Lee Jin-wook eyes return to broadcast TV with Hello Monster
by javabeans
Lee Jin-wook is looking at a new drama project, and after doing a trio of dramas for cable station tvN (Three Musketeers, Nine, I Need Romance 2012), this one may take him back to broadcast television with KBS’s upcoming Hello Monster. (He’s favorably considering, not yet confirmed.)
The story of Hello Monster centers around a criminal profiler and the woman who stalks him. I swear my first thought was that it was a rom-com from that setup, but no, it’s a “hero drama” and romantic thriller. The hero’s a lonely type who doesn’t care what people think of him — perfect for Lee Jin-wook’s brand of gruff charm — and his keen powers of insight enable him to analyze a scene and a suspect at a glance. The character previously worked as a consultant for the police in New York, and upon his return to Korea he is put in charge of a special criminal investigation team.
It’s not explained exactly how he is connected to the woman, but they work together to solve a crime and fall in love while also fighting “like they’re at war.” It’s also unclear how her stalking comes into play, but since this is a thriller I’m taking this to be an actual, dictionary-definition case of stalking, rather than the common dramaland version where a main character following around their crush is supposed to seem cute and romantic.
In any case, I will always welcome more Lee Jin-wook on my screen, and if that entails him being smoldering and rugged, all the better. (Although really, isn’t smoldering and rugged his natural default state?) Hello Monster comes from the writer of Protect the Boss and All About My Romance and the PD of God of the Office — admittedly, all are much lighter in mood than this drama sounds like it’s going to be, but I’ll be looking forward to hearing more about this.
Hello Monster is being planned for the Monday-Tuesday KBS timeslot following Blood, to premiere in April.
Via Osen
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1 HeartFelt(ed)
February 26, 2015 at 3:08 AM
I've never watched Lee Jin Wook in a drama before but i thought he was really charming in the movie, Miss Granny so i will keep an eye on this even if the premise doesn't exactly grab me.
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achiara
February 26, 2015 at 3:28 AM
Watch Nine : Time Travel Nine Times, it is a must to really appreciate the goodness that is Lee Jin Wook
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Mariah
February 26, 2015 at 6:58 AM
Nine and also Three Musketeers, which was mostly excellent. I'd skip INK2. His character in that one is thoroughly unlikeable.
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alua
February 26, 2015 at 7:00 AM
Nine because it's a solid drama in so many ways, but also Some Day, his drama from younger days with Bae Doona (though Bae Doona steals the show there).
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bbstl
February 26, 2015 at 10:03 AM
I looooved Someday (except for the weird doctor) and he was great! Also a wonderful OST.
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alua
February 26, 2015 at 10:10 AM
Agree on the doctor. Could have done without him, he was super creepy / icky / etc.
But everything else was spot on. Specially loved that they incorporated drawings. And the second lead was completely atypical by refusing to be a schemer.
anglvue
February 26, 2015 at 10:50 AM
agree! i loved someday.
Chandler
February 26, 2015 at 11:09 AM
I loved Someday too! (And also agree about that doctor)
eny
February 27, 2015 at 12:36 AM
true, someday is good i like it
whitewire
February 26, 2015 at 8:46 AM
Oddly, I adored him via second-lead syndrome in Smile Again. The drama was meh, but that was when Lee Jinwook was a winner actor for me.
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chahaya
February 27, 2015 at 8:32 AM
Omg,me too! He was very adorable in smile again.
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fantasy
February 26, 2015 at 4:09 AM
His acting is "Matured" ... Yes I cant find any other word to describe his acting :)
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Cassey
February 26, 2015 at 6:02 AM
I first appreciated his charm in Miss Granny too! More Lee Jin Wook---yes please!
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mishlee
February 26, 2015 at 4:43 PM
i fell in love with him in nine times travel. been a fan ever since.. looking forward to this new drama.. good that the wait wait won't be too long as april is just around the corner.
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2 Nana
February 26, 2015 at 3:18 AM
Lee Jin Wook.. le sighhhhhh...
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3 lee_junne
February 26, 2015 at 3:25 AM
Lee Jin Wook! Looking forward to it.
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4 ajewell
February 26, 2015 at 3:25 AM
Sounds awesome, I'll definitely be checking it out if he takes it!!
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5 achiara
February 26, 2015 at 3:37 AM
Why hello there Mister Fine, I'm definitely eyeing your return too.
This is the kind of shows we usually find on cable tv, maybe that's why he's entertaining to take up the offer? Anyway, it's nice to know there's something good to look forward to after the bloody fiasco.
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hawoojinruinedme
February 26, 2015 at 3:55 AM
Bloody fiasco?
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tweetpandora
February 26, 2015 at 4:18 AM
LOL I think she means the drama 'Blood' that is in the current time slot this one will occupy
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ahsaem
February 26, 2015 at 4:47 AM
Haha xD These words sound weird out of context.
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achiara
February 26, 2015 at 10:23 AM
I apologize for my non-existent sense of humour. That was admittedly a very lame joke
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Nora
February 26, 2015 at 4:39 AM
Blood is a drama with great potentials and even greater prejudices against it.
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pogo
February 26, 2015 at 9:04 AM
"great potentials"
that's.............optimistic.
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achiara
February 26, 2015 at 10:20 AM
Yes great potentials that aren't explored/exploited and probably never will
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6 fantasy
February 26, 2015 at 4:11 AM
Long Time No See Lee Jin Wookssi... Only you may save me from the "Healer" spell :P .....
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7 cloud9
February 26, 2015 at 4:20 AM
Yes! I miss him. Hope they cast a good female lead.
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8 lecheri
February 26, 2015 at 4:33 AM
Interesting! This definitely piques my interest. I've been craving for thriller romance following Healer, so hopefully this will satisfy it.
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9 TJ
February 26, 2015 at 4:48 AM
Completely agree more LJW is always a good thing.
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10 houstontwin
February 26, 2015 at 5:59 AM
Hmmm... I adore LJW but am very worried about the writer.
Protect the Boss was cute but All About My Romance really fell apart, squandering some lovely actors and lots of sweet moments. Can this writer support the story all the way through the final episode?
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11 missjb
February 26, 2015 at 6:06 AM
he can't act . I said it..
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houstontwin
February 26, 2015 at 6:20 AM
So far, I think his roles have suited him well and I have never felt uncomfortable with his performances. He has not been called on to demonstrate much range. Theater would be a safer place to develop his chops.
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houstontwin
February 26, 2015 at 6:27 AM
Many, many years ago, when I lived in NYC, there were lots of little "Off Off Broadway" theater companies where you could see great classic plays performed by actors who just wanted to keep acting. Quite a few of them had day jobs in soap operas. Does Korea have something equivalent to "Off Off Broadway"? Actors really need these opportunities.
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Mister
February 26, 2015 at 6:23 AM
Agree. He's very expression-limited actor.
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alua
February 26, 2015 at 6:59 AM
So who, in your opinion, in dramaland can act?
Just wondering, because while I wouldn't say he's top of the tops and while I think he's at the risk of type-casting himself (and not expanding his range) by playing a lot of these 'gruff types' (albeit in very different dramas) a flat-out 'can't act' seems a bit much?
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museofmanymasks
February 26, 2015 at 8:42 AM
+1
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mishlee
February 26, 2015 at 4:47 PM
i agree. while he's not the best.. i think he's better than okay.
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Maki
February 26, 2015 at 5:37 PM
+1
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fantasy
February 26, 2015 at 8:22 AM
He can't act .... He definitely didn't act those flower boy or chaebol roles but what he acted in Nine and TM , who do you suggest in dramaland to act better than those roles??? The "Limited Expression" you are talking about , I find them very subtle and sophisticated.... Unlimited expression may have to be very Loud :P
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pogo
February 26, 2015 at 9:13 AM
yeah, 'gruff' is not the word I would use for him in Three Musketeers, he was a cheerful troll there. Quite boyish and playful, really, but with enough grown-man presence to really inhabit the role of a prince/future leader.
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pogo
February 26, 2015 at 9:10 AM
....if he of all people is to be called someone who can't act, then what does that make most of k-ent?
and while I don't love Nine, I can recognise a good performance when I see one. There's a distinction between playing a character who disguises or represses emotions and being an actor who can't emote at all. He's the former.
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Beanfan
February 26, 2015 at 4:05 PM
I can see how someone might think LJW can't act, or has only limited expressions.. But, I think that's largely due to the roles he picks...which, arguably, have been rather similar.
His character in Nine was analytical, driven, kinda cut and dry. Someone not prone to revealing lots of emotion. Or, that's how I interpreted it.
His character in Three Musketeers, due to his position as a royal, had to have a public "demeanor"...and therefore, withheld his emotions on a daily basis over many years. As a prince needing to constantly conceal his true motives and desires, it's understandable that LJW had to tone his acting down.
Based on just these two dramas, one might believe LJW doesn't have the acting chops to perform in other capacities other that the stiff-lipped, withdrawn, gruff sort of character. But I say it's role-driven. I've only watched a few clips of I Need Romance 2, but I think he emotes a lot more in that drama.
Unfortunately, this upcoming lonely-and-analytical-criminal-profiler character seems to be require (yet again) his characteristic go-to acting style. Not that I wouldn't watch this anyway, but part of me wishes he'd increase the breadth and range of his performances, cos I BELIEVE he has it in him to deliver.
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eny
February 27, 2015 at 12:48 AM
i tought LJW is good actor, first see him in nine then three musketeers, i become fans n check his past drama like air city n someday, before n after plastic surgery is fun too powerfrull opponent n smile again start good but i didn't like few latest episode, Spy myungwol is bad i can't finish it,i need romance quite boring for me. i see almost all his drama, his acting not limited, he's not always act as cold person
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12 coby
February 26, 2015 at 6:10 AM
yay! I would not mind to see his queen here too!
I kinda miss Kang Ji-hwan too...
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13 Wag_a_Muffin
February 26, 2015 at 6:30 AM
I will FOREVER be wishing that the 3 Musketeers had been allowed to continue. Every time I see him (or anyone from the cast) my heart aches.
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museofmanymasks
February 26, 2015 at 8:43 AM
+1 *wails*
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tiadebella
February 26, 2015 at 1:01 PM
(joins you in wailing)
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crazyahjummafan
February 26, 2015 at 4:32 PM
Me too!!!! I loved his character best!
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jandoe
February 26, 2015 at 10:32 AM
My heart aches right beside yours *tears*
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Y.
February 27, 2015 at 4:05 PM
Same here ;___;
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14 4D
February 26, 2015 at 6:36 AM
Please say yes!
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15 Xxvxx
February 26, 2015 at 7:09 AM
I miss U so much oppa! Glad to have U back on my screens! That is if you confirm.
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16 canxi
February 26, 2015 at 7:12 AM
Aww, I loooove this guy and this sounds like something I would really enjoy. Loved both Protect the Boss and All About My Romance and how they were low on the usual draaaama and really fun.
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17 Cocoboo
February 26, 2015 at 8:33 AM
Ooohh the drama sounds a bit strange... The woman stalks him seriously, but then they fall in love? o.O The crime and thriller premise is definitely more the type for cable too.
Nine was an excellent drama with its story. I really liked Lee Jin Wook's snarkiness in Three Musketeers too.
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18 museofmanymasks
February 26, 2015 at 8:47 AM
Ohhh this sounds fresh and interesting...though the production team and time slot concern me greatly. But if he signs on it will add to my faith a lot. Yup its about time for a good thriller.
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19 bbstl
February 26, 2015 at 10:08 AM
This show description truly could have been a gas as a rom com.
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20 lilac
February 26, 2015 at 10:57 AM
He is NOT an actor I would watch a drama for. I would watch a drama that I find interesting despite the fact he is in it.
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21 carolmikeyjam
February 26, 2015 at 2:58 PM
I loved him in Alone in Love with Son Ye jin. I want to see them work together again.
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Beanfan
February 26, 2015 at 3:49 PM
Hmmm.. I think you're referring to another actor!
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eny
February 27, 2015 at 12:51 AM
it's true he's in alone in love only few episode, i tought he's cute there
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22 milky
February 26, 2015 at 3:04 PM
Yay! I'm up for another LJW drama!
Haven't watched Three Musketeers yet, but I have to agree that Nine is awesome. So, can't wait to see more of him.
Anyway... is it just me or the drama kind of reminds me with Healer right away? A lonely hero and a girl who chase him? Well, Youngshin didn't exactly stalks Junghoo though. Ack! I just still can't get over Healer!
Thanks for the news! :)
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23 dramafan100
February 26, 2015 at 9:17 PM
This is a redundant comment but he is really really great. Watch Nine and you will know what I mean. I watched a bit of three musketeers and whatever I watched, he was super.
I am so excited about this. Plus it is a thriller. There is nothing better! I love thrillers...
Nine was unbelievably awesome thriller. I sometimes had to just pause it to breathe.
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24 bjharm
March 5, 2015 at 5:46 PM
seems KBS are trying it again, that is attempting to lure Jang Nara back from China for this drama, from early reports it just in the 'she considering' the role stage. And the story line, really seems more com/romance than thriller...I mean mention stalker then add Jang Nara, and all that comes it mind is Oh Happy Days..lol
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25 Fanny
March 25, 2015 at 5:03 AM
LJW is the very great actor, I love his acting, he has its own style,not means stiff or limited expression. He acts effortlessly and very natural in the reverse that many ppl cannot see . I and family really enjoy all his drama ，good luck for him！ and we think he has to act a different role to can see more of his ability in acting. He is a very good actor ！
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26 Viona wang
March 25, 2015 at 7:26 PM
I wish to watch more of Lee Jin Wook drama or movies，he is a talented actor who acts effortlessly and naturally, he has its own style to read the dialogue, good luck for him！
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27 Mozarella
March 27, 2015 at 7:21 PM
Oppa，，，pls kindly accept the leading role of this new kbs2 drama, please do not say no! We are really waiting for your new drama ,oppa... And this gonna be great one with the thriller theme , please, make it confirmed ,oppa LJW ,,,, thanks so much ,wish you a happy life and stay cool ,healthy
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28 Zhennintrin
March 28, 2015 at 9:25 PM
I have enjoyed dramas that LJW is in. Found him so talented and great , and also support him for this new coming drama, he is the one can act this best!
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29 Liu Li
March 30, 2015 at 4:14 PM
I love his acting！
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30 Cherrysweet
April 6, 2015 at 5:48 PM
Lee Jin Wook！ he is the one Korean actor Ilove to watch all the time:-D I am so waiting for his new drama like this， fighting！
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31 Aruj
April 9, 2015 at 2:40 AM
Bro LJW, he is my idol, hope him confirming this role ,thanks and Godbless！
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32 LindeB
April 15, 2015 at 6:16 PM
as far as i'm concerned he's a good actor and the best kisser in all of kdramaland. he's on top of my list of good Korean actors. to me he's that good!!!!!!!!!
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