Ji Sung confirms new SBS showbiz drama Entertainer
by girlfriday
Yay, I was hoping Ji Sung would choose something light and fun for his next project. The Daesang-winning actor (for last year’s Kill Me, Heal Me) has signed on to headline SBS’s new warm human success story Entertainer, about an agent in the music industry and the ragtag band of young hopefuls that he represents. Hyeri (Answer Me 1988) is being courted to star opposite him, and is still unconfirmed.
Ji Sung will play an agent who was once at the top of the game — he used to work at the leading entertainment company (aptly named KTOP), but was betrayed and forced out. He sets up shop on his own and gets together a group of young singers, and together they’ll fight for their dream. It’s described as an underdog story with heart and laughter.
I’m picturing Jerry Maguire crossed with Dream High or Persevere, Gu Hae-ra; that’s what I’m hoping for, anyway. The good news is that PD Hong Sung-chang is very familiar with showbiz dramas, having directed King of Dramas and You’re Beautiful, so I hope the meta jokes will be aplenty. Writing is Yoo Young-ah of Pretty Man, Birdie Buddy, and the movies Korea/As One, Paparotti, No Breathing, and Like Me.
Hyeri is considering a leading role as a young woman who lost both her parents and sells fish at the marketplace, and will eventually be a part of the band and have a loveline with Ji Sung. Supporting actor Jung Man-shik (Neighborhood Hero) is reuniting with the PD for the fourth time, and he’s been cast to play a songwriter. I was excited about Park Bo-gum when he was considering the show for all of half a minute, but I’m sure they’ll find more talented supporting actors to fill out the cast. Fingers crossed!
Entertainer will follow Come Back, Ajusshi on Wednesday-Thursday beginning in April.
Via Sports Chosun, Segye
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Tags: Entertainer, Ji Sung
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1 lordseungri
March 16, 2016 at 6:48 PM
Hyeri is 21....Ji Sung is 39.
Well I suppose if UEE and LSJ can work so can this.
Fighting!
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songsong
March 16, 2016 at 6:54 PM
Perhaps its the trend these days, there is also PSY and KS.
Ji Sung & Hyeri
Park Shin Yang & Kang Sora
Lee Seo Jin & Uee
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amy
March 16, 2016 at 7:05 PM
It's about time to have ajusshi-agashi theme, past years the plots were flooded with noona-donseng thingy.???
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Annie
March 16, 2016 at 7:10 PM
I think the reason why there were a lot of noona - dongsaeng plots in the past was because of the demographics of drama land with lots of rising actors and veteran actresses in the mix and for the same reason we'll be seeing more ajhussi - agasshi romances in the future. Most of the young rising stars like Kim So Hyun, Kim Yoo Jung, Kim Sae Ron, et. al. are female and we're already seeing them paired up with much older male leads.
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Mia
March 16, 2016 at 9:32 PM
They need to leave the Kim triplets alone though. We know their primed to take over the industry when they become adults but the industry needs to be patient and let that happen first. I really worry about who they will be paired with once they become legal considering what's happening with them now. Just about everyone in the industry has watched them since they were little children. It's makes it extremely uncomfortable to see them paired with someone who's not in the same age range. This goes for Yeo Jin Goo too.
Mini Roo
March 16, 2016 at 7:14 PM
And before that, it was Ajusshi-Agasshi. Moon Geun Young's early works come to mind
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katie
March 16, 2016 at 8:00 PM
Before that women in their late 20s were too old to be leads. I just want mostly same age or 5+- max. I don't give sh*t if such huge age gaps exist in RL. I think people are influenced a lot by the media and the media usually shows older men and younger women (I don't mean only as couples but generally speaking, movies especially).
Also Hyeri is technically barely legal and jisung is almost 40. I know some people like it or don't mind, I happen to dislike it.
katie
March 16, 2016 at 8:07 PM
Yep but not old/older ajumma very young guy. This is like... what was that show with yoo ah in?
The noona donsaeng were like normal shows with men and women before. Except nobody ever mentioned it when there was a 6 to 10 age difference with the guy being older :p
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Annie
March 16, 2016 at 8:17 PM
Did you have a problem with Secret Love Affair or Witch's Romance, then? And the older man - younger woman thing isn't a product of gullible people falling under media influence... it's a tale as old as time (just like older woman - younger man relationships).
Mia
March 16, 2016 at 9:11 PM
It's true. Even though you see age gaps with both genders, you almost never see an actress in her 30s to 40s paired with an actor who's barely out of his teens (or in some cases still in them). The characters might have that age gap, but not the actors. Case in point 'Big'. SPOILERS AHEAD
Lee Min Jung was 30 at the time and Shin Won Ho was 20. They wouldn't put Kyung-joon in his own body for his reunion with Da-Ran, but if the genders were reversed (with that age gap), you know it would have happened. Meanwhile Suzy was 17 and Gong Yoo was 32 and the show had no problem flirting with the idea of Ma Ri and Yoon Jae with the two even having a slight kiss.
I don't mind gaps between actors (within reason). If they're playing love interests and intimate scenes are involved, both actors should be legal. If one actor is barely legal, I'd prefer it if they're paired with an actor who's still in their 20s. 20 year age gaps just make me want to avoid the drama altogether. I eventually watched Witch's Romance since so many people were raving about it and I watched 'Secret Love Affair' for Yoo Ah In. In each case the actress looked like they were old enough to be their love interest's mother and it was a bit distracting even though they were both good dramas
katie
March 17, 2016 at 9:11 PM
@annie
yeah I did, same thing. I think that they were a bit older than hyeri though? I'd like to point out though - if a show is good, I will watch it in spite of such age gaps. The characters and chemistry can make it work. But that I like them, I don't. I REALLY don't, I find them disturbing. But that's me.
People already discussed here age gaps before in history, and honestly older woman younger man are still not nearly as accepted (most women feel like pedos when thinking of younger guys even when they like them, and condemn their friends for it, and guys don't. ever. why?)
As for "gullible" people, I think media (and society at large ,not just media, that was just one example, but that's a very complex theme) influences a lot when it comes to beauty standards and what is attractive. When all you see on tv and mags are young women, of course you'll prefer young women, and dislike it when one is "too old" (check imdb boards). If all you see are 30+ guys, well that's what you'll find more attractive, manly and whatever (grays and wrinkles included). I've been in asiandrama fandom long enough to notice how many girls and women start with "ugh young(er) guy yuck" then after a while become "pedo-nunas" and start finding younger guys quite acceptable and manly and whatever.
I'm not saying it's the only factor, of course it's not, there are so many, but that it's one factor that influences people, it is.
One of my fav examples which you might find faulty, but for me is quite telling, is brasilian being the norm today (well depending on your age), and everything else quite disgusting.
I've been very exhausted for almost a week so frankly, I'm not capable of writing things in a very coherent easy-to-follow understandable manner. But I hope you'll get a vague idea of what I'm trying to say. Of course there's always been and always will be such couples, some people are old souls, some are young souls, so they better fit with older or younger. But that it's very common, it's not. All the numerous old men young women couples throughout history was not biology at work, but society. And frankly, it's just a personal wish, but I don't want to see barely legal kids coupled with MUCH older people becoming something so normal and acceptable because people see it all the time, to the point of becoming desensitized.
+all that Mia said, agreed.
chilbongsgurl94
March 16, 2016 at 8:35 PM
And Park Shin Hye - Kim Rae Won more recently but unconfirmed
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Zindy
March 16, 2016 at 10:08 PM
You guys forgot about Yoon Shi Yoon (29) and Kim Sae Ron (15).
D:
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rhienz
March 17, 2016 at 1:20 AM
Jin Goo and Kim Ji-won have 12 years age gape
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boomboompow
March 16, 2016 at 9:17 PM
With Park Bo Gum in the mix (before) I assumed there will be another younger lead for Hyeri?
If we can't have PBG, can we have the next best thing after Min-ah? Seo In Guk is also a singer.
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Mia
March 16, 2016 at 10:01 PM
Seo In Guk is going to be in that Police Unit 38 in June so he's out. Park Hyung Sik has that drama with Park Seo Joon and Go Ara. Sungjae would be another good choice but he's going to be in that drama with Park Bo Gum. All good singers and all busy.
If Hyeri is going to be in it, maybe they can get Doo Joon to be her love interest. He's already gained popularity with 'Let's Eat' so he might work. But it only really works if they're playing idols IMO. If this drama is about singers then they really need to choose actors who can sing or singers who can act.
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pigsnout
March 17, 2016 at 1:47 AM
Not Doojoon please! He proved himself as an actor so many times, he doesn't need to be stuck in live shot with a rubbish writer. And B2ST comeback needs to be prepared, no?
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Mia
March 17, 2016 at 1:16 PM
I don't really follow Beast, but if they haven't had a comeback in a while, then I guess one is in order. With Minhyuk's name being thrown in the ring, it looks like the producers already have who they want. Minhyuk hasn't had a drama since 'Heirs', so I think he just might choose this one. The drama might suck, but the chance to work alongside Jisung sure doesn't.
The writer makes me want to run for the hills tbh, but the director makes me think this drama might have a chance. 'You're Beautiful' and 'King of Dramas' are classic. I mean if Jisung can sign on to this knowing the writer's track record, maybe he knows what he's doing. Between him and the director, they might be able to turn a lemon into lemonade.
boomboompow
March 17, 2016 at 2:56 AM
You're right, his kdrama somehow escaped my mind! I suppose I just want to see him back on TV asap.
I did think of Doo Joon but I am being such a fangirl and want him back with Kim Seul Gi and not Hyeri LOL
Another choice is Lee Hyun Woo but I don't want him to stuck kn another badly written drama (nor do I want Ji Sung to be in one) and this drama just sound not promising.
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boomboompow
March 17, 2016 at 2:59 AM
BY THE WAY, Kim Seul Gi sang on Masked Singer and she nailed it. Just sayin.
2 plumseed
March 16, 2016 at 6:55 PM
If this involves singing then I sincerely hope Hyeri turns the offer down-both for her benefit and the benefit of the watchers
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pinkpearts
March 16, 2016 at 7:42 PM
Lol, I've never heard her sing but she is labeled a singer, is she not? It can't be THAT bad! Still a horrible actress though, even after Reply 88.
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mnstpdu08
March 16, 2016 at 7:57 PM
It is indeed bad. Unfortunately. I think she's worse than Son Naeun (from APink).
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pigsnout
March 17, 2016 at 1:46 AM
So many popular idols can't sing at all or just lip sync..... even the Wonder Girls most popular member sounded like a dying cat. But as long as your look and image is right, Korea and cf advertisers don't care that you can't sing.
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Beanfan
March 16, 2016 at 8:23 PM
Actually, I found Hyeri to be quite okay an actress in Answer Me 1988... And she grew increasingly better looking to me as the show progressed.
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lily
March 16, 2016 at 11:00 PM
Like you said, it's just 'label'. Her singing is infamous for being THAT bad! IMO, she is better actress than singer (and I find her mediocre at best).
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karecity
March 17, 2016 at 12:43 AM
Try watching Girls Day's performance of Problem. It is very entertaining lol
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pigsnout
March 17, 2016 at 1:44 AM
singing talent is not required for someone to become an idol singer.
so many get chosen only for looks.
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Rownyz
March 17, 2016 at 12:00 AM
Then I only know IU and Eunji who can both act and sing decently.
Any other suggestions?
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pigsnout
March 17, 2016 at 1:36 AM
Girl's Day Minah.
Who is in the same group as Hyeri lol
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Sur
March 17, 2016 at 2:41 AM
At that level of acting, only those two.
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3 samorah
March 16, 2016 at 6:56 PM
well I don't care about the age gap I just hope it has good script for ji sung sake.
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4 Cat
March 16, 2016 at 7:02 PM
I'm not very fond of the story plot. I've recently watched film "Begin Again" with Keira Knightley and thought it was so-so, and I dropped watching Taiwanese drama "Rock and Road". I guess I'm not into the musical ones, but for Ji Sung hmmmm...
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5 BA
March 16, 2016 at 7:03 PM
Hope PD can pair Eunji ?
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ito
March 16, 2016 at 11:54 PM
+1
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6 Zah
March 16, 2016 at 7:15 PM
Why oppa why? Im happy to see you again, but not happy that you have to carry another messy show on your shoulders after KMHM.
And please no Ji Sung and Hyeri.
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7 shalini
March 16, 2016 at 7:33 PM
Still so skeptical about the script. Part of me wants his next project to live up to the hype of KMHM, but Ji Sung's always had a knack for choosing unusual project and making them work (save the sageuks, dear Lord, I love the man but The Greet Seer and Kim Suro were awful).
I really hope Hyeri isn't the female lead though because she has a long way to go and far too young to reciprocate the sort of emotional gravitas he gives off to make a scene work. I would love however, to see Park Shinhye and Ji Sung star together someday. As strange as that is.
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Ek Ladhki Thi is Kim Eun-sooks no 1 fan
March 16, 2016 at 8:01 PM
I believe Park Shin-hye can work up chemistry alongside anybody. She and Go Soo were fantastic in Royal Tailor. Anyone that is, except Lee Jong-seok.
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globetrotter
March 16, 2016 at 10:40 PM
Lol you think Park Shin-hye and Lee Jong-seok didn't have chemistry? I'm yet to come across anyone else who believes so.
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pigsnout
March 17, 2016 at 1:38 AM
Really? I don't like Park Shin Hye but I thought Lee Jong Seok was the one costar she had great chemistry with!
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Putri
March 17, 2016 at 2:55 AM
Weird.. cause I still think she and LJS had the chemistry.. but not sure about LMH. But i blame it on the script. LoL..
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Lily
March 17, 2016 at 6:42 AM
Lee Jong Seok? you mean Lee Min Ho?
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Ek Ladhki Thi is Kim Eun-sooks no 1 fan
March 17, 2016 at 7:05 AM
No, I meant Lee Jong-seok. I think she had better chemistry with Kim Young-kwang in Pinocchio than Lee Jong-seok. Besides, what does it matter that I don't think they have chemistry? It doesn't change the fact that they do in everyone else's eyes right?
By the way, I do think she had chemistry with Lee Min-ho.
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8 Rach
March 16, 2016 at 7:46 PM
Ack! I was hoping he'd turn the role down, was internally cringing when I saw the title of this article
Let's hope the writer suddenly improved her storytelling skills lol
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9 lemondoodle
March 16, 2016 at 7:53 PM
Hyeri had meningitis and just got out of the hospital. I'd think if her agency had any sense they'd pass on this and let her rest. This starts filming way too soon. I wouldn't mind her in this if Ji Sung accepted. I think he has a good eye for roles, so this must not be too terrible.
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10 Ek Ladhki Thi is Kim Eun-sooks no 1 fan
March 16, 2016 at 7:58 PM
More Dream High, less She's So Lovable. I really don't trust this writer. Pretty Man was boring as beans and I didn't really like the movie No Breathing.
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11 Mandy
March 16, 2016 at 8:15 PM
I honestly still find Hyeri a bad actress. She tends to over do her scenes and when there are other characters on screen, she always fades in the background. No presence whatsoever. Now pairing her up with someone like Ji Sung is too tragic.
I already hated that his last two dramas had HJE in it who I absolutely cannot digest at any cost. Now Hyeri...? Why can't she be paired with the younger band member or something. Get Ji Sung a capable actress. Sigh.
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12 silentreader
March 16, 2016 at 8:16 PM
For health and other reason, I hope Hyeri wouldn't take the role. Girl needs to rest first.
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conan
March 16, 2016 at 9:21 PM
Totally agree. I'm more concerned about her health than whether or not she can pull of her character. Especially since with only a month away from airing, there's going to be lots of live shooting, I'm afraid her body can't take it.
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Sera The Ms Temper
March 17, 2016 at 12:44 AM
Feel sorry to hear this. Yes health comes first. Her agency should not push her too hard.
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pigsnout
March 17, 2016 at 1:40 AM
Seriously meningitis is an illness she could have died from, and they're going to make her go through live shoot drama after this? The greed is disgusting.
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13 Cocoboo
March 16, 2016 at 9:19 PM
I'm happy that Ji Sung will be in a new drama!
I like underdog stories and this one sounds kinda nice, but the female lead has to be right.
I'm not thrilled about Hyeri. And there's going to be a loveline with her character and Ji Sung's? Can't imagine it..
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14 rhienz
March 16, 2016 at 9:41 PM
If it has to be a singer, younger, and can has chemistry with anyone, why dont they send offer to Eunji.
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NiaIpeh
March 16, 2016 at 10:40 PM
I think they chose Hyeri because she's a hot commodity right now after Reply
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jksan
March 16, 2016 at 10:53 PM
I'd take Eunji over Hyeri any day. Especially if the character needs to sing.
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Suar
March 17, 2016 at 12:02 AM
+ 1
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Sera The Ms Temper
March 17, 2016 at 12:43 AM
I will without any doubt will choose Eun Ji too! This girl deserves more attention.
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Me
March 17, 2016 at 12:46 AM
Because she's a massive flop and already tried a singer role that failed
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pigsnout
March 17, 2016 at 1:41 AM
Except that everyone and even knets mentioned that her singing was the best part of Trot Lovers. And her acting is good too.
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15 redfox
March 16, 2016 at 9:54 PM
I am a little iffy.... but lets hope they treat the script more like guidelines than actual rules, and go with improvisation.
leading actress? Not Hyeri. Why does Ji Sung even need an actress opposite him? He can have chemistry with a stick.
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16 NiaIpeh
March 16, 2016 at 10:38 PM
Did he ever play as a poor man in a drama? :)
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rhienz
March 16, 2016 at 11:57 PM
wasnt he a poor man in that drama with sung yuri ang lee wan?
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17 Samantha
March 16, 2016 at 10:44 PM
Sorry.. this reply is intended for the name called MANDY!
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18 Taylor
March 16, 2016 at 11:02 PM
Finally a drama that I'm excited about.
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19 ito
March 16, 2016 at 11:56 PM
I heard Kang Minhyuk also considering to act in this drama. Is that true?
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20 azzo
March 17, 2016 at 12:27 AM
YAY! Ji sung is back and I'm so happy! I missed him but honestly I don't want Hyeri to take the role. I like her but I just can't see her working with Ji sung. if she does take the role I hope she proves me wrong!
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21 Zah
March 17, 2016 at 12:56 AM
Jung Eun Ji
Kim Ji Won
Kim Seul Gi
Kim So Eun
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Ek Ladhki Thi is Kim Eun-sooks no 1 fan
March 17, 2016 at 1:27 AM
Kim So-eun can't sing. Sad though, it's been too long since her last drama.
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22 ito
March 17, 2016 at 2:09 AM
sorry oot, but just read in the news hwang jung eum is up to lucky romance. hmm, wed-thurs time slot this year is really something.
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23 yasiabf
March 17, 2016 at 5:42 AM
all u guys forget about d.o??
he's great actor and magnificent singer!!so wht's wrong??
or even hong ki??
siwan??
N??
they all can act and also sing well!
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24 Lily
March 17, 2016 at 6:44 AM
The script doesn't sound promising and Hyeri being the potential lead actress makes it harder for me to watch. Ji Sung why? :(
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25 leila
March 17, 2016 at 8:14 AM
eww.....at the age difference.
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26 korfan
March 17, 2016 at 9:48 AM
Glad to hear Ji Sung will be back in dramaland.
Now let's see who the other roles go to.
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27 Adal
March 17, 2016 at 10:09 AM
Welcome back Ji Sung. I hope the writing is good. Keeping my fingers crossed that it all works out :-)
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28 Juanny Cristal
March 17, 2016 at 11:15 AM
JI SUNG is an ordinary actor. All actors can do his role in KMHM so no need to idolize him. Pffffffffff. have you see the rating of KMHM ? just a buzz for nothing. Not that i hate him but there are many dramas and actors who deserves well more recognization ....... like Song Joong Ki or Joo Won
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julie
March 17, 2016 at 2:55 PM
Lol what are you even talking about??!! SJK and JW are already recognized good actors!!! And Ji Sung deserves all the praise and recognition he's getting. And i don't think anyone could have pull of his role in KMHM!!!! Dispite all my love for SJK and JW, i don't think that they could have tbh. Gosh how i hate these kind of comments like wth!!! Why always compare??!!!!
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julie
March 17, 2016 at 3:04 PM
And btw the ratings have nothing to do with his acting!!!!! It's not like if the ratings are bad he is bad too!!! And the ratings were not even that bad!! God give me strength to deal with stupid people.....
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antonia
March 17, 2016 at 5:32 PM
haha, i've never watched anything from joo won, and i like SJK a lot, but NO ONE could do KMHM like Ji Sung did... he wasn't an actor playing a role, he was 7 different personas all in one.. it was the first time i watched him i knew who ohe was (i had already watched delicious proposal but was all about so ji sub) and it made me fall for him. after watching all his drama as a leading man i got to know how good he is as an actor... though KMHM will forever be the best of all (btw currently rewatching Secret... swoon)
to end this long speech there's no need to say nonsense about Ji Sung... if he's ordinary i guess more actors would need/wish to be ordinary
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29 Bex
March 20, 2016 at 5:14 PM
This drama is giving me king of drama feels so I kind of hope it's along those lines, I'll be glad to have my fav ji sung back on my screen especially something light and fun like this.
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