watch. I'd love to see him back in dramaland, particularly in something that has a good romance.

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It's full-blown wackiness here, like straight out of a manga or anime.

I get that that's not something everyone enjoys (and Nodame Cantabile isn't a drama I would recommend to someone who is completely new to Japanese dramas), but it is what makes this drama's charm.

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I don't mind remakes because an awful one at its worst will only showcase the brilliance of the original, however, I am not a fan of the over-the-top, weirdness of BOF ect. I've never seen the drama but the manga has a very indie, slow, low-key feel to it. If they make it like a BOF they will create something only fun to snark at. I don't get why people don't like Joo Won. I think he's adorable lol.

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This is so funny. I was just re-watching Ojakkyo Brothers and whenever I think of UEE, IU often pops into my mind because their stage names are so similar. So JUST a minute ago, right before checking dramabeans, I found myself wondering what a IU-Joo Won pairing would be like...and then I read this post. I hope they offer her the role as well, I love IU. She really impressed me in YTBLSS despite it's other failings and even before that, I found her to be really likable in Dream High. I hope Joo Won takes the role!

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Humm... I prefer JW doesn't accept, because I can't see him playing this role, plus he tends to get the same look over and over when playing ''cold'' characters..

Jo Ji Hoo would be perfect though. But it won't happen, will it?

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Oh-hoo, really? Well, at least he is not glassy-eyed like someone I know...

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hhmmm...I don't know about this. Usually when they say they haven't received the offer, that means they've rejected the offer but don't want to say it directly for the sake of the production, but then they say they did received it so now I'm confused...

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I remember watching the Japanese drama maybe 2 years after it came out and loving it :-). I did later watch the special, but I haven't done any rewatching. I don't think I will either - this way I won't do too much comparing if the Kdrama version comes out this year. Exciting!

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Please be good or at least at par with the Japanese version if you cannot be better. This drama is such a classic all time favorite to me and I really don't want its reputation get tarnish -prays-

Anyway I highly recommend you or anyone to watch the Japanes live action drama and the movie sequel because it was just worth the experience. And it won't hurt when Chiaki is sooo hot!!!

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my first jdrama that got me into kpop and kdrama... thank you thank youu so muchh

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Nodame Cantabile is a classic!!!!!!!! And shouldn't be touched. Remakes are mostly horrible, especially the Korean ones. As much as I love Korean dramas, Japanese dramas and their uniqueness is different. No one can capture the elements of the characters like the original actor's.

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I disagree, some Jactors are just so bad.

Hana Yori dango is TW and KO versions are better than the original, same with Playfull kiss.

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Yep, there are plenty of terrible j-actors as well.

I don't think there are any (in the main and significant supporting roles) in Nodame Cantabile though – it has an impressively perfect cast.

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And now I'm wondering who will take the Strezzmann character :))

Joo Won is ok but i prefer he takes role that worth for these months waiting..

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Yoon Eun Hye would be my choice for Nodame :)

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I think both Joowon & IU are not bad choies. Joowon is definitely the better actor. As for IU, i find her likeable.

But OMG, Im Joo-eun would be a great choice! She's so underrated & she definitely has the talent. This can be her breakthrough role! Joo Jihoon as Chiaki is another great choice for me. Physically he gives me Chiaki vibes all over. He also did great in serious roles, but he has his wacky sides too.

The J-drama is not remake worthy bcs it's just too good for my taste. But i'll give it a try if the casting's good. And yes, please, no K-drama cliched love triangles.

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Hmmm......I am not sure who will be the PD and screenwriter but please retain the feel of the J-drama. That is the soul of the story :)
Joo Won was in Bridal Mask and now in Fashion King which are originally manhwas.

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I have a feeling... Park Shin Hye might be picked for the female lead.

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Joo Won is an amazing actor, I miss him on the small screen very much. Well, I’ll wait any news about this drama now.

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OMG! Please let this happen! PLEASEEEEEE!!!!!!

the heroine cannot be TOO adorable ... 'cause she gotta be straight up crazy and ridiculous at times... ahahha.

I loved the japanese drama, loved the anime. PLEASE let this happeeeeennnnnnn!! and of course, do it right!

Don't give me an "Alllmooost Paaaaradiiiiise" !!!! >:O

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I love Nodame Cantabile, I like Joo won but I don't think he is right for the part. Chiaka's features exudes coldness while Joo won's first impression is kind and a warmth personality. IMO

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I think Joo Won can exudes coldness if that's what needed. He have proven it in Bridal Mask.

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Joo Ji Hoon for Chiaki, if not Kim Jae Wook
Im Joo Eun would be good as nodame

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Actress who'll play Nodame should have a quirky and weird-looking quality. Preferably can play piano too.
Am I some kind of casting director?

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Oh wow, i loved the nodame live action series and movie, ueno juri was simply amazing as nodame though, so thats going to be hard to top. Definitely interested in watching the korean remake if they secure an equally good lead (Joo won seems pretty on point).

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I know its probably too close to her recent role but Go Ara's char in am94 was kinda Nodame; boisterous, messy, quirky, weird but charming. Plus, she looks like a comic character already with her bug eyes and small face!

I like the suggestion of shim eun kyung for the role (more people needs to see SUNNY, she was mini Nodame in it!) though she's gonna look like a baby next to joo won. Still, this is fresh pairing and can be mightily interesting to see.

And that girl from Monstar, she seems quite good too! And she also plays music...

All i can ask is NO to park shin hye - dont want a Go Minam redux and after Heirs, i realise she's better fit in melodrama. Also NO to random idols with proven incapability to act.

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I think it'd better for the Nodame's role is an actress who doesn't have any stereotyped to a certain character she has played before. Eunji and Suzy would be great if of course they want to cut off their long hair.

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joo won is perfect. i can see chiaki in him. as for iu i just cant. for nodame we need some real dork funny serious actress. i think dara would be perfect shes a real dork and funny i believe she can make those crazy nodame antics but she havent debuted yet as an actress so i dont think its possible. nevertheless looking forward for this remake. favorite jdrama and i know kdrama remake would be awesome!

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Yay for Korean remake of Nodame Cantabile and they better get it right.

Hmm Joo-won for Chiaki, probably yes. IU for Nodame, I don't think so. This pairing sort of skews a little towards a young-trendy drama vibe. I kinda think an actress along the lines of Jung Yumi's charming quirks in Que Sera Sera would be a better fit. Nodame's character is quite a complex one, embroiled in her traumatic past, her fleeting sense of self-confidence, and a hopeful budding love in the line.

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OMG I love! My super favorite jdrama and super favorite actor! Love, love, love. I hope this will push through. :-)

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If it were up to me, and if this is the year of..um..well, many many years ago, I would cast Hyun Bin & Kim Sun Ah :D
The 20 year old version of them playing Chiaki & Nodame would be awsome...in my dreams, unfortunately.
I haven't watched the jdrama, but I have read the manga, and loved it, so I think, after reading the comments here, it'll be safer for me to wait for the korean version and watch THAT first so that I won't have to make comparisons with the japanese version. No? But then what will I do with my curiousity in the mean time...ah, what a dilemma...

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I can't see Joo Won as the classical musical genius at all.... Not that he is no good, it's just a matter of the overall feel of the role Chiaki Shinichi..... He needs to be played by someone who has that classical music charimsa.... Can't explain it well but definitely NOT Joo Won, to me.

Park Hae Jin, for one, has that traditional classical quiet high class atmosphere about him.... Was hoping he will play Chiaki Senpai!

And for Nodame..... Don't buy IU as her..... This wacky, sensitive, genius role has got to be someone naturally funny..... or absolutely great in acting...... While IU is cute and everything, she is just not Nodame to me..... sigh....

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Well, you cannot see him now because he is not yet acting as Chiaki and you are only using your imagination, but if he is already on this role, I think he can nail it.

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I can hardly wait to see who the female lead will be. It's not like any singular magic bullet of an actor or actress can carry the story by themselves.

Tomoko Ninomiya wrote a wonderful story. Obviously romance is an important theme, moreover, it's about people living up to their true potential, it isn't limited just to Nodame and Chiaki.

The J drama cast was superb. The directing, the editing, the soundtrack, the character development are outstanding.

Nodame's character is tough to pigeonhole. She's a reluctant virtuoso, a diamond in the rough. People are quick to see her potential, but how to bring it to light, that's the problem.

She's hygienically funky, steals lunchboxes and is childlike in some ways. She's subject to mood swings, from euphoric highs to mournful lows.

Nodame is stubborn, naive, ignorant and short sighted. She's also a kind, sweet and loving girl who wants to be a kindergarten teacher. Oh, and become Chiaki's wife too.

While Chiaki is initially repulsed by Nodame, (the utter filth of her apartment in their initial meeting, lol) , he knows that she has a unseemly talent. He's slowly intrigued by this bewildering mess that is Nodame.

Aigoo, the importance of the casting ! It's imperative that the actors can :
a) act
b) have a palpable rapport with other characters

One of my fears, ( I have so many about this), is that the humor and warmth of the story wont carry over.

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Also, remember that Chiaki isn't so simple either, he has to play straight man, seem like he only cares about the music, but really does care about the world around him. Have that bit of a nervous edge while playing that he doesn't care and then suddenly does care, and then sees Nodame as a mess, but have an edge of attraction towards her. Chiaki is also a nervous mess under his tough exterior so playing him off as a stiff chaebeol will fall short of the line--there was warmth in Tamaki-san's performance from the original. He would say he doesn't care, but you knew he did.

His attraction to Nodame played back and forth where he kept getting involved with her--and that kind of layering with quiet moments in between is really difficult to play.

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Yes, Chiaki is a complex character . Can they avoid miscasting his character as the typical K drama chaebol jerk? Can they? His character requires an actor that possesses a good sense of subtlety.

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Oooooo .... Ya'll absolutely have to watch Nodame Cantabile Japanese version in its entirety, its AWESOMEEEEE!!! Imo, ueno juri has surpassed the original portrayal of nodame and i can't see anyone being sooo cute and fourth dimension without putting people off ....

I'm not so sure about IU, but since its joo won, i feel much better about this remake ....

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Gong hyo jin for nodame, perhaps? Or maybe han hyo joo?

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Oh mannn I dunno whether to be happy about this... Nodame Cantabile is my favorite J-Drama and the casting and quirky humor is so flawless that I see no way of a remake that could even possibly match it...

I can kind of picture Joo Won as Chiaki but I'm really worried for the female lead ... Ueno Juri totally owned that role ... like Ueno Juri = Nodame and Nodame = Ueno Juri, period.

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Umm... IU has some of it... but for me, I think she's not quite got the quirky down. It will press the limits of her acting ability.

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IU and joowon won't be problem for this drama. they can do their role very well but main problem will be script

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I'm out... I love Nodame Cantabile's original version and I dislike Joo Won's acting a considerable amount... (Which is not saying anything about his person or personal life).

Joo Won looks angry when he wants to emote serious. He also comes off as stiff and tends to yell when he can just insert a quiet moment of disdain (which is required for Chiaki) and his straight man comedic timing, for me, is off.

I can't picture him playing Chiaki, who has a side of warmth buried underneath the nervous and often stiff perfectionist exterior. On the surface Chiaki looks like a perfectionist that's hardly people-forward, but underneath, Chiaki does care about people and what happens around him, which is difficult to portray correctly--and nothing of Joo Won's shows me he has that ability towards being that sort of layered subtle.

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Glad your out. Because I see Joo Won as Chiaki. ^^

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Hm..even though I love Joo Won, I can see what you're talking about. But imo Joo Won is known to take quite "difficult" characters (Bridal Mask/Good Doctor), so I think Chiaki would be a great character to expand his repertoire.

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NODAME IS MY FAVORITE JAPANESE DRAMA!!!!! I'M SO ECXITING!!!!

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I am so excited for this! I love the live action Japanese version and enjoyed the way the characters developed. The music is gorgeous, the relationships hilarious and heartbreaking, and omg...her penchant for messiness is on an epic scale! lol There is also an unforgettable scene of the heroine performing a version of Rhapsody in Blue; I've actually YouTubed that scene several times when I need a quick smile. Definitely can't wait to see the Korean version.

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Joo won would be a great chiaki, he is versatile and actually looks the part. IMO Joo Ji Hoon fits the role perfectly too.
for nodame, I could think of some better choices (than IU) -- Go ara, shin eun-kyung, Park bo-young, Moon Geun young ---but she is not the most terrible choice ( what if they cast goo hye sun or shin se-kyung?? shudders ).

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I second Ara!!! :D I do believe she can play Nodame really well, after seeing her performance in AM1994~ ^_^ but sadly impossible, since she picked up You're All Surrounded.

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hahahaha iono why but i thought Gong Hyo Jin would be a perfect fit for Nodame... if she's younger... she can definitely pull off wacky xD

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I will cry literal tears of blood if they botch this up.
If this does end up coming into creation.
Seriously.

Nodame Cantabile is like my ultimate fall-back anime. Anytime I get too frustrated with a story, any sort, drama or manga or anime, this is my go-to-feel-healed-and-fluffily-warm-wrapped-in-quality. U_U
When I first heard news that they were pursuing a korean remake of this, I admit that I blanched.
Still, I could picture Joo-won doing a decent job as Chiaki so that gives me some hope. I am still terrified as to who Nodame's actress will turn out to be. Their characters are just too precious and quirky and memorable to me and many other people around the world T^T

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Ah, but I'm not sure he could act funny without coming off as stiff. See how hard the decisions for a cast is? T____T

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I am so in!!! I love Nodame Cantabile in all its forms and I particularly love the J-Dorama version of it….here's hoping that Joo Won signs on because I think he would be phenomenal in the role…as for the leading lady, IU would be good but I think someone different because I feel like she has done similar roles one too many times.

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OOoh, and yes, Joo Ji Hoon would be good too. So would Kim Jae Wook i think

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Nodame Cantabile is probably one of my all time favourite mangas... ever. I love it to bits. I'm scared to see it ruined in this remake. What's going to make me convulse inside is the "fans" that will bandwagon onto the new show and claim that it's the best form of Nodame Cantabile. NO. >:[ The manga will always be the best.

That rant aside, I don't see Joo-won being Chiaki. He's not... girly enough? Lol. Chiaki was as manly as he was feminine.

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I'm SOOO EXCITED TO SEE THIS! FELL IN LOVE WITH JOO WON IN BAKER KING <333

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NOT IU PLEASE. i love the girl but if shes gonna keep playing the same charaters over and over again it just proves her limit as an actress plus i want a REAL actress with range to play nodame because if someone ruins her character, we r so going to have a problem here. maybe park bo young?

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park boyoung would be great <3 I can totally see her in this..

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