Is it just me, or is everyone in dramaland impersonating a yo-yo these days? At least Kang Ji-hwan is trying to STAY on a drama rather than leave one. Blockbuster 3D fusion sageuk medical drama (rah, that’s a mouthful) Faith has lost its leading man, not once, but twice, and it looks like bachelor number two is back again for another round.
Kang Ji-hwan is reportedly digging his heels in, trying to iron out his ongoing battle with the Korea Entertainment Producers Association, so that he can stick with Faith, which begins principal photography next month. He had originally announced leaving the production due to the contract dispute that’s been hanging over his head for the past year. It’s also been putting a damper on a certain co-blogger’s penchant for dramas starring the man in question.
Kang’s side claims that his contract dispute with his last management company was settled, but the Korea Entertainment Producers Association claims that he starred in Coffee House without clearance, and has since pushed for him to take a hiatus, prompting him to finally bow out of Faith late last year. The hilarious thing is, the Producers Association is claiming that they never forced him to quit Faith. But…are you still boycotting? ‘Cause I’m not good at math, but that doesn’t add up, from where I stand.
Faith‘s PD Kim Jong-hak (Legend) released a noncommittal statement that nothing could be announced officially because Kang Ji-hwan’s dispute hasn’t been cleared yet, though I can see a multitude of reasons why he’d want to hang on to Kang, not least of which is the 10 million won blown on pre-production with Kang as the star, including test shots and promotional materials.
The astronomical budget of 30 billion won is mostly going to be funding the special effects, which makes me think that despite its description as a drama about eastern medicine in the Goryeo era, that it’s going to be much more action-centric, a la PD Kim’s last drama, Legend.
Faith boasts a star-studded cast including Kim Hee-sun, Philip Lee, Kim Seung-soo, and Choi Min-soo, and begins filming in April.
Via Star News
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There are many reasons for actors/actresses to have to drop / leave projects.
so much legal drama these days in K-entertainment…i just want me some KJH!!
I agree…I’m having KJH withdrawls!
Nice title.
But yeah, it seems to be a never ending saga.
Oh I really hope Kang Ji-hwan can stay on the project. I do like the premise of the drama and I think he’d be perfect for the role.
KEPA will claim this to keep out of a lawsuit from KJH agency or himself…. but the behind the scene truth could be that they pressured him until he gave up Faith… when he pointed the finger on them they just told “WHO?US? NO WAY” – there are a few scandals ongoing that KEPA should mediate … but the results are nowhere to be seen (see JYJ -Mycky Yoochun is one of them- or a lil more recently KARA or 2009′s scandal with BBF suicide girl -in that scandal not even police could poke its nose in shady Korean entertainment)
don’t worry this happens not only in Korea… the power of money is scary
even I don’t like KJH’s acting(in fact I really hate it ) I like that he fights against the system for his own right
I miss edit button – T^T
Been a while since Kim Hee Sun starred in something. I cant wait to hear more about this.
wanna see him in drama badly T_T
That is a monster cast. Its mostly the Choi Min soo part that gets me pumped. Hope this legal drama clears up.
Kang Ji Hwan…I miss you so much…hope everything gets ironed out soon!!!
A 3D drama? *snort* Excuse me while I try to regain my composure. This is simply ridiculous. I may sound like an old fuddy duddy (despite being in my 20s), but this whole 3D craze is straight up annoying and unnecessary and I refuse to watch anything in 3D. Sorry Kang Ji-hwan, you may be adorable, but maybe next time when you stick to the 2D world. *continues to side-eye anybody buying a 3D TV*
is it 3D???????? I know that Koreans want to establish the first channel airing in 3D…however…(c’mon Samsung, LG,Daewoo and other kgroups with a huge presence around the world-are companies which sell TV sets… and for a usual TV has a life span of 10-15 years- so they need to be inventive if they want big sales)
I have a serious astigmatism (over 3) seriously how could I ever watch a 3D smth?(I tried a few movies even I knew the restrictions-of course I had just headaches
I am right there with you. Don’t mean to sound old school or anything, but I see nothing wrong with anything being in 2D. Our regular old TVs show depth! It’s not like Paper Mario or anything.
Anyways, I also refuse to watch anything in 3D. It’s not worth the extra money.
I agree, 3D is so stupid. And If you’re an old fuddy-duddy, so am I! I’m in my 20s too.
also in my 20s and think 3D is horrible fad. I’ve watched a few 3D movies (mostly because of my friends) and I actually get less enjoyment from 3D than a regular movie. 3D is just so gimmicky, like blinking text or the sparkly animated gifs of yore. And it really sucks for people like me who wear glasses instead of contacts.
I’ll still watch Faith, but I’m worried about how much money will be going into making a 3D tv series, that may or may not rake in ratings (you never know what’s going to tickle someone’s fancy). How are they going to work 3D in with the already crazy filming schedule (and the KJH dispute), unless everything is filmed before airing.
in my 20s also … dont get the 3d thing… fuddy duddies of the world unite lol
Though I’ve seen two movies in 3D, I’m still not quite fond of it. Even if I have the money, I don’t see myself buying a 3D TV. It’s painful to the eyes and gives me headache. I’m in my 20′s as well, so I’m a fuddy duddy, too! I love the term. :p
‘Nother 20-something fuddy duddy in the house.
Uh! 3D?!?!
So Kim Jong-hak really is trying to outdo the meh-ness of Legend with another that’s going to be even more laughably overambitious?
But I can’t wait for Choi Min-soo and Park Sang-won to reunite anyway.
What is this – a post about Kang Ji-hwan that’s not by “a certain co-blogger”? gilrfriday, is this turnabout for the post about Lee Seung-gi dropping out the HS drama?
Here’s hoping we get to see KJH on the small screen soooon.
sorry, I meant “out of”
I was just missing him and wondering when he will be back on my screen. Hope he makes it back soon!
awww
i was anticipating him in a new drama. i hope he wins this fight!
KEPA, stop starving your artists!!!!!
K Drama God, I just want to watch Kang Ji-wan in anything this year. Amen.
You and JB are hilarious, addressing each other subtly as “a certain co-blogger”…..ha, ha, ha! So cute !
Maybe if he offer the producer’s association a “donation” from his paycheck, they will clear the way!
Some ppl remain stubborn. Noli intrare mea kjh.
it so terrible , the actor have to figt for a drama
by the way I would like to see Kang Ji-hwan in this drama, keep trying!!!!!!!
I surely miss KJH and his mole on the tip of his nose.
^ , ^
KJH, keep the faith!