The recent one-two punch of older man-younger woman K-drama pairings in Lee Bum Soo–Yoona in Prime Minister and I and Lee Seon Kyun–Lee Yeon Hee in Miss Korea is a refreshing change of pace from the popular trend for noona-dongsaeng pairings. I’ve liked plenty of those as well but right now I’m all about the Oppas. I double checked their ages and it appears Hyung Joon was a third year high school student while Ji Young just started high school when they met. When Ji Young aegyos to her Hyun Joon oppa it just brings a smile to my face to see that their flirty banter from high school is still there. But it’s when she sets him straight with those fierce eyes of hers that really twists my heart in the best way. In many ways both have always felt insecure around each other – she thinks she’s not smart enough for him, he wonders why the prettiest girl in the neighborhood likes him. This time around they are candidly revealing how much they love each other and what that notion of love means. Hyung Joon thinks love is putting Ji Young’s dream above his own, Ji Young believes love is fighting for it because otherwise her dreams mean nothing. The latest stills are out for the drama and it looks like more heartwarming entertainment is coming. Seeing Hyung Joon give Ji Young a simple red rose makes me smile, but it’s her ferocious hug back that reminds me of all the reasons why I root for Ji Young so hard. She’s a female lead who knows all her shortcomings but doesn’t wilt under pressure or cower under threat. I not only want her to win Miss Korea, I want her to win every little tussle along the way with her competitors including landing the coveted spot on top of the dance pyramid. Looks like the girls start practicing for the dance performance and we see the three Miss Seoul girls Ji Young, Jae Hee, and Sun Young having a dance-off to compete for the top spot. Since this drama is set in 1997, that was the year girl group S.E.S. was formed and I’m looking forward to watching the Miss Korea contestants show us their best 90’s singing and dancing moves. Since Lee Yeon Hee is an SM Entertainment actress, I hope she’s learned some skills from her idol colleagues and perhaps gives them a run for their money here.
Miss Korea is getting interesting and interesting.
Thank you Mz. Koala for posting about it
I am dying for the next installment. This OTP!! LSK does romance so well. Thanks for bringing this to us. Can anyone confirm that we have 8 more episodes to go and not only 4?
8 more episodes. Cunning Single Lady hasn’t even finished casting and definitely hasn’t started filming. It’s scheduled to premiere Feb 26.
While PM&I definitely calls for an older actor, Miss Korea really doesn’t. Do you think it would have worked with a younger actor, one who is closer in age to LYH’s character?
Yes and no. For Hyung Joon’s character yes it can be an actor closer to LYH’s age. But for the chemistry and the sunbae pull that Lee Seon Hyun is getting out of Lee Yeon Hee, then no. He’s the one. Plus he plays Hyung Joon with such an air of barely concealed vulnerability mixed with bravado that is perfect.
I agree. I almost did not start watching this, when I heard that he was to play his own self at high-school, but somehow it worked.
Both Lee Yeon Hee and Lee Seon Kyun are perfect in the roles of Ji Young and Hyung Joon. I can’t imagine anyone else playing their characters now. Anyone who doubts LYH’s acting ability should watch this as she’s giving the best performance of her life and like you,kk123, I initially thought LSK was too old to play his high school character. But he’s so awesome in all other aspects that I don’t care. 🙂
I’m wondering what the heck happened to Hyung Joon since he looks like he’s been beaten up! :O Don’t know about Lee Yeon Hee but Ji Young’s supposed to like dancing, right? Here’s to hoping she’s going to show off her skills. 🙂
She doesn’t have to learn from her colleagues. LYH is already great at dancing + i heard she used to be a SNSD trainee. We don’t really have to worry about it. But now, I’m soooo excited for the upcoming events. I hope the two would have a happy ending
Thanks for this. There is so little English language fan service (as opposed to Prime Minister and I, which I also like) for this drama, that it is nice to get updates from somebody else who cares.
Oh, LYH is really good at sing, but i don’t sure about her dance. :D. Hop tonight, your review will also as faster as annual.
Lol am i only one who thought Ji Young looked so much like Nam Dajung in those still shots? That coat, turtleneck and the hair was so Nam Dajung.
Thank God for hot looking older actors! I totally see why HJ would always wonder why the prettiest girl in school would pick him, an awkward looking nerd whose nose was always in a book. Opposite attracts, I suppose.
Aaawww! So cute, my favorite OTP.