Drama Casting & News
Gong Hyo-jin sports a new look for Best Love
by | April 5, 2011 | 95 Comments

A new drama, a new haircut for Gong Hyo-jin, who showed off her newly short hairstyle at last week’s script reading for her upcoming trendy drama, Best Love.

Gong plays Gu Ae-jung, a former idol group singer (along with Yoo Inna and Lee Hee-jin) who now has a negative public image, which already makes her an interesting heroine. It’s one thing for a heroine to be a has-been star (as she was described previously), because I can imagine a lot of ways in which a former idol could have lost her popularity and faded from the public eye. But this is the first time I’m hearing that Ae-jung is actively disliked, and that opens up a lot of narrative possibilities. Is she misunderstood? Wrongly maligned? Or maybe just a bitch?

Cha Seung-won, on the other hand, plays Dokko Jin, an A-list star who’s beloved by all, and has a bright, merry personality. Bright and merry, from the Athena and City Hall tough guy? I don’t doubt he can pull it off and I look forward to it, but it IS a pretty drastic change from his recent image. Perhaps it won’t be too much to hope that in keeping with Jin’s lovable image, he’ll finally shave off that furry animal growing on his face? One can hope.

Meanwhile, Yoon Kye-sang plays Ae-jung’s other suitor, a warm and friendly doctor of Oriental medicine, while funnyman Jung Jun-ha plays her older brother and manager.

Best Love replaces Royal Family and airs in May.

Via Seoul.co.kr

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95 Comments from the Beanut Gallery
  1. come2noona

    Gong Hyo Jin looks so cute with the new ‘do! Sounds like a fun drama. Can’t wait!

    • 1.1 h311ybean

      I just wanted to say that I loooove your username :D

      • 1.1.1 come2noona

        Thanks!

        So many great Korean actors…. so little time. *sigh*

        • 1.1.1.1 drama fever

          Hahaha….you’re funny. I love your name too…:)

        • 1.1.1.2 gailT

          me three! I love your name.
          unfortunately (or fortunately), i’ve become a noona, and it took me by surprise. but if it’s song joong ki that calls me noona, it’s OK. :)

  2. Beng

    oh, i can;t wait for this drama! i would also want to see CHW clean shaven. wish, wish, wish…pray, pray pray

    • 2.1 Jomo

      Getting rid of the facial hair would make him instantly less intimidating, yet still very hmmmmmable.

      The make-up folks couldn’t miss this short-cut.

    • 2.2 kelly

      No, am I the only one who loves his stache lol. I find it so hot.

      • 2.2.1 Nana

        I think it’s hot too, but I like it when he left it as in City Hall, not let it grow into rainfall forest like in Athena.

        Lee Jia must had feast with those things scrubbing her face. That’s the only thing I think of when their hot scene came out.

    • 2.3 come2noona

      I am SO right there with you! *wish* *wish* *wish*

  3. KotKot

    She isn’t a beauty, but she is cute…

    • 3.1 malta

      Remember this spread for High Cut. Come on(!), she may not qualify as kdrama goddess (how many of us do), but I think she is beautiful.

      http://www.dramabeans.com/2011/02/gong-hyo-jins-quirky-charm-in-high-cut/

      • 3.1.1 Lilith

        Honestly? I don’t find her beautiful, I don’t find Bae Doo Na pretty and I didn’t find Lee Seung Ki attractive at first sight. But, they’re so great in what they do, that looks doesn’t even matter and while you’re watching then you stay “Ohhhh, come here, please, hug me!”.

    • 3.2 gala

      well, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and for me Gong Hyo Jin is beautiful. she has this face that the longer you look at it, the softer and sweeter her features get. and then with the right balanced amount of make up applied on her, she can exude so much sophistication and style.

      • 3.2.1 Webster

        Roger, that! This an actress/woman whose soft and subtle personality draws you in gradually rather than knocking you off of your feet in the way say a “Song Hye Kyo” or a “Choi Ji Woo” would. Seeing her tenderly care for her HIV-positive daughter and senile grandfather in ‘Thank You.’ Or even just walking home slowly down a country in her simple sundress as the day fades into night (a memorable scene from that same production) were enough for me tp recognize what an extraordinarily attractive woman she is. In any type of costume or hairstyle, it is Gong hyo Jin’s inner warmth that radiates. This is the real mark of beauty in any woman or person…

        • 3.2.1.1 Christine

          I’ll agree with that – absolutely!

    • 3.3 drama fever

      For Gong Hyo Jin fan, please don’t throw rocks at me. She is pretty and talented in her own way but I don’t like her for some reason. I will five this drama a chance but she just turn me off as an actress every time I don’ t know why.

      • 3.3.1 SteamyBun

        Now where oh where did I put my bag of Rocks…? Just kidding.

        She looks so cute with short hair! And I cannot WAIT for this show. Every time I’m in a drama slump the Hong Sisters come along and rescue me. Just in time for summer break, too!

    • 3.4 Christy

      GHY has a beauty that grows on you! I really think she’s beautiful.

  4. tiffany

    cute and lovely as always! no matter what, bc shes got that contagious smile and laugh :) )) cant wait for this to air!

  5. Leona

    I wonder how will they manage to insert all the cameos from MGIAG here Shin Mina No Min Woo(here is simple they can make him sing) Park Soo Jin , Yoon Yoo Sun, Sung Dong Il, Hyomin etc
    OMG I’m already making scripts even Jang Geunk Suk should make an appearance (his MMM was too much of a disaster)

  6. weissman

    Gong Hyo-jin -I have seen her in a few things and I think she is amamzing . I loved her in Pasta, the cute level was off the scale

  7. deeko

    Strangely looking forward to this… Love her sweater! (Obsessed with cardigans). It’s a little odd to me that her character is initially unlikeable. Most times, the main lead seems great at first but gets annoying toward the middle. But the Hong Sisters are pretty good with making their leads very endearing. I’m excited for the cast! Can’t wait.

    Good morning, dramabeans! :) Have a great day.

  8. antonia

    my most expected drama of the year. i really really want it now!!!
    btw, please CSW don’t shave!!! you look so gorgeous with some facial hair, you only have to soften it a little <3

  9. Fasiris Fay

    That fury animal is the reason why I can’t see him in a fun and lovable Hong sisters’ drama! >_< I mean, I usually love the Hong sisters' heros for their lovability and weird quirks…but how can I love a guy who seems to always be giving the stink eye?

    :(

    • 9.1 jojo

      He had a sexy and playful side in City Hall…you just haven’t seen it…but I have…definitely lovable

  10. 10 Goldie

    thank you jb.

    She has a small shape “peace” tattoo on her left index finger ?

    • 10.1 malta

      If that is real than it just makes me love her more! Also I kinda want to watch a marathon of this show that hasn’t even been filmed yet!

      Can’t wait for the premiere. I <3 CSW! dreamy.

  11. 11 Madita

    *****Cha Seung-won, on the other hand, plays Dokko Jin, an A-list star who’s beloved by all, and has a bright, merry personality. Bright and merry, from the Athena and City Hall tough guy? I don’t doubt he can pull it off and I look forward to it, but it IS a pretty drastic change from his recent image….*****

    I have no doubt that he can pull it off, he was from time to time quite funny and hillarious in City Hall

    I am so what of looking forward to this drama, espacially because of Cha Senung-Won. Since CH I am a great fan of him. But I dont like him very much as a villain, which he prefers to play. Well he can act there is no doubt about it, but if the drama in which he plays a villain aslo sucks, then I cant stand him as the the bad guy…like in Athena for example.

    So I am please that he will play an A-list Star with a nice personalitiy. I believe that this drama will definatelly a drama which will give us a lot of laughters….

    Cant wait to watch it, sigghhhhhhh

    Thank you for the news JB

    • 11.1 Phyllis

      I think it is a strong example of actors being ACTORS. Why should one always play the “cheerful though arrogant, good, guy” or the “melancholy, evil, bad guy. If they are true professional actors (I am not saying they are not) they should be able to morph into another character.

      I wish producers, writers, and directors would have this much faith in other actors. It would be so delightful to see!

      “City Hall” is one of those shows that I wish I hadn’t seen yet or wish I had a bad memory because I want to watch it again and again. It is incredibly awesome!

      • 11.1.1 QD

        Totally agree with you Phyllis! Personally CSW is one of the most versatile and talented ACTORS. As in he doesnt shy away from playing a villian just because he wont have good image. He is a true actor and has so much range that if you follow his works, which I have been, watch him in City Hall, Ghost House & Kick the Moon and you see the comedic side of him (Family Outing just proves in real life he has a great sense of humor & natural comedy chops) . When you watch Athena or Blades of Blood or 71 into the fire, you see the dangerous bad boy be it period or modern landscape (Madita, the fact that you hate him in Athena, shows how good he is in portraying his character) . When you watch A Day with my Son or even City Hall , you know he can play Melo as well (tissue feast!). I admire CSW for taking on complex roles (for e.g Secret) because each drama or movie has a story to tell and whichever character he plays he makes it believable. Of Course the fangirly in me also finds him oh-so-hot! You got to hand it to him, he 40 years old and he still looks like a korean equivalent to a greek god! Mustache or not, I find that he uses it so effectively for the roles he chooses to play. He can easily just go with a look that he looks the most handsome yet he doesn’t , for his ‘art’ he will even wear a jail outfit or mismatch suits just for the role. I love that about him! Even more so as he still looks good whatever the ‘morphing’ roles he takes. What sets him apart the most from the current popular actors is that is he isn’t feminine looking or just portraying good roles. He is gifted with a unique face and not to mention voice!!!! Of Course one cannot ignore his eyes and he doesnt over-acts and conveys a multitude of emotions just with his eyes! *fans herself* I think its fair enough to say I cant wait for this drama and that I am smitten by CSW! Thanks JB for keeping us up to date! Roll on May!!!

  12. 12 hitsugaya

    cha seung won can be funny..loved him in family outing..haha

  13. 13 swui

    I like Gong Hyo Jin in Pasta…she was adorable. And I must say although she isn’t really very beautiful…I like her look…at least she doesn’t look like every other actress…I swear most of them have the same doll-like faces.

    Looking forward to see CSW in a bright role. He looks hot with a little ‘stache but I am curious if they are gonna change his look a little in accordance to his role here…

    Looking forward to this!

    • 13.1 swui

      BTW , what kind of name is Dokko Jin? Does it have a meaning? It sounds japanese… :P

      • 13.1.1 rouby

        Feel same,,,I think maybe he is half japanese and half korean :)
        Its interesting….

        • 13.1.1.1 javabeans

          No, it’s not Japanese; Dokko is one of a few Korean surnames that have two syllables. Others are Sunwoo and Hwangbo.

          • 13.1.1.1.1 Linda165

            *Sigh Hwangbo*

            Right now I’m watching Damo for the first time.

          • 13.1.1.1.2 jyyjc

            ohhh..so hwangbo’s surname is hwangbo! I always thought her surname was simply “hwang” and that she has 2 middle names or something, so she’s actually “hwangbo hye-jung”?? interesting…
            this 2-syllable last name thing is cool.

  14. 14 mary

    FINALLY!

    A kdrama where the woman IS the evil one and the guy is the upbeat one who will thaw the ice-bitch’s heart.

    I can’t imagine how CSW will do it, but I’m sure he can. :)

    • 14.1 yimnara

      Perhaps the twist is that there public personas are complete opposite of their off camera selves… Both loved/hated for reasons they’re not…
      Then it’s not a stretch at all actually. Either way it will be great! 99% guaranteed!!!

      • 14.1.1 iamliciutz

        Ooohhh…I like that idea!! :D

    • 14.2 danna

      It was the same in fantas.ycouple, the woman was the botc.hand the guy was the nicey….I like how the hoe the Hongs aren’nt afraid to step away from conventional leads which is why their second leads are always the same…annoying or boringly sweet

      • 14.2.1 mary

        Hmm. You’re right. They’re 2nd leads are *meh*

        I hope they know how to make compelling 2nd leads now.

        Or they can always rope-in Park Shi Hoo for 2nd lead to make the love triangle sturdy. (or Yoo Ah In?)

        • 14.2.1.1 drama fever

          I love Park Shi Hoo Yoo Ah In but I don’t think Gong Hyo Jin will go well together with them for some reason.

          • 14.2.1.1.1 mary

            Park Shi Hoo goes well with ANYTHING.

            But he’s probably best with NOTHING on.

        • 14.2.1.2 drama fever

          Hahaha…now I agree with. He looks best without anything on…hahaha…

  15. 15 Katherine

    Seems to be the trend now. All lead heroines are getting haircuts/ have short hairstyles.

    It suits her really well and am definitely putting this drama on my list of must watch.

  16. 16 grateful1

    Uh-oh, I think I’m in trouble…. my expectations for this drama are reaching dangerously high levels. I frickin’ adore Gong Hyo Jin, so when I found out that she’s gonna be in a Hong sisters drama with Cha Seung Won, I was already worried. But now that I know that CSW will be embodying his “bright and merry” side, I’m like, “Oh, crap!”. He can be soooo charismatic when he’s showing his funny, playful side. Since I’m prone to feeling deflated after having let my expectations run wild, I’m trying to remind myself that if it sounds too awesome to be true, it probably is. Fingers are crossed, nonetheless!

  17. 17 conan

    I think this has the potential to become the best drama of the year. Okay so maybe I was thinking way too high but this drama sounds pretty cool. A bitchy Gong Hyojin and a rainbows-and-unicorns Cha Seungwon? I’m all over it!

    • 17.1 Jomo

      I hopefully agree with you.

      You know this script isn’t going to fall into the “Ut-oh, what do we do now?” pit of despair. (MSOAN) (SG)

      And this cast has been around enough to be able to make the written word even BETTER.

      CSW is god’s gift to women, I swear. And the fact that he doesn’t have model good looks makes him more compelling – he is touchable, if that makes sense.

      And I like the way he uses his very large hands. **Sigh** ** Car kiss in CH **

      This man isn’t going to be resting very long after Athena before he starts a new drama.

      • 17.1.1 Linda165

        And you know what they say about men with large hands…

        • 17.1.1.1 Jomo

          They wear large gloves?

          • 17.1.1.1.1 Linda165

            Oh… so THAT’s what they say…. I’ve been meaning to ask them, thanks :)

          • 17.1.1.1.2 Jomo

            :)

      • 17.1.2 Rachel

        Your post put VERY vivid images into my head of Cha Seung Won using his very large hands to do, um, things to me… wow, it’s suddenly REALLY hot in here!

        BTW, I also like the facial hair — think it makes him much sexier.

        • 17.1.2.1 Jomo

          Rachel, omg omg omg omg!
          The bottom photo in the second link will be VERY interesting to you!

          • 17.1.2.1.1 Rachel

            Oh.My.God. I swear, CSW is the first actor who really makes me appreciate the meaning of the word “hot” for a man — I just look at him and my temperature shoots up. What do I love about this photo?
            1. Smoking is hot.
            2. Brooding is hot.
            3. Facial hair is hot.
            4. His very large hand.
            5. He has MY NAME on his arm — clearly, we’re meant to be together :)

      • 17.1.3 QD

        Conan, I hope so too! *keeping fingers crossed* Jomo, Your description is ‘melting’ me already! Which episode is that car scene? lol I’m so going to watch it again. Big Hands indeed!!!! lmao. I really hope he takes care of himself though and gets more rest, dont want a Athena sickness repeat! I would be devastated!!!

      • 17.1.4 Jomo

        Just doing my civic duty:
        http://www.hancinema.net/korean_Cha_Seung-won.php-picture_53510.html?sort=Most_Popular_Pictures

        For this link, do NOT look if you are anti-smoking!
        The sexiest pic of CSW I could find has him puffing away.

        So, BE WARNED, CSW is smoking, and he smokes, too.
        http://blog.naver.com/PostView.nhn?blogId=emotionsick&logNo=80116198932

  18. 18 Celest

    Dokko Jin! That name sounds so catchy just rolls of the tongue…

    Oh and am I the only one that kinda likes the “furry animal” on CSW’s face? Anyone? Nope? Nope. Okay. Thought so.

    • 18.1 mary

      You can have it. :P

    • 18.2 darynrose

      I like tht “furry animal” on CSW’s face too but I sometimes wish tht the “furry animal” would be a bit more tame. Hahaha…

      • 18.2.1 Ani

        I like the tame idea. Make it stubbles or something, not a full on rug please.

  19. 19 anon

    I love, love GHY and I already can’t wait to see her playing her character to a t. I normally don’t care for Hong Sisters dramas but I’m sure GHY and YKS will make it more than watchable this time (and it’s nice to have CSW too!).

    • 19.1 anon

      GHY -> GHJ

  20. 20 bita

    Come On, where is Cha Seung-won?

    • 20.1 Jomo

      You have a point.

      Any story about this show should include his photo, or several, and, it is a-OK if it is JUST PHOTOS OF CSW. No story required.

    • 20.2 Cha Seung-won OMG!

      Third this. Seriously JB, to welcome THIS! this is not your usual kdrama and after reading a spoiler in Ockoala blog, whoaw..whoa…this is gonna be too damn awesome.

      Pretty please JB, we demand a nekkid Cha Seung-won picture like NOW! As Jomo said, no story required, you did that with Mr. HandTowel, its so unfair, you guys love CSW too right? come on JB..pleaaseeee…

    • 20.3 omo

      fourth this.

    • 20.4 QD

      Fifth this!! Direct me to the CSW Photo petition? lol

  21. 21 Tarits

    Cha Seung Won is the best actor for the role and it would be like seeing him back as Jo Guk! I am excited to see the drama.

  22. 22 iamliciutz

    If this is made right, it could possibly be one of my fav dramas of all time. *crossing fingers*

  23. 23 saranga

    the first drama that i saw cha seung-won in was 2003′s bodyguard, and in it he played a presidential bodyguard along with han go-eun… he played a pretty bright and cheerful character, so i’m pretty sure he can pull this off. it was actually weird for me to see him in athena at first because he was so bloody serious and intense hehe

  24. 24 Haj

    I hope she’s laughing at the script!

    • 24.1 mary

      My thoughts exactly!

      But then, this is a Hong Sisters drama, so she’d probably be rolling around laughing for awhile…

    • 24.2 come2noona

      Oh me too!

  25. 25 cathy

    she looks natural , her acting skill is acceptable in Pasta and in Thank you .
    I like actress in Thorn birds , Jumong .
    I find K actors are more talented than actress , my favorites is KH M. Any one can tell me some talented K actresses , thanks .

  26. 26 Lenita

    it’s about time she cuts them off–she looks so cute with this cut. i’m definitely seeing the possibilities with this style.

    really looking fwd to this drama; GHJ is gonna make a mean has-been! :D

  27. 27 whatis

    kyaaaa i can’t wait! I’m really excited about this drama! wheee I love the cast!

  28. 28 koreamom

    i love her! i’ll watch just to watch her and of course cha seung won. yippee! thanks all for the fun comments. wish i had a funny streak in my linguistic abilities!

  29. 29 Anjo

    I heard Bae Seul Gi was added to the cast list.

  30. 30 Ani

    Perhaps it won’t be too much to hope that in keeping with Jin’s lovable image, he’ll finally shave off that furry animal growing on his face?

    *nods head* Yes yes. Furry animal be gone

  31. 31 danna

    I actually thinkCha Seung Won looks sexier with the beard

  32. 32 Linda165

    Now with short hair she looks even more like my sister in law

  33. 33 Linda165

    I’m dying to see CSW’s playful side again. We got to see some in City Hall (Hola! to my fellow City Hallers out there).

    Also, how much I would love if Yoon Kye-sang’s doctor character looks like this:

    http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo120/onJJena/abril2011/bl3.jpg

    (thanks onJJena)

  34. 34 Jane

    This is the first show of 2011 that I’m looking forward to. Gee I really hope that JGS does cameo in this at some point, he’d make a great big eyed noona worshipper to piss off CWS.

  35. 35 Christy

    I am so excited about this drama! I love GHJ to bits. Such an awesome, natural and lovable actress.

    I love her new ‘do too !

  36. 36 momosa

    Yoon Kye Sang! Can’t wait to see him again in a lighter drama! and CSW & GHJ, they are my favorites too!

  37. 37 asianromance

    finally, it’s the guy’s turn to have a “bright, merry personality”!

  38. 38 Jojo

    She’s so adorable with her new hairstyle!

    I also like the idea of a bitchy heroine. I think it makes for a more interesting storyline.

  39. 39 poyi

    i cant wait for this drama…hong + gong ftw!

    and i must add to the debate about GHJ

    if i could somehow meet or blind date any actress

    she and han hyojoo would probably be tied for first choice

    they both have smiles [and eyes] that radiate warmth
    i find that very attractive

  40. 40 Alvina

    I hope this makes an impact; not only does the script seem refreshing, it’ll be a step away from the brooding chaebol stereotype that I’m *gasp* getting a tad sick of…

    The hero in this one seems like the beta male of old. I like…

  41. 41 girlatsea

    Ah, I love her. I can’t wait for this to air.

  42. 42 marmar

    OMG Cha is suppose to be bright &merry?? SRSLY!?! this is definitely gonna be a change. He has always come off as this tough, rough, intimating sexy guy but to be a bright, cheery/merry guy WOW…that would be something.
    Totally looking forward to that then.
    Just thinking about it, i’m LOL at it..hahahahahaha

  43. 43 Iris

    Sorry but I don’t find her pretty, she looks like Olivia from Popeye, he looks so mature and sexy next to her, and there is something about her I don’t like maybe she is the sweetest girl in Korea but I don’t feel that.

    Her character is so, so, so…. and CSW has on his shoulder the whole drama. Who is watching this drama for another character than Mr. Cha’s? I can assure no one.

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