Lucky Romance gets ready to test its fortunes and fates
by javabeans
MBC’s rom-com drama Lucky Romance is all set to premiere next week, and while I knew this was coming, it feels a little sudden to me, in a good way. We’ve had a steady trickle of promos (teasers, stills) but not really a big promo push, and I find it refreshing to head into a drama with fresh eyes and few expectations.
In recent days, the production has released some character stills featuring each of the four main leads: Hwang Jung-eum, MBC’s unofficial MVP (She Was Pretty; Kill Me, Heal Me); newly minted leading man Ryu Joon-yeol (Answer Me 1988); second lead Lee Soo-hyuk (Neighborhood Hero); and Lee Chung-ah (Vampire Detective).
Hwang Jung-eum plays Shim Bo-nui, our fortune-obsessed heroine and hardworking office worker who keeps getting her payday postponed, thus falling behind on rent, getting her gas utility cut off, and in general struggling to get by. But she keeps her positive spirit alive, telling herself she’ll be okay; she’s kind and diligent, though for some reason she makes you feel bad for her.
Ryu Joon-yeol’s character is Je Su-ho, a name that sounds very like the word for luck (and also, colloquially, a jerk). He’s never experienced romance, probably because he’s a cold, calculating type who doesn’t believe anything that he doesn’t see with his eyes or that can’t be proven with science. At least, until the superstitious heroine changes things, I expect. (The diametric-opposites-attract setup feels a little tired, but with these two actors, I’m willing to jump into the show and go with it.)
Lee Chung-ah’s character is Han Seol-hee, an “alpha girl” who’s already made it as branch manager of a sports agency by the age of 34. She’s got a refined fashion sense and an ever-busy career and lifestyle, though the show hints at another side that’ll show a reversal. Meanwhile, Lee Soo-hyuk is Choi Gun-wook, a tennis player who gets nicknamed Sunshine Boy, for his sunny personality and radiant appearance.
I’ve been interested in this project since it was first announced, because the premise sounded quirky and screwball, with characters who sound distinctive and are played by endearing actors. I won’t even ask for brilliance or crackiness (Goodbye Mr. Black, the last drama in this timeslot, lowered the bar pretty darn far); I’ll keep my hopes reasonable and tempered and be happy if the show delivers on cute chemistry and comic romantic hijinks.
Lucky Romance will be MBC’s next Wednesday-Thursday drama, premiering next Wednesday, May 25.
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Tags: Hwang Jung-eum, Lee Chung-ah, Lee Soo-hyuk, Lucky Romance, Ryu Joon-yeol
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1 zia
May 20, 2016 at 7:11 AM
I want LR to win the rating's game so that I can continue to see RJY as a main lead in the big 3 stations.
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maknaee
May 20, 2016 at 3:20 PM
Preach!
AMEN!
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2 blubluskye
May 20, 2016 at 7:27 AM
Finally, less than a week to go! Super excited with the setup of the show. I hope RJY breaks the "curse of the Reply series"! Please be daebak, Lucky Romance!
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am1993
May 20, 2016 at 7:32 AM
What is the "curse of the Reply series"? Is it that Reply actors never star in a hit afterwards? It might be true for some but I thought Reply series were major breakout roles for most of its actors and have launched (or relaunched) many successful careers...maybe I'm mistaken...
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blubluskye
May 20, 2016 at 7:44 AM
From what I know, most of the Reply stars' immediate next work (be it drama or movie) don't do well in ratings. That's how the term came about. Its stars are still well-known :)
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Kristina Shields
May 20, 2016 at 7:48 AM
Yes that is the curse of the reply series that Reply actors next projects don't do as well. The Reply series does breakout roles for previously unknown or not famous actors and make them more recognizable to the public. Hopefully this will be successfully because I absolutely love RJY and it stills breaks my heart with that series.
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potatodrama
May 20, 2016 at 12:04 PM
This totally not apply to Park Bo-gum
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tincan
May 20, 2016 at 3:21 PM
I don't think Bogum has been in any movie or drama after Reply and won't be until his Moon drama in August. But he is a very special case to start with already, being buzzy on his own even before Reply.
deyaa
May 20, 2016 at 6:49 PM
lets talk about it in August..or in Bogum's news.
Chiisan
May 20, 2016 at 2:26 PM
Choi Sungwon (baby Noeul)'s Mirror of the Witch is getting positive response. He's left for treatment, but technically his venture into drama is good.
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3 eerinmide
May 20, 2016 at 7:27 AM
Why does RJY become hotter the more I see him? He is like Kim Woo Bin. I discard them at first and suddenly, I lose all my breath and sensibility at the sight of their pinky XD
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Rj
May 20, 2016 at 11:02 AM
Damn true!!!
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Beanfan
May 20, 2016 at 3:42 PM
It's the glasses! Whether they're shaded or not, he's really working them!
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4 Zah
May 20, 2016 at 7:32 AM
Ryu Joon Yeol looks so hot in the black suit and shades. I think I'll just be staring at him when I watch the episodes. Can't wait!
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jaderjy
May 20, 2016 at 8:43 AM
Me too! Curse the hotness! I forget to read the subtitles when I watch 'cos I'm too busy looking at their faces. Then I have to rewind it again and again. lol
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Zah
May 20, 2016 at 6:26 PM
I hear you sister! I rarely find actors this distractingly hot, drama gods helps us when the show starts airing.
I hope Beanies will be recapping this one. ;)
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zia
May 20, 2016 at 3:48 PM
I prefer him with the hoodie.. :-)
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5 TrinPie
May 20, 2016 at 8:26 AM
Is Goodbye Mr. Black not very good then? I've not read any reviews or anything since I haven't started watching it yet. I was planning to watch it next with my mom after we finish DOTS but if it's not good I'll look for something else for us.
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Dezzy
May 20, 2016 at 12:08 PM
Run! Fast and far... Do not watch this show. The directing is not good and the plot is so frustrating and undercooked.
Oh Hae Young Again would be my recommendation. It is beautifully filmed. Looks like Cheese in the Trap with the tone of Marriage Not Dating.
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Chiisan
May 20, 2016 at 2:30 PM
Oh Haeyoung Again is kinda my passive watch right now (i.e I have to look at something, anything, when I'm eating). It's been kinda filler-y before, but now characters started to make me scratch my head in confusion. OHY Again is one of the show that I can live without, but for the sake of curiosity, I'll just either watch or read the recap to know how it's turn out.
Master - God of Noodles is a Wed-Thu show that I recommend. It drew me in with beautiful cinematography, acting, and OST. The plot thickens a little too much in the past two weeks, but I can bear with it because it has a coolheaded, logical hero that I can root for and an equally intelligent female lead.
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Ray
May 21, 2016 at 10:02 AM
Oh how I love it every time someone mentions about Noodle in comment sections. I always hope that that drama gets the acknowledgement it deserves. I've been giving it as recommendations to many people in comment sections of drama streaming sites, I almost feel as if I'm its ambassador lol.
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Chiisan
May 21, 2016 at 11:45 PM
Haha! It's on of the underrated shows at the moment! Your ambassador's work is greatly appreciated!
shirayukihime
May 22, 2016 at 7:58 PM
I love that drama... it's a high quality show.... but too bad for the ratings.... T-T....
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TrinPie
May 23, 2016 at 8:54 AM
I wasn't sure of Master because of the low ratings. That's great to hear it actually is good despite the low ratings. I'll definitely add it to my 'to watch' list! Some of my favorite shows actually had lower ratings so I should learn by now my tastes don't always align with the Korean public.
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shirayukihime
May 23, 2016 at 9:50 PM
It's good and high quality show but too bad for the ratings....
According to CJE&M and AGB Nielsen, TMOR/GoN has achieved the #2 ranking in Content Power Index(CPI) of the period of 4th week of April, right after popular variety show, Infinity Challenge. TMOR/GoN achieved 248.8 results, not far from IC's 270.1. The fact that TMOR/GoN is ranked above King of Masked Singer and Running Man, two extremely popular variety shows, speaks very well of the popularity of the drama in SK.
but wonder why the ratings are low?? maybe they can't watch it at night cause this is too scary for them?..and the casts in the rival dramas have star power.. They have Mon Chae Won and LJW for GMB while in the Entertainer there are Hyeri, ji sung, kang Minhyuk and other idols... now the GMB has ended, Lucky Romance will replace it..another bad timing... koreans love Hwang Jung Eum's role and drama for sure will dominate the wed-thu ratings..
TrinPie
May 23, 2016 at 8:52 AM
I'm really looking forward to OHYA as it seems to be well liked and has a really cute premise. But we like to watch shows after they have completed so we can spend a weekend binge watching them. But once the show is done airing I'll definitely have that as our next suggestion.
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6 coby
May 20, 2016 at 8:32 AM
Eggcited!
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7 Sassy
May 20, 2016 at 8:33 AM
RJY in a suit is a bless, Thankyou Lord
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8 Chandler
May 20, 2016 at 8:41 AM
I really want the second leads to eventually have their own romance. I like their character descriptions and their actors too much to watch them pining away for 16 episodes.
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9 chingu
May 20, 2016 at 8:41 AM
I'm so excited for this drama to come out because that also means that the other upcoming dramas that I'm looking forward to will be airing soon after, too. I haven't been actively watching a K-drama in what feels like forever (so weird...), so I'm ready to get back in the game! ✌?️ Anyways, still can't really picture Lee Soo-hyuk as a sunny and positive person since the last time I've seen him was when he was the complete opposite (dark and evil Qwi)! But from what I've heard about his role in Neighborhood Hero, I think he can pull it off well. As for everything/everyone else, I'll just be sure to tune in on the 25th to see! Yay!
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10 Ahmi
May 20, 2016 at 8:51 AM
Loving the teasers I have seen so far and really excited for the broadcast of this drama.
I hope the writer and PD can make all 4 main characters likable from start till the end with relatable flaws.
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11 Nikè
May 20, 2016 at 8:54 AM
Let's not lie, I am first in for LSH. That hair. I just wonder which hairstyle would be able to make him ugly. If possible. Even shaved, i am sure he'll still be rawwwwwwwr.
By the way, when do they plan to give him a lead role, a real lead role ?
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12 yoobitna
May 20, 2016 at 8:56 AM
I can't wait for next wednesday to come!! Finally, my long anticipated drama for wed-thurdaysss, sorry I gave up on Goodbye, Mr Black, like really goodbye cause it's so melo i almost died along with dad. I hope this will do well at least for Junpal!! He's so good in acting, I swear he doesn't deserve that curse, especially when he didn't even get the girl in '88. Although Entertainer/Hyeri kinda keeps the curse alive. OH GOD OF TIGER BLESS LUCKY ROMANCE!! ???
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13 miroufleur
May 20, 2016 at 9:03 AM
Only one week left. I can't wait to see ryu jun yeol again !
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14 Kristine
May 20, 2016 at 9:08 AM
One word to describe Ryu Jun Yeol? RAWR!!lol.
I'm calling all holy mother of all tigers,dragons and even tweety bird (haha, sorry tweety ?) please be good drama, please be good ???
Each of the characters have their own unique personality so this will be a riot, hahahaha.
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15 coinseller
May 20, 2016 at 9:31 AM
I'm allergic to Hwang Jung-eum's acting especially when she gets unnecessarily screechy. But I'm going to be cautiously optimistic and give the drama a try as the premise sounds fun, and the rest of the cast are good.
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momosa
May 20, 2016 at 5:04 PM
Second that. Great actors line up & story sounds good. She is good except when she does that over the top acting & screechy/yelling thing.
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16 Kayla
May 20, 2016 at 9:31 AM
SO HAPPY GMB ended so LR can finally air, laaaawd.
i'll be lying if i wasn't wishing on the downlow that MCW was the lead for LR instead of HJE but alas, i'll just wipe GMB from my memory and cross my fingers that MCW doesn't wait another 3 years to return back onto the small screen.
she needs to come back ASAP to wipe that bitter GMB taste out of all our mouths, please.
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17 scarlett
May 20, 2016 at 9:40 AM
Finally :D
I waited so much for LR that I almost can't believe I'll watch it soon.
The actors are all great and the teasers so far are lovely so I think/hope this drama will be good.
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18 TeniloveRyu
May 20, 2016 at 10:01 AM
I love how fun it already is and how it's going to show a bit more versatility from RJY because it's def not like Reply '88 JH (who I loved, but still). Which is best...don't want him type-casted! Not to mention, if the teasers are any indication, not surprisingly...a treat for the eyes and ears! Yep love it...can't wait! Only a few more days! LR cast and crew fighting! :) <3
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19 loveblossom
May 20, 2016 at 10:09 AM
So not used to seeing Lee SooHyuk looking all innocent and smiley.
I had been excited for GMB initially, but I'm glad I waited for the show to air before trying it. Now I'm not even going to bother.
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20 canxi
May 20, 2016 at 10:34 AM
Premiering next week and no posters yet??
I want to see everyone looking cute and official!
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Archer
May 22, 2016 at 7:48 PM
Lucky Romance posters are out today...
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21 kororo
May 20, 2016 at 10:43 AM
I'm excited for this ! Give it to me already ! I'm going to love June and July so many good dramas around the corner !! Hwang Jung-eum looks so beautiful with that hair cut !
Lee SooHyuk is such a beautiful creature...
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22 jadea
May 20, 2016 at 10:47 AM
This is the one show I've been really excited about. I'm hoping so much that it turns out well since I haven't really liked any of the dramas that aired this year. I need a drama I can fall in love with. Please let this be one!
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23 Ryuja
May 20, 2016 at 11:01 AM
The way they keep us on the edge by release tidbits of teaser, preview and still made me curious abou the show escp. The last one. I dont expect any sadness really. But when they show how unfortunate bonui and je suho crying shower scene all feelings just hit you out if nowhere. I do believe HJE wont be that screamer again, she knows what she is doing ?
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24 Archer
May 20, 2016 at 11:02 AM
I need to learn from you, javabeans. How do we keep our expectations low for this drama with all these interesting characters? I just can't...
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25 Rj
May 20, 2016 at 11:05 AM
That tiger in the last pic is so cute but both the tigers are cute lol
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26 Thelady
May 20, 2016 at 12:02 PM
Please be good
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27 Catzy
May 20, 2016 at 12:29 PM
Few days to go and RJY will show up in my screen again..yeaaay!!!^^
I can't belive I'm more anxious waiting this drama than my own wedding..ottoke?!! Its not normal isn't it..?! Can't help-ing..
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28 greenie
May 20, 2016 at 12:49 PM
omo omo omo! my ryu joon yeol feels!!
hope this one's good!!
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29 browngoldeyes
May 20, 2016 at 5:18 PM
Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!
This is like my most anticipated drama of this year, weirdly.
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30 soapbox
May 20, 2016 at 5:19 PM
I don't know, MBC promos always look so cheap and tacky to me. They need to keep up with the times.
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31 Anonymous
May 20, 2016 at 5:23 PM
Please be good in rating ^^
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32 dukdam
May 20, 2016 at 5:37 PM
Please, please be good, drama. Please.
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33 Bùi Quốc Khánh
May 20, 2016 at 6:13 PM
Recently, there's nothing to watch in Wed-Thurs timeslot. I don't have any expectation for this drama. Romcom will have good star but they're boring after few ep when both of character fall in love.
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shirayukihime
May 23, 2016 at 10:01 PM
try watching Maser of revenge for your wed-thu drama...
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34 W
May 20, 2016 at 9:09 PM
Lee soo hyuk face looks weird...
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35 tabasco sauce
May 20, 2016 at 9:24 PM
Soooo excited for this drama... I've been waiting foreverr. Don't really care about the ratings battle myself, just want a good story :)
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36 goldeng
May 20, 2016 at 10:32 PM
Oh these leading men! Theyre looking good...! I was taken aback a bit by LSH's smiley teasers since im used to his chic mysterious characters but I can get used to this!! Again, I just wish HJE doesnt cross the line getting all shouty with her comedy and tht the second leads get a story of their own!
Ps: Wow is Mr. Black that bad??? How can they take LJW & MCW and come out with a sloppy drama??
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Belle
May 21, 2016 at 8:07 PM
Goodbye, Mr. Black! is not bad at all! I guess you can say taste is relative. Everything depends on one's perception of what is good or bad. Even one's expectation all differs from person to person.
Personally, I base my judgement on my own enjoyment!
Just saying...
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37 Yren
May 20, 2016 at 11:53 PM
Looking forward to this drama! Hope HJE wont scream so much and tone down a little with her acting...she's good no doubt about that but she kinda over do it sometimes! Hoping for this drama's success because RJY definitely deserves it! Looking forward to LSH as well I loved him as Hwi and hope he will get a lead role on his next project...
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38 JustSayin
May 21, 2016 at 1:17 AM
Too much of Hwang Jung-eum, MBC’s unofficial MVP (She Was Pretty; Kill Me, Heal Me) to work for me.
I think casting directors have to be careful about banking on popular stars because too much of a "good thing" maybe an overkill.
Few can pull off a different character without bringing on the same characteristics to the next role. Their recent works are just too close to each other.
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39 redfox
May 21, 2016 at 11:05 AM
Lee Soo Hyuk = "Gwi after therapy sessions & spiritual quest"
yes, the setup is getting SO old.
but they all look too cute!
I just dunno
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40 Slam
May 21, 2016 at 4:27 PM
BACK AT IT AGAIN WITH THE BAD HAIRCUT
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41 h0n
May 22, 2016 at 7:24 PM
That first pic.. I thought it was U-kwon from Block B!! Hehehe
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42 eddy
May 22, 2016 at 8:28 PM
that hair is pretty cute on Lee soo hyuk I think. Maybe its my fangirldom talking but he looks really cute.
haven't really seen any RJY dramas but just reading these comments gets me excited.
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43 Franbergh II
May 22, 2016 at 11:17 PM
awwwww~ the tiger in the last pic~ ♡
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