It’s funny how timing changes everything, if this casting had happened shortly after K-drama Start-Up finished aired it would have caused such excitement and shockwaves. Now it just feels like a shrug moment, but still one that I would be curious to see if it ends up producing a good drama. Suzy has been signed on for the period K-drama Hypnosis (also called Delusion) adapted from a webtoon and now Kim Sun Ho, her second male lead in Start-Up, is in talks to be her male lead. The drama is set between 1800’s Shanghai and 1930’s Gyeongsang, Korea and involves a painter hired to paint the portrait of a mysterious charismatic lady who does not age and is a vampire. If both sign on filming will begin in early fall with the drama scheduled for 2025 release.
Wow I love this sort of fantasy theme.and I think this pairing is definitely welcomed. Please please make it happen.
What is going on with Suzy’s castings? Kim Seon-ho here and Lee Jin-wook for the melo movie. They should have just kept Ryu Jun-yeol on!
Lee Jin Wook is a scumbag.
funny how a man who confessed to having sex with a woman who did not give him her consent is active in the industry….
LJW’s agency is quite something…
The girl admitted to planning the encounter to extort him. Her boyfriend planned it with her. She was indicted for blackmail. These are facts.
His accuser was indicted for extortion and received a 8 months sentence. Later reduced to probation on appeal because she never actually received money from him. Get your facts straight.
Men really have it easy. Female actors – recent example is HSH and even SYJ are banished for attitude issues while these scumbags go around bagging top roles.
LJW also has a drama with SHS coming up. SHS also filmed one with PSH after his scandal way back.
Some actresses seriously have no luck!
Well with her star power and fame, she’s choosing to work with them what does that say about her
@K
Can you sent the links where I can read about this case with these details, please? All this time I thought he’s a r*pist and sc*mbag, and couldn’t watch dramas with him, and if your words are true I will be really mad at people spreading so harsh misinformation.
I was already mad as hell because of Lee Jeong Jae, so many people called him big names because of the false information and I believed in it before I checked that info. If they doing the same thing with Lee Jin Wook, ugh, I don’t know what’s wrong with such people.
I found a bit more info about his case, but didn’t find info about her boyfriend. I can’t say for 100% sure he’s guilty but it’s hard to say he’s innocent either, so don’t know what to think. If someone can share detail information about his case, will be glad to read.
Yea, Suzy’s project picks have been really interesting lately, but her costars leave a lot to be desired. KSH is at least watchable somewhat. LJW is so godawful bland, not even KTR can entice me to try any of his work.
Initially there were murmurs about BWS being the male lead but I think that was more wishful thinking from fans. And definitely not a shrug moment, my gosh. This casting has caused so much talk in sk. Honestly, I never saw chemistry between them and whoever liked Kim Seonho in Startup liked his character. It wasnt the chemistry that sold it. In this one, he doesn’t fit the role at all. He’s too “good boy” looking for it. RJY was a much better choice or at least an actor more versatile. Yes, I know KSH has done a variety of characters before Start up, and no I don’t think he is versatile whatsoever.
Having a variety of roles does not mean versatility if there isn’t a wide acting range. Actors I used to like had different roles in each project but because their performance was not good, they fell short.
Yep. And thats exactly my point on Kim Seonho.
RJY would’ve been perfect indeed. If not him, I could see either WDH or YJG taking on the role since aside from RJY they’re the ones who look closest to sharp-faced Yoon Yiho, but alas…
I agree
This casting will be a train wreck, and not just because of the lack of chemistry
Suzy fans have disliked KSH and his fandom since the Start Up fan wars
It’ll be a mess lol
I can see why the production team offered these roles to Suzy, HSH and RJY. But how on earth did they then rounded it up with KSH?! And it’s interesting how he went from full on avoiding romance projects after his scandal, to now potentially doing 2 back to back romance dramas with current IT actresses.
HSH and RJY were perfect picks for this webtoon. It’s a shame how it all blew up.
Suzy and RJY were the perfect picks. They were the director’s first choice but Suzy originally turned it down because she was filming another drama ( her drama with KWB) at the time this was originally supposed to start filming. Now after HSH’s scandal delayed the production time lines so the production team went back to Suzy.
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There are times when I like Suzy’s performance, there are times when I do not. But I usually check out her dramas even if I’m not passionate about her male lead(s), as in this case.
Ffs. Suzy should really just dip at this point. She gave it up once, and she should do it again. Stat.
People are hating as if he didn’t out-act her in Start-Up. Even in Doona, with all her smoking, came off as trying too hard. Dropping Sohee is such a downgrade. SYJ has the aura they need. I’m not even a ksh fan and also don’t think he fits the aura, WDH would be a good choice.
Hating? Lol. So far no one has made any hateful comments, but fans, even if they say they are not, only want to read 100% positive opinions.
can’t believe i’m agreeing with this syj diehard stan, but i agree with doe that it’s hilarious that when start up was airing, people here wouldn’t shut up about how kim seon ho was carrying the show on his back, how he out-acted everyone in that show, and that he’s an underrated talent who’s deserving of his rising popularity. after the scandal, people here are suddenly acting like SHE is the one too good for him. lmao. just goes to show people can’t be objective in their judgments. even if someone is clearly talented, they’d deny it if they don’t like the person lol
Woo Do Hwan is too good for her. He would act circles around her.
KSH is mounting a remarkable turnaround from his scandal. @Koala you must be big mad bc you had your knives out for this dude. It’s pretty clear that the industry sees him as still bankable. He’s been bagging work with some high profile costars, writers, and directors.
Exactly. I’m laughing that Koala is acting like people aren’t excited about this pairing when my social media feeds are full of people buzzing with excitement. The miserable people on this blog’s comment section (mostly women, for some reason) are the only ones that are meh about this because for some reason, they’re still hating the dude even tho Dispatch already debunked his ex’s claim, and now people here are acting like KSH isn’t talented. Women here must me seething mad that KSH is now rising from his nothingburger controversy lol. Well, they can cry and seethe, KSH is here to stay 🤷♀️
Suzy has improved a lot and impressed me in Anna and Doona. But I have zero knowledge of KSH. Is Start Up worth watching? I have been on a spree of legal/crime dramas. Need a break from bloody punches now. LOL
@Somebody It’s not a perfect drama, I think it could’ve given a bit more attention to the second female lead as I liked her character, but even tho she had a big potential to be a layered character, the show just kinda ignored her. But that’s just my major gripe about it. Overall, I personally still enjoyed the show very much. I think it’s fun while still having quite a lot of poignant moments. Love the color grading, and as someone who’s a sucker for really good KDrama OST, the OST for this show is so so good and I loved almost all the songs. I personally prefer the second leads over the leads (the female lead is a bit too cliche jolly, walking-sunshine type of character with what old drama fans call “Candy™ struggles” lol, while I found the male lead too whiny, Nice Guy™-ish, and annoying lol). But since the show focused a lot on the second male lead, I still really enjoyed it
Start-Up was far from perfect. The male leads were pretty well written when the female leads were badly written. The FL had no reason to a CEO and the second FL was barely used for the story… But KSH’s performance was really good. I watched enough Kdramas to know he won’t end with the FL, so I didn’t care about the love triangle. The best part was his relationship with the grandma, both actors being very good.
agreed, the best parts of the show were definitely the jipyeong-grandma wholesome interactions. i think the show is worth watching just for those lol. i know kim sun ho is not liked here in koala but he’s a great actor that elevated what could’ve been a one-dimensional character. i remember when he as cast as jipyeong, people were saying, “why is this talented actor playing second fiddle to suzy and nam joo hyuk? he should be the lead!”. i feel like people are really fickle with their opinions.
not a fan of the male lead (can’t even remember his name lol) but yes he’s quite written well, in the sense that he had flaws, inner conflicts, and all that stuff, unlike the cliche-ish female lead and the underdeveloped/underutilized second female lead. couldn’t care less about the relationship between the two main leads (they had zero chemistry in my opinion) and the infamous love triangle lol
I second @sayaris in this one , only his relationship with the grandma was the good part . The drama was watchable but not one to be remember of .
Agree with most of the comments here on Start Up. Far from perfect but watchable. I love the OST too! I still listen to Future and Running until now.
The premise was very interesting but I think the pairing wars got the better of the show. When the drama was airing, there were strong debates if you were Team Do San or Team Ji Pyeong. KSH had the image of a “good boy” and charm for the role. He really broke out in this drama, I wouldn’t say it was all his acting but more of how people loved his character. Anyone who is a sucker for first love never dies kind of guys would love him. Ji Pyeong has some similarities with Sun Jae’s character in Lovely Runner when it comes for his love for the FL.
Thanks so much for all the input. This is why I appreciate Koala’s blogging site. This type of feedback, not those petty speculations in repetitive exchanges about celebs’ private business LOL, is what is valuable to me. I really appreciate it folks!
Idk if I’m the only one not so much for a drama where the 2nd lead outperformed the ML (which seems the case for Start Up). I’ve never been a fan for the ML. Therefore, I bypassed this drama when checking out Suzy’s works during my hiatus. But now there’s been so much talk about KSH on this site that I can’t ignore his presence. LOL. I may give a shot to Start Up, just wanting something to give my mental a break from Nam Gong Ming’s the Veil. LOL. The Veil is so un-PG 13. But my level of respect for NGM’s acting is several notches up. He’s a genuine versatile actor deserving many awards.
But did he? He should have deserved another Baeksang for this one.
@Somebody, not related but there is a drama i watched a few years ago that i liked but don’t know if it’s watchable now ” Class of lies” the plot isn’t an intricate one but who knows , you may want to add it to your very long list of “not watched dramas” 😉
@cahill, I’ll check it out. I dropped Start Up right after ep2. It’s not interesting to me. I want to be away from heavy and dark stuff for a little while. LOL.
I started ep 1 today. Yes, it’s watchable although pace was a bit slow for my taste. But I happened to quit As Beautiful as You after wasting huge time on 18 eps. This C drama is also about an aspiring entrepreneur and her startup where the plot was getting typical of Chinese Cinderella fairy tale and pretty boring. LOL. I’m in the mood to watch a drama on similar topics.
I haven’t got the appeal of KSH yet. But I do like the younger version of his character. I think the young actor is cute. LOL. Let’s see if KSH will be like BWS in Lovely Runner to change my initial opinion later on.
I quit after ep2. The plot isn’t my cup tea! Sorry fans, not even a chance to see how KSH is attractive in Start Up. LOL.
The young actor for Ji Pyeong is the guy Koala wrote that got discharged for the military recently. https://koalasplayground.com/2024/07/29/grown-up-child-actor-nam-da-reum-makes-a-comeback-looking-all-grown-up-in-new-profile-stills-from-agency-baa/
I like him a lot too. He has so much potential. Smart move he finished his military service already so he can focus on his career without any interruptions. He has both the acting chops and good looks. Hoping he transitions to adult roles smoothly since a lot of child actors struggle with that.
@Azure, thanks for the information. No wonder it seemed I’d seen him somewhere before but just couldn’t recall. I’ll have him in mind and want to watch him in more dramas.
Too bad I quit SU after ep2. I don’t like the plot.
I think Suzy has thelook for a vampire. I’m happy to see KSH coming back in dramas. He’s really a good actor.
Ugh! Not this smug looking guy🤢 Nah why is the industry so determined to make him happen? I’m convinced he has backers because there are more talented and better looking actors who haven’t had half the opportunities he’s been given. How does this average looking guy with terrible rhinoplasty who even before his scandal only had one lead role success to his name keep getting all these chances and now lead roles with two of the most popular actresses in South Korea.
This cast is simultaneously an upgrade (Suzy) and a downgrade (KSH). The production company confirmed Suzy was the first choice for the role but turned it down before as it clashed with her filming for “Everything Will Come True” with Kim Woo Bin but they came back to her after the casting and production timelines went up in flames because of the HSH/RYJ implosion. Imagine how powerful this drama could have been if it had filmed with the first choice cast of Suzy and Ryu Jun Yeol. What could have been…sigh
lmao at this ahjumma always salty about seon ho 😂
it’s funny how the general consensus back when start up was airing was that ksh is the most talented of the cast and he carried the show. now y’all are acting like suzy, who had been bashed for her acting skills for YEARS, is suddenly too good for him, who’s generally considered an excellent actor lmao. at least his last mainstream drama was a hit, while suzy’s recent ones flopped or underperformed. popularity-wise, he hasn’t had a drama in years and STILL placed second to famous AF kim soo hyun in the recent baeksang awards, so it’s not like he’s some nugu being paired with suzy. how is SHE the one too good for him? the delusion is insane. why do y’all miserable and bitter ahjummas on this blog hate this dude so much that y’all can’t even be objective about his talent? dispatch literally already cleared his name and his vile ex’s accusations were already proven not true 🙄
Who are you talking to? I don’t care about Start-Up. I’ve never even watched that drama. I don’t like this guy because I loathed his smug, affected acting in Hometown Cha Cha to the point I had to drop the drama (and on a superficial level I find him very unattractive.
Can never unsee that bad nosejob)
I am not a fan of her per se but I do like Suzy and how she has managed herself and her career after more than a decade navigating the business. Regardless of whether you consider her talented or not she IS on another level compared to KSH. Suzy is S-tier in terms of fame and reputation in South Korea. She is in that rare category that she will always be famous, in demand and considered A-list similar to Song Hye Kyo.
To be fair, Suzy’s very popular, there’s just a few actors at the same level of fame and reputation as Suzy. And one of them Cha Eun Woo. But he doesn’t suit to that role at all, way too pretty.
I can understand why you want for Suzy better partner, but I doubt KSH was chosen only because he has backers. I can name 5 hypothetical reasons KSH was chosen among others:
1. He has a strong fanbase. K-drama industry loves actors with fanbase.
2. Start-up second lead syndrome. Many people excited about their casting news and create a buzz because of their past work, and this is good for prod. comp. as well.
3. Budget of that drama. You could notice how often hallyu actors filming with less popular, or even newbie actors. Since some of production companies can’t afford two big actors, so they choosing one hallyu actress with big fee, and other with low fee.
I think for Han So Hee also could be offered a fee bigger than for Ryu Jun Yeol.
Kim Seon Ho can’t afford to himself to be picky right now or to ask a big fee. He need to film in a big drama to come back to his pre-scandal times, and projects with hallyu actresses a good choice for that.
Maybe production companies of his 2 future dramas choose him because he’s a popular and doesn’t need a high salary.
4. Most of big actors not filming in a female centric dramas. The same for big actresses and male centric dramas. They’re mostly choosing male centric dramas or equally centric. And I think this drama is a female centric.
5. Many good popular actors are busy right now. Almost all of 30s actors I remembered now have others dramas in plans, filming or post-production.
P.S. I personally would love to see Ahn Bo Hyun (as his fan I would love to see him in anything), but he had 3 drama offers and still didn’t decline any of them, so probably very busy. Or Kwak Do Yeong, but unfortunately he’s not so popular as KSH.
If talking about not popular and good actors, I think if they have a choicez producers just would choose the popular actor.
Sorry for my bad English, this is a reasons I think KSH was chosen, and I think 3 reason is the main one.
Oh, and to be clear I didn’t watch KSH dramas, so can’t judge his acting, and I don’t have much thoughts about his scandal either, my thoughts only about their casting news.
@Olesya1: Your English is great and you make some good points.
I think you are on to something with your reasoning and that this casting decision is based on practicality because other potential actors are already booked, KSH has a lower fee than any of the in demand actors and KSH fee is certainly much cheaper than any of the cast previously attached to this drama or a top celeb like Suzy. He is willing to play second fiddle to Suzy if this is a female-centric drama. Meanwhile, he is trying to make a comeback and gets the boost of working with a A-list actress and A-list director. The drama gets a “decent” actor (I dislike his acting but I acknowledge some others seem to like it) with a rabid overseas fanbase (look at some of the rabid responses here!). There have been a lot of complaints on the production side lately about how exorbitant actor fees are making dramas too expensive to produce but this way they can still pay a big fee to Suzy but keep the costs of the drama down especially after the production delays caused by the HSH debacle.
Haven’t red the webtoon but from the descriptions I have seen of the ML I think maybe Hong Kyung or Chae Jong-hyeop could have been a good choice.
P.S. I don’t want Ahn Bo Hyun here because I want him to hurry up and go and film Flex x Cop 2! That drama that pleasantly surprised me with how enjoyable it was.
@Sunny
Yes-yes, I also thought about Hong Kyung! And also about Kang Ha Neul, don’t know why, but I think he would look good in that drama.
Nice! Now if we can also have dramas with Kim So Hyun and Yook Sungjae, Hwang Jung Eum and Choi Siwon, Park Shin Hye and Kim Woo Bin, Kim Tae Ri and Yoo Yoon Seok, IU and Lee Do Hyun, and Kim Go Eun and Seo Kang Joon as the lead couple, that would be great 👍
Second lead syndrome is real lol
I didn’t read webtoon, so judging only by pictures and synopsis. Female lead’s character description and her hairstyle looks very similar to Suzy’s last character in “Doona” drama. I’m wondering if this would look like a repetitive role, or Suzy would play them in a different way.
What about Kim Seon Ho, I didn’t watch his dramas and know nothing about his casting, but by his face he looks like a little miscast for me, too pretty can I say.
But anyway, will wait and see.
*know nothing about his acting
Well, A-lister Cha Seung Won and It Girls Go Youn Jung and Suzy clearly have no problems working with him. Han So Hee also had a cute interaction with him in a previous awards show. Casting directors, networks, etc. still clearly see him as bankable, casting him in all these rather big productions. Don’t know what the problem of the people here is, you all apparently know him better than the people who work in the entertainment industry or something, to be able say that he’s a bad person just because his personal life got a bit messy. Oh well, like I said, all these important people have no problem working with him, as by all accounts, he’s a nice and professional person who never had attitude issues and is actually talented. You all just gotta suck it up, I guess🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
KSH, they could never make me hate you