Rumors have been confirmed and the second female lead of PD Pyo Min-soo‘s upcoming drama Coffee House will be Ham Eun-jung, the leader of girl group T-ara.
She’ll join Kang Ji-hwan and Park Shi-yeon, who have already been cast, and plays “Kang Seung-yeon,” the daughter of a coffee shop owner who is studying to take the civil service examination. Her personality is bright despite “difficult circumstances” and she becomes the secretary to Kang Ji-hwan’s bestselling novelist character. The love triangle will be completed by Park Shi-yeon, who plays a publisher. Though more famous these days as a pop starlet, Eun-jung, now 21, was actually a child actor and had roles in the 2004 drama Toji, the Land and the 2002 movie Madeleine.
Additionally, actor Jung Jun-ho, most recently of action blockbuster IRIS, has been confirmed for a special appearance in the first two episodes. He agreed readily upon PD Pyo’s request. Veteran actor Lee Soon-jae (High Kick Through the Roof), Chuno and Queen Seon-deok baddie Ahn Gil-kang, and familiar grandma Kim Ji-young (Wish Upon a Star) have also signed on.
The drama is being marketed as the second in a “House” series, following 2004 hit Full House, but it’s also being described as “the story of professionals whose lives burn with passion,” which is a lot like how Pyo’s last drama, The World They Live In, was described. Since Coffee House is a romantic-comedy series, I’m guessing the tone will be somewhere between the two.
Coffee House will air after Oh My Lady ends on SBS.
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Tags: Coffee House, Ham Eun-jung, Jung Jun-ho, Lee Soon-jae
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I can’t wait to see this, my only dislike is that I cant find myself to like Park Shiyeon in this role…I just can’t….something about her…may be because she’s too pretty or too ‘elegant’
OT
what happened to Full House 2 though? Cancelled -right?!
Will imma so gonna watch this drama. This is the director of Full House.. on eof my fav dramas of all tiime. I can’t wait to see Ham Eun-jung as a lead actoress, I wonder if she can act?! Hope this drama doesn’t let me dowwnn!
@ otk I don’t even think theirs gonna be a Full House 2!
Ditto. I am not Park Shi Yeon’s fan. She is not a good actress and not attractive..
Eun Jung was a child actress before T-ara.
yeah me too. I was interested in watching this but I really don’t like Park Shi Yeon and so not sure if I’ll watch it now because she’s in it. She is one of those very annoying actresses on screen. no charisma at all.
I was iffy about watching this in the future, but now that Eunjung and Jung Junho is in it, I’ll definitely be watching.
I wonder who will be KJH’s love interest, EJ or SY.
I know Eun Jung is loved as the charismatic leader, but as far as acting goes, I’m not too sure. I’m a bit disappointed at this.. yet on the other hand, maybe I’ll be more fond of her in the drama
?
she was also in the movie the beast and the beauty as shhin minah’s yoiunger sisiter
It seems that I am not the only one who is a bit disappointed that Park Shi-yeon has been cast as the female lead. I just find her acting a bit meh, for lack of a better description. Unfortunately, that might be enough for me to take a pass on this one, in spite of my love for all things Kang Ji-hwan.
Ham Eunjung can definitely act. Although she’s only had minor roles in movies and music videos, she can act as well as many notable Korean actors and actresses. You can youtube her scenes from movies like the World of Silence, or her role in mvs like SG Wannabe’s Gashiri.
I am excited! Jung Joonho <3
Boo hoo!! I’m so upset for Kang Ji Hwan. He could have had a better pairing. Hated Park Shi Yeon in “My girl” so have never seen her in anything after that. I will have to force myself to watch this drama now b/c of KJH.
I always get a bit nervous when they cast people from Idol groups – i have no idea if they’re experienced actors or not. Sure, they increase the ratings because the younger fans will most likely tune in… but look at Kim Hyun Joong in Boys over Flowers – great eye candy, but his acting was so stiff! I haven’t seen the most recent episodes of Cinderella’s Sister, how was Taecyeon?
@ moira – surprisingly for a rookie , Taecyeon had been doing a good job. He hasn’t had any major scenes just a little here and there so it is yet to be seen how he will do when his character gets more involved in the storyline but so far so good.
I like many others are hesitant about idol singers in acting roles but I have seen some of Eunjung’s acting and she isn’t half bad so I am a lot less hesitant about her than people such as Yunho, Changmin, and other first time idol turned actors. Unlike many idol stars, Eunjung has had some experience in many MVs, some CFs and movies prior to becoming an idol singer so it will be interesting how she will do as a lead. Hyunjoong was indeed bad but not all idols are bad, take Shiwon and Eunhye, both are pretty decent idol-turned- actors.
I really liked Full House so I will probably at least give this a try because of my soft spot for Kang Ji-Hwan.
imma excited cuz this is eunjung’s first acting break. she wasnt too bad in the GoS cameo. Hmm dunno what everyone has against PSY. mebbe her lack of personality on FO o.o?
Yes Kang Ji Hwan! And even though I was hesitant abt Eunjung, I’m glad to find out that she had some acting experience before instead of being an instant pop-star-turned-actress. Not sure abt Park Shi Yeon….
So the new name is supposed to reflect a connection to Full House? Honestly, when I heard it, my first thought was Coffee Prince. I definitely preferred Page One as a title.
Anyway, I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s not too fond of PSY. Honestly, all I remember of her in My Girl was that she scoffed a lot. It seemed like her only face was the “I can’t believe this is happening to me” one–absolutely no variety and very little depth. I only saw a few episodes of Story of a Man (I know, I know, I keep meaning to finish it), but it did seem like her acting improved, if only a tad. Here’s to hoping she’s gotten even better!
Besides, with KJH, NO ONE can look bad. His greatness just rubs off on everyone around him. =]
Oh, and I absolutely adore JJH! It’s too bad he’ll only be in the first two episodes…maybe the writers will give him little scenes throughout the rest of the episodes…or heck, just give him a full role in the thing! =]
Poor PSY, are you guys really gonna judge her alone on My Girl? Watch A man’s story, while she wasn’t the best on the show, she has improved.
She’s a good actress, she does lack charisma and her facial expression are awkward but I believe if she’s given the right role she’ll excel. Like Han Ye Seul who gets bashed right, left and centre but has done quite well in her last two dramas.
I’m so glad i’m not the only one who is not please with Park Shi Yeon as the lead actress. Why is she always paired up with men I love and adore?
is it too selfish of me to want sung yuri in this??
i’ve only seen park shiyeon in my girl where she only had one facial expression on throughout the whole show, but that was years ago, i am sure she has improved….i think. we’ll see…
all you Park Shi Yeon haters are really pathetic. I mean taking a pass on this drama just because she is in it? PATHETIC.
@21, there’s only one person in this entire comment section thus far that has said anything about passing on this drama because of Park Shi Yeon. Relax…
Bo Peep, Bo Peep, Bo Peep, Ah! Ah!
Poor KJH , any better actresses to pair with him .
kjh fans, instead of bashing PSY, should be thanking her (and all the other actors involved in this project) for allowing herself to be associated with any project he’s in. he’s an arrogant ingrate, and not even that great an actor…
additional comment:
kjh fans should stop acting arrogant like their idol. instead, you should be thanking your lucky stars, the heavens, God, or whatever deity you believe in that your idol still has a career after all the trouble he brought on himself for his foolhardy, arrogant and stupid decisions.
I haven’t seen PSY acting before to be honest, so I don’t have much to say about her. Like some other people, I’m hesitant to start on a drama if an idol happens to have a bigger role in it, but this time I’m actually quite pleased with the decision. I’ve seen some of Eunjung’s work before she’s known as the charismatic idol’s leader and she can definitely act. She sure isn’t falling behind all those other actors out there. I’m sure she’ll do well on this one and together with KJH, I’ll be looking forward to this for sure.
@ 25: Exactly what arrogant and stupid decisions are you talking about?
Also, I sincerely think he’s a good actor though some of his projects weren’t the best showcases for his ability. However, I enjoyed his acting in all of the projects I saw. He’s talented, and I don’t know how you’re warranted in calling him arrogant if you don’t know him. Unless you know something that I don’t.. In that case could you please educate me?
Also, for the people bashing PSY, don’t. Haha unless you’ve given her a chance. I definitely think she’s improved since My Girl and she deserves a chance. I find her elegant and sexy. I actually didn’t like her before, but I saw her in Story of a Man and changed my mind. Give the girl a chance!
lord reading all these comments makes me think that they did cast some controversial actors here..i mean controversial on the basis of their acting
thanks for the article Javabeans
can’t wait for them to start filming and airing.
Wow, this is a random news. Didn’t expect Eunjung to be a lead in the drama. I’m not a fan of Park Shi Yeon but I’m interested to see how Eunjung acts. I will tune into this.
i think jung joon not jung jun-ho was put in as cameo, cause i was looking for him all through ep 1-2 to find that the character DO-SANG is played by jung joon a name similar to the veteran actor jung jun-ho
Now that the series has concluded in Los Angeles on SBS LA-18
All I can say about the negative comments listed above, regarding Park Shi Yeon are simply the out poring of mindless amateurish criticize m…. The consensus here is that she is incredibly talented and really made the entire series work. Furthermore: I cant wait until she is signed to another Drama and although Ms. Ham is oh so sexy cute, Ms.Park showed her true actor class as a beautifully poised Actress!!.
We all love you Ms Park here in Los Angeles, (in case the critics have forgotten) the entertainment capitol of the world. Thanks for the wonderful “in character ” portrayal and truly memorable weekly experience!
LA Rock-it tim_mungovan@netzero.com