News bites: December 31, 2016

by awcoconuts

Ha Jung-woo, Lee Min-jung

• It’s still very early on in the project’s life, but Ha Jung-woo (Tunnel) is considering the lead in Seoul, a film about the city hosting the 1988 Olympics. He’s received the screenplay for the film, which will be directed by Kim Joon-sung (Lucid Dream), and is reviewing it favorably. The movie is currently in pre-production and those involved hope to begin shooting in April 2018 (too far away, but at least we have With the Gods to look forward to in the summer). [Osen]
• Lee Min-jung (Come Back Ajusshi) might be headed back to the silver screen. She’s positively considering the lead in Neighborhood Oppa, a love story centered around a woman who’s escaped from North Korea. The movie will be directed by Oh Sang-ho and cameras for the film will begin rolling in the spring. [E Daily]


Gu Hye-sun, Ahn Jae-hyun

• New Na PD show alert! The star PD is helming a new show for tvN called Newlywed Diary, and real-life spouses Ahn Jae-hyun (alum of another Na PD show, New Journey to the West) and Gu Hye-sun are confirmed to be the show’s first guests. Instead of pretend romance or marriage (a la We Got Married), the show will focus on actual newlyweds. Newlywed Diary will debut February 3 on tvN. [DongA]
• KBS doesn’t seem to know the reason why Hwarang‘s simultaneous broadcast in China was halted, but speculation points to the recent Chinese ban of Hallyu content (due to Korea’s decision to adopt the THAAD American missile defense system). Although the first and second episodes aired without problems, the third and fourth episodes didn’t air as planned, putting into question the future of the simultaneous broadcast, especially since China is now a week behind. [Seoul Economy]


Jo Jin-woong, Sol Kyung-gu, Oh Dal-soo

• Aje fatale Jo Jin-woong continues to be a workhorse. He and seasoned Chungmuro actors Sol Kyung-gu and Oh Dal-soo will begin filming Mongyudowondo in March. Named after a 1447 silk painting by famous Joseon artist An Gyeon, the movie will tell the tale of how the masterpiece came to be: It’s said that An was inspired to paint the majestic landscape after Grand Prince Anpyeong Yi Yong, the third son of King Sejong, described visiting Taeyuan in a dream. According to records of the prince, the master painted the piece in a mere three days. Mongyudowondo will be directed by Jo Cheol-hyun and financed and distributed by CJ Entertainment. [Maeil]
• Veteran Heo Joon-ho (Beautiful Mind) will head the organization out to privatize the water supply in 18th century Joseon, and he’ll be at odds with crown prince Yoo Seung-ho throughout Ruler—Master of the Mask. The show will air in the first half of 2017 on MBC. [Star News]


Ryu Soo-young, Ahn Hyo-sub, Jung Kyeo-woon

• Citing personal reasons, Kim So-yeon (All’s Well With a Happy Home) has dropped out of Father Is Weird, and now the show is on the search for a replacement to play the lead and eldest daughter. On the other hand, they may have found her character’s love interest: Ryu Soo-young (Neighborhood Lawyer Jo Deul-ho) is in negotiations to take the male lead, a variety PD who is actually a talented, qualified director but who’s constantly berated for not being trendy enough. Ahn Hyo-sub (Entertainer) has been cast in a loveline with Ryu Hwa-young (Age of Youth), and while Ryu’s character has no shortage of men by her side, he’ll be the one who gets her to settle down. Ahn’s character wanted to be a soccer player but due to his father’s disapproval, he ends up coaching young, aspiring soccer players instead. About the sons and daughters of the owner of a humble snack restaurant on the outskirts of Seoul, the warm and comedic family drama has also cast Kim Young-chul (Happy Home), Jung So-min (D-Day) and Lee Joon (Woman With a Suitcase) and will follow Laurel Tree Tailors on KBS. [Joy News 24, News 1, TV Report]
• After a yearlong hiatus, Jung Kyeo-woon (Oh My Venus) is returning to the small screen in the upcoming weekend drama You’re Too Much. He’ll play the son of a chairman, a handsome man that has everything going for him, except he’s still grieving the loss of his mother and thus is squandering his time away in the States. Due to his looks and his assets, women flock to him, and he’s well-versed in females of all types. You’re Too Much is about a star singer (Uhm Jung-hwa) and a lowly copycat (Gu Hye-sun) whose lives get mixed up, and what they learn about humanity amidst the commotion. The drama will take over the spot vacated by Blow Breeze when it concludes its run in February on MBC. [Joongang]


Ruby Ruby Love

• SNSD’s Seohyun (Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo) will star as Lee Ruby in Ruby Ruby Love. Ruby is a genius (naturally) who’s decided to focus her skills on jewelry design and who has an eye for quality jewels. She has a social anxiety disorder, but the discovery of a magic ring will aid her in becoming a successful jewelry designer. Due to her phobia, she doesn’t like going to unfamiliar places and prefers to stay at home. Model Lee Cheol-woo will play her one and only friend, a handsome and warmhearted guy. He regrets that his genius friend can’t demonstrate her abilities because of her social anxiety, and he’ll work hard to help her achieve her dreams. Lee Yi-kyung (Mirror of the Witch) will play the CEO of a jewelry enterprise and Ruby’s secret crush of a year. He’ll battle for Ruby’s affections with Lee Cheol-woo in a love triangle, and Hwang Seok-jung (Goblin, Neighborhood Lawyer Jo Deul-ho) and singer Z.Hera are also confirmed in unspecified roles. The web drama will have five episodes in total and launch January 18 on Naver. [Sports Chosun]

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