Signal PD and Oh Hae-young writer team up for tvN’s My Ajusshi

63 August 30, 2017July 1, 2021

Signal PD and Oh Hae-young writer team up for tvN’s My Ajusshi

by tipsymocha

Now, here’s a star writer-director combo if I ever saw one. PD Kim Won-seok, of Signal and Misaeng fame, will be returning to the small screen with writer Park Hae-young, who wrote last year’s rom-com hit Oh Hae-young Again. Their upcoming drama is tentatively titled My Ajusshi, and is in its early production stages.

The show hasn’t specified the genre, but the one-sentence plot they give indicates a thoughtful, contemplative drama about the different perspectives on life. My Ajusshi will follow a man in his forties who has had to endure the weight of life’s burdens, and a woman in her twenties who lives a very different life but is also enduring that same weight. They will look to each other and find healing in the process.

The plot reads vaguely enough that I can’t really predict what we’ll get just from the description, but I would gladly go into a drama blind with this PD. Kim Won-seok has done such a broad range of genres, from fusion sageuk (Sungkyunkwan Scandal) to youth musicals (Monstar), and has done them all well, too, so I trust his directorial judgment. As for Park Hae-young, I’m only familiar with Oh Hae-young Again among her credits, so it will be interesting to see her work in a genre that’s (probably) not romantic comedy.

Script work has just started for My Ajusshi, and they’re planning to start the casting process later this year. Hopefully, we’ll hear some more updates for the show in the upcoming months!

Via Ilgan Sports

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1 Kudo Ran

August 30, 2017 at 12:10 PM

Thank you @tipsymocha :) , that's a strong combo ? .
What if Eric plays the Ajusshi ? ??? *delusional fan mode on ?*

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Beanfan

August 31, 2017 at 9:50 PM

Yes! Would love Eric and SHJ together in a drama again!

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2 hannaehh

August 30, 2017 at 12:12 PM

Can we have So Ji Sub playing the ahjussi? ?? I miss him in dramaland.

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Uci

August 30, 2017 at 4:48 PM

I think I can't more agree than that ????

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astromantic

August 30, 2017 at 6:24 PM

omfg. I'd pass out every episode. lol

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3 itgirl

August 30, 2017 at 12:13 PM

This writer also wrote "I live in Cheongdamdong" too. I really liked "I live in Cheongdamdong" and desperately tried to find the original (longer) version without any success. You could watch the modified (shortened) web version on youtube. I have high hopes for this. Will definitely tune in to watch this.

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4 Ek Ladhki Thi is Kim Eun-sooks no 1 fan

August 30, 2017 at 12:14 PM

I loved all of the first half of OHYA before OHY1 was turned into a whiny character who blames all her problems on others rather than face them upfront and be responsible. I loved the slick directing of Signal. The two together sounds like an awesome combo. Also, is this going to be a May-December romance? I don't mind big age-gaps in a couple as long as they don't cast actors who look like father/daughter. If anyone is reading this who likes May/December romances, I recommend Indian movie Cheeni Kum which stars Amitabh Bachchan and Tabu, it was a really good movie.

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5 coolbeans

August 30, 2017 at 12:18 PM

I nominate Gong Yoo for the ahjusshi! I miss him already, and don't want to wait another however many years to see him on the small screen again!!

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chingu

August 30, 2017 at 12:55 PM

Hmm... it was fitting for Gong Yoo to be called "ajusshi" by Kim Go-eun in Goblin, but outside of Goblin, I think Gong Yoo's still too young for this role. I mean, we can scruff him up (ooh) and make him look weighed down a lil' bit, but when I see the title, "My Ajusshi," along with the brief character descriptions, I think of someone more along the lines of Lee Sung-min, Jo Jin-woong, or Sung Dong-il. I'd watch the heck outta this if we're dealing with those ajusshis.

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fab

August 30, 2017 at 1:24 PM

GY is 38... He can be considered an ahjussi to many leading ladies of this generation. Those ahjussis are approaching 50, I wonder what you'll think is appropriate for them.

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chingu

August 30, 2017 at 1:43 PM

Appropriate for what? Romance? With the female character in their 20s? If that's what you're referring to, then, that's why I mentioned in my comment below that I'm much more interested in the "healing" aspect of this story, rather than any possible romance between the two main characters. And yes, while Gong Yoo can certainly be someone's ajusshi, pairing him up with an actress in her 20s and having her call him ajusshi is a bit much, since he's still in his 30s. It worked in Goblin because he was playing a 900+ year-old immortal. He was everyone's ajusshi.

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coolbeans

August 30, 2017 at 3:09 PM

If 26 year old Kim Go-Eun can play a 19 year old high schooler, why can't Gong Yoo play a 40-something year old ahjusshi? He's not that far from it in real life.

fab

August 31, 2017 at 12:32 AM

Oh of course with a thoughtful script anything is possible. But your perspective of age is twisted, 38 is but two years shy of 40, that is for a twenty year old. Just over 30 is old enough to warrant an ahjussi title. He definitely doesn't need to be immortal for that...

chingu

August 31, 2017 at 9:12 AM

@coolbeans You're right, Gong Yoo's only two years away from 40, and these are actors we're talking about--they can be whatever age they want to be. My thing is that visually, if Gong Yoo were to pair up with a 20-something-year-old actress, I just think it would look and sound odd if she called him "ajusshi" when visually, they won't look that far apart in age. And honestly, I think it just really comes down to me not thinking of Gong Yoo as an ajusshi because to me, he's not. Generally speaking, and because I'm considering my age and theirs, when *I* see/hear the word "ajusshi," a few people come to my mind, and Gong Yoo's just not one of 'em.

@hyoria Totally. I get that, but I was specifically talking about a 20-something and a 30-something-year-old person. I don't think that age gap is significant enough for the ajusshi title. But of course, if it's a someone in their late teens or early 20s, then yeah, okay, the person in their 30s would be considered an ajusshi/ajumma. And then there are circumstances where Koreans call strangers ajumma/ajusshi, regardless of their ages, so it really all depends.

boomboompow

August 30, 2017 at 3:24 PM

Forever hoping for Gong Yoo - Yoon Eun Hye reunion ❤

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celine

August 30, 2017 at 5:26 PM

Me too. That elusive dream I refuse to let go of.

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fab

August 31, 2017 at 4:37 AM

What the hell is she doing nowadays anyway?? I know she did a fashion show, but home girl should do more of the acting so we can see her.

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6 fab

August 30, 2017 at 12:29 PM

Will this be the start of the ahjussi romance trend that's been a thing forever but was considered the norm? Either way the PD/writer collaboration piqued my interest.

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7 chingu

August 30, 2017 at 12:43 PM

I like the sound of a healing drama centered around two people that may not be around the same age, but still bear the same burdens in their lives, coming together to help heal each other's heart and soul. I'm already feeling all melancholy just thinking about it. It has potential to be a really nice slice-of-life.

I like the title, and I'm definitely more in this for the "healing" part, so I wonder if they're gonna take the romantic route for these two characters.

My dream pairing: Kim Go-eun and Lee Seon-kyun.
Their characters had a thing in The Advocate: A Missing Body and they were both so good together, that I've been wanting to see them reunite in something good.

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MapleSilver

August 30, 2017 at 1:06 PM

I was just about to recommend the exact pairing but you beat me to it. KGE seems comfortable with older actors and they do look good together despite the age gap.

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chingu

August 30, 2017 at 1:59 PM

Haha, yeah? Wow, cool! We're on the same page, then. ??? And I totally agree! I think she's great with everyone, so I just really wanna see her back in dramaland again. Even though Lee Seon-kyun's not quite 40 yet (he's 39), he's got the cool ajusshi vibe and omg, The Voice. So while I'm imagining actors who're actually 40+ in this role, if Kim Go-eun and Lee Seon-kyun team up in this, then they'll be the exception and I'm all in.

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YY

August 30, 2017 at 10:08 PM

Jang Hyuk? What about Jang Hyuk? *whines* I want Jang Hyuk.

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PurpleTeapot

September 12, 2017 at 10:48 PM

Came back to this article after seeing the casting news and @chingu one half of your dream has come true! ?

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8 jellybine

August 30, 2017 at 12:48 PM

Sounds like tissues should be prepared..

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9 redfox

August 30, 2017 at 12:51 PM

this sounds like a plotlike I once shared here on Dramabeans. anyone remember? young and old learning from each other

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10 callie

August 30, 2017 at 12:58 PM

Wow, there goes my hopes and dreams for this project. Stop this gross age gap trend for the love god already.

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redfox

August 30, 2017 at 1:20 PM

gross? all are humans. what kind of limited little box do you live in? do you not have different age friends? I have so many

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callie

August 30, 2017 at 1:33 PM

Human. Goblin. Zombie. Whatever. I'm tired of seeing young girls romancing men old enough to be their fathers.

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chingu

August 30, 2017 at 2:06 PM

I have a feeling this drama might not be pushing too much on the romance, if any at all, though. Idk, I'm super focused on the show's "healing" theme, so I don't see romance being necessary. I'd love it if the two main characters could just be friends, confide in each other, and help one another heal from their internal wounds. But if it does get romantic, I actually think it has potential to work out well, too. Idk, but I'm willing to find out.

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11 Sera The Ms Temper

August 30, 2017 at 1:04 PM

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12 Sera The Ms Temper

August 30, 2017 at 1:36 PM

Lee Seo-Jin, Ji Jin- Hee, or Lee Sun-kyun will look good in this role. Just cast a good actress who can match with a veteran's level, so she doesn't look so green.

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Dee

August 30, 2017 at 10:05 PM

I agree! Lee seo jin! Lee seo Jin! (Chanting)

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13 Thaisfrede

August 30, 2017 at 1:56 PM

Interesting to see that the age difference in this case don't bother people. They will be, what? 20 years difference?
While we have other cases where the woman is older and everyone don't enjoy... Why is it that the woman can not have a romance with someone older? While with man is it natural?

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coolbeans

August 30, 2017 at 2:57 PM

I just finished Secret Love Affair, with the 20 year age gap between Yoo Ah In and Kim Hee Ae (younger man with older woman). It was an amazing drama, and they completely sold the romance despite the huge age gap.

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faith

September 1, 2017 at 7:46 AM

the irony where this news receive negative reaction, while the noona romance drama after this news receive positive reaction.

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14 Ryan

August 30, 2017 at 1:57 PM

ouch another healing drama again (healing romance)... First, people Will complain about age gap, say won't watch but then watch when it's airing bcs their bias are there: "oh I was doubt, I watched for my ahjussi, but the pilot is pretty good bla bla... the leads chemistry is good"

and the drama will end with alot of praises

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15 celine

August 30, 2017 at 3:17 PM

My first thought upon reading ajusshi is Gong Yoo ajusshi. Lol I like a contemplative healing drama. I'd totally watch this even without the romance (which I think is highly unlikely). Looking forward to casting news. I am hoping for Gong Yoo but ajusshi himself said he'd do movie next.

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16 blueribbon

August 30, 2017 at 3:30 PM

Since I know that directors tend to work with the same actors again I nominate Cho Jin woong as the Ajusshi :)

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17 mmmmm

August 30, 2017 at 3:54 PM

Now this is something I'm waiting for.i have my trust in Misaeng PD since his work and BTS cuts showed how considerate and detail-oriented he is. I love OHYA and trust the writer of it too. So I'm waiting for this project to air on TV, especially when it's about healing people.. I have my soft spots for healing, burdened and struggling people.. when I watch a good healing show I am somewhat healed ?. But as one comment above me has pointed it out, it's very likely that many tissues are gonna be needed.

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18 TheImprintOnMyNose

August 30, 2017 at 4:09 PM

If it's from this pd, I'm sure it will have some depressing under/over-tones.

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19 dee

August 30, 2017 at 5:42 PM

The only ajusshi in my life is Jang Hyuk ajusshi. I hope he drop that weekend drama and being casted here instead.

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yoeda

August 30, 2017 at 9:06 PM

+1000

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Sera The Ms Temper

August 30, 2017 at 9:21 PM

He is still oppa for me but yessss I want him to do this drama!

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YY

August 30, 2017 at 9:51 PM

We Love Oppa!!!! Salute!

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dee

August 30, 2017 at 9:59 PM

I have tons of oppa that's why I should secure him as my only ajusshi so I won't forget him in future.

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YY

August 30, 2017 at 9:50 PM

I was thinking why, oh why, isn't anyone talking about my darling Oppa and here you are, dee, my friend...*hugs* Yes, drop that weekend drama and do this pronto!

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dee

August 30, 2017 at 9:56 PM

I was read this thread and wondering why @yyishere doesn't come here to chants his name. I think you had amnesia (again) lol.

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YY

August 30, 2017 at 10:02 PM

Brain is working fine, no amnesia, thank you for your concern...*giggles*

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KingofHell

August 31, 2017 at 12:45 AM

I want him n Park So dam (4ever hate you for that KBS). He's always so good in anything n it's been centuries since Voice ended.

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Zanna

August 31, 2017 at 2:04 AM

Still salty over KBS cutting BM? And yes i want a reunion between Jang Hyuk and PSD.

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dee

August 31, 2017 at 3:04 AM

Wi-Fi couple is the best thing in 2016 but I doubt they will reunited that soon tho.

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20 ithaca

August 30, 2017 at 9:23 PM

This sounds great!
Yeah.. main male character in his 40s and main female character in her 20s. That's not weird at all.

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21 YY

August 30, 2017 at 9:54 PM

I imagine Jang Hyuk Oppa doing this and I feel like crying already imagining the sadness on his face....Jang Hyuk in pain, he needs me, I'm coming, Oppa, don't be sad anymore...

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dee

August 30, 2017 at 10:03 PM

They'd better cast youu

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YY

August 30, 2017 at 10:13 PM

Good thinking! *beams*

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22 azblue

August 31, 2017 at 4:49 AM

Oh please cast Jang Hyuk!! Would love to see how he will take on this role and make it shine as he does for his other roles!

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23 Aigoo

August 31, 2017 at 6:05 AM

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24 Aigoo

August 31, 2017 at 6:25 AM

Still holding out hope for the "elephant in the room" to return to Kdrama. The ultimate Ajusshi - Won Bin . . .

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Ally

August 31, 2017 at 11:45 AM

???

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25 g

August 31, 2017 at 7:49 AM

Ha Jung Woo please. i know he's taking movies more, but at least one time in drama wont be a problem right

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26 Amory

August 31, 2017 at 8:35 AM

This looks like something Lee Seo Jin would do well in. He is frequently cast as a younger man and it would be nice to have him do a role as his own age. He likes to do different roles that challenge him - I think he would do well in this and bring some depth. Kim So Huy, or UI might be good for the 20 something.