Jang Geun-seok, Im Ji-yeon, Yeo Jin-gu for Joseon gambling drama

75 January 25, 2016February 3, 2016

Jang Geun-seok, Im Ji-yeon, Yeo Jin-gu for Joseon gambling drama

by girlfriday

A gambling drama set in Joseon? Well it’s not the same old, same old, I’ll give it that. SBS has a new series in the works called Jackpot (Daebak), a fusion sageuk described as a “Joseon All In” about a card shark prince who dreams of revenge and risks everything to go up against the king and reclaim the throne. Jang Geun-seok (Pretty Man) is being courted for the leading role, after a year spent on hiatus from the industry following a tax evasion scandal. It’s been a really long time since I’ve seen Jang Geun-seok in a drama (and a REALLY long time since he’s been in a good drama), so I hope this’ll be a turning point for him if he signs on.

The new series comes from PD Nam Gun of Mask and writer Kwon Son-gyu of Goddess of Fire Jung-yi and Warrior Baek Dong-soo, and plans to take great liberties with history in telling the story of a prince-turned-commoner and a king, who put the throne on the line in their battle against each other. Um, that’s not really how the monarchy works (you can’t just, yunno, win the throne in a card game), but I’m sure it’ll be a little more nuanced than that.

Jang Geun-seok is up for the lead role as Joseon’s greatest tazza, or card shark, a man with a longstanding grudge in his heart. He’s a prince by bloodline, but forced to live a tragic life as a peasant, and uses his sharp brain to become a master at tujeon, the card game you always see in sageuks with the long skinny sticks.

Yeo Jin-gu (Orange Marmalade) is considering an offer to play a young King Yeongjo, which is really hard to wrap my mind around. Yeongjo is a king portrayed in so many dramas and films, but he’s almost always old because we’re used to seeing him as Crown Prince Sado’s father or Jeongjo’s grandfather in most stories. Yeo Jin-gu would be portraying him as a proud, competitive, vicious young man who never caved to his father’s scolding or bowed to anyone without just cause. I suppose this makes him the villain, but how am I not supposed to root for Yeo Jin-gu?

Also up for a leading role is Im Ji-yeon (High Society), who’s been cast as a character who lives solely to kill the king. She has a deep grudge against the royal family, and slowly takes steps to get closer to the palace. She has no interest in men or anything else outside of her single-minded focus on revenge, which frankly makes me more interested in her character.

The rivalry will build to an ultimate bet with the throne and all of Joseon on the line… which may have been a better plot with a fictional king as an opponent? ‘Cause, not to burst any bubbles, but Yeongjo ruled till he was a grandpa in his eighties. Just sayin’.

Jackpot follows Six Flying Dragons on Mondays and Tuesdays beginning in late March.

Via Sports Chosun 1, 2, IS Plus

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1 haeki

January 25, 2016 at 3:21 AM

JGS really miss you. He's actually a good actor, he's just need a good project

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Jashinne

January 25, 2016 at 4:38 AM

JGS is an overrated actor, he is not that good actor.

JGS is the most hated actor because of his arrogant personality and his vices and bad habits

his pretty man k-drama (2013-2014) was too flop, obtained 2% rating.

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amy

January 25, 2016 at 5:24 AM

ditto.

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Mili

January 25, 2016 at 5:34 AM

Please, go comment under the articles about the boy-groups you follow.
Speaking about someone else's personality is rude especially when you obviously don't know the person.

Go reflect (as Koreans say)

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Anna98

January 25, 2016 at 10:52 AM

I agree with you. I watch many of his drama works. His face are too photogenic that make his facial expression in drama so weird. He always play a role that 'high standard' but does not impressing audience. The other casts show good acting but will always underrated by his acting. Sad that the plot of his dramas is really good like Love Rain.

I think Im Siwan, D.O and more younger actor,actress,idols that are better than him. I think Yeo Jin-gu more talented.

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Chocolat

January 26, 2016 at 2:01 AM

You dislike JGS.

Just to let you know he is into his final year of masters-doctorate at hanyang. Btw, he attends classes and does his assignments.

I absolutely respect him.

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kalel

January 26, 2016 at 11:29 PM

I have never ever heard the words "too photogenic" to be anything but positive in my whole life. Hollywood crazily searches for handsome AND photogenic actors. Besides it's so unfair for younger artists/idols with minimum experience and/or one and a half success to be compared to someone who works in the industry for a decade or so. No one can tell whether their careers will also last through time regardless of our today's affection as fans.

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Lana

April 13, 2016 at 9:25 PM

You need to grow up. D.O is more talented? The only thing is he's talented is looking wide eyed. If that's acting, then anyone with fish-eyes should get Oscars.

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deedum

January 27, 2016 at 9:33 PM

did you even watch his better dramas? this guy can act, it's just sad when he ends up in bad dramas. hong gil dong, beethoven virus, you are beautiful which got a high rating of 11%

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moonpetal

January 26, 2016 at 3:36 AM

I love JGS in You're Beautiful and Itaewon murder case (as the villain).

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Judy

April 4, 2016 at 12:41 AM

Me too...i sincerely wish it will be a big comeback like 'you are beautiful' like how he expected his talents to be recognised. Let the odds be in your favor , JKS.

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2 eunchans

January 25, 2016 at 3:30 AM

I have trust issues with this writer. Goddess of Fire was sooooo bad. PD is ok I guess?

I like Im Ji-yeon and her character does sound really interesting. Hopefully she won't be sidelined for the boys - sageuks are way too male centric for me in general.

Yeo Jin Gu as an antagonist sounds pretty awesome. I don't know if JGS will be able to match him - he hasn't done any serious dramatic acting in years. It will be interesting to see if JGS can turn his career around with this show.

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Kiara

January 25, 2016 at 8:41 AM

Goddess of Fire was a disaster. I'm surprise she/he is writing another sageuk after that.

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shell

January 25, 2016 at 5:24 PM

...but Warrior Baek Dong Soo soooo good!

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StarlaBlaise

January 26, 2016 at 7:16 AM

The bromances were the only good thing in WBDS. Almost all conflicts were laughable though. Like the case with the queen poisoning.

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Sera The Ms Temper

January 25, 2016 at 6:52 PM

countless yawn when i watched GoF. a total disaster despite of great casts!

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3 Cotton

January 25, 2016 at 3:39 AM

Omg! Finally Jang Geun Suk drama. I have been waiting for ages for him to make a comeback. I read his recent interview in a blog, he has improved so much past year and I hope he earns that love back again ^-^

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4 alienshore

January 25, 2016 at 3:58 AM

So happy JSG is coming back with a sageuk! That should disassociate him well enough from his recent not so good dramas (although I for one thought Pretty Man, or whatever, wasn't as bad as everyone else thinks it was - just odd).

I loved him first and forever in Hwang Jin Yi and although not as much in Hong Il Dong, I do love that drama, so this should be a good move! Sounds fun! I'm all in (pun intended).

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5 Jashinne

January 25, 2016 at 4:32 AM

I will watch this k-drama because of Yeo Jin-gu.

tbh don't like history k-dramas. i prefer history C-dramas or J-dramas.
jang keun suk is a decent korea actor, but don't like as person. he is too arrogant and conceited. his acting is decent, but too overrated even for himself.

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6 JuDa

January 25, 2016 at 4:37 AM

Im Ji Yeon 10x better actress than Uee, Park Min Young and Park Shin Hye will ever be..<3

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amy

January 25, 2016 at 5:28 AM

stop talking nonsense, PSH is far better actress than the other 2.

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kbye

January 25, 2016 at 8:08 AM

Ditto.

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whitewire

January 25, 2016 at 7:22 AM

I agree with you. Im Ji-yeon is a thousand per cent better than Park Shin-hye. :-)

Not a thousand percent better, but Im Ji-yeon still better than Park Min-young. In this case, from what you mentioned, I rank them as (1) Im Ji-yeon (2) Park Min-young

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Excitable

January 25, 2016 at 7:42 AM

I will reserve my comments until Im Ji Yeon acts in a more complex character. I don't like her performance in Obsessed, a bit annoyed at her in the beginning of High Society. Then she turns out to be pretty decent which is like yasssss.

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Ben Lee

January 25, 2016 at 7:54 AM

Seeing that Im Ji Yeon made softcore porn believable then I guess I'd agree with you.

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paroles

January 25, 2016 at 8:17 AM

I'm not so sure about the other actresses, but Im Ji-yeon is definitely overrated (especially on DB). I don't know why her overacting sits so well with people here. She was no where as good as you guys make her out to be in High Society.

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kbye

January 25, 2016 at 9:14 AM

It's because she's not really popular or relevant as an actress in Korea (not yet, at least). it's underdog mentality. People here rather defend actresses with little popularity and relevancy no matter how mediocre or on par they are with other popular actresses, while talking crap about the more popular actresses because they are the most visible and get the "best" roles.

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alua

January 25, 2016 at 10:31 AM

She has been in one drama and two films (with another due out this year).

I agree with Excitable, much too early to compare her to the other three actresses named.

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kbye

January 25, 2016 at 9:19 AM

I get that you like Im Ji Yeon and think she's a good actress, but why do you feel the need to drag three other women into your comment with such negativity?

Especially given the fact that they are not mentioned in the article at all and aren't connected to this drama in any way.

I mean I could easily go into any of PSH, Uee, or PMY's articles and talk about how they have 10x the relevancy and popularity that IJY has, but what's the point in playing comparison games when the article isn't explicitly about that?

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maris

January 25, 2016 at 4:19 PM

was confused as to the relevancy of names dropping of the other actresses here until saw the smile at the end of your comment.........in anticipation of responses maybe ?????

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Sera The Ms Temper

January 25, 2016 at 6:56 PM

I dont know why must u compare her with Uee, PMY and PSH here. aigooo.

If you like her, just say so. this is not a competition to choose a female lead of this drama between these 4.

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nomad

January 25, 2016 at 7:09 PM

Dunno...I really really liked PMY in Healer.

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7 Hwari

January 25, 2016 at 4:45 AM

Yeay, hope that YJG will do this drama. He need to act alongside better actor not less than idol like his previous drama. If he be villain in this drama, like one of his wish list too.

Not familiar with the girl. But hello JGS, hope this drama will do you well.

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8 mistress

January 25, 2016 at 4:55 AM

@Jashinne...JGS isn't arrogant, you need to know more about a person before judging.

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9 rainerust

January 25, 2016 at 4:57 AM

Maybe the point will be that one should never throw one's nation in the ante...? Or bet against history LOL.

IJY's character sounds the most interesting by far.

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10 neener

January 25, 2016 at 5:03 AM

So that's why he's been MIA in drama land hihihi I just figured he wanted to focus on something else.

Btw, I don't know JGS personally but why are people commenting that he's arrogant and conceited?? At what point did he show it???

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Mili Vi

January 25, 2016 at 5:45 AM

Of course not, he is a sweet person. I know that, because I follow him for years and believe me, I wouldn't waste my time with a person who is not worthy.
Some people say that he is arrogant because he say what he thinks and he always is witty. Paradox, this quality made him an international star, but is hated by some people, who prefer the stars bowing and saying "Please, I don't deserve your attention".

During 2015 JKS was active in the music scene, he relesed a solo album and made a tour, giving more than 30 concerts.

Also he is studying his Master degree in Hanyang and became a sharing professor there because of his charity. He makes short films as a director and in 2015 relesed his second one "Camp", three more are on their way.

Speaking bad about him is the sad reality he faces because of the envy and misunderstundings.

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neener

January 25, 2016 at 6:00 AM

Good to know that about him. I've always liked him as an actor but after You're Beautiful, the drama choices were just meh.

Thank you Royana! I just couldn't understand people speaking ill about him.

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maris

January 25, 2016 at 4:24 PM

Agree with you.....
There is lot more to him .....
Admirable person in many areas....
Wish him all the best in this drama....

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alua

January 25, 2016 at 10:39 AM

Maybe a side-effect of the "Prince of Asia" moniker?

He doesn't strike me as arrogant, just as someone who doesn't fit into the often rather uniform world of K-entertainment. He seems more outlandish – e.g. his whacky sense of fashion – than the image-conscious K-entertainment world likes their top stars to be.

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redfox

January 25, 2016 at 11:27 AM

yes, he doesnt follow the pattern. it is very hard to find your place if you don´t want to be just a piece in a big puzzle. you´ll be somewhat alone. I am very different too, and it is hard, but I just can´t be anything else...
I say, JGS, be as unique and weird as you want. this world is starting to be so lacking in such individuals. everyone is the same. You know, his personality actually reminds me of Henry De Toulouse Lautrec, in the sense that he is his own boss and can seem like he is just playing all the time and being extravagant, but his words, interviews are nevertheless pretty grounded and he does work and study hard.

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Seo Joohana

January 27, 2016 at 3:28 AM

you nailed it friend.. :)

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11 biii

January 25, 2016 at 5:14 AM

, jang geuk suk is making His return? woahhhhhhhh

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12 Eny

January 25, 2016 at 5:26 AM

I'm interested with the story but i'm not really like jgs, when i see his drama i thought his acting is good but his face bit too pretty which sometimes distract me in some role, i know face is God gift but it really make me lose interest in some role

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13 Sherca

January 25, 2016 at 5:30 AM

Yuhuuuu! JKS is baaaaaack! Fighting!

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14 Mandy

January 25, 2016 at 5:35 AM

I really don't know how JGS is in real life, and tbh, neither do I care. But what I do know is that he is a fantastic actor in absolutely any given role. Even when he does the same, exact character drama after drama, he manages to bring in a new element, something that differentiates one character to the other. I think he's completely underrated because of his choices and I'm so darn ready for him to go back to his roots and deliver powerful performances like he has in the past.

Im Ji-yeon's character sounds great too, and I'm sure she'd eventually have a love line with JGS so the idea of a badass girl and a Joseon gambler is pretty fabulous. I do wish YJG's character was of a fictional king just like MoonSun. That would've made the drama a whole lot more suspenseful, but either way, I'm in. It's a solid cast, so if it sticks, I desperately hope the writing delivers.

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15 wackycashew

January 25, 2016 at 5:38 AM

I might actually check this out since I wanna see JKS is a good drama. I like YJG and IJY as well. Guess I'll decide when there are more updates on the remainder of the cast. ^^

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16 lordseungri

January 25, 2016 at 5:58 AM

JGS woah! It's been so long....
I like this cast and it's about time JGS does a serious show

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17 No1

January 25, 2016 at 6:19 AM

yeahhhh the prince is back,
Missed you so much during the last years..
welcome backkkkkk

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18 cheekbones

January 25, 2016 at 6:36 AM

I want to see these three in a drama very much, but.....

1. a sageuk ? *sigh* not really my cup of tea

2. Yeo Jin-gu as the antagonist ? *sigh* can't we have a happy ending for all three characters ???

Anyway, I sincerely wish JGS good luck !

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19 earthna

January 25, 2016 at 7:09 AM

I'm not sure if another sageuk after 50-episode Six Flying Dragons is a good idea though.

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20 whitewire

January 25, 2016 at 7:23 AM

Ohhhhh. I'm not a fan of Jang Geun-seok, but I think I'm ready to become one now because of this interesting premise. Ready to see this beautiful boy again. Kang Geon-woo (the 2nd) of Beethoven Virus hahaha!

I'm really interested to watch this right now.

Im Ji-yeon is fantastic!

So is Yeo Jin-goo. This boy won me in GIANT as young Lee Gang-mo.

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Kiara

January 25, 2016 at 8:38 AM

Yeo Jin-goo debout in Sad Movie. He was only 8 and anyone can tell that he has raw talents that would propel him to a big star in the future.

I want to watch this because he is in it but I don't like this writer.

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bd5

January 28, 2016 at 12:41 AM

That was one heck of a debut at such a young age - almost stole the film from the rest of the (very good adult) cast.

Well, like 2 of the 3 potential castings.

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21 kanz

January 25, 2016 at 8:06 AM

Will It Hit Daebak?
(pun intended)

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22 sumee

January 25, 2016 at 8:25 AM

I am so watching this,welcome back jang geun suk

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23 sweetsour

January 25, 2016 at 9:40 AM

Comment was deleted

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24 changhyun

January 25, 2016 at 9:48 AM

Seems like Yeo Jin Gu is not great at picking roles if he accepts. Orange Marmalade was a disaster and this reeks of a flop

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Kiara

January 25, 2016 at 10:24 AM

I think the role was ok but he is transitioning from child actor to leading man. It'll take time, maybe practice makes perfect.

I'm a fan of Yeo Jin Gu but I thought Lee Jong-Hyun stole the show. I was hoping he'll get more projects after that.

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25 TrinPie

January 25, 2016 at 12:11 PM

I loved him in You're Beautiful (it was one of my first kdramas) and got me obsessed with him. I have only seen him in Marry Me Mary since then and even though I liked it, by many accounts it was a flop. Guy has been living through flop after flop so hopefully this will be good and boost him up again.

I did read and have seen interviews and he certainly seems like an arrogant son of a bitch. But as long as he does well in the show I'm fine with that.

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Seo Joohana

January 27, 2016 at 3:27 AM

He's always been mistaken to be arrogant, but he's not.. If you really read and seen his interviews, you must see his depth as a person.. He's just being himself, frank, playful and witty.. at least his not a double-faced person like many ought to be.

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TrinPie

January 27, 2016 at 9:07 AM

I've seen a couple interviews and he came off as very unlikeable. Maybe I'm just not getting his humor. But like I said I honestly don't care if he is unlikeable, as long as he isn't hurting anyone he can be as arrogant or an ass all he wants.

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26 Nina Chikovani

January 25, 2016 at 12:28 PM

For God's sake, we have Park Shi hoo, Lee Byung Hoon and Kim Hyung Joon, after THEIR scandal's he seems like a fluffy puppy and besides, he is a good actor so why not give him a chance?

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mary

January 26, 2016 at 12:50 AM

I'm also waiting for him to come back in a project that's watchable. Too bad he got kicked out of Fishing Village right before it started. :(

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27 divyrus

January 25, 2016 at 1:52 PM

It is possible to lose kingdom and everything in a card game aka any board game. *hint hint - Mahabharat* :D

It does sound really interesting though.

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nomad

January 25, 2016 at 7:14 PM

Oh MY! You're right!! How could I forget the story of Mahabharata!! Ha!

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28 Haru

January 25, 2016 at 4:10 PM

Ahhh..yes, mahabharat!! That would be great if they make it as a reference.

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29 Sera The Ms Temper

January 25, 2016 at 7:04 PM

Sageuk after sageuk? wow.

I cannot even follow SFD properly because of lack of time, and because it is 50 episodes- commitment issue :( sageuk needs a lot of focus in order to understand the story and characters. I also cant keep up with Jang Young Shil. hmm.

Can this drama be less than 50 episodes? @_@

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30 kandie123

January 25, 2016 at 11:02 PM

I really dont like to comment on other people's acting (trust me, I have a high tolerance for bad acting) but.. ... Im Jiyeon............
(Sigh........)

In Obsessed, her lack of emotion turned what should have been a passionate love story between forbidden lovers into song seung hun single handedly being an obsessive psycho.
In Ganshin. .... sigh
I couldnt get past the first epi of high society bc it's not my genre but I saw a few clips

I think she's sort of type casting herself into the "go-to sexy historical woman" and landing roles in these large productuons. But I actually prefer her lighter acting in high society. That actually wasnt that bad. I think once she acts in several works, she can improve. But the "seductive, mysterious, beautiful historical maiden" character is very difficult to play with emotional depth. Without skill, the character turns into a placid, boring rock. Jung yoo mi is rocking the same type of character in six flying dragons, and I remember her acting in lighter stuff before.

So, I'm sure she'll improve with time. She definitely has a unique beauty that makes her appealing for these types of roles. Hopefully she shows an improvement in this drama.

And i love yeo jin gu.

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31 Chocolat

January 26, 2016 at 2:05 AM

Go for it JGS!

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32 rori0711

January 26, 2016 at 6:06 AM

I hope JGS sign up on this asap before others snatch it. The premise sounds very impressive. if story is solid & well acted, i'll give it a nod, ratings be damned.

I've seen a lot of JGS & of YJG's works, they're brilliant when they want to be so I'm pretty much excited about their collaboration. not familiar with Im Ji Yeon but im ready to be wowed by her:)

Show, give me at least half of All In and I'll be good :)

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33 mira

January 26, 2016 at 6:32 AM

Leave Dong Yi's son alone, you idiots D=
He was not a villain, at least not when he was young *cries

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34 golly_mei

January 26, 2016 at 2:59 PM

I am not a fan of his pretty boy cutie dramas but he was really good back in Hwang Jin Yi, Hong Gil Dong, Beethoven Virus and Itaewon. I'll be watching him out on this drama because I missed seeing him act, and also I wish he could get his girl finally at the end like what usually happens in his pretty boy dramas. He had both tragic endings on his past sageuk dramas.

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35 alpha

January 26, 2016 at 4:17 PM

Welcome back JGS!!! I hope the drama will be nice, it will be a nice turn around for his career.

BUT, can they get a different actress? Im Ji Yeon is so bad argh.

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36 Pooja

February 3, 2016 at 8:51 AM

Jks is a great actor n l love his singing also...his voice is awosem.His smile is killer n he can do dj..do da job of mentor etc etc.He is such a multitalented person.He is beautiful inside n outside.Love u forever n support u in every work n situation ..ZiKizIn♡♡♡

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