[Spoiler: Dream High] Viewers anticipate Hye Mi and Sam Dong’s …

[Spoiler: Dream High] Viewers anticipate Hye Mi and Sam Dong’s …
Cr. - allkpop

Fans have been eagerly anticipating the upcoming couple dance between Bae Suzy and Kim Soo Hyun for KBS 2TV’s “Dream High” .

At this point in the drama, Hye Mi (Suzy) begins to overcome Baek Hee’s (T-ara’s Eunjung) prejudices to show her true, genius abilities as she takes on a showcase opportunity. Sam Dong (Soo Hyun) also starts to realize his prodigal talents in singing and dancing, and is determined to show his full potential.

In the end, the two characters manage to captivate the audience with their intense couple dance, making Jin Gook (2PM’s Taecyeon) all the more jealous and competitive to win Hye Mi’s love.

The dance will be revealed during this week’s episode, which airs January 31st.

[NEWS]Jang Geun Suk will soon reach his 20th year since debut

cr: sukkieno 1


[NEWS] Jang Geun Suk recently revealed that next year will be his 20th year since his debut!
cr: allkpop

During an interview with MBC’s “Section TV Entertainment Report” Jang Geun Suk surprised actress Kim Ok Bin and the reporter by saying, “2012 will be my 20th year of debut.”

He then placidly stated, “I’m thinking of doing a dinner show.” Upon hearing this, the reporter answered, “I am definitely going to go there and interview you!”

Born in 1987, Jang Geun Suk first debuted when he was 5 years old as an catalog model. In 1997, Jang Geun Suk kicked off his acting career as a child actor in a drama.

The actor showed off some of his photos from back in the day for the TV show, eliciting an awed response from the interviewer.

[News] Jang Geun-suk, Kim Ok-bin "Codes Combine Hiker" model.

[News] Jang Geun-suk, Kim Ok-bin "Codes Combine Hiker" model.
Cr. - hancinema

Jang Geun-suk and Kim Ok-bin have been chosen as models for the newly launching brand "Codes Combine Hiker" in February.

Codes Combine Hiker revealed, "We have chosen Jang Geun-suk as he showed a style of his own in the KBS drama "Marry Me, Mary!" and for his usual unique fashion style and special sensitivity. Also Kim Ok-bin's city like and sexy image hits well into our brand image, therefore choosing her for the female model".

Codes Combine Hiker shows two concepts of Outdoor Hiker and Barren Hiker.

Jang Geun-suk will show off his bright and sensitivity image through Outdoor Hiker and Kim Ok-bin will display Barren Hiker through the meaning of city life.

Their pictures can be seen on all stores, homepages, magazines, video commercials and more throughout the nation starting this February.

[News] Hallyu Star Lee Suh Jin becomes an Asset Management Director.

[News] Hallyu Star Lee Suh Jin becomes an Asset Management Director.
Cr. - allkpop

Hallyu Star Lee Soe Jin, known for his roles in dramas “Damo (MBC-2003)”, “Phoenix (MBC-2004)”, and “Yi San (MBC-2007)” has added ‘Asset Management Director’ on his resume.

On January 30th, Escrow Veritas Asset Management revealed that the actor was newly appointed to be the director of the second global headquarters. Escrow Veritas Asset Management specializes in alternative investments and real estate investments (such as patents and intellectual property) and its strength is valued in the financial district.

A representative from Escrow Veritas Asset Management said, “Lee studied business administration at an American university and had a strong interest in the financial industry. Lee will use his global network to expand the business”.

Lee Seo Jin graduated from NYU with a degree in business administration and is known for his academic achievements. His grandfather, Lee Bo Hyung, graduated from Kyungsung Law School and was the Monetary Policy Committee Member for both the Seoul Bank and Jae Il Bank. Lee’s father, Lee Jae Eung, was also a representative for Anheung Mutual Bank.

We wish the actor luck in his new endeavors!

[News] Song Hye-kyo, VIP marketing dispute "For 1%? Just charity".

[News] Song Hye-kyo, VIP marketing dispute "For 1%? Just charity".
Cr. - hancinema

Hallyu Star Song Hye-kyo revealed her feelings about the issue going on about the launching of her photograph collection and related VIPs.

Song Hye-kyo had an event launching "Moment, Song Hye-kyo", her photography collection on the 28th in BOONTHESHOP.

Programs like a charity music concert for the guests, introduction of Song Hye-kyo's book and video image, autograph session and such were held on this day, which holds a significant purpose of donating all profits from the actress's picture collection in collaboration with fashion multi-shop, BOONTHESHOP.

However, one media caused an issue by reporting that Song He-kyo is only selling her books to those in the top 1% in Korea and only invited the VIPs of department stores.

It turns out however, according to the host, that part of the profits from the sales of the collection was donated to a children's foundation and was held for good causes.

Her company states, "This picture collection is 5 years of Song Hye-kyo and is a charity event. We hope a meaningful event like this doesn't get distorted because of media coverage".

Those who attended the event were those related to BOONTHESHOP, the publications, Song Hye-kyo's acquaintances and friends, photographers, stylists and diplomats who gave support in making the collection.

Song Hye-kyo's collection took almost 5 years to complete in Buenos Aires, New York, Paris, Genova, Firenze and more, with a limited edition of 2000 copies, selling in China, Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan.

[News] Gu Hye-sun directs festival trailer.

[News] Gu Hye-sun directs festival trailer.
Cr. - javabeans

Actress and budding director Gu Hye-sun is back behind the camera as she takes on the directing of the official trailer for the International Women’s Film Festival in Seoul. She’s done a trailer of this kind before, for 2009′s 7th Asiana International Short Film Festival, so she’s got some experience, even if the trailers are super-short (approximately 1 minute in length).

As you probably are aware, Gu has spent the better part of the past two years focusing on her interests outside of acting, such as songwriting, drawing, writing, and directing. She does have an acting project in the works (the drama The Musical), but for whatever reason, it has yet to secure a broadcaster or a timeslot and has been languishing for a while. One wonders when it’ll finally see the light of day — will it be like Birdie Buddy and fade into nothing, or Paradise Ranch and hit airwaves eventually?

It appears that she’s more interested in directing than performing at the moment, and she has been writing her next feature length film, a vampire romance that she intends to direct. Truth be told, I prefer her as an actress, and it’s the area where I think she’s strongest (though, funny enough, her biggest project — Boys Before Flowers — is pretty much her worst acting performance), though I’m sure it’s her prerogative to spend her time developing other interests.

This year’s festival (the 13th) takes on the theme of women in action, which’ll serve as the main motif of Gu’s trailer, and takes place on April 7 through 14.

[News] Jang Kuen Suk Codes Combine interview with MBC

[News] Jang Kuen Suk Codes Combine interview with MBC
iKaruz : Reporter
Cr. tediede baidu + jangkeunsukforever.wordpress

No translation yet, this is just for us to catch a glimpse of Jang Keun Suk at work. The guy simply oozes charm, not to mention he’s fun and spontaneous. At around 01:55 mins, JKS was interrupted in his photo shoot by one staff because he wore, by mistake, the pants meant for the lady model!! He’s so slim that he can fit into it!

[News]Jang Keun Suk List of Planned Projects for 2011

cr: jangkeunsukforever.wordpress

[News]Jang Keun Suk List of Planned Projects for 2011

It is going to be another bountiful year for Jang Keun Suk, as he reveals his plans for 2011 on his Japanese official website, as below.

1. Album release and Showcase in March
2. “My Pet Lover” (filming in March and airing in summer)
3. Performance tour across Japan
4. Asia Tour (Taiwan, Hongkong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Shanghai)
5. Drama (in midst of decision for 2nd half of 2011)
6. Preparation for JKS Smartphone application
7. 15th Anniversary DVD and photograph book

More heart-stopping (or pocket-burning) news from yesterday – to commemorate 15 years of his acting career, Jang Keun Suk will release a DVD and photograph book. The DVD will be filmed in Czech Republic and the photo-book in London. Another hot item on my must-buy list as both are sure to come with gorgeous pics of JKS, though I think it won’t come cheap.

Not so sure on the smartphone application that is being developed, though I seem to have the impression that it’s an application where JKS directly uploads his news and photos and where eels can access his information.

Thai Translation.
แผนงานในปี 2011 ของจางกึนซอก

เป็นอีกหนึ่งปีที่จางกึนซอกจะมีผลงานมากมายปรากฎสู่สายตาผู้ชม
จางกึนซอกได้เปิดเผยแผนงานในปี 2011 ของเขา ในเว็บไซต์อย่างเป็นทางการที่ประเทศญี่ปุ่นดังมีรายละเอียดดังต่อไปนี้

1 ผลงานการออกอัลบั้มเพลงเดือนมีนาคม
2 ภาพยนตร์เรื่อง “My Pet Lover”(ถ่ายทำในเดือนมีนาคมและออกอากาศในช่วงฤดูร้อน)
3 การจัดทัวร์คอนเสริต์เต็มรูปแบบทั่วประเทศญี่ปุ่น
4 ทัวร์เอเชีย (ไต้หวั้น ฮ่องกง ไทย มาเลเชีย สิงคโปร์ และเมืองเซียงไฮ้ในประเทศจีน )
5 ผลงานละคร (อยู่ในระหว่างการตัดสินใจ ในครึ่งปีหลังของปี 2011)
6 การปรับปรุงโปรแกรมของจางกึนซอกในโทรศัพท์มือถือ
7 ดีวีดี ครบรอบ 15 ปี และหนังสือภาพ

ข่าวที่ออกมาเมื่อวานนี้ที่ทำให้ตื่นเต้นดีใจเป็นอย่างมากก็คือ -- เพื่อเป็นการฉลอง 15 ปีอาชีพการแสดงของเขา, จางกึนซอกจะออก ดีวีดีและหนังสือภาพ ดีวีดีจะถ่ายทำในสาธารณรัฐเช็ก ส่วนหนังสือภาพจะถ่ายทำโดยใช้วิว ทิวทัศน์ในกรุงลอนดอนประเทศอังกฤษ อีกรายการที่น่าสนใจที่ฉันจะต้องซื้อ เพราะแน่ใจว่าหนังสือภาพนี้จะมาพร้อมกับภาพที่งดงามของจางกึนซอก ซึ่งฉันคิดว่าราคาคงจะไม่ถูกทีเดียว

ไม่แน่ใจเรื่องใบสมัครของสมาร์ทโฟนที่จะมีการพัฒนา แต่ดูเหมือนจะมีการแสดงผลว่าเป็นโปรแกรมประยุกต์ที่บรรดาแฟนคลับจะสามารถเข้าถึงข้อมูลต่างๆไม่ว่าจะเป็นข่าวสาร หรือภาพถ่ายต่างๆ ของจางกึนซอก ได้โดยตรงไม่ว่าคุณจะอยู่ที่ไหนก็ตาม

[News] Kim Jae-wook’s band first single releases.

[News] Kim Jae-wook’s band first single releases.
Cr. - javabeans

Actor Kim Jae-wook, who’s recently come off his stint on the disappointing drama Mary Stayed Out All Night, has turned his attention back to music, with his band WALRUS (formerly I Am Walrus). They’re releasing their first single album with music videos (below). From faux indie rock to real indie rock? I say the real Kim Jae-wook is pretty much cooler than any character he could ever play.

WALRUS is: Kim Jae-wook on vocals and guitar, Kim Tae-hyun on drums, Yoo Seung-bum on lead guitar (blonde hair and teacup, below), and Yang Shi-on on bass (with pomegranate, below). They’re college friends and classmates from the Seoul Institute of the Arts, and have been performing on and off together for upwards of nine years, and performed at 2009′s Grand Mint Festival.

They produced the album themselves, with three songs: “To Be,” “Mozaic,” and “Seoul Witch” [서울마녀]. “Seoul Witch” is their title track, about the loneliness of living in a cold city. The video below is for “To Be,” and the teaser for “Seoul Witch” is below.

It was sad to see him go from such a great turn in Bad Guy to the dull character he had to play in Mary, but hell, that drama was a waste of everybody’s talents, not just his. Clearly he should get his own drama…playing himself.

Walrus/Kim Jae Wook - Seoul witch [서울마녀] Teaser

'[News] My Princess' Novel version has been published.

[News] My Princess' Novel version has been published.
Cr. - javabeans

With the success of the drama My Princess these days, MBC Productions has hastened to adapt the story for another format with a novelization.

The novel features a plot that, like the drama, focuses on the development of love amidst the quarreling and clashes of its two leads. However, it purports to differ substantially in its more detailed exploration of the characters’ inner thoughts and struggles.

Still, the book’s probably not too far from the tone of the drama, as scriptwriter Jang Young-shil worked with the novel writer Sohn Hyun-kyung in the adaptation process. The two had also worked together in novelizing Jang’s previous drama, Lovers In Prague. The book also comes with color photos of the leads, for fans out there who love collectibles.

They’ve worked pretty fast to put this out, given that the novel was published before the drama was even half over. They must have been pinning their hopes on the show to be a hit, since I doubt it was written in the three weeks since its premiere. And I suppose novel format gives the characters more time to develop than we see onscreen — though really, at this point, no amount of humanization could make me like Yoon-ju or her ugly lopsided bowl cut. Even if she doesn’t have one in the book. It’s in her soul.

[News] Kim Jae Wook’s Band Walrus Releases First Solo Album

Kim Jae Wook’s Band Walrus Releases First Solo Album

Cr : ockoala

After wrapping Mary Stayed Out All Night, Kim Jae Wook has jumped right back into his other day job – as frontman for the indie rock band Walrus. Seriously, his casting as Jung In as opposed to Mu Gyul must’ve amused him to no end, since he’s the real life talking walking version of Mu Gyul.

I approve of the attempt to not be type cast. Walrus is about to release the band’s first solo album, and in the meantime, Kim Jae Wook just landed in Japan this week for his scheduled fan meeting. *grumbles, cursed those lucky obasans* As cute as Absolute Mu Gyul was, that above is what a real indie band looks like. Sadly, I’m more of a pop girl, so I can only admire the authentic indie spirit from the place where I listen to “Take Care, My Bus” and happily love it.

I really can’t get over how wild and free spirited the real Kim Jae Wook is, as opposed to repressed and restrained he was when playing Jung In. It was only the undeniable and incomparable Geun-Geun chemistry that kept me firmly on the M&M ship, but in secret I was dying to do all sorts of naughty things to Jung In. See, Mae Ri can only belong to Mu Gyul, so that means I can have Jung In, right? *is happy* Let’s watch some of the latest clips and MVs for Kim Jae Wook, shall we?

Teaser MV for Seoul Witch (a very breezy song)

MV for To Be (the first single of the album – totally hard rock edgey)

Kim Jae Wook interview in Japan this week
(listening to him speak Japanese makes my knees buckle)

[News] Yoon Shi-yoon scores first leading role in film.

[News] Yoon Shi-yoon scores first leading role in film.
Cr. - javabeans

Last year’s king of baking and king of ratings Yoon Shi-yoon (Baker King Kim Tak-gu) lands his first leading role in the movie One Hundred Percent, about…golf. Really? What’s with the golf stories lately? Didn’t they notice what happened to Birdie Buddy? I get that it’s a big sport, but it’s the dramatic appeal that’s lost on me. Oh well. Yoon Shi-yoon managed to make the whole country care about baking, so maybe he’s got it in him to start some golf frenzy. Ha. Now that’s an oxymoron. Isn’t golf the sport where the audience does the silent clap?

Yoon Shi-yoon will be playing…wait for it…a GENIUS pro golfer. Pfft. Oh, K-Drama/Film-land. Sigh. Why does every character have to be a frickin’ genius at something? It makes me laugh to think that based on these odds, everyone and their mother in Korea is a genius. Throw a stone, hit a genius. Why yes, that person makes a good cup of coffee, but he’s no ordinary barista. He’s a genius barista!

On an up note, it’s a comedy, so there’s potential to see a new side of Yoon Shi-yoon, and for it to not take the genius thing too seriously. It’ll be helmed by first-time director Kim Myung-kyun, and rounded out by veterans Chun Ho-jin (Paradise Ranch), Park Sang-myun (Mary’s papa in Mary Stayed Out All Night), Lee Byung-joon (Principal Shi in Dream High, Director Park in Secret Garden), and Lee Kyung-young (Invincible).

Yoon said, “It’s the first time in my life I’ve ever played golf, so it’s hard. But since I learned the form, I’m falling in love with the sport. It’s a lot of pressure to play the lead in a movie for the first time, but I won’t get cold feet and I’m going to do my best.”

And while Yoon Shi-yoon is no genius actor, he’s a pretty darn good one, for a relative newbie, and I’m looking forward to seeing him in more comedic roles. Perhaps it’ll be a nice transitional project out of makjang-land and into a rom-com? One Hundred Percent starts shooting this weekend.

[News] Wu Chun wishes Ariel all the best for her rumored love.

[News] Wu Chun wishes Ariel all the best for her rumored love.
Cr. - cpopaccess

Recently rumored to be in love with a "wealthy man", Ariel Lin has had her fans and manager worried about her getting her heart broken due to her lack of experience in love. In response, Ariel said, "Thank you everyone for being concerned for me. I have also already told my manager that she shouldn't worry. Everything will take its natural course. (I) hope everyone can give me some space."

There's also been talk that the "wealthy man" has already been a marriage before, but Ariel says that she will not be affected by news reports, and will instead decide with her own heart. Even her manager expressed, "Ariel's morals are very high, I believe she will know how to choose."

As for her once rumored-relationship costar, Wu Chun, the two were seen together on screen after five years. As the latest spokesperson for Coca-Cola, the two's 8-digit compensation is rivaling that of Jolin Tsai and Ethan Ruan for Pepsi. After so many years Wu Chun was quick to compliment Ariel on her beauty, and was also just as quick to say that Ariel has always been like an "older sister" to him for bringing him into the acting scene.

When asked about his opinion on Ariel's rumored love, Wu Chun first asked whether it was confirmed before saying, "Newpapers often say that a man and woman are a couple if photographed alone. I haven't heard Ariel talk about this. I think the most important thing is to find someone that suits her, understands her, and is a responsible man. If such a match appears, then, of course, I would be happy for her and wish her all the best."

For those of you who missed the post on their commercial together for New Year 2011.

Wu Chun , Ariel Lin : 'Coca-Cola' CF 2011.




Wu Chun , Ariel Lin : 'Coca-Cola'New Year`s Stars Party 2011.

[Interview] Ueno Juri’s interview for “Gou ~Hime tachi no Sengoku~”.

[Interview] Ueno Juri’s interview for “Gou ~Hime tachi no Sengoku~”.
Cr. - tokyohive

Ueno Juri’s interview session for NHK’s upcoming 50th taiga drama, “Gou ~Hime tachi no Sengoku~“.

It is Ueno’s first time appearing and starring in a period drama ever, and is thus quite a big challenge and memorable step for her. “Every day I’m using up all of my power for the filming,” she said.

In the drama, Ueno portrays the main character, “Gou”, the third daughter of Oichi, the younger sister of Oda Nobunaga and Azai Nagamasa. Gou, her two sisters, and her mother ended up living with Nobunaga after Nagamasa was forced to commit seppuku after the constant sieges by Nobunaga. Later, she married Tokugawa Hidetada, who became a shogun. Her son Iemitsu became a shogun as well, while her daughter married the Emperor of Japan. Gou’s two sisters also married very powerful men.

Ueno about the role, “One of the producers told me that Gou’s life was like water. She did meet a lot of different people, did visit a lot of different places, and did have a lot of different thoughts. Her way of life was very flexible, and it always changed according to the current situation. It might not be the way I live my life, but I still think it was a wonderful life. I hope you will come to enjoy it while watching the drama and become fascinated by all the people we are going to meet through Gou.”

She also talked about some similarities between her and Gou: “Just like her I am the youngest of three sisters. I think the environment and the organization of a family has a big influence on your life. When you leave home you start to discover things you would like to do by yourself and just do them. As the youngest of 3 sisters or brothers you don’t think about the responsibilities. Gou also started to just do her own thing since childhood.”

Ueno also acted out some of the childhood days of Gou. “The prejudice of her being a princess quickly disappeared,” she said. “After understanding her feelings, you start to become very close with her. I’m going to play her through various ages, from childhood to marriage to being a mother. While following the story one by one, a lot of scenes become fun memories for me. All of them show the growth of Gou and will probably help me a lot when I’m going to portray her adult days.”

Further, there is the pressure of it being the 50th taiga drama of NHK. “I can feel the responsibility and pressure. I have a very strong desire for it to become an absolutely great drama that is going to make everyone happy. My goal simply is for it to become a great drama. The plot is packed with a very deep story and it’s going to start off right away with the first episode. There is a big range, from funny to serious moments, throughout the story. Even people who don’t know a lot about history, princesses, and military commanders will be able to enjoy this drama thanks to all the emotions and interesting elements,” Ueno appealed to the viewers.

“Gou ~Hime tachi no Sengoku~” is based on an original novel written by Tabuchi Kumiko, who wrote it solely for the purpose of the drama. She penned the script for the drama as well. In the past, she was also responsible for the script of the very popular 47th taiga drama, “Atsuhime” (2008), staring Miyazaki Aoi.

NHK is going to premier their 50th taiga drama on January 9th, 2011. The first episode will be 73 minutes long.

“Gou ~Hime tachi no Sengoku~” : เรื่องย่อ

[News] JYPE responds to plagiarism accusations “Some Day” for “Dream High”.

[News] JYPE responds to plagiarism accusations “Some Day” for “Dream High”.
Cr. - allkpop

An OST track from KBS’s “Dream High” had some netizens accusing JYP Entertainment of plagiarism. The song in question, “Some Day“, was written by Park Jin Young and sung by teenage sensation, IU.

According to the complaints, “Some Day” reportedly carries a chorus similar to Ash’s song ‘To My Man’, which released back in October of 2005. Others are of the view that it’s not just the chorus that was similar, but the progression of the song as well. The difference, they point out, is that ‘Some Day’s beat was faster than ‘To My Man’s.

JYP Entertainment released their official statement to Star News on January 29th, which began: “When this controversy sprouted, we listened to ‘To My Man’ today. When we heard it, the chorus part did seem similar, but these chord progressions and melodies are frequently used in mainstream music.”

“There are many people who are associated to the song ‘To My Man’, and there are a lot of people who know the song as well. Therefore, it doesn’t make sense to intentionally plagiarize.”

JYPE also explained that they utilize a system of checks to prevent these kinds of accusations. “To be honest, there have been controversies like this before, so in our company we always have some inside lyricists and/or producers, as well as employees who listen to the song. Of course, the A&R department also check the music very ‘hard’ too. We even utilize smartphone music-search applications.”

Still, the company did express their regret about having such an issue arise. “Despite our efforts, we are regretful that this kind of situation happened. We hope that the producer of ‘To My Man’, Kim Shin Il, and the public will generously understand this.”

On the other hand, Kim Shin Il said in a phone call with Star News, “Actually, I haven’t listened to ‘Some Day’ yet. After I listen to it, I’ll reveal my thoughts (about the possibility of plagiarism).”

Kim Shin Il, a talented musician and soul singer, graduated from the Berklee College of Music and has produced various albums from singers like Lee Mun Se and Kim Jang Hoon.

Comparison Between Ash 'To My Man' & IU 'Some Day'

[News] Jang Geun Suk is already receiving interest for his Japanese single.

[News] Jang Geun Suk is already receiving interest for his Japanese single.
Cr. - allkpop

Hallyu Star new generation Jang Geun Suk, who is planning on releasing a Japanese single in March, has ranked highly in the pre-order ranking charts.

On January 29th, Jang Geun Suk’s entertainment company, Tree Company, revealed that Jang Geun Suk’s first Japanese single has ranked 1st on a Japanese online music site, HMV.

Jang Geun Suk has already shown off his amazing vocal skills in various drama OSTs, and has received a lot of interest from Japanese fans due to the Asia Tour he did last year.



Jang Geun Suk’s Japanese representatives have revealed, “Jang Geung Suk has recieved a lot of interest because of the drama, ‘You’re Beautiful.’ Lately, K-Pop is receiving an overwhelming interest in Japan. We are very happy to announce that new Hallyu star Jang Geun Suk’s upcoming single has ranked 1st on the pre-order charts.”

On March 23rd, Jang Geun Suk wil release his first Japanese single. Following that, on March 27th, Jang Geun Suk will have a showcase with 15,000 fans at the Big Site Concert Hall.

[News] Meet the cops of KBS’s Crime Squad.

[News] Meet the cops of KBS’s Crime Squad.
Cr. - javabeans

Following teen idol drama Dream High, we have the more serious crime drama titled, appropriately enough, Crime Squad. Below are shots from the drama’s poster shoot earlier this week, featuring its cast of cops.

The drama stars Kim Seung-woo (IRIS) and Song Il-kook (A Man Called God), each of whom embody two very differing working styles. Kim Seung-woo plays a cold, clean-cut, buttoned-up police chief, while Song Il-kook is decidedly scruffier as the hotheaded cop. (After seeing the latter playing sageuk kings and sleek modern badasses, I have to say I really like him rumpled-up and sporting some ‘tude.)



The other cast members include (below, from left to right) T-Max rapper Kim Joon (returning to the acting scene after his debut in the hit teen drama Boys Before Flowers), Sunwoo Sun (Will It Snow For Christmas), and Jang Hang-sun (Baker King Kim Tak-gu).

Not pictured here are Park Sun-young (Sons of Sol Pharmacy). Song Ji-hyo plays a reporter intern, a character that the actress describes as “very bright and strong-willed.” After a run-in with Song Il-kook’s character (with whom Song reunites after acting together in the hit sageuk Jumong), she accompanies him to the scene of the crime and nabs a story, and afterward, they continue to cross each other’s paths in unexpected ways.

Song Il-kook explained that he took the role because he wanted to work with Kim Seung-woo, and if these guys have any chemistry together, it could be fantastic to see them clashing and playing off each other. On the other hand, the PD-writer creds have me a little worried, since Kwon Kye-hong last directed the convoluted melodrama Bad Love… and that inspires very little confidence. I can’t find much info on the two writers, which inspires even less confidence. No, wait, I think Bad Love still trumps inexperience.

Crime Squad premieres on March 7.