Kwon Sang Woo returns to television after three years in the upcoming KBS Monday-Tuesday drama (starting December 3) Wretched Love (a more apt but slangy translation could be “Screwed-up Love”), which is described as being different from “normal trendy dramas.”

(Frankly, it seems like everything is being described as “different” these days, which I think is more just an indication that the staples that made Hallyu famous are shifting in a new direction. I don’t think we’ll be seeing many more “standard” trendy dramas anytime soon, since everyone’s tastes have been whetted for deviations from the cliches.)

But Wretched Love is different because it’s not “soft” (connotation: sissy) and “romantic” (the writer uses those words like they’re insults), but rather, in keeping with its title, the melodrama depicts love that’s so effed-up it can ruin a life. The love triangle wears down its participants so much that it makes a person want to shout, “Love’s a bitch.” Sounds like a charmer!

Producers are counting on fellow masochists to watch this lovely-sounding scenario unfold and sigh along, “Ah, I’d like to love like that once too.” Sure, and I say life’s not complete until we all drive ice picks through various bodily appendages. The pain means you’re alive! (For now.)

After showing his tearful acting in such weepies as Sad Story and Stairway to Heaven, Kwon Sang Woo shows his “manly” and “intense” side in his new project (who else thinks the reporter’s being awfully chauvinistic merely from his/her word choice?). Cuz real men don’t cry about love, they ruin it, apparently.

As for his romantic (or should I say “wretched” and “miserable” instead, since romance doesn’t seem to be the order of the day) female lead, auditions are being held to cast the lucky lady who gets to be wrecked by tragic love. Can’t wait!

Sources: Star News, MyDaily, Donga.com.

(Random) SONG OF THE DAY

Roller Coaster – “悲幸記 (비행기)” (Sad, happy story) [ Download ]

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