News bites: November 1, 2015

74 November 1, 2015July 19, 2021

by awcoconuts

Ji Chang-wook

At a recent press conference for his new album, which drops mid-November, Ji Chang-wook announced that he’s making his singing debut in China. His management team, Glorious Entertainment, has partnered with China’s Bravo Music to promote and distribute Ji’s music in the country, and he’ll be kicking off a five-city concert tour in Chongqing on November 28. The actor has a passion for music (he often contributes a song to the soundtracks of the dramas he works on) and has appeared in several musicals. Fighting, Healer-ya!! [DongA]

Kim So-hyun, Jin Se-yeon

They don’t look at all alike, but I’m thrilled at the casting news anyway: Kim So-hyun (Who Are You–School 2015) has been cast as a young Sohn Ye-jin in Princess Deokhye. Based on a 2009 novel, the film about Joseon’s last princess signed Sohn, Park Hae-il and Yoon Je-moon to act and acclaimed filmmaker Heo Jin-ho to direct months ago. Kim will portray the princess in the period of Japanese occupation, during a time when the young royal felt compelled to sacrifice herself to protect her homeland. Production on Princess Deokhye finally begins this month. [DongA]
Jin Se-yeon (Doctor Stranger) has been cast as the only female character of note in Incheon Landing Operation, the blockbuster starring Lee Jung-jae and Liam Neeson. Ummm, my sentiments echo girlfriday’s. [TV Report]

Nam Gyuri, Jo Han-seon, Lee Soon-jae, Kim Hae-sook

SBS nixed the weekend drama 8:45 timeslot, a 24-year-old mainstay, earlier this year citing budget constraints, and had filled the earlier hour on Saturdays and Sundays with variety and local programming. However, the broadcaster is now reversing the change and doubling-down on weekend dramas again with Kim Soo-hyun’s January 2016 project, Yes That’s How It Is. The recent casting of new collaborators Seo Ji-hye and Yoon So-yi came as a surprise to many, but Kim’s followed up those additions with enlistments from her established “army.” Nam Gyuri (Life Is Beautiful), Jo Han-seon (Thrice Married Woman), and Lee Soon-jae and Kim Hae-sook (both worked with the writer on Childless Comfort) have signed on, as has new recruit Shin So-yool (Mrs. Cop). The upcoming family drama will be directed by Sohn Jung-hyun, who also worked with writer Kim and actor Jo on Thrice Married Woman. [Joongang 1, Joongang 2, Sports Seoul, Fn News]

Kang Ho-dong, Han Yeri, Jaekyung

Kang Ho-dong has officially made the move to cable, and his new variety show has a title and a projected launch: The new series, called Oppa’s House, is about re-energizing men and searching for vitality, and premieres in December on JTBC. [Sports Chosun]
At a recent press event, Han Ye-ri (Sea Fog) talked about filming rom-com Dramatic One Night: “Up until now I’ve acted in physically demanding movies. This was the first time I was able to act comfortably.” Han went on, “In this film, [my character] Shi-hoo gives up her heart and her body and yet she’s dumped by everyone; it’s a pitiful role. Even now when I think about Shi-hoo, it tugs at the heartstrings.” The film is based on a popular same-named play about a man and a woman who are still recovering from their past relationships when they began meeting each other as friends with benefits — and the friendship turns into love. Dramatic One Night hits theaters in December. [Osen]
Jaekyung of Rainbow (God’s Quiz 4) is joining Han Ye-seul and Sung Joon in Madame Antoine. She’ll play a pop star in the rom-com that follows the conclusion of D-Day on JTBC on Fridays and Saturdays. [Kookmin Ilbo]

Kangnam, Kevin, Eli

Cable channel TV Chosun is preparing a 16-episode ~~idol parade~~ drama called Only One Love Like You in which Kangnam will make his acting debut. He joins Kevin and Eli (of U-KISS) as members of a fictional five-member band called Pentagon. Kangnam’s a fashion-obsessed chic city guy who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He’ll butt heads with Kevin, the hardworking (and self-made) bandleader. Eli is the moodsetter of the group, and while he seems carefree, he’s the most passionate of the five. The drama is being touted as a human love story, which’ll include the tales of a top star who doesn’t believe in love, a girl who’s betrayed by love, and a guy who dreams of becoming a top star. [TV Report, Star News]
More happy casting confirmations for the upcoming movie Dad’s a Daughter: Lee Il-hwa (Answer Me mom) has been cast as Yoon Je-moon’s wife (and mom to Jung So-min), flower grandpa Shin Gu will play his father (and FIL to Lee) and Shim Hyung-tak (Divorce Lawyer in Love) has joined as Yoon’s boss and powerful young department head. The heartwarming story about daughters learning to appreciate their dads begins filming this month and will premiere in theaters next year. [MBN, Osen]

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1 shin rae mi

November 1, 2015 at 3:12 AM

I hope JCW will also release an album in SK.

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KDaddict?JCW

November 1, 2015 at 5:05 AM

If we all keep replying to comments 1-4, then we don't have to talk about her (in #5). ?

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KDaddict?JCW

November 1, 2015 at 5:07 AM

Better to giggle and swoon, and hope and drool over JCW, then to "Siiiiiggggghhhhh........" over her, right?

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kanz

November 1, 2015 at 5:36 AM

Hahaha...
You guys are so funny..
Of course I would choose to fangirling over JCW than to lament Jin Se Yeon's "acting career".

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neener

November 1, 2015 at 11:27 AM

As for someone who recently finished Healer, even if it's in Chinese, I wouldn't mind listening to Healer-ya sing me some lullabies ???

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omomo

November 1, 2015 at 8:29 PM

This is great news for JCW, but I miss seeing him act. </3

When's the premiere for Fabricated City again?

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omomo

November 1, 2015 at 8:35 PM

Oops I almost forgot all about that Chinese drama (btw was it confirmed?)! The thing I'm being iffy about it most is that they'll likely dub over his lovely voice... sigh.

But at least he's going places in China and that's great! Fighting!!!

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2 Annandale

November 1, 2015 at 3:35 AM

JCW has good voice. Was surprised when I found that one of the songs in healer by him.it sounded really good. I didn't know he spoke Chinese

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He will not need to know chinese to sing in chinese. Jang Nara never spoke chinese when she released her first chinese album, just sung the words phonetically, he would have to know the meaning though to put across the right emotions.

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kanz

November 1, 2015 at 5:39 AM

He's currently working hard to learn Chinese and even before he could speak a bit Chinese. Some of my Chinese descendants friends said that he has good pronunciation.

Well, before "Healer" he also sang OSTs in every drama he's in since "Warrior Baek Dong Soo" and has joined musicals, so at least he knows a thing or two about singing.

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pogo

November 1, 2015 at 5:47 AM

He's had a decent amount of experience in musical theatre, so he has the training for the vocal stuff. But I'm glad he's an actor!

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3 Anna140

November 1, 2015 at 3:39 AM

I can't tell the difference between JCW and healer. In most of his recent photoshoot he looks like healer. ?? even in this ?

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pogo

November 1, 2015 at 5:53 AM

I couldn't finish the drama, but I have to admit, the Healer styling was fantastic and Ji Chang-wook has never looked better. He should just keep it forever, hair, clothes and all.

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sweettangerine

November 1, 2015 at 11:09 PM

Sigh... Just one look at the pic and I want to watch Healer all over again.

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4 pastmidnite ?

November 1, 2015 at 4:49 AM

Eeeeee...

Okay, I already heard the news before this, but still...having that face sprung on me the moment I open DB..

Eeeeeeeee! :-D

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sumee

November 1, 2015 at 10:05 AM

@pastmidnite Happy dance ..this guy will make me listen to Chinese songs a well ..

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Rigby

November 2, 2015 at 5:46 AM

hi Sumee, squee... Happy for him entering Chinese market via a singing career! Been listening to his new single "Be with You". Many are saying that the lyrics is just like "I will protect you". Squee more?? really happy for him???

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fabdrama

November 2, 2015 at 7:33 AM

I didn't hear of this news yet, so my reaction was ~gaaaaaaaaaaaaasp~ "SQUEEEE" it's JCW! Sadly no drama news, but I'm happy for him nonetheless, singing is one of his passions. Healer-yaaaaaaa. ♥

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5 Jessie

November 1, 2015 at 4:56 AM

Jin Seyeon.....siiiiiiiggggghhhhhh.....

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Miranda

November 1, 2015 at 5:50 AM

As long as she's cast as a pretty but emotionally disconnected young woman who has trouble communicating with others, we'll be fine.

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6 nami

November 1, 2015 at 5:02 AM

Jin Se Yeon casted opposite Liam Neeson?!? The world must have come to an end :/ Is Korea in shortage of good actresses? *bewilderment*

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KDaddict?JCW

November 1, 2015 at 5:10 AM

I think it has to be becos she is really really cheap, to cast. Can't think of another reason. Unless kickbacks are part of the K-ent industry just like it is in all other business deals.

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noure

November 1, 2015 at 5:17 AM

Are you have an evidence ?

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Maki

November 1, 2015 at 5:33 AM

Your comment is cheap.

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guest

November 2, 2015 at 2:17 AM

or a... you know, really rich and influential sponsor hahahaha
seriously though!! does she put any effort into her acting?? i do not see any improvements

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noure

November 1, 2015 at 5:13 AM

it's only a small role

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pogo

November 1, 2015 at 5:45 AM

thankfully it's likely to be a small role. Korean movies set in the military don't typically involve giving women a lot of screen time, and ordinarily I wouldn't see that as a good thing but in her case, it is.

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Kiara

November 1, 2015 at 7:22 AM

That's true unless it's about the "Iron Empress" of Goryeo hehe.

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kanz

November 1, 2015 at 7:02 AM

Well, I'd rather see her in some small, unimportant roles, than to ruin 16-20 eps drama as the female lead.

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Miranda

November 1, 2015 at 1:48 PM

I honestly wonder if she auditions really, really well (seriously, not in a creepy casting-couch way). Because there has to be a reason that she's so frequently cast.

Screen acting and stage acting are different, and maybe in a smaller room she really knocks the audition out of the park. Or maybe she gets to spend a lot of time working with the script pre-audition, and then when she gets into the live shoot schedule she's not able to prepare enough to do her best. Or maybe she can only focus on one role at a time, so when she's playing one and trying to win another, the first one suffers as she focuses on the nuances of the second?

I just can't help but wonder if all these directors see something really valuable in her, and each of them think "Ah, but she's never auditioned like this for the others, or maybe the writing was too horrible for her to work with! But our writer is amazing! I'm going to be the director who really helps her show her real quality onscreen!" And then.... Doctor Stranger.

Or for this film, maybe her English is really good? There has to be SOMETHING to explain this!

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crunchy

November 1, 2015 at 2:03 PM

its because when she is casted a lot of netizen reacts Tho most of it is bad comments about her acting as long as someone reacts it means people do care about her

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Miranda

November 1, 2015 at 4:25 PM

I could understand that in a variety show, but a drama? She really did sink Doctor Stranger - it's one thing to have a controversial actress in a few episodes or as a small role, but Jin Se Yeon in any sort of pivotal role is a problem.

In this case, it doesn't even make any sense- the audience for that film isn't purely Korean, so the vast majority of the audience wouldn't even have the "ack, no!" reaction.

Maybe she plays a shellshocked mute woman who recently woke from a coma?

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pigsnout

November 2, 2015 at 2:00 AM

Even the PD of Dr Stranger wanted to make Kang Sora the primary live line for LJS but the writer said no. So it's not like even PDs think she is thaaat great. She has been acting for five years but she's still that bad that netizens notice. The Scholar Who Walks the Night lead role wasn't given to her for that reason, netizens were too strongly against it.

pogo

November 2, 2015 at 2:11 PM

Maybe she plays a shellshocked mute woman who recently woke from a coma?

Mind you, it's quite likely she'd still find a way to look like she was checking her camera angles all the time. The only role she'd probably be ok in, is as some kind of inanimate object.

what really kills me about Dr Stranger was that even the PD didn't want her to be the main female lead/primary love interest, as @pisgnout said - he openly admitted to wanting Kang Sora with LJS instead, and was overruled by the writer. Still, he did the best he could with her, no one could possibly do more.

7 k-on

November 1, 2015 at 5:14 AM

Sohyun and Ye jin are known for innocenece but yes they don't exactly look a like ?? And their aura of innocenece is very different But both are very beautiful ?
Will the cast of Princess Deokhye film in Japan? I wish they will include real Japanese actors and I hope they got good costume designers for their hanboks ?? Excited for this movie ! Do well Princess Deokhye!

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pogo

November 1, 2015 at 5:51 AM

Kim So-hyun actually reminds me a bit of Sohn Ye-jin circa The Classic. It's not an exact resemblance but enough that the casting is believable.

I was pretty thrilled to see her score her first Big 3 drama lead role this year, but for this particular casting I'm happy she revisited her child actor days.

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pancchi

November 1, 2015 at 6:20 AM

So it wasn't just me!
KSH and SYJ from The Classic are kinda similar..

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Kiara

November 1, 2015 at 6:23 AM

Perfect casting. I'm glad she is doing a movie because she is very young and starting to be over-exposed in dramaland.

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k-on

November 1, 2015 at 6:36 AM

yes I am also glad. It's her dream to work with Son Ye jin. She is one of the actress she looks up to. I also want her to work alongside with Gong hyo Jin ? She also looks up to her too ? I think I rememeber sohyun said in an interview that she is not choosy in picking projects as long as she is given an opportunity to act she will try it ?

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bd5

November 1, 2015 at 6:29 PM

The 2 do have a certain resemblance - more so than the typical child/adult pairing.

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8 kles

November 1, 2015 at 5:32 AM

How does Jin Se Yeon keep getting all these plum roles?????????????

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kuromitsu

November 1, 2015 at 8:05 AM

Probably because in the real world, nobody cares about the haters.

I think it's a small role anyway.

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Pottah

November 1, 2015 at 8:31 AM

If no body cares about what knetizens (or should we say, haters) then we won't see networks or production companies tries to test the water to see the public's response when it comes to casting and you won't see celebrities got his/her careers killed due to negative sentiments.

I think, if we really look at things in a matter of fact reality where there are tons and tons of people competing so hard to debuts as singers or to get roles in dramas/movies, some.. even went on suicide due to these (in Korea).. it is understandable when people questions why this actor or that actor always gets roles in big productions when s/he barely a new actress with little experience.

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korini

November 1, 2015 at 8:50 AM

Let's be reasonable. What established actress would care to play in an war drama where there is first male, second male lead, third male lead and female parts are usually supporting of the supporting?

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Pottah

November 1, 2015 at 9:09 AM

Not really. There are many upcoming and even, for established who are willing to be in a high profile blockbuster movie than a female lead in mediocre movies.

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noure

November 1, 2015 at 9:54 AM

+1 such Moon Geun-young in The Throne movie

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9 theredsnowflake

November 1, 2015 at 5:42 AM

I actually thought kim so hyun kinda resembles son ye jin. There were angles where KSH looked like her(and Park Ha Sun)..

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risa

November 1, 2015 at 9:14 AM

Yeah, with certain angles and/or facial expressions, there is a strong resemblance between the two.

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10 pogo

November 1, 2015 at 5:43 AM

awwww yesss, Kim So-hyun finally playing a young Sohn Ye-jin! It'd be a fitting last hurrah to her playing-younger-versions years. People have been calling her a baby Sohn Ye-jin for ages, and I definitely see it. I have zero knowledge of the real-life story, but it sounds like an interesting one since all I can gather is that she was a sort of hostage in Japan for years.

Han Ye-ri does a lot of interesting work, but I kind of wish she would do a drama so we'd get to see more of her. I've liked her in all the movies I've seen her in so far, even the rather flat one that TOP and Kim Yoo-jung were in (watched it on a plane)

About the Lee Jung-jae movie, well, I guess you could for once see it as a bright side that female characters don't typically have a lot to do in war movies? Anything that limits the time we have to spend watching her struggling to form a natural-looking facial expression, is good by me.

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11 Quiet Thought

November 1, 2015 at 6:01 AM

Ji Chang-wook has a really charming way of covering up a cold sore on his lip. I need to try that.

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Miranda

November 1, 2015 at 4:28 PM

Hey, the man knows he's got nice-looking hands.

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12 Kiara

November 1, 2015 at 6:13 AM

Whoa Park Hae-il, Sohn Ye-jin and Yoon Je-moon in one movie? I hope the novel is based on facts for the most part.

Good luck to Ji Chang-wook and his new album. Love supporting stage actors.

I'm glad to see Seo Ji-hye in a lead role but a diva writer like Kim Soo-hyun can be challenging. I'm already feeling bad for the director. Hopefully she won't throw a fit and quit like she did with Housemaid. Oh wait, it turned out to be a blessing because director Kim Gi-Young rewrote the script and the film was a big success without her.

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13 pancchi

November 1, 2015 at 6:15 AM

JCW<3

chinese drama and album!! The guy is going places.. I read about this few days back, reading it again makes me happy again. Good Luck to you:)
but 1 k-drama next year pleaseee?!

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14 Quiet Thought

November 1, 2015 at 6:17 AM

I would find any kind of movie about the Incheon landing that tells the story of South Koreans coping with North Korean occupation fascinating. However, if all they are casting is JJin Se Yeon as a female character, then they are going to emphasize the military side of things. If they do a good job on the American casting, this will be an interesting story about Koreans and Americans working together in a crisis.

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Kiara

November 1, 2015 at 7:01 AM

Would have loved it if Hwa Jung Min's "Ode to My Father" expanded more on Incheon landing.

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15 Mikanjjj

November 1, 2015 at 6:23 AM

To me she does resemble son ye jin !!! I'm glad she's been cast as son ye jin's younger version !!! After all she's called little so ye jin ...

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crunchy

November 1, 2015 at 2:12 PM

they can be mistaken as kin but not as doppleganger That is just weird and I consider it a very bad omen

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bd5

November 1, 2015 at 6:24 PM

Always thought Kim So-hyun looked most like a younger version of SYJ so was waiting until a casting director got around to that pairing.

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16 CrazyRedHairMireu

November 1, 2015 at 8:15 AM

No one looks more like a young SYJ than Kyung Soo Jin though. The resmblance is uncanny. When I saw her in Shark I thought SYK aged backwards before I realized it was another actress. Yoon So Hee too also really looks like Park Shi Yeon.

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pogo

November 1, 2015 at 10:04 AM

yeah, when I saw the stills of the childhood parts of Shark I actually thought Sohn Ye-jin was playing it....it took a while to get that she was a totally different actress!

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bd5

November 1, 2015 at 6:27 PM

Maybe earlier, but at the present, the grown-up KSJ while sharing some resemblance to SYJ has a distinct look (in particular, the eyes).

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17 risa

November 1, 2015 at 9:11 AM

Hehe, it looks like JCW is wrist-grabbing himself.

Thanks for keeping us up-to-date, awcoconuts!

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Quiet Thought

November 1, 2015 at 10:57 AM

He must be short of cash. He's obviously trying to sell one of us that watch.

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18 sumee

November 1, 2015 at 10:08 AM

Ji Chang wook ...ahhhhhh.. All you need to do is come back to the drama land,is it too much of a asking ?

I will watch mainland drama also for him..yes I said that..

I lobe you ..any news about him just make me so happy .. ?❤️

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Rigby

November 2, 2015 at 5:48 AM

Agree much with you @Sumee

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fabdrama

November 2, 2015 at 8:03 AM

It's a punishment for us that he's multi-talented. AISH.

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Giegie

November 2, 2015 at 8:45 AM

I feel you Sumee, but I'm still happy for him.
Looks like coming back to dramaland is far from his mind right now, sigh.~goodluck JCW! ❤️

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19 R

November 1, 2015 at 10:20 AM

Ji Chang-wook! I miss him so much ! good luck for the album and can't wait for his movie Fabricated City with Shim Eun Kyung to be released ! I also hope he will come back to dramaland soon :)

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20 Dramafan

November 1, 2015 at 8:03 PM

Thought Everyone thinks Kim So Hyun is the young Son Ye Jin.

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21 slim007

November 2, 2015 at 1:24 AM

Kim so hyun and son ye jin resemble each other to me. Since son ye jin and kim so hyun are my two favourite actress this casting is like a dream come true

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22 fabdrama

November 2, 2015 at 7:42 AM

Kim So-hyun can totally play Sohn Ye-jin's younger counterpart! This casting is a dream come true.

Not exactly thrilled that China is stealing Ji Chang-wook, but good for him if that's what he wants. SIGH. Thank you for that photo. ♥♥♥♥

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23 skittles

November 2, 2015 at 2:17 PM

I wish Japan will adopt KSH . I want to see her in kimonos

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24 Michiki

November 3, 2015 at 11:21 PM

JCW will sing Chinese songs and will act in a Chinese drama in Shanghai soon...I wish he will come to America to sing and act in English :D . He is also a model for Lonsdale and AHM clothing a and ZuZu cosmetics in China. I am jealous with Chinese fans.

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Dark Hole