Im Soo-jung, Go Kyung-pyo courted for tvN's Chicago Typewriter

74 February 8, 2017

Im Soo-jung, Go Kyung-pyo courted for tvN’s Chicago Typewriter

by javabeans

Im Soo-jung, Go Kyung-pyo

This casting news keeps changing as I write try to write it up, so here’s to hoping the facts stay put for now. The upcoming tvN fantasy human rom-com drama Chicago Typewriter, which has drawn some buzz for courting first Park Shin-hye (who has since declined) and then Yoo Ah-in (Six Flying Dragons), has been busy trying to secure other stars as well, and the new names in this latest wave of news are Im Soo-jung (Time Renegades, All About My Wife), Go Kyung-pyo (Jealousy Incarnate), Seolhyun (Orange Marmalade), and Jo Woo-jin (The Lonely Shining Goblin).

The drama has an intriguing fusion-y fantasy premise, involving a bestselling author, Han Se-joo, called the Korean Stephen King, who falls into a severe career slump. This is the role still out on offer to Yoo Ah-in, and the story centers around him, his ghostwriter Jin-oh, his passionate anti-fan, and an old typewriter. Adding a dash of mystery to the plot is the part where the three main characters are also the reincarnated souls of writers who struggled through the turbulent 1930s during the Japanese Occupation years.

Go Kyung-pyo is up to play the ghostwriter, while AOA idol Seolhyun was first reported to be up to play the anti-fan. However, those reports were almost immediately refuted, with tvN stating that no official offer had been made, and that they’d only had a meeting about the possibility. A few hours later, reports emerged that Im Soo-jung had been extended an offer to play the lead role, which makes a lot more sense and would be quite an exciting development, as Im has not done a drama since 2004’s melodrama hit I’m Sorry, I Love You. The character sounds like it’s got potential to be quirky and interesting; she’s a veterinarian who was once Se-joo’s biggest fan, but at some point she turned against him to be an avid anti instead.

Jo Woo-jin is the only cast member confirmed thus far, and he is the author’s friend and editor who first suggests that he hire a ghostwriter while he battles his writer’s block. The character is described as a materialistic and peculiar person who’s impossible to hate, which seems about up Jo Woo-jin’s alley, after having made the most of his short scenes in Goblin as the dryly funny Secretary Kim.

Chicago Typewriter comes from writer Jin Soo-wan, who penned some big hits for MBC, such as fantasy sageuk romance The Moon That Embraces the Sun and romance melodrama(-slash-comedy-psychological-thriller?) Kill Me, Heal Me. Directing is PD Kim Chul-kyu of last year’s romance melodrama On the Way to the Airport. The drama is set to follow tvN’s current weekend series Tomorrow With You, and will premiere in May.

Seolhyun, Jo Woo-jin

Via News1, Star News, Xports News, Joy News, Sports Donga

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1 content trend leader

February 8, 2017 at 1:23 AM

why go kyung pyo looks like yoo seung ho in this photo? lol

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yucaesar

February 8, 2017 at 9:33 AM

I think he looks just like Lee Je Hoon with the a la Signal-hairstyle, on that pic

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anglvue

February 9, 2017 at 12:29 AM

i agree about looking like Lee Je Hoon..that was my first thought and i had to take a second look... :)

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2 lillyan

February 8, 2017 at 1:30 AM

I feel like all Jin Soo Wan works always has 99 casting rumors/news and end up with completely different people just couple of days before shooting starts lol
But it feels like CT behind schedule. They wanted cast everyone in the middle of January and start shooting at the end of it, but now it's almost the middle of February and they still offering roles.

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Flightey Gazelles

February 8, 2017 at 5:02 AM

'I've got 99 problems and a confirmation's just one!!

Don't forget the:

Last minute changes

Super late production start

Crazy mishmash of genres e.t.c

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3 spazmo

February 8, 2017 at 1:41 AM

Im Soo Jung and Yoo Ah In???
i'll be all over it! please make it happen...
*fingers crossed*

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trumtph

February 8, 2017 at 8:38 AM

cast Im Soo-jung as his step mom, she's too old.

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yuja

February 8, 2017 at 10:43 AM

Lol whut. She's 37. That's only 7 years older than Yoo Ah-In. And where did you come up with the detail that the character has a stepmother?

We have seen far too many squicky ahjusshi romance age gaps in the last year or so. Maybe that's done something to your perception?

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Tiffy

February 8, 2017 at 2:34 PM

Yeah I agree. The female char is supposed to be in her 20+ and they are casting someone close to 40. I would much prefer PSH since she actually fits the role.

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blighttown

February 9, 2017 at 12:43 AM

to be fair, i think im soo jung could easily pass off as someone in their 20s... especially with proper styling and makeup. she's still got that baby face

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4 PV

February 8, 2017 at 1:46 AM

I am not sure what goes in the casting PDs mind is someone like Im Soo jung comparable to AOA Seolhyun in terms of acting in Korea in order to offer the same role to the two?

Makes one wonder about the quality of the character, drama content and the producers in charge.
Just saying...

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Lisa Purba

February 8, 2017 at 2:31 AM

My thought exactly.

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dizzy

February 8, 2017 at 3:40 AM

Ikr. Just how come.

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paroles

February 8, 2017 at 4:15 AM

I think she's going to reject the role just for the disrespect.

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5 Yessi

February 8, 2017 at 1:46 AM

Lol idol

Hope YAI pass this tho, he got too much hate already :'(

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Lisa Purba

February 8, 2017 at 2:36 AM

Although it's not his decision to postpone the MS (still waiting for his 4th physical re-examination), K-nets will still criticize him. If he has to bear all of the hard times pre-MS, he'd better pick the best project worth working and worth fighting for.

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Yessi

February 8, 2017 at 2:32 PM

Yeah, he has that military service hairstyle since that Like for Likes too, feels like he already almost done the service. Tbh somehow hope he won't have any acting project before the service if he's not in a good form for the better

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Grapes

February 8, 2017 at 6:27 AM

I think he will lay low for now, the military is a red line for Korean. this reminds me of Choi Jin Hyuk when he got injured during military and was discharged but he didn't accept any roles (despite being offered roles) till he finished his service time even though he wasn't in service.

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Yessi

February 8, 2017 at 2:38 PM

Yeah even so, I think I've read Choi Jin Hyuk got bash too because of that (forget which project tho)

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6 Floating Castles

February 8, 2017 at 1:51 AM

I LOVE Im Soo Jung and it would be amazing to see her back on screen, but I don't feel like this is not the right project. Also as much as I like PSH, the idea that ISJ gets offered roles she has turned down seems a tad backwards to me. PSH is good, but ISJ is amazing.

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Monica

February 8, 2017 at 3:48 AM

If I remember correctly PSH’s agency denied even getting an official offer, so technically she didn’t turn the role down? Anyway, I haven’t seen ISJ for a long time in dramas so if she ever comes back, it’s better she plays something that’s going to do her justice. The female character doesn’t seem so great in his drama (I hope I’m wrong though) if Seolhyun was considered as a possible candidate....

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alua

February 8, 2017 at 6:05 AM

Yup, ISJ is definitely the better actress here, by far.

The casting offers are interesting, but weird – if PSH turned it down, I don't think it's likely ISJ will take it. YAI is bigger than GKP but I quite like both, but again, I'm not sure why ISJ would take on the role with the up-and-coming actor when someone like YAI turned it down, because to me that seems to hint at some issues in the project.

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dollstar

February 8, 2017 at 6:19 AM

YAI and GKP are up for different roles, the bestselling author and his ghostwriter, respectively.

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alua

February 8, 2017 at 6:29 AM

I should read more carefully! Thanks for correcting...

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Chandler

February 8, 2017 at 8:04 AM

Also, if Yoo Ah-in turns this down, it would be hard to say he did so because of issues within the production. He is currently facing some criticism for not going to army (even though it isn't necessarily his fault) and he may have to turn this down for image-purposes.

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Lisa Purba

February 8, 2017 at 9:34 PM

The writer isn't that great, judging from her past works, and YAI is known for his IDGAF attitude over his image (thus, he's blacklisted by the govt/president Park and got roasted by her fans for his MS issue), and he confirmed to play in "Burning" movie which will only start filming in August. So, I think the production/script factor would be his reason to decline it.

7 kikil

February 8, 2017 at 2:07 AM

Kmhm route.they better give us confirm casting news than dropping right and left

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8 rubytuesday

February 8, 2017 at 2:11 AM

If this drama is even half as pretty as On the Way to the Airport, I'mma have to watch it...

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Flightey Gazelles

February 8, 2017 at 3:28 AM

That's the one thing that's got me interested in this drama: The Director.

That's all!!

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Chandler

February 8, 2017 at 8:07 AM

Same here. I want to see if he can make sense of this confusing and strange, but weirdly intriguing premise.

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missjb

February 8, 2017 at 12:21 PM

well I already feel bad for this pd, get working with mediocre writers.

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missjb

February 8, 2017 at 6:10 AM

Go watching My Beautiful Bride then, his other good work. It's dark but pretty and make you appreciate good directing!

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Flightey Gazelles

February 9, 2017 at 11:25 AM

So that PD also directed My Beautiful Bride? More dramas on my To-Watch list.

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9 dollstar

February 8, 2017 at 2:57 AM

"The Korean Stephen King" - well, this has definitely gotten my attention. The extended synopsis bursts with potential and the casting offers are all promising, except for uh, Seolhyun. I wouldn't mind her passing on this for one bit.

I remember Im Soo Jung "berated" herself in an interview for dismissing acting in dramas for so long, so I hope she accepts if the script is good. Her and Yoo Ah In would definitely knock it out of the park.

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10 yrlvv

February 8, 2017 at 2:58 AM

I didnt know who she is, as I havent watched korean dramas/movies for years until recently. I google her, damn her list of co-star

So Ji Sub
Kim Rae Won
Jung Woo Sung
Rain
Hwang Jung Min
Dong Won
Gong Yoo
Hyun Bin
Lee Sun Kyun
Yoo Yeon Seok
Jo Jung Suk

There is no girl in dramaland can have that impressive list of co-stars

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Flightey Gazelles

February 8, 2017 at 3:29 AM

Not unless you're Gong Hyo Jin and Shin Min Ah.

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dizzy

February 8, 2017 at 3:39 AM

I guess you've forgotten someone, chaewon.

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Laarnie

February 8, 2017 at 4:28 AM

I agree! Gong Hyo Jin is one the actresses that has an impressive list of handsome co-actors :)

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alua

February 8, 2017 at 6:11 AM

She's a film actress really. From her generation, I slot her with the likes of Bae Doona (for film) and Gong Hyo-jin (for dramas and films) – solid actresses that can do just about any role justice. They are the ones we'll see acting into their 60's, 70's, 80s – they are the Yoon Yeo-jeong's (etc.) of the future.

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yrlvv

February 8, 2017 at 6:56 AM

Can DB do some list of movie actors? Most international fans are limited to hallyu stars. Most of hallyu stars actually have very limited projects to their names, they do few dramas and movies here and there.

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Mag

February 8, 2017 at 7:31 AM

Even han hyo joo has gotten an awesome list of co stars
Lee Jong gi
Lee seung gi
So ji sub
Lee Jong suk
Park seo joon
Yoo yeon seok
Lee Jin Wook
Jung woo sung
Kang dong won

She's one of them lucky ones.

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Mango Juice

February 13, 2017 at 10:09 AM

You forgot some people here.
Go Soo
Park Hae-jin
Daniel Henney
Jung Woo
Kang Ha-neul
Jin Goo
Kim Jaejoong
...plus a number of actors (and actresses!) in Beauty Inside.

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yrlvv

February 8, 2017 at 9:12 AM

Im talking about dramas, good pair of co-stars only happen once in a while.

While in movies, there are small circle of actors that make it. So they just pick one pair to the next, any pair is good year after year.

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11 john

February 8, 2017 at 3:49 AM

I haven't seen Im So-jung in anything. Any recommendations?

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inxomnia

February 8, 2017 at 4:13 AM

I feel like I've only seen her in I'm Sorry I Love You but I loved her in it. I really liked her with both Jung Kyung Ho and So Ji Sub. It's been a while so I can't really remember why she left such a lasting impression but I think she made her character feel very real and much more relatable.

I have a soft spot for her visuals too - the more delicate, gentle look similar to Jung Yumi.

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dollstar

February 8, 2017 at 4:29 AM

A Tale of Two Sisters if you don't mind some psychological horror (she was only a teen there, but very good). I'm A Cyborg, But That's OK, if you don't mind utterly whimsical. Jeon Woo-Chi on the fun fusion sageuk side. And I think Sad Movie was quite nice too, albeit I don't remember much about her character there.

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Flightey Gazelles

February 8, 2017 at 4:57 AM

So she was the one in I'm a Cyborg But That's Okay! For some reason, I thought it was Hae Doona.

Still cracks me up that her 'food' was battery cells and the way she closed her eyes with that serious look while she was 'recharging: lol

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missjb

February 8, 2017 at 5:16 AM

All About My Wife is a nice pick. She is good in this Movie alongside Lee Sun Kyun! If you want a romcom movie with a bit realism.

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yemimayemima

February 8, 2017 at 5:19 AM

Finding Mr. Destiny, with gong yoo too.

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MapleSilver

February 8, 2017 at 8:08 AM

She is really great in All About My Wife as a fast talking insufferable wife character. I believe she even won a major award for that role.

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dopefish

February 8, 2017 at 9:04 AM

Hello John,

Try watching Kim Jee-woon's "A Tale of Two Sisters." It's a psychological horror film with Moon Geun-young and it's very good.

Also try Hur Jin-ho's film, "Happiness" with Hwang Jung-min. It is a touching melodrama that is guided by a low key directing style that doesn't resort to melodramatic cliches.

Park Chan-wook's "I'm a Cyborg, But That's OK" with Rain if you are looking for something different because this one is very strange. However, it's a solid romance movie that does something different to the romance genre.

The movie, "...ing" with Kim Rae-won was an okay film. Low-key directing and acting, but the story was nothing special in my opinion. However, you might like it.

Im Soo-jung hasn't done a lot of dramas, I believe she has only done two. So if you can handle Lee Kyung-hee's melos, try "I'm Sorry, I Love You."

Every single one of these works, Im Soo-jung gives great performances. She has more films that I didn't list that are pretty solid as well so give these films a look.

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john

February 8, 2017 at 11:33 AM

Thanks for the recommendations.

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12 Laarnie

February 8, 2017 at 4:29 AM

I'm watching this if ever because of Go Kyung Pyo! He gave me intense second lead syndrome in Jealousy Incarnate

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13 akikisetsu

February 8, 2017 at 4:36 AM

Sometimes I feel as if Seolhyun's casting news are all ploy by her agency for "noise" marketing, getting her name out there to possibly apply some pressure for her casting or for name recall?!?! I don't know!!!!

As for YAI, I kinda feel bad for him coz he's being dragged through the mud due to his MS. I sometimes understand why rising and famous celebrities are keeping quiet with social issues, the bts is really frightening.

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14 Bùi Quốc Khánh

February 8, 2017 at 4:45 AM

So Yoo Ah In, Go Kyung Pyo, Seolhuyn as a lead?
Meh.. What happens with the casting?

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Bùi Quốc Khánh

February 8, 2017 at 5:53 AM

I'm sorry. Seolhyun turn it down.

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Sera The Ms Temper

February 8, 2017 at 10:42 AM

What's wrong with Yoo Ah In?

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15 lotusflower

February 8, 2017 at 4:52 AM

So, it will be love triangle between writer/anti-fan/ghostwriter?

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16 Horse Kid

February 8, 2017 at 5:09 AM

Idk i think Lim Soo Jung gonna decline it, she always on film not drama i think. but if she's accept this then I'm In....
what's wrong with people talking about Seolhyun i dont understand

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17 blo

February 8, 2017 at 5:11 AM

Yoo Ah-in and Im Soo-jung? Dream come true!

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Moomincandylala

February 8, 2017 at 5:49 AM

I'm all for this pairing too! Thanks PSH for declining.

PS, if the dramagods are listening -

No idols in the lead female role please
Why is Go Kyung Pyo still not lead role status yet? He's pretty enough and got acting chops to probably carry a drama much better than a few others his age or younger that have already landed lead roles.

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18 missjb

February 8, 2017 at 5:20 AM

Looking forward to watch PD Kim Chul-kyu work since watching My Beautiful Bride. I will watch On the way to the airport to see his other work.

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19 Mandy

February 8, 2017 at 6:57 AM

I might be the only one disgusted with the noise marketing this writer is doing. So many name drops already. Park Shin-hye, Kim Soo-hyun and Seolhyun now. Stop this and announce the actor/actress you're really courting close to when they're ready to sign on. This was the same writer that refused to accept Hyun Bin rejected her script for KMHM. Her tactics are old and completely ridiculous and disgusting. Believe in your script and writing abilities! UGH.

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Lisa Purba

February 8, 2017 at 7:53 AM

You're not alone. Although her two past works got high ratings (TMTETS even broke 40%), I don't think her scripts were that great.

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Mandy

February 8, 2017 at 8:58 AM

Her scripts are absolutely terrible IMO. MTES had a strong cast overall which was why it did so so well. But the script was a hot mess. As for KMHM, the ratings were hardly anything impressive and Ji Sung might've been fantastic but the writing was so god awful and all over the place.

But really, noise marketing is just irritating. So many other writers who are so much better or worse than her don't use such tactics. It's playing a bit dirty and it's getting on my nerves. Linking celebrities who have absolutely nothing to do with your work and encouraging the media to release articles with headlines "xxx missed out on a bit hit" or "xxx dodged the bullet" - it leaves such a bitter taste.

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lillyan

February 8, 2017 at 11:23 PM

I was actully surprised how many people loved KMHM (maybe comparison with even more terrible HGM played a part here). I tried to watch it 4 times (for different reasons) and each time failed to get hooked. Preferences, I guess.

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Flightey Gazelles

February 8, 2017 at 11:42 PM

Although I'm one of those who enjoyed Kill Me, Heal Me, I agree that the writing was average at best ( that's being generous).

She should really be thankful to the actors. Ji Sung especially, who took such a chaotic script and were able to deliver a not only believable, but powerful and sincere performance that still moved us.

But that's not my problem with her, after all, some people learn on the job and hone their skills with project after project. My problem is as you've rightfully pointed out, the media-play. And it pisses me off!! You'd think it was some
'prestige' project with the way the announcement and counter announcement was going.

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20 Afii

February 8, 2017 at 7:03 AM

OH GOSH!!! I'm so in love with im so jung. She is such a girl crush. Please...petty pleaseeee. Say yeeeeess.!!

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21 dizzy

February 8, 2017 at 7:26 AM

Dont know why but me kinda sorta like it if YAI will decline it. Well I'm just gettin dizzy due to how many dramas that I should watch this year. And if it comes to YAI I know I wouldnt let it pass. LOL.

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22 bebeswtz

February 8, 2017 at 8:29 AM

If it's from the PD of "On the Way to the Airport", I'll watch it just to look at how pretty everything will look *heart eyes* And no, I'm not solely talking about the pretty cast...
Seriously, this PD knows his visual aesthetics XD

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Flightey Gazelles

February 8, 2017 at 11:43 PM

++++

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23 LookieLooWho

February 8, 2017 at 8:21 PM

Am I the only one thinking this sounds like what you get when you cross Oh My Ghostess with W: Two Worlds and add a typewriter?

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24 HM

February 9, 2017 at 6:17 AM

This sounds.... intriguing i guess? Well I trust the writer because kill me heal me has just enough complexity to keep me watching for 3/4 of the drama at least.. well in my defense i barely finish any drama i watch anyway. But if this goes well Tvn is on the roll. I hope Tomorrow with You doesn't disappoints.

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25 pickledplumtree

February 9, 2017 at 8:00 AM

I knew I was missing something in the Title's reference so I looked this up:

a CHICAGO TYPEWRITER is...n. A Thompson submachine gun, as used by Prohibition-era gangsters. So-named because the sound of a Tommy being fired in the distance resembled the sound of typing on a typewriter, and because the weapon was in popular use throughout south-side Chicago in Al Capone's day.

Looks like it's another Kdrama English-word-play title that doesn't quite use its reference or metaphor in the most thoroughly thought-out way possible.

Looks fun, though!

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