Seo In-gook courted to headline King's Face » Dramabeans Korean drama recaps

55 August 12, 2014November 5, 2014

Seo In-gook courted to headline King’s Face

by girlfriday

I’m not surprised in the least that drama producers are chomping at the bit to get Seo In-gook locked down for his next project the second that High School King of Savvy is in his rearview mirror. He’s having his moment, and it’s well-deserved. Next up for the actor might be the fusion sageuk The King’s Face, the drama adaptation of The Face Reader that’s headed to KBS this fall. It’s currently courting Sohn Ye-jin, and now Seo In-gook has been offered the lead role as Prince Gwanghae.

The movie was set in a different time and focused on a face-reading fortuneteller (Song Kang-ho) who clashed with Prince Suyang (Lee Jung-jae) as he mounted his coup. The drama version will be centered around Prince Gwanghae over a century later, and tell the story of how a face reader helps to shape his fate as a future king. Lee Sung-jae (Suspicious Housekeeper, Gu Family Book) is being courted to star alongside him as his father, King Seonjo. I guess fall’s drama trend is going to be royal father-and-son pairings? This one is a reunion as well — Seo In-gook and Lee Sung-jae played brothers in the weekend family drama Rascal Sons.

Perhaps the fact that they once played brothers will help me wrap my brain around their relationship in The King’s Face, because in this story, father and son become love rivals for the same woman. UH… I’m trying to find a non-squicky version of that love triangle in my head and I’m coming up empty. It’s described as an antagonistic relationship that tragically pits father and son against each other as rivals in both politics and love. And of course to make matters even more complicated, the face reader will also love her.

Gwanghae is a popular figure in movies and television alike — he’s born the son of a concubine in a politically unstable time and rules the country in place of a weak father and legitimate brothers. I like the idea of seeing the younger portrayal of his days as the illegitimate prince, and as we’ve already seen, Seo In-gook has a particular knack for playing a wide age range from youth to adulthood with equal believability.

Writing is Lee Hyang-hee of War of Money, and directing is PD Yoon Sung-shik of Gaksital and Story of a Man. Dude, if Seo In-gook signs on to star and PD Yoon brings his A-game, I’m sold.

The King’s Face follows Iron Man on Wednesdays and Thursdays in November.

Via Star News

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1 redfox

August 12, 2014 at 3:06 PM

I loved The Face Reader but why do we need a drama did they think the story was unclear somehow+

but glad for SIG cause when you catch the wave you should ride it
though not every role might suit him well. Min Seok was a spot on character. but... I´ll watch the movie again to see I feel like he needs a really good click with the character

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missDVM

August 12, 2014 at 4:42 PM

I think that they are going to not "remake" the movie, but tell of ANOTHER face-reader that affects Korean history-in-the-making.

I gather this from the article.

Hope that helps!

Cheers!

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Dr. Hwata

August 12, 2014 at 7:10 PM

You got it. This one takes place in the reign of a different king. The two are separated by almost two hundred years.

Just about every monarch of Joseon dynasty has been done over and over - perhaps overdone. Prince Gwanghae, who was stripped of his kingly title for reasons you well know, was in another drama just last year - it was about ceramics.

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redfox

August 12, 2014 at 10:02 PM

ah, I see!

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Beng

August 12, 2014 at 8:03 PM

it's a century after. by then, all the characters in the Face Readers are all been dead and has turned into ashes.

i hope this will come before the iron man. November is too far =(

Sohn Ye Jin accept it already!!! =)

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2 zakin89

August 12, 2014 at 3:08 PM

YES PLEASE! I love Sohn Ye Jin and I really like Seo In Guk and wouldn't mind seeing him again so soon :) Lee Sung Jae is also one of my favourites and with the PD of Gaksital?! YES, YES, YES! Count me in =)

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3 Saima

August 12, 2014 at 3:14 PM

woohooooo!! Good for SIG!!

As much as I'm excited for him I feel iffy about FR getting a drama adaptation.

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Miky

August 12, 2014 at 3:18 PM

I feel more for the quality of the story and because of KBS...from a time now they rarely produce a good show...And of course the over melo

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4 Miky

August 12, 2014 at 3:15 PM

I'm quite curious if he will take the role,i think he is more cautious like all his projects because more than sure after his succes with Highschool King he will look more carefully for a better project that will top this...stilll don't know if i want him to take it or not,i want because hey more of him on my screen and as a prince future ruler yet i must say i i'm not so found of KBS,they rule the weekend slot but their shows in normal days are meh,a very few were good the rest very poor scripts so i quite want him to evolve and bring another hit to his list of project..
well hope to see what he decides,if he takes it i'll watch it even with the not so awaited battle between son and dad for a women

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Mia

August 13, 2014 at 8:49 AM

All the major networks are in a slump right now. I don't think there's been a hit drama on any public network since YWCFTS. I just hope he chooses his next project well. He really shouldn't sign on to anything that doesn't look like a bona fide hit. He needs a lead role on a public network but he also needs to follow up KOHS with another hit to keep the momentum going. If it's just going to be your typical saeguk, a major lead actress is needed as his co star to give the drama some buzz. He really impressed me with his athleticism in KOHS. I think he would do really well in a drama that had a lot of action. If he lucks up with a buzz drama on one of the major networks, he needs to quickly follow that up snapping up CF deals and getting cast in a movie with some A-listers.

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epuda

August 13, 2014 at 10:27 AM

YWCFTS?

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thelady

August 13, 2014 at 11:49 AM

You who came from the stars

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5 john

August 12, 2014 at 3:28 PM

Any word as to who might play the role of the shared love interest?

I have the utmost faith in Seoul In -gook's actting hope the script is worthy.

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6 Nani

August 12, 2014 at 3:57 PM

i want a new TvN drama with him and Eun Ji, they have the best chemistry

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ujsid

August 12, 2014 at 7:18 PM

YES PLEASE! ?
Where can I sign the petition?

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pegeetig

August 12, 2014 at 9:13 PM

count me in 200% !! :D

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7 Carinne

August 12, 2014 at 3:59 PM

There's ridiculous bromance between SIG and LSJ in their reality show "I Live Alone" so I can truly say this pairring will gut me watching them fight over a woman in reel life.

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8 pookie

August 12, 2014 at 4:30 PM

and I was JUST thinking (after watching ep 17 and reading the recap ^^) that he would be great in a sageuk!

also, the camera loves seo in guk when he kisses!

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Mariah

August 12, 2014 at 5:24 PM

pucker cheekbones.

YAAAAS.

Also, it's fun to watch someone enjoy themselves.

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9 cingdoc

August 12, 2014 at 5:08 PM

Ah sa!!! MORE SIG???
The only downside is that in a saeguk, there will more ultra formal speaks and probably no more " chupa chupa " and his signature's " thank you very kamsa" ???

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10 ana

August 12, 2014 at 5:11 PM

3 men vying for 1 woman seem to be a popular plotline these days too lol

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11 raysie

August 12, 2014 at 5:16 PM

If there is one thing that I learned after being a Seo Inguk fan during this couple of years, is that I have to believe in him and every projects he picks. Because seriously, I was so worried when he announced that he will be a high schooler again--in High School King, that is--I was afraid he will be critized and became typecasting as high schooler. But then the project turned out to be such a success, and he got praise here and there, he also got so many new fans. That's why I believe in him now too. If he choose to pick this drama, I will surely watch; if he accepts this, this will be his first lead role in a public channel. But then again I miss singer Seo Inguk; can his agency please release a full Korean album with the proper comeback? So yeah, whatever it is, whether he's back to being a singer or back to the dramaland again, I will support him no matter what! But please get enough rest, too, puppy.

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raysie

August 12, 2014 at 5:26 PM

And one more thing, reunited with Lee Sungjae is great (he's really fond of Seo Inguk) but I want a reunion between Seo Inguk and Jung Eunji the most xDDD

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Mia

August 12, 2014 at 9:56 PM

I miss singer In Guk too. I thought the next news from him was a music comeback. I actually had a nostalgia moment going back to watch his debut on Inkigayo. Brought back so many memories. It's just been great watching his career take off. From being banned on music shows and criticized for being an audition show winner to where he is now. Hit dramas, hit songs, and fun in variety too. So happy for his success.

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saranghae_12

August 12, 2014 at 11:19 PM

Why was he banned from music shows? I'm a new fan so I don't know the story behind that.

And is there an eng subbed video of I live alone?

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raysie

August 13, 2014 at 1:36 AM

Because he is labeled as a cable star and an instant star... they don't want someone who started their career by winning a singing competition on a cable channel to be on their music shows. It was only after he found fame from Answer Me 1997 that they started to allow him to be on their music shows.

I only found engsubbed of episode 1 and 7 by CookiesfromGukkie on their youtube channel. Don't know if it still available on their channel or not, though...

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Mia

August 13, 2014 at 9:19 AM

Exactly. He was the first Super Star K winner and an affront to the whole "we must train you for half your life if you want to debut" idol system. SIG was ready to hit the ground running. Singing, dancing, variety not a problem. Super Star K winners (and runner ups) were showing the general public that audition shows were consistently discovering solid talent. So much so that the agencies became an embarrassment for debuting idols that went through years of training but still had weak singing and dancing skills. It was honestly so bad that the agencies wound up doing K-Pop Star so they can get in on the action. Loved his dual role in Love Rain even though the drama didn't do much for me, but watching SIG's acting career take off with Reply 1997 was just icing on the cake after what he went through at the start of his career. When people call him an idol they need to be corrected. He is not.

12 Z

August 12, 2014 at 5:27 PM

Aw, can the poor kid please get a nap first? Maybe a sandwich or something?

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riarallahssi

August 12, 2014 at 6:13 PM

LOL! This kid is superman. In 2013, he made a movie, musical comebacks, and a drama. While I hope he gets a sandwich-------- I'll take anything as long as it's not him going to the army :))

I guess he has to work a lot before the hiatus if he wants to ensure his viability as a lead actor.

I hope for a decent movie! (though I hate movies since they take forever to watch from other parts of the world)

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raysie

August 12, 2014 at 6:30 PM

Don't forget that in 2012, his debut and breakthrough year as an actor, he did three dramas, no less. Not to forget his musical comeback too.

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dfwkimchi

August 12, 2014 at 6:17 PM

Make that SPAM sandwich!

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13 Mandy

August 12, 2014 at 5:40 PM

Father and son after the same woman?!? Ewwww! Just, UGH! I want to see this and it sounds like a promising project, but that storyline is beyond icky. I'm assuming they'll make the father a sleaze-ball because I can't see any other way of making something like that work.

I'm so happy SIG is getting lead offers in one of the main networks. He's really good and deserves the recognition. Plus him in a sageuk is gonna be exciting.

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fab

August 13, 2014 at 7:43 AM

There was this Mexican novella where father and son(and her long time friend) went after the same woman. That was really weird but funny at the same time. I don't have to tell you that she eventually chose(after countless episodes) the son.
But in this drama? I don't think it's gonna end well... But it's Son Ye Jin they're going to fight for, so that's not necessary a bad thing...

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14 DeeDee Wakabayashi

August 12, 2014 at 6:04 PM

Noooo.......I don't like sageuk!!! I want him to do something else! He's my favorite actor right now. I will be sad if he does this....cause even if he's my favorite, I cannot stand to watch sageuk.

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15 dramapotatoe

August 12, 2014 at 6:45 PM

Sohn Ye Jin, please take on this drama.

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16 ujsid

August 12, 2014 at 7:15 PM

Oooh that SIG is SO hot right now ?
2 consecutive DB post with SIG ?

I liked the movie, however I am not too sure how the drama will fare. But SIG has a knack for picking good dramas (minus Rascal sons), so I am optimistic about it.

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Mia

August 13, 2014 at 9:49 AM

I think he picked Rascal Sons for the acting experience and nothing more. He had only been in two dramas prior to that one and I think he pretty much said himself that he wanted to take on a smaller role for the experience. I'm sure he got plenty of offers after the success of Reply 1997 but I think he wanted to truly feel worthy of them first. Even though I loved Reply 1997 and think it's one of the best K-Drama I've ever seen, KOHS is the drama that's truly letting everyone in the industry know that SIG acting career is on the rise.

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17 Annie

August 12, 2014 at 7:51 PM

Son Ye Jin already said no to this drama (the article came out today which is hardly a coincidence) and I think it has to do with the co-stars to be quite honest. I'm fully expecting an idol to be cast... Uee would be nice, I guess.

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18 laden

August 12, 2014 at 7:54 PM

take eeeet :D

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19 pn

August 12, 2014 at 8:10 PM

Javabeans, I was wondering what the industry buzz is on Seo In Gook currently. I remember when he said that he was labeled by the other networks as a cable star (due to his win on Superstar K), and now that he's showing everyone just how talented he is, I wondered how the major networks viewed him now.

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20 Miho

August 12, 2014 at 8:24 PM

I am in! As long as Seo Inguk oppa signs, I am totally in. Even though I completely love him, technically I've seen him in only one drama-Love rain. So, I'd definitely love to see more of him.
A love triangle like THAT would be a little hard for me to accept though. But whatever it is, I am all in it for oppa' s sake.

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21 crazedlu

August 12, 2014 at 8:30 PM

I hope Sohn Ye-jin isn't cast then. Someone younger, please.

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Annie

August 12, 2014 at 8:32 PM

She already rejected this one.

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peacegee

August 12, 2014 at 9:16 PM

great that she turned it down. Next, now can we have Eun Ji please?? :D

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22 Mia

August 12, 2014 at 8:55 PM

If he takes this, I can't wait to see it but after the success of KOHS, he really should choose his next drama wisely. If the cast isn't strong he should take a page out of Im Joo-eun's book and bow out.

First winner of Superstar K just killing it on all fronts. 7 years of training not required. The audition show alumni are just taking no prisoners. KOHS was just an absolute joy. If there's an award for "Best Cast", KOHS should win hands down.

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23 korfan

August 13, 2014 at 12:38 AM

It'll be nice to see Seo In-gook again.

I didn't watch King of High School, so I didn't get to see him in his most recent project.

It'll be interesting to see who the rest of the cast will be.

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24 A

August 13, 2014 at 1:12 AM

Dropping by to ask if High School King of the Savvy was any good. It just finished and I want to know if it was worth watching it :)

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enkeys

August 13, 2014 at 2:50 AM

I love every bits of it, but I found that some of the viewers that commented here in DB felt that the 10 years gap between the otp off-putting/offensive/unbelievable.

Let me tell you one thing though. My idea of a good rom-com is Queen In Hyun/King of Dramas/Greatest Love. So based on my taste, will you believe me when I say Savvy is good? ^_^

It depends on individual taste really, but if you want a light rom-com, where you can laugh a lot, this drama is good. Give the first 2 episodes a try ^_^

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25 dramacf

August 13, 2014 at 8:10 AM

Just read Son Ye Jin declined, though I hope SIG would still accept the drama. If he does, I want him to co-star with an underrated actress...maybe Yoon So Yi, she's age-appropriate, has done sageuk and solid acting chops and she's just finished doing a drama on KBS.

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26 kolache

August 13, 2014 at 9:05 AM

SIG in a sageuk? Uh, YES. The story isn't very appealing at the moment (father and son after the same woman?) but I'm hoping the writers will present it in such a way so that it won't bother me as much.