Color me mightily surprised, all in a good way I guess. Things were looking so dire on the production of MBC‘s Kill Me Heal Me, aka the drama that can’t lock down leads if its life depended on it. I figured there was nowhere to go but up and at this point even getting a lead (any lead) was cause for celebration. Ji Sung was rumored to be in talks a few days ago and I was waiting to hear more before writing about it. You know, in case he also bailed and made it a triple out at bat for MBC.
Now the casting news for KMHM has suddenly taken a turn for the promising with confirmation that Ji Sung will be taking the lead and reuniting with his KBS drama Secret Love costar Hwang Jung Eum. Neither actors are particular faves of mine but both are solid veterans who as needed can act their socks off and deliver intense convincing performances. I passed on the overdosing on melo Secret Love but the drama was a rare ratings win for KBS last year and handily beat Heirs and other same time slot dramas when it aired.
I really like this casting (not love but it’ll do), but you know what really kills me (pardon the pun)? The fact that when Hyun Bin first turned down KMHM, the production denied that he was even offered the role and claimed that the male lead character was always intended for an actor in his twenties. Hyun Bin is 32 years old, but get this, Ji Sung is 37 years old! A whole five years older than Binnie! I’m pointing this out to emphasize what a crock of shit the KMHM production has been throughout this whole casting debacle, apparently since the very beginning, so it’s no wonder leads have been giving it the hand left and right.
I would have loved to see Lee Seung Gi in the role even as I was concerned he might not have the full array of acting chops to pull off a character with 7 different personalities. I thought he at least had enough potential to give it a shot, but no certainty it will work. Plus his leading lady was going to be Lim Ji Yeon and that’s so much no from me. Ji Sung, and really all of his near age male lead actors, is really a better choice in the long run. I don’t think either Ji Sung or Hwang Jung Eum, with their acting experience and resume, will need much ramp up time to dive into filming. KMHM premieres in early January after Mr. Back wraps up. Go knock ’em dead, you two troopers who stepped in to save MBC’s hide.
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I'm happy. Both actors were great in Secret and I enjoyed (much to my surprise!). HJE really surprised me with her fine acting and there were a few great gems in that series when I thought she was incredible.
Well, I am glad MBC goes with veterans, and ones with solid resumes to boot. This cast certainly looks much better than the one for Blood over at KBS.
Okay, I like it. Secret was such a mess, but I loved it. Last time they went against a big drama they beat it so maybe it will happen this time too. Stranger things have happened.
I would have liked to see LSG do it just to shut people up who refuse to believe he's capable (let's be real, not all 7 personalities will show up that often so I still don't think it's going to be THAT difficult), but Lim Ji Yeon is just so underwhelming. Too bad Hwang Jung Eum wasn't cast instead first.
Too bad Hwang Jung Eum wasn’t cast instead first.
I think they would gladly chose her if she showed even remote interest in KMHM. But I don't think they offered to her before, simpy b'coz they didn't think she would consider any new project so soon after did 40 eps drama. I also don't think they considered JS, as they initially wanted 20s actor to portray the male lead. But near deadline, they finally got some cues that they need big names and popular pair to cover for bad press they had.
Dang, I love them in Secret. But, not sure if I am gonna watch this drama due to the all the drama of getting the main lead actor and actress.
Oh Secret, my unwavering love! HJE, beating her head on the wall, calmly, with not even one tear while her heart was disintegrating, and JS placing his hand between the wall and her head. Goosebumps!
Not much was sad between that unlikely couple and yet the intensity was burning the screen.
Hope to be amazed by their chemistry and acting one more time.
I loved that scene too!
I started watching that show cos everyone was raving about it but I was thinking 'oh I don't think I'll like it much' and I ended up loving it.
My favourite scene was when he pushed her to breaking point and she freaks out in the middle of the road. Wonderful acting from both of them.
I love secret .... it was one of those drama that i wasn't expecting much but go blown away by these two actors. They really deserved praise for their acting ...so i'm happy for this casting.
Wonderful actor and actress. I first saw Ji Sung's acting after accidentally watching New Heart while trying to search for another drama. Saw him again on Kill Me Heal Me with Hwang Jun-Eum, an amazingly beautiful lady who is such a natural actress. Simply love seeing both of them. Ji Sung's portrayal of the 7 multiple personalities in KMHM were simply awesome. HJE was excellent in portraying his personal physician. Park Seo-Joon was good in his role too. I began to follow both their dramas and came across Secret Love. I would love to watch all dramas featuring both JS and HJE as the lead actor and actress. This is the first time that I am posting my comments because I would like to offer my congratulations to JS and HJE for such fine acting. I never was able to identify favorite actors or actresses but my choice now is clear ?Kudos to you both.
Hehehe, this is awesome :D
Uuuuh ..shock shock! Not their fan, but they're really great in Secret. No doubt about them, but hope the story is good. Please MBC, do not waste this amazing casts. Didn't plan to watch this before, but maybe because of JS-HJE, I will give it a try :))
This is awesome. Secret was one of those crack shows where the attraction was based solely on the actors. I just wanted them both to be happy with each other in the end.
And TGIFridays! Everywhere! LOL
jomo, is there anything you want to recap after My Spring Days?
Time is the problem, mostly, and finding something nobody else is doing. It would have been cool if I had started Bad Guys when it began. Bonus- only 1 episode a week!
Maybe that'll be the criteria moving forward, hmmm...
Anything out there people are watching but nobody is recapping that I am missing?
Mr. Back? Birth of the Beauty? They are fluffy romcoms, maybe not your cup of tea.
Someone said that Tears of Heaven was great but I couldn't find English subs.
Happy early Christmas? :-D
HJE looks like HJM right?