Lee Ki-kwang, Lee Yeol-eum to play leads' teen years in MBC's Monster

54 January 20, 2016January 19, 2016

Lee Ki-kwang, Lee Yeol-eum to play leads’ teen years in MBC’s Monster

by girlfriday

Wait, what? You’re going to cast Lee Ki-kwang, born in 1990, as the teenage version of Seo Kang-joon, born in 1993? I’m no math expert, but that seems wrong. MBC’s new Monday-Tuesday drama Monster still hasn’t confirmed its leads — offers are out to Hwang Jung-eum (She Was Pretty) and Seo Kang-joon (Cheese in the Trap) to headline — but has cast childhood counterparts for them in Lee Ki-kwang (Mrs. Cop) and Lee Yeol-eum (Village: Secret of Achiara).

I’m honestly vexed as to why on earth you would bother casting someone older than the actor you’re courting to play the hero, to play him younger. The only thing I can think is that Seo Kang-joon is miscast in the role… But he was cast first… I don’t get it. My head hurts.

The series comes from hit writer Jang Young-chul of Empress Ki, Incarnation of Money, History of the Salaryman, and Giant, which sets expectations pretty high. I did think they would cast an older actor for the 50-episode epic about a man’s gripping revenge story against the rich and powerful. For one, the story spans 20 years, beginning with the IMF crisis in 1997 to the present day, and he’s the main character who faces off against society’s 0.001% and overcomes all sorts of adversity in order to reveal their true faces to the world.

In any case, Lee Ki-kwang and Lee Yeol-eum are confirmed, math be damned. They’ll open the series as the leading characters in their high school years, which will last about 4 episodes. Aside from the backwards age thing, I can certainly see them in the roles — Lee Ki-kwang still has a baby face and Lee Yeol-eum is always in a high school uniform anyway. Though casting her immediately makes me think Hwang Jung-eum’s character will be a mean girl in high school.

Monster will follow Monday-Tuesday drama Dazzling Temptation in April.

Via MBN

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Tags: Lee Ki-kwang, Lee Yeol-eum

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1 Cafe

January 20, 2016 at 3:10 AM

OMG, what is this??? I love SKJ in CITT, but, he def doesn't looks like a 30yo, he looks his age! ('93 liner)...

And assuming that (if) the story begins in high school and is going on for 20 years, the characters would be in the mid-30s, going towards 40... that doesn't makes ANY sense, at least that they change from highschooler (Lee Ki-kwang), youn adult (SKJ) and another actor to play the proper adult role...

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Commentcomment

January 20, 2016 at 4:48 AM

Is seo kang joon already confirmed?

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petra

January 20, 2016 at 1:08 PM

I believe he's just been offered.

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2 lordseungri

January 20, 2016 at 3:16 AM

SKJ barely looks his age
I love him but this role isn't right for him

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3 erwinia

January 20, 2016 at 3:39 AM

I really hope it's not Hwang Jung Eum. She is in tv land constantly and I don't like that. Too much exposure and I am not looking forward to her screams and squeals.

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kanz

January 20, 2016 at 3:42 AM

I really hope it's not Seo Kang Joon either. Boy still needs to learn acting and it's heavy melodrama we're talking about, not to mention he's so miscast if the character calls for 30-something man.

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pogo

January 20, 2016 at 4:03 AM

at least Hwang Jung-eum can carry a series, but if this casting gets confirmed, she'll have to do all the heavy lifting, acting-wise.

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Alex

January 20, 2016 at 6:43 AM

I feel the same. It seems like she COULD be a good actress, she does have moments that really work and is obviously capable of good acting - but she inevitably overacts horribly and takes everything to a slapstick level complete with comical over-emoting, screaming, squealing and falling down. I always expect pies to appear from nowhere and fly into her face.

Do people like this kind of overacting? It really doesn't work for me; I don't know why the directors don't tell her to take it down a notch or fifty.

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Kaylie

January 20, 2016 at 8:12 AM

I really agree with what you said. In Kill Me Heal Me, there would be rare moments of good acting by her, only to be ruined by her the very next moment. I get very frustrated by her screaming and her excessively expressive facial expressions.

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raitei044

January 20, 2016 at 11:22 AM

Maybe watch Secret then? She was very toned down in that.

I do agree that her screams can be quite annoying, but seeing as they just let her do so, I guess that's what the directors were really looking for?

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Fitri Iphiet

January 21, 2016 at 12:09 AM

it worked in KMHM, but in SWP, it was failed. i hated it super much, but i kinda like the storyline and i love Siwon and his super adorable character. that's it.

but agree... it's time to take some rest.. she's gonna marry next feb/march, i forget. she better prepare to be a wifey first before thinking about the next project. while doing it, pretty please to find a good character. im super tired hearing her screaming and comical voice. #hopeshereadthis #whoamitojudge sorry not sorry :D

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4 kanz

January 20, 2016 at 3:47 AM

The possible explanations:
1. Writernim is genius, the title "Monster" refers to reverse-aging hero who keeps getting younger and younger and so even in his mid-30s he still looks like in his 20s. Kinda like Benjamin Button.
2. All 30s something actors are currently busy, don't have time to do 50-ep drama, don't care about the writer or the script/synopsis is shit. So the producer left with no choice other than young Seo Kang Joon.

Don't get me wrong, I adore SKJ, esp now as Baek In Ho, but I'm not even sure if he'll be able to carry this drama. Esp since this seems to be male centric.

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pogo

January 20, 2016 at 4:02 AM

lmao, I second all of this.

I also love SKJ as Baek In-ho, but kid is not leading man material yet, and especially not for a 50-episoder, just NOPE.

now, if it was Park Bo-gum (also '93er) or Yoo Seung-ho who was up for this role, I'd be all for it, but SKJ just isn't it.

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petra

January 20, 2016 at 1:16 PM

Lol. Benjamin Button :D.

I liked the theory of maybe 30 yr olds, or those who could realistically play that age, are busy.

It seems to me that a lot (late 20s) are serving their mandatory army service. Like in droves. My friends assure me that this is not so and I'm being biased. Erm, maybe.

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5 poliwag

January 20, 2016 at 4:10 AM

To quote Orion, who's currently asleep:

'Oh look, is that my faith in Jang Yeong Cheol and Jeong Kyeong Soon lying dead on the floor? Why yes, it is!'

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Orion

January 20, 2016 at 4:52 AM

Thank you for taking my seat while I was unable. To spare my sanity, I will assume alcohol was involved during the signing of these casting plans. A lot of alcohol. And drugs. All. The. Drugs.

Yoo In Sik, save them...

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juniper

January 20, 2016 at 11:20 AM

On the one hand I have a hard time seeing Yoo In-sik allowing this crap on his watch, but on the other I'm just so relieved he's free of this madness. I feel like they're beyond saving at this point lol. You never know though...

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6 Drama fan

January 20, 2016 at 4:21 AM

I like Lee Yeol Yum and Lee Gi Kwang. They could make cute couple. I dont dig Seo Kang Joon.

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7 shisho

January 20, 2016 at 4:24 AM

I don't think SKJ is up to be the hero. Maybe yes, he was offered to be the lead, but I think he will become the hero brother or something.
Such as reply 88 (sigh), which is the four guys cast as lead..

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8 gadis

January 20, 2016 at 4:32 AM

If you gonna cast Lee Gikwang as the childhood actor, why don't you just court him as the lead? I mean, he definitely can act and I don't think Seo Kangjoon has the acting chop necessary for meatier roles like this one.

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9 chaco

January 20, 2016 at 5:04 AM

i highly doubt SKJ is gonna take the offer considering the length and the story of the drama (and this ridiculous 'younger cast' consisting of a guy that is actually 3 years older in real life?????). Plus criticism over his acting in Hwajung just starting to quell as he is starting to gain much better reviews over his performance as Baek In Ho. I love the guy but he just isn't leading man material yet and i doubt he'd want to take on a role that he isn't prepared for yet.

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10 Hwari

January 20, 2016 at 5:45 AM

I wonder why Seo Kang Joon pushed him so much. Cos his idol group is dubbed as idol actor and there other 4 members also that can act. Especially the one that act in drama Pride and Prejudice. So is he gonna be the male Seolhyun.

If Lee Ki Kwang confirmed for this drama. Does it means that he will do drama Mrs. Cop 2?

I don't mind Hwang Jung Eum doing drama after drama. After all, that is her job as an actor. It's better that she still got offer to do drama than need to beg to acting.

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11 ZENITH

January 20, 2016 at 5:47 AM

He is way to young for this....

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12 yayaya

January 20, 2016 at 5:50 AM

Maybe they think Lee-Kikwang looks younger than SKJ?
LOL

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atz

January 20, 2016 at 7:43 AM

KiKwang looks younger, I think.

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13 Chi

January 20, 2016 at 6:10 AM

this is kind of hilarious...anyways looking forward to the teenage years portion of the drama.

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14 Kayla

January 20, 2016 at 6:19 AM

This is like one hot mess waiting to happen lol.

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15 aurora

January 20, 2016 at 6:27 AM

I hope Seo Kangjoon declines the order. He has the attentions built up thanks to Cheese, but boy you better straight up your mind first. I love Inho, but.....their age gap is waaaaaay to obvious. I hope Fantagio won't screw this one out.

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16 cinthy

January 20, 2016 at 6:35 AM

lol math be damned, I love SKJ but I agree with all of you, he is not ready for that role yet

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17 Amy

January 20, 2016 at 7:15 AM

who knows ...may be he will prove all of us wrng....i didnt even know abt this actor and didnt had much impression abt him in the first ep of Cheese.. but now he is one of my favorite...the way he displays a million emotion in a single shot....though acting ways he is okay i dnt knw how he will cover the age gap...and i also hope if SKJ is the hero then the heroine will be somebody else....plzzz

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charm

January 21, 2016 at 2:15 AM

why all the hate to HJE , she is the priority of this drama, the writer loves her, the producer loves her (MBC) and the directors too (PD Award on three big stations), so instead of being pissed with her,why not mind our bias' business,HJE fans are not hating on other actresses, since they are tame and good nature like their bias.

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18 atz

January 20, 2016 at 7:42 AM

It is indeed wired that
Ginkwang from Beast is going to play a teenager version of SKJ. They do not even look alike and LGW is older,,,, never mind, I hope LGW will do well,, he can act so he can outshine SKJ.

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19 kiwilove

January 20, 2016 at 8:00 AM

For the greater good I'mma need Seo Kang Joon to decline the role and give it to a better actor!!

That said, I can't wait for my Kiki to show people he's more than just a baby face cutie!!! I'm ready for all his angst!!!

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20 Kaylie

January 20, 2016 at 8:16 AM

Not sure why Seo Kang Joon's acting got bashed so badly, and I didn't watch Hwa Jung so I don't know what's so bad about it, but I definitely think he did a good job in What Happens to My Family. It's easy to overdo the selfish arrogant rich man's son character, but he gave it depth and layers, which I really loved. I wish everyone could give promising young actors like him more chance!

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Bongsookie?

January 20, 2016 at 4:50 PM

I agree with this, never had a problem with his acting. In fact I thought they were good....first time I saw him is in What Happened to My Family as well. Second time for me is Cheese. He's doing a great job and he doesn't seem like a green actor to me at all! Not sure why everyone bashes him either :/

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Bongsookie?

January 20, 2016 at 5:33 PM

However like everyone says here, I really hope he doesn't take up the role since he's too young for it.

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Sera The Ms Temper

January 20, 2016 at 11:32 PM

He was OK in WHTMF, unfortunately really bad in Hwajung. Well even the female lead was not good either. He is Ok depending on the role, i think for now he cannot carry the heavy and meaty roles.

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21 Eny

January 20, 2016 at 8:52 AM

I'm not gonna surprise if they add another actor as the older main lead, it's like my love eundong which the male n female lead act by 3 generation actor n it become realisticn the story span in 20 years too, i like that idea

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22 juniper

January 20, 2016 at 9:01 AM

O.o

I give up.

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23 fay17

January 20, 2016 at 10:31 AM

I did not get caught up in bashing hyeri when she got cast for reply'88.So who knows maybe SKJ is gonna surprise us.He is doing surprisingly good at CIIT.Though I was not warming up to him acting my favorite character at the first place,but now I think he's doing better than PHJ.

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24 Mandy

January 20, 2016 at 10:39 AM

Seo Kang-joon is charming my socks off in Cheese and his character (along with Seol) are my favorites. The more I see him, the more I'm impressed so maybe - just maaaybe - he might do well here. I dunno.

But this weird casting is just convincing me all the more that the media probably got it all wrong. The production is most likely courting him for something else but reported incorrectly. At least that's what I hope because if it's what it seems, that names negative sense lol

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25 bossu

January 20, 2016 at 10:47 AM

Lol I don't think SKJ gonna be the only main lead, probably there will be two main male leads like JCW and JJM in Empress Ki. Lee Kikwang most likely gonna be the younger vers of the other, older male lead. I don't think those drama producers have lost their common sense to that level yet

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weallwantpizza

January 20, 2016 at 11:35 AM

i think the same too, they don't resemble either tbh:/

even though I'm still not 100% supportive with Seo Kang Joon in this drama, I still can't picture him in it... 93-liner actors somehow, yes look older than any early-90's liner. But not that far...

or Seo Kang Joon could be the other younger version of the lead, that's what I can picture.

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26 mindy

January 20, 2016 at 12:43 PM

Yeah I'm thinking that SKJ will play a second lead, not THE lead. That's the only thing that makes sense.

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27 amy

January 20, 2016 at 2:08 PM

already sounds like a trainwreck in the making.pass!

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28 Sancheezy

January 20, 2016 at 3:53 PM

I feel conflicted with SKJ, maaaaybe... but I don't he's ready
I think HJE will pass on this, she's 2 drama last year plus one in between 2014-2015, beside she 'll has a husband, her priority might change and she'll get married+honeymoon,

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29 Pink Noise

January 20, 2016 at 5:36 PM

I've read somewhere they already cast a 'hallyu star' to play the lead, but they didn't mention any name to that. So unless Seo Kang Joon is considered a hallyu star, I don't think he's cast as the main lead.

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30 CoffeeMD

January 20, 2016 at 6:11 PM

Is Hyun Bin available?

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juniper

January 20, 2016 at 7:43 PM

I doubt they'd mention SKJ if they could get Hyun Bin lol. The idea isn't bad, though :) I'd like to see him in a more serious role again. He was amazing in Friend, Our Legend.

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CoffeeMD

January 20, 2016 at 8:58 PM

Sigh. A girl can only dream he'll come back to dramaland someday. lol

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31 Audrey

January 20, 2016 at 7:52 PM

Wow that is cray cray lol !
Too bad that Jung Kyung Ho already did a similar drama with Hwang Jung Eum, 2014's Endless Love. He would have been the perfect lead!
This just makes me sad to think Endless Love had so much
potential... but the plot was so draggy and didn't make sense at all :( :(
And it wouldn't have work out a anyways since Jung Kyung Ho is currently in a drama with Jang Na Ra.

Or Lee Sang Yoon- would love to see him w/ HJE.
Kim Ji Hoon is another choice (my Oppa needs a decent drama! Lol)
There are lots of 30 something actors, so please don't cast Seo King Joon.

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32 dunlop

January 20, 2016 at 8:01 PM

Why bother even having a separate actor for the high school days? I've seen actors in their late 30s playing themselves in high school flashbacks...

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bossu

January 21, 2016 at 2:18 AM

Probably to lure people with popular names, also to reach broader target audience. I still think it looks more proper than 30 something actor playing high school tho. And I guess it is cheaper, since actors are paid per screentime. After all LKK's pay won't be higher than any male-lead-caliber-actor's pay per screentime

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33 Faith

January 20, 2016 at 10:05 PM

That really makes no sense. Lol.

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