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Nodame Cantabile is a go: Joo-won in, Shim Eun-kyung a maybe

Ahhh, it’s happening! Joo-won (Good Doctor, Gaksital) will be playing the lead character in the Korean remake of Nodame Cantabile, which had been previously suggested but only now confirmed. Wheeee!

The female lead is not yet cast and will be absolutely crucial to making an adaptation work, but the name being offered as a contender at the moment is Shim Eun-kyung (Miss Granny, Sunny). That’s great news, since she would make a fantastic Nodame character. She isn’t decided yet, but has received the offer and is considering it.

Now, to voice concerns: I’m not sure about this pairing. I will think positively and hope for the best because I do love both of them individually, but right now I’m having a hard time picturing them in the Chiaki-Nodame relationship, mostly because she seems rather young. Granted they’re only seven years apart (he’s 26, she’s 19) but we’ve been watching her since she was a wee child in dramaland and she still has that little-sister-next-door vibe; she hasn’t branched out into romantic lead territory so I don’t see her as that yet. Maybe now’s as good a time as any?

But to look on the positive side, I suppose the drama can write around the real-life differences, because acting- and image-wise, Shim Eun-kyung would make a perfect Nodame. IU was the first name floated for the role (though denials were issued quickly) and I could see her working as well, but Nodame is a truly oddball character who goes beyond quirky-cute, and Shim Eun-kyung would absolutely go after her weirdness with gusto without trying to be pretty about it. It’s part of her genius—and Shim is certainly one of those rare natural acting talents, who also has a gift for comedy. I can totally see her playing the gifted pianist who can play something after hearing it once but can barely wash or feed herself.

I’m not sure how Joo-won will fare with comedy since we’ve mostly seen him being dramatic (and no, Level 7 Civil Servant doesn’t count for anything, anywhere, ever), but Chiaki is the straight man of the show who’s surrounded by eccentrics and goofballs, so he only needs to react to their quirks. I don’t know if he’s got any ability at playing (or faking) the piano (not that that ever stopped a drama), but we do know that Joo-won has a musical background, which should surely come in handy. I don’t know how seriously the drama will take its musical moments, but I do hope it finds a way to showcase them; that was one of my favorite aspects of the Japanese show, which let the classical pieces breathe and shine and be an active voice in the show. (I would almost rather the Korean version didn’t get made if it weren’t going to respect that, which is one of my fears.)

The Korean version of Nodame Cantabile is being planned for an October broadcast on KBS. (The order of dramas in that slot goes: Big Man, then Trot Lovers, then Discovery of Romance, then Nodame Cantabile.)

Now, to do some massive praying to the drama gods that they don’t screw this one up.

Via TV Report, Newsen

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OMG!!!! So eggzited!!! I looovvee Nodame, like from the manga to the anime and to the live action series!!! Can't wait!!!

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Yay Joo Won! Can't wait to watch it. I think he would be a good Chaiki XD
Nodame Cantabile is one of my favorite Jdrama no doubt.
However I personally hope that they won't adapt too much into the Jdrama goofiness ><
Just a personal taste of mine. It's the over the top weirdness of characters is what pushed me away from jdrama over all and I settled into kdrama for more realistic/normal/serious facial/bodily expressions. Same with Taiwanese drama. I feel like their expression borders slapstick comedy :(
Since I really liked Nodame Cantabile's storyline, I really really can't wait to see a true Korean version not a Jdrama genre adaptation of this drama *_*
So excited!
Same goes for Fated to Love you. Really want to see a true Korean adaptation.

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I'm actually worried there won't be any goofiness. That's one of the things that made the show and why the Japanese version will be my favourite one no matter what. I have read the manga and watched the anime, so I was truly amazed to see how they transmitted the quirkiness to the drama and never did I feel it to be unrealistic.

Definitely will give the Korean version a chance but will it be better than the Japanese one? I highly doubt that.

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Joo Won has a very anime-esque face, and his body is also anime proportion so if all fails, it will be nice to look at :))

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Joo Won and Shim Eun Kyung? Definitely count me on! Both are very good actors!

*happy dance*

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I wish they won't destroy the japanese version I love this drama seriously the music everything The Shim Eun Kyung will have hard job with the character more than Joo Won in my opinion bcz her character Nodame is more complex .

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OMFG YES!! A 100000000% YES on Shim Eun-kyung casting! She'll make an amazing Nodame. I love her since Sunny.

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I have nothing to say just feelingso happy to see my dream land cheobel husband Joo won again in kdrama land LOL xD ..I don't know anything about this drama so I can't judge anything right now...so as other people mentioned here I hope the remake will be as goood as the original and a big success ....so everyone could be happy

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ive seen so many dramas but ive ever seen her, nevertheless i trust u beanies and i will give her a chance obviously. but they really cant mess this drama up . like seriously ( i mean the plot not and execution not the actors)

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She's mostly been in movies, so that's probably why! To really get a sense of her extreme talent--you should watch Sunny! It's really great, trust me.

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I have nothing to say just feelingso happy to see my dream land cheobel husband Joo won again in kdrama land LOL xD ..I don’t know anything about this drama so I can’t judge anything right now…so as other people mentioned here I hope the remake will be as goood as the original and a big success ….so everyone could be happy

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OMG! I'm so excited! Looking forward to this! Can't wait for October!

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OH MY GAAAAAD!!! best news ever! not only is Joo Won Chiaki, they want to make Shim Eun Kyung Nodame? Pefect! even I couldn;t have come up with something so brilliant....she is phenomenal....him, I have had my issues with (overacting, sometimes in overrated shows)...but she will be perfect for this role and what a great way to step into drama land a a leading lady....Now please don't screw up this show Korea...Keep the zaniness! Keep the music! No Daddy-Mommy baggage for the leads! Now I know Joo Won is the bigger star but put equal focus on both lead characters!

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As much as I love Joo Won, I may give this drama a miss coz musical theme is not really my cup of tea. But I wish him the all best.

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i will not put my expectations high in this remake, i love SEK and i love Nodame Cantabile, but just thinking about how big jdoramas and kdramas differ in drama style make me worried.. -__-

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YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

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Heck yeah!!! I loved the J-version. I hope the two get together. They will be perfect. I can picture them now.

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so gyaaabooo.... will be translated to omooo right? i hope not.....GYAABOO is a trademark for Megumi-chan. And i wonder who will play Milk-sensie....

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I love both of them individually. But together? I don't know just a bit odd. I can't really picture them as a nice looking pair. They don't look quite right tgt. Haha. But yeah I have to agree that SEK would make a great nodame!

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Shim Eun Kyung would be awesome as Chiaki and would save Nodame from the world of doom and mess, joo won, not so sure.
However, no matter how I see it, I can feel they would butcher my favorite manga and I'll ended sad & angry. That what happened to BOF before.

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sigh~ my brain already shutting itself down.
I mean SEK would be good as Megumi/Nodame, not Chiaki

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I absolutely adore this series, I've read the manga at least 3x, and recently just watched the whole live action non stop. I'm going to start watching the anime soon, so I'm pretty into the Japanese version.

Please kdrama gods don't put too much cliches in, and also let the music speak in the drama. The Japanese one was amazing in terms of mixing the music with the humour and essence of the show. Even though there were some changes they made in to the manga, everything flowed so perfectly.

I'll give this a go, but I'm still pretty iffy about it.

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I hope this drama will not disappoint. I hope this drama will be as good as the japanese version by not eliminating ridiculous. Because i really liked the japanese version. And hopefully not as bad as the previous korean version 'Hanakimi'
I too look foward to acting Joo Won to be silly still like chiaki senpai

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Wow Joo Won and Shim Eun Kyung? They are solid leads. I don't know about how the drama will be executed, but their acting will be top-notch for sure.

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People seem to be worried about how Joo Won will pull off comedy. Joo Won is talented and passionate. His acting in itself is v good but he hasn't been in the best productions (Catch Me) and because comedy is a genre out of his comfort zone, he finds it hard to be funnier than the mediocre script.

Whereas Shim Eun Kyung is a natural with comedy (Sunny, Miss Granny). She has had v good productions and she's able to work beyond the scripts, that are already good, with her superb acting. She's in her comfort zone. Seriously such a fan!!

But let's give Joo Won the benefit of the doubt. I do think he is capable- he just needs to more exposed to the comedy genre (and better productions...) Anyway, I think SEK with be a v good influence. Actors/actresses learn from fellow actors/actresses and it will refs be a privilege to work with her.

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Well said! *clapping her hands* xD

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hahaha ;)

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Agreed! Plus I think Joo Won will be able to handle the 'proud guy' character fairly easily. From what I saw of 1N2D, he was fairly reserved in terms of revealing his feelings most of the time - that tendency is pretty conducive to this character.

It might be just that I have a real soft spot for Joo Won though, because when he was starring in Okkyajo Brothers (when he was just getting famous) my friend told me she went to driving school with him and he was really nice and polite.

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Thank the drama gods for Shim Eun Kyung's casting!
I agree with everyone that I wouldn't want to see this get redone if they're not going to do justice to the story and overall ~flavor~ of the story. And wouldn't want her to waste her time in dramaland if it's not going to be worth it.

The first young actor that comes to mind for Chiaki is Jang Geun Seuk. Joo Won would be interesting, I liked him in Gaksital but this is a completely different sort of drama.

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Oh Yeah Jang Geun Suk could hve bee great, his Hwang Tae Kyung has some of the same characteristics as Chiaki....but then it would be more typecasting of him and I want him to start taking on serious fare

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After Pretty Man, I am taking a break from all things Jang Geun Seuk.

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Haha! I have left the building long ago.

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Jang Geun Seuk as Chiaki after that Pretty Man nightmare? Please, no.
I do believe in Joo Won though.

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Hahaha oh my god nooooooo. I love Jang Geun Suk with a fiery passion but he is so not Chiaki. Chiaki is so straight laced and JGS is so... not. Even as Hwang Tae Kyung, the strength of his character relied on his comedic timing and surpressed passion. Chiaki is more like a cold hearted bitch - he's got his emotions under a tight leash.

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Yeessss i agre....Joo Won and Shim Eun Kyung will be perfect.....

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She looks quite mature in that picture. she'd be so great for the role! She

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OH MY GOSH THIS PAIR PLEASE SAY YEEEEEEEEEEEEEES

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I don't know why people keep forgetting that Joo Won was pretty funny in Ojakyo Brothers and was also the best onscreen rom com paring with Uee. Being the straight man with oddballs hanging around him will work perfectly in Nodame.

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Very curious as to how Joo Won will take this on as this is a bit slapstick.

Gyabooooo!!!! LOL.

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omg sooo loving it... i could totally picturing Shim Eun Kyung as Nodame.. and her character in real life is quite quirks as well.. hope she'll take this role..
as for JW, for me he's a great actor, i think he'll do fine as Chiaki.. but yeah, we'll see...

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I kind of don't want Joo Won in this adaptation because adaptations rarely do well, and I really want Joo Won to do well. I don't want him to do another 7th Level Civil Servant.

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Oh this is awesome. I liked the anime and the Jdrama, but they were both a little over-the-top campy/slapstick for me, and Kdramas tend to be more on the grounded side in that respect even when they're comedies. So if this is good it could end up being the better adaptation for my taste~

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I may be one of the FEW here who is not buying this remake, and not buying Joo Won as Chiaki Senpai. And I'm sooooooo alarmed by some of us here commenting about how this version will be more Korean and less the Japanese original (norebang, birth secrets etc just to name a few above).

Yes, I'm from Japan, so pardon me when my perspective is VERY different from many of you here.

While it is good for an adaption to steer away from the original and do something creative with its own culture, Nodame Cantabile is not one of them! A lot of the emotions, musical music taste, characters' personalities ARE very Japanese and stem from Japanese culture/way of life/social behaviour. That is all part of the wonderful original manga called Nodame Cantabile. I simply cannot imagine the world of Nodama to be different from the original (yes, same for Boys Over Flowers! Can never understand or see the allure of the Korean version!). Since BOF is kinda "surreal" (rich boys with the poorest gal, huh), I can still tolerate remakes coz this is not REAL. But Nodame is different. Classical music is real. The toughness of pursuing music your entire life is real. Geniuses get stuck not being able to achieve is real in the classical music world.

I like Joo Won, but I don't buy him as Chiaki Senpai. Most classically trained people has this aura of quiet gentleness, clean and high-class looks, as well as a charisma who stands out among muggles. Joo Won is gorgeous, but to me he doesn't have the classic high-class aura. His eyes are wild and sexy, not gentle and deep.

Just my 2 cents worth.

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Uh , how I find his eyes change depending on the role he takes. In Bridal Mask, his eyes are very intense and deep, but in GD, it's just so pure and gentle, like I can look deeply into his heart.

Anyway, even jW is my favoirte , I won't say anything about him being Chiaki, until I see the drama. His acting will tell whether he can make a good Chiaki or not.

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But...you don't have to be Japanese to be a classical music genius who struggles to achieve O__o They could just make the emotions, musical taste, and character's personalities stem from korean culture. I mean, that's one of the main points of adaptations right?

Also, you're kinda generalizing a group of people there. That guy in the hoodie and sweatpants chatting up the elderly cashier lady at the supermarket might be a classically trained musician but we wouldn't know that without actually knowing him personally now would we?

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I'm glad IU is not the female lead. I have a feeling that this drama is total mess. And IU's role in pretty man and nodame are quite similar. I wanted her to take different challenging role and not the remake of drama. Shin eung kyung is also quite good actress. I loved her in sunny but I think she is too young to be paired with mature looking joo won

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Assa! I am a fan of Nodame watched the series and the read the manga! and its Joowon!

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Why don't they cast Noh Min Woo to be Chiaki senpai? He is musical genius so underrated because of his accentric behaviour and overly goodlooking. I think he's such an amazing musician and good actor if you happened to watch him in Rock Rock Rock

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I support any and all remakes of Nodame Cantabile; especially those involving Joo Won. All I can say to this drama is: "Go weird and intense musical passion or GO HOME"

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Nodame Cantabile is perfection. This remake is a disaster awaiting to happen.

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I second that.

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I third this

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Shim Eun Kyung is good. But how about other candidates?

In my opinion, Lee Si Young might fit the role of Nodame well too, based on how she acted her character Yoo Eun Jae in Wild Romance :) She was "crazy" in it and what I like the most about her is that she wasn't trying to look pretty when acting like some actresses do.

The second actress I have in mind is Kim Seul Gi (she played the webtoon manger in Flower Boy Next Door. She's awesome too! Just perfect for Nodame's role :)

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I don't think korean version can beat the japan one. Especially group 8 make this remake drama. All of their remake dramas are flop like ttby, playfull kiss, and bof. They ruin the story but adding such many unimportant scene. And also i think nobody can beat the perfectness of ueno juri in portraying nodame character which is almost a hundred percent similar with the manga. Also for tamaki hiroshi also portraying chiaki senpai very good eventhough not as perfect as ueno juri. But still awesome combo. Also i'm curious with Stresemann character, who will portraying this character in korean version because naoto takenaka did a brilliant job in portraying this character. Omg as the big fans of nodame i still can't see the korean character in joo won n shim eun kyung. I just hope they don't ruin this drama by adding the other scene which is unimportant like korean drama usually have.

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JOO WON SHIM EUN KYUNG ^^

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I've never been that happy with the idea of a Korean remake.

But I think the only actress that could pull off Nodame's oddball character is...

Im Joo Eun (Soul, What's Up, Wild Romance, Heirs).

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While I have no problem with the pairing, I'm still worried of how this show would turn out like. Ueno Juri really nailed her character in the original Nodame, and I dont think anyone could do better than her. And yes, I do love Shim Eun Kyung but she seems a little too young for Joo Won. But I think I'll give this a try.

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I can't understand why some of you hating on Joo won ..if you don't like his acting then don't watch the drama ...nobody will force you to watch him ? I believe that he'll do a wonderful job because he has the talents and I hope that this drama will be as great as the original one..I've just started to watch the j-version and it looks great !(^__^)

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I just don't want this to happen. I know Joo Won is a great actor but as Chiaki, I'm not sure. I don't know the girl at all so no comment other than she doesn't look the part. I can only cross my fingers because the Japanese version was wonderful. I only wish the movies were more fast pace, but Asian movies, especially Japanese ones can be slow. All the best but I will be one more upset person if they screw it up. As for IU playing the part, I think not. If she does one more quriky part, she may be stuck there for life.

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Shim Eun-kyung is perfect for the role! Please accept it, please accept it! Joo-won's great and I can definitely see him as Chiaki. Can't wait!

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Kim Hyun Joong will always have a special place in my heart (LOL) because he was the first one that gave me the Second Lead Syndrome as Yoon Ji Hoo. That being said, if you are a Boys Over Flowers fan who still hasn't gotten over Jan Di picking Jun Pyo over our lovely Ji Hoo, then in your mind, Kim Hyun Joong will be the perfect Chiaki, and Ku Hye-Sun the perfect Nodame =)

And I think we can all agree that since Playful Kiss, KHJ's acting has gotten considerably better. Inspiring Generation, anyone?

But it's just wishful thinking since Joo Won is already a go.

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But Chiaki in a sense was a chaebol *evil laugh*
*cue for dramatic music from chaebol xD*

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I'm still on the fence about this. That being said, she seems like a good fit. Nodame's casting was the one I was most worried about.

I guess I have to take it on faith that whoever is taking this on has a good sense of the original work and will be able to translate it well without destroying any of the good stuff.

Please be good!!!

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Nodame Cantabile!!
I loved this story, and Joo Won is cute and I can see him working as Chiaki-- please don't mess this up, drama gods that be. >__<

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Big yes for Shim Eun Kyung! I adore her and I can definitely see her pulling off the Nodame-brand quirkiness. I'm undecided about Joo Won. afsdkjas. I can't quite picture him as Chiaki yet.

Fingers crossed! I really really really hope they don't screw this one up.

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Looking for a female lead?! No problem! I volunteer myself! Let me play the part of Nodame!

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