Han Groo stars opposite Yeon Woo-jin in tvN rom-com
by girlfriday
Ah, I like this pairing better. The new tvN romantic comedy Marriage Not Dating has secured its leading cast, and Yeon Woo-jin (When a Man Loves, Arang and the Magistrate) will be starring, as expected. An early round of casting initially had him paired with Honey Lee, but in the end it was up-and-comer Han Groo (Warm Words, Can We Get Married) who signed on to play his leading lady. I’ve liked her since the cable short Girl K; she’s been steadily paying her dues in dailies and supporting roles for a few years, and this will be her first headlining role in a prime-time miniseries.
Marriage Not Dating will be a 16-episode rom-com from the writer of the two-episode drama Anticipate Love and the PD of Brain and Haeundae Lovers. It’s being prepped to follow tvN’s current weekend drama Gap-dong late next month. Yeon Woo-jin stars as a successful plastic surgeon with his own clinic who rebels against his wealthy family in one way: he refuses to get married. So in an effort to get his family off his back, he decides to bring home a girl they’ll never approve of. It’s not the most sophisticated or rational plan, but perhaps he’s seen a lot of dramas.
So while he’s the man who won’t marry, Han Groo will play the heroine who can’t marry. She’s the small-town university graduate who works in a luxury department store and has no prospects. She’s described as an analogue girl, who prefers polaroids to digital pictures and refuses to give up on her 2G cell phone. She believes in going to see someone in person if you miss them, and naturally believes in true love. She’s been alone her whole life and idealizes marriage because she wants to be with someone all the time, but every man she dates finds her earnestness too overwhelming and ends up leaving her.
The hero is an introvert who always prefers to be alone, and is so abrasive on every single blind date that his family sends him on that he always ends up with water splashed on his face for saying something rude. His initial connection to the heroine is an unpleasant one but he somehow convinces her to play his girlfriend in front of his family. Of course the fun is that a contract relationship is never just an act.
Idol Jung Jin-woon (Dream High 2) has been cast to play a rich playboy who never stays in one place too long and doesn’t believe in love. He gets everything he wants with money or charm, but then one day he falls for the heroine and does a complete 180 in the name of love. Han Sun-hwa (God’s Gift-14 Days), also an idol, plays a plastic surgeon who went to med school with the hero. She’s ambitious and bold, and described as a woman who loves herself more than anyone else. And finally Yoon So-hee (Let’s Eat) has been cast as the heroine’s co-worker and friend.
Marriage Not Dating will air on Friday and Saturday nights beginning in June.
Han Sun-hwa, Jung Jin-woon, Yoon So-hee
Via Herald Biz
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Tags: Han Groo, Jung Jin-woon, Marriage Not Dating, Yeon Woo-jin
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1 Mandy
May 21, 2014 at 9:18 AM
This is sad, but I actually know none of the main leads, because I haven't seen a single show they've been on. Still, I love the plot because it's so cliched yet fun. Haven't seen a contract relationship in a while, and now we have two in FTLY and this.
The heroine sounds... amusing. Hopefully this is good.
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mary
May 21, 2014 at 9:22 AM
Watch Arang and The Magistrate. :DDD I only know Yeon Woo Jin from there, but he's good.
And Han Groo I've heard/read about in DB's Girl K recap. She's good too, although I don't know how she'll fare in a rom-com. Killer K was like a teenage Alias. O____O But if you're curious, you should watch it. It's only 3 episodes! :D
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mary
May 21, 2014 at 9:50 AM
Oops. I meant Girl K.
Killer K is Song Jae Rim... *sigh* getting things mixed up. Sorry.
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tokkioncrack
May 21, 2014 at 8:04 PM
:-)
I knew you couldn't resist it.
Even if you say you are.
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mary
May 21, 2014 at 8:21 PM
That was an honest mistake on my part. O____O
jomo143
May 22, 2014 at 4:28 AM
mary- as you know, mentioning SJR is never a mistake.
Mari D.
May 21, 2014 at 8:17 PM
You can also watch her in "Can We Get Married" she plays the leads best friend & her story line with the rich heir isvery interesting.
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annyeong
May 21, 2014 at 9:43 AM
If you don't have time for a longer series, you can also watch Yeon Woo-jin in Just an Ordinary Love Story, it's a 4-episode short drama and uploaded in YouTube by kbs world. He was quite good in it, and the story was engaging ^^
I, for one, am excited for this dramaaa~!!!
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niKai
May 22, 2014 at 8:16 AM
I really like Yeon Woo Jin, especially in Ordinary Love, and of course, Arang & the Magistrate. He was also in this daily that I couldn't recall the title. Didn't watch that one really so I dunno about his performance in there.
Han Groo, I love her character and story in Can we Get Married? She was also cute in Warm Words, though kinda like a spoilt brat. hehe.
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2 mary
May 21, 2014 at 9:20 AM
"So in an effort to get his family off his back, he decides to bring home a girl they’ll never approve of. It’s not the most sophisticated or rational plan, but perhaps he’s seen a lot of dramas."
If he's seen a lot of dramas, he SHOULD KNOW contract dating always leads to PAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIN and real dating. Hehehe
"Han Groo will play the heroine who can’t marry. She’s the small-town university graduate who works in a luxury department store and has no prospects. She’s described as an analogue girl, who prefers polaroids to digital pictures and refuses to give up on her 2G cell phone."
So, a hipster, then? Does she use a typewriter too? :D
---
No. No Song Jae Rim reference here too. Seriously, guys/gals, I am capable of rational thought. As long as I don't have tumblr open in another tab... :P
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Muenchabench
May 21, 2014 at 10:08 AM
As a (organic) card carrying member of hipsterdom who just came back from riding my fixed gear bike whilst drinking craft beer with some of fleet foxes opening band members,(Cause the fleet foxes are way too mainstream) I'll use my hipster radar on this one....
hmmm looks like she's more poor than trying to look like it but might need polaroid proof, one must pull of the thift shop d'ore (though Macklamore has now ruined that for all us) or "homeless decadence" aesthetic if you will.
Another dead giveaway is the 2G phone, I mean geeze were not savages, how else would we watch streamed video of that ambient-white noise-klezmer band before it was cool?
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soprection
May 21, 2014 at 10:23 AM
It sounds like she's more old-fashioned than hipster, tbh.
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kopytko
May 21, 2014 at 12:47 PM
No, she's not a hipster! She's exactly like me (though I studied at the best university in my country ;p). I use an oldschool mobile phone, have a 10 years old laptop (XP ftw!) and drive a 32 years old car. Why? Because newer/more modern things aren't more useful to me than the ones I already have. They are merely tools. So as long as they serve their purpose - what's wrong with them? Not to mention that I don't feel the need to spend my monthly salary for a gadget...
So if anything, she may be simply poor, as @Muenchabench suggests or extremely utilitarian.
And no, not a typewriter. She should write with a fountain pen ;)
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mary
May 21, 2014 at 1:07 PM
@muenchabench, soprection, kopytko
I seem to have a very incorrect notion of what a hipster is. My apologies. ^^
(Err I wasn't being sarcastic, I really didn't know the difference between hipster vs just old-fashioned.)
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Patch
May 21, 2014 at 1:27 PM
Pretension.
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Muenchabench
May 21, 2014 at 1:44 PM
Harhar no worries! As someone who has been described as "hipster lite" or "blipster" and has been associated with that sort of crowd in the past, your observations are not unfounded. The "retro" or old school vibe is very much apart of that subculture, and I have friends who had a mind set similar to that characters description.
And really, much of the hipster look has become commonplace anyways. Wayfarer glasses, tight pants, flannel or military jackets, all fashion trends the hipster might have said they "wore before it was cool". Many K drama characters have adopted this look, metrosexuality is something apart of both K dramas (think flower boys) and a type of male hipster. Just food (probably vegan) for thought:)
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kopytko
May 21, 2014 at 2:25 PM
Vegan food for thought is a priceless idea. :)
naima
May 21, 2014 at 2:43 PM
Haha I'm like that too and I would really like the female lead to be consistently like this. And please make her rational and fun. Someone who is comfortable in her skin
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3 sartorius
May 21, 2014 at 9:24 AM
I am happy with the premise of this drama...hopefully all the four leads...especially the idols, pull their weight!
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4 carolies541
May 21, 2014 at 9:26 AM
I've liked Han Groo ever since can we get married and have since Yeon Woo Jin in a couple of weekend dramas and mini series, he's talented and versatile so I'm not worried about their acting ability, it's about time for them to shine as leads! I feel that Han Groo, along with Jung So Min are decent actresses among the rookies.
Somehow, Han Groo and YJW makes a better pair than YWJ and Honey Lee, Honey Lee is pretty but they just doesn't feel that "right" for each other, maybe because of Honey Lee's mature aura/charm. Either way, I'll be checking this out because it's from TVN and I like the leads.
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5 chew
May 21, 2014 at 9:32 AM
Owh yeah maknae oppa.
i'm glad that 20something actress started to get main role nowadays, and I also love female idols that can act, I think Sun-wha was OK in 14Days.
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6 john
May 21, 2014 at 9:40 AM
Yay, more Yoon So-hee.
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7 Deliane
May 21, 2014 at 9:43 AM
Yes Yes Yes have been waiting for Han Groo to be in a project! :)
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8 Chandler
May 21, 2014 at 9:45 AM
AH YAY! I love this! I'm so excited for pretty much all the dramas coming up. The pairings are golden. And most of the premises are pretty interesting :)
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Chandler
May 21, 2014 at 9:56 AM
Also these characters sound really interesting :) Yeon Woo-jin and Han Groo can definitely pull then off. I like that we actually got an in depth description of them beyond just cold, shy hero and naive, romance-seeking girl. They sound very unique.
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9 bebeswtz
May 21, 2014 at 9:57 AM
Love the premise.
Love the 2 leads.... Although, more so 1 (Han Groo), than the other (Sorry!! Yeon Woo-jin fans T.T)
Love Sunhwa (LOVE LOVE LOVED HER IN "GOD'S GIFT- 14 DAYS <3 ), and Yoon So- hee was so cute in "Let's Eat" =) The only person I'm iffy about is Jinwoon... only because I've never seen him in any of his acting projects before.... cuz... ahem.... "Dream High 2" doesn't count.... I never even stepped foot NEAR that thing..... Song Sam Dong and WooU Couple, FTW!!! <3
But yes, back to this drama... can't wait!!!
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10 Miky
May 21, 2014 at 10:06 AM
Totally adoring the cast and the leads,i have a weak spot for Han Groo because i like her a lot,so i prefer this duo a lot better...brit it on,i'll totally watch this drama as well because i love tvN dramas..till now i liked like all of their shows
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11 Arhazivory
May 21, 2014 at 10:15 AM
I'm glad Maknae Oppa is leading this and the plot sounds good too (who doesn't love contract relationships?), and it'll be nice to have a light meal after the heaviness of Gap Dong. *pictures creepy Joon smile*
....*shudders*
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12 soprection
May 21, 2014 at 10:27 AM
Yay, more Yoon SoHee on TvN. She managed to take what could have been a super annoying character on Let's Eat and imbued her with warmth and lightness so I'm excited that she'll be in this. Not familiar with any of the others (as actors at least) but I hope this will be funny and the hero not too abrasive at the start. I also hope that Sunhwa is more evocative as an actress than she is on variety.
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Annie
May 21, 2014 at 10:45 AM
I think she's a very charming actress. It looks like SM is putting their money on her while still taking it slow so she can get more acting experience. It's only a matter of time before she's leading primetime dramas IMO.
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Minaya
May 22, 2014 at 8:19 AM
Sunhwa's not with SM, I their company is called TS or something like that.
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13 JC
May 21, 2014 at 10:49 AM
I haven't actually seen the main leads in anything, I don't think, but I'm glad to see Jung Jin-woon back in a drama! He was one of the few shining points in the mess that was Dream High 2, and he's one of the idol actors I count as actually having potential acting chops. His character here sounds pretty cliche, but I look forward to seeing him act again, and contract dating is always a fun drama premise.
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14 lin
May 21, 2014 at 11:11 AM
Half of it sounds so good (cliche is good).
Just wish the girl was a bit cooler :( really...
can't we have a decent heroine for once ? Like may be in Full House who had an occupation, even the lead from My girl is less weird than this lead ...
It's ok to fall in love with a normal girl once in a while. Girls don't always have to be either spoiled rich or almost mentally challenged in their action :S
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15 pogo
May 21, 2014 at 11:25 AM
awww yessss I'm so thrilled that Han Groo gets to be lead in a project at last! She was great in Girl K and Can We Get Married, and delivered a fantastic and assured performance considering she was barely 19- 20 at the time.
Love it when young actresses who've shown the talent get their breaks, dramaland in general was running a little low on non-idol leading ladies in their twenties who weren't child actresses (or even idols who could act). Glad think that tide is turning.
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16 dfwkimchi
May 21, 2014 at 12:28 PM
Sounds like a fun drama. Will put it on my list.
Han Groo - I came to know her thru that SAD weekend drama - Scandal - that ? and ? incident - with Kim Jae Won - she was her somewhat annoying/bratty sister!
Am enjoying Yoon So Hee in the current weekend drama - Wild Chives - she plays the younger version of Jang Gook - she was very believable as a high schooler.
I have been enjoying many of the K-cable dramas lately - starting with Let's Eat, Emergency couple, I need romance 3, Secret Love Affair, Witch's Romance and Wild Chives. Looking forward to more good stuff!
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17 Dorotka
May 21, 2014 at 12:52 PM
There are three actors in the cast I like - the two main leads (my first encounter with them was in Ordinary Love and Can We Get Married?) and the lovely Yoon So Hee (she is everywhere now, right? Not complaining ;--))
... plus I need something lighter... and funny....
... I'm in :--)
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18 canxi
May 21, 2014 at 12:53 PM
What a cute pairing. And a cute cast in general!
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19 kopytko
May 21, 2014 at 1:05 PM
Looks like a nice, light show ahead of us!
What I am looking forward to is the overwhelming earnestness of the heroine. Will she be earnest-naive or earnest-opinionated? I wouldn't mind a girl with a temper.
Her appreciation of analogue goods stirs my soul already.
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canxi
May 21, 2014 at 11:31 PM
Han Groo usually plays the latter from what I've seen of her. So I'm hoping it's that one, hahaha.
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20 E
May 21, 2014 at 1:27 PM
I'm glad there are new dramas this season I can't wait to watch!!
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21 Jyyjc
May 21, 2014 at 3:53 PM
Yay han groo!!! I anticipate the day she will finall break out in a hot drama.
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Jyyjc
May 21, 2014 at 4:05 PM
I meant "hit" drama but i think hot works fine as well.
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pogo
May 21, 2014 at 4:58 PM
you and me both.
I would feel endless joy if her, Kim Ji-won and Lee Yubi's careers blew up the way their talent deserves (also Im Joo-eun, who is criminally wasted recently)
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canxi
May 21, 2014 at 11:32 PM
#SaveImJooEun
No, but really. I think she needs new management or something; what goes on?
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22 damai
May 21, 2014 at 4:32 PM
- It’s not the most sophisticated or rational plan, but perhaps he’s seen a lot of dramas. -
This. Bbhhaaa. Imagining an introvert plastic surgeon watching drama was hilarious!
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23 makoto
May 21, 2014 at 4:48 PM
I've seen YWJ ini Arang, it was my main reason to watch When a man loves then. Eventhough I dropped it half way. Then came Just an ordinary love, it makes me love him more.
Han Groo; I watched her in Scandal. That cute little (fake) sister of Kim Jae won. I like their interaction there although the whole drama was quite meh.
Sunhwa; watch many of her drama... same type of character, I think.
Jinwoon; I hate DH 2 and only stood to watch few first episodes. But try to watch his 'We Got Married' with Go Jun Hee. My mind changed since then.
overall I'm excited for this drama.
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24 makoto
May 21, 2014 at 4:51 PM
Ah forget to mention Yoon Sohee. I really in love with the way she portrayed Jin Yi's character in Let's Eat. I want to know more about her, will she have different character or just similar with the previous one.
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25 je'sexsh
May 21, 2014 at 4:57 PM
can't wait this drama :) your lovely Sunhwa :)
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26 AnOpinion
May 21, 2014 at 5:44 PM
The plot sounds fun. And does anyone else think that the female lead looks a little like Son Ye-jin?
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27 Sei Ryoku
May 21, 2014 at 6:33 PM
Han Groo!!!! My girl from Girl K!!! >< EE
I am definitely (as soon as I make time) will watch this!!!
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28 Exquisitemelody
May 21, 2014 at 6:54 PM
Aww sounds like fun! Def on my radar. I have a soft spot for him from arang. Can't wait to see his turn as the cold hero!
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29 Noelle
May 21, 2014 at 7:48 PM
Dude TvN is just hitting it out of the park these days. All there dramas sound good.
Also, does anybody know where I can watch dramas besides Viki and gooddrama?
Also (lol), does anyone know if they are gonna do another installment of the Oh! Boy series? If I'm not mistaken the last one was with Park Shin Hye and all the neighbors being hotties.
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soprection
May 22, 2014 at 7:39 AM
Maybe dramacrazy.eu? I haven't actually used it but it seems to be as comprehensive as the old dramacrazy was. I haven't heard much talk about it though.
Also TvN is my favourite network right now. So, so good. I haven't been able to make it through a jtbc drama yet (and I've tried all the popular ones) but TvN shows always pull me in.
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30 jozie
May 21, 2014 at 7:54 PM
Contract relationship! Yay! My favorite :)
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31 glowry
May 21, 2014 at 9:18 PM
claps of joyyyy.. it's about time these two got a leading role.. yayyy..
i really love Han Groo ever since CWGM, love her couple even more than the leads..lol.. and the baddass girl in Girl K.. and in Kinds Words, she and Park SeoJoon have such a tremendous chemistry.. hope they reunite again..
really excited for this drama...!
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32 whilethemusiclasts
May 21, 2014 at 9:50 PM
While I really liked Yeon Woo-jin in Ojakkyo Brothers, I'm not familiar with Han Groo at all. Still, I think I'll be checking out the premiere if only because the setup sounds cute. Also, the other three cast members I've actually seen in different dramas and they were all serviceable, even if two of them are idols.
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33 Beng
May 21, 2014 at 10:30 PM
while you're describing the role of Han-groo, i can totally see her already acting it. I love this drama already, can't wait!
Thanks GF!
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34 bd2
May 22, 2014 at 10:25 AM
Yay - for Han Groo.
Love Sunwha, but sorry, can't buy into her being a surgeon (while raw, she does have the potential to be a good comedic actress, since she's a hoot on variety shows - after her idol days, can see a long future in showbiz hosting/co-hosting variety shows).
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bd2
May 22, 2014 at 10:26 AM
The lead male did nothing for me in "Arang", but maybe he'll be better in a diff. role.
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35 Tara
May 22, 2014 at 1:05 PM
With the casting this time around, it looks like this drama is skewing itself younger than prior -- compared to the potential pairing of Yeon Woo-jin and Honey Lee. The addition of two idol actors to boot further makes me think they're gunning for a younger audience.
I've seen Han Groo in Girl K (kickass), Just Like Today (ok typical daily heroine) and Warm Words (straightforward at first then annoying). She's a better actress than a few of those that keep getting starring roles, so I'm ok with that.
Maybe it's because of the prior potential pairing, but I felt like the lead actress description leads me to think she's supposed to be older than YWJ's character. Might tune in for a few though.
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36 4th
February 27, 2015 at 1:38 AM
Any news on Han Groo new Drama Series project? I miss her already :)
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