I’m so gun shy about writing that the female lead for the upcoming Korean remake of Nodame Cantabile has been cast. First off the drama title is now Cantabile Romance since the leading lady’s name will clearly not be Noda Megumi (shortened to the Nodame of the title). Cute if uninspired title but this drama has so many unknowns that the title will be the least of my quibbles. First came the news that Joo Won was cast as the lead to walk in Tamaki Hiroshi‘s big footsteps. Then came word that KBS was courting acclaimed young actress Shim Eun Kyung for the leading lady since she had oodles of talent to lend confidence she can do the role justice like Ueno Juri did in the Japanese adaptation. Unfortunately Shim Eun Kyung initially declined claiming scheduling conflict with her upcoming movie filming, and that’s when the casting crazy started. News of Yoona‘s casting caused the drama fans to go ape shit in terms of acting ability and image not suiting the character, and in the end she declined to film a C-movie and my gut tells me she ultimately did not want to subject herself to the torrents of criticism sure to come her way. That led KBS back to begging Shim Eun Kyung to take the role, and when I say begging that’s probably an understatement. Finally the wait has paid off and Shim Eun Kyung has just been officially confirmed as the leading lady. Joo Won has let out a massive sigh of relief now. I’m definitely watching Cantabile Romance for Shim Eun Kyung’s first drama in 4 years since Bad Guy, and maybe this will cure my Joo Won allergy.
I can only imagine Shim Eun Kyung probably got the equivalent of the queenly treatment in being wooed for this role and I don’t blame KBS for doing everything possible to land her. She really is THE BEST young K-actress for the very difficult role, requiring massive amounts of endearing eccentricity as well as piano immersion the way Yoo Ah In did for Secret Love Affair. Cantabile Romance premieres in October on the Mon-Tues timeslot after Discovery of Love with Eric and Jung Yumi.
What if instead of playing instruments, they will sing?
YESSSSS. Applause for us.
Yay:) So excited for this. I am big fan Joo Won. And he paired with Shim Eun-kyung… I’m totally happy for it.. Fighting! Cantabile Romance:)
OH MY LORD…I first read this at dramabeans and went through one round of happy dance, then came here to see if anyone else is reporting this….JESUS CHRIST…i think i might pee in my pants from all the excitement!!!!…this is one of my favorite jdoramas and SEK is a perfet actress in every which way…and this pairing is going to be adorable beyond belief….NOW JUST PLEASE BE GOOD SHOW!!!!!!
YIPPPPPPEEEEEEEE!!! I LOVE THEM!
OMG!!! Thank god she accepted. I think no one else can do justice to this role. Not only has she big shoes to fill, she has to make the role her own. I think she can do it.
Yea! So excited to have Shim Eun Kyung as the new Nodame. She will be great in the role. Now I just have to worry about the writing and directing. I won’t stop worrying until the first episode. I LOVE the manga and jdorama and have a lot invested in the Korean version. Please be good show!
thank u god! universe!!!!!!!
THANK U!!!! definitily watching this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m glad it’s not yoona…yoona you did the right thing. I will definitely watch. Actually, Joo Won is not bad. He was great in Gaksital Bridal Mask and also as the antagonist in Baker Kim Tak Goo (did I spell the name right?) Koala, I hope this drama cures your Joo Won allergy too…hehehe
OMG!!! This drama is back on my radar again. Thank you Shim Eun Kyung <333 I love the original version, I hope this one will do the same :DDD
So glad she agreed to it because you’ll be have to watch and eventually fall for our Joo Wonie. 😀
Thank god! Now I’m looking forward to this. She was amazing in Miss Granny and I’ve always been a fan of Joowon.
You are the deliverer of good news. I have been prayin for two weeks to the lawd Jesus to cast eun kyung.. I literally fell off my bed at this news.
I love you and everyone else ever!!
Unfortunately, my Joo Won allergy is so life threatening that I will give it a miss even though Ms Shim was great in Ms Granny
OMG YESSSS!!! This news came as such a relief, especially as I’ve just watched Miss Granny and she is absolutely brilliant in it.