Song Il-kook is reportedly in contention as the leading man in a new drama with an interestingly uninteresting title: It’s 발효가족, which means literally Fermentation Family. It’s a horrible sounding name, so for now I’m going to call it by its phonetic Korean name, Balhyo Gajok. Phew, that sounds better to my ear, strangely, though it means the same thing.
There’s barely any information about the project in official news reports, but from the dribs and drabs I’ve been able to pick up, the fermentation part of the title likely comes from the drama’s involvement with kimchi, although it also deals with gangsters. Now there’s a title for you: Kimchi and Gangsters. True, that would make it sound much more comedic, but then again, it’s not like fermentation conjures up images of badass gangsters either.
But before you mentally check out of the show before it’s even begun, there’s one key consideration: Directing it is PD Park Chan-hong, who did Rebirth (aka Resurrection) and Mawang (aka The Devil) — two dark thriller dramas oft-noted for their high-quality storytelling and acting (and, as it happens, both starring Uhm Tae-woong). That track record right there is enough to make me sit up and take notice, because it’s rare that we get dark K-drama thrillers that work well, and here’s a guy with two standouts on his resumé.
A rep confirmed that Song has received the script and is considering the role, but cautioned that it’s too early to make casting statements. (There are wee little rumors that Kim Jung-eun — I Am Legend, Forever the Moment — is in contention for the female lead, but those are not yet substantiated.) Song had a modest success last year with the weekend action drama A Man Called God, but fared less well this year with Crime Squad. Balhyo Gajok will be produced by Olive Nine, but currently doesn’t have broadcaster commitment.
Via NTN Seoul
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I actually liked him and Crime Squad, too bad I had to stop watching the drama because the English Subs were killing me with just how bad they were (no offense to the the “subbers”… if you call loading Chinese Subs into a translator and throwing out random English words subtitles)…. I’m mean, and as a retired subber/timer I feel bad for bitching…. I wonder if it’s time to check back in and see if someone was kind enough to upload the KBSWorld english subs for Crime Squad up.
I hope he does well, because I loved his awkwardness on Happy Together, and his back-and-forth joking with Song Ji-hyo. Anyways, good luck to him.
As for Kim Jang-eun… I loved I Am Legend until that drama fizzled and died somewhere in the middle. X/
There’s definitely at least one fansubbing group who did this project. It’s one of the most popular groups even!
Huh. Wow… Funny thing… I just read an old DB article/post that involves you and samsooki going at it about a certain movie concerning plastic surgery and here you are – if you are the same Sere that is. Huh, Universe, you work in strange ways.
My guess is that you’re referring to WITHS2 right? Because that’s as popular as you get with established kdrama subbing groups, and then you have ones that are getting prominent like viki, darksmurf and Dramafever subbing some of their own as well. The thing is, I dropped the drama so long ago that I kind of forgot to check back in. Another thing is that WITHS2 is a download and not streaming subbing group, kind of hard to do with my internet speed and harddrive size. But will do.
Huh. That’d be me, yes. Talk about an old discussion! *g*
Yes, I was talking about WITHS2. I prefer raws + soft subs for a number of reasons. The only streaming sites I found reliable and that respect subbers are Viki and Dramafever but you can’t access Dramafever unless you’re in North America and viki is often blocked in some countries.
It’s funny how badly I wanted (and still do) to watch Crime Squad when it was so flawed in so many ways. I would just sit there and nitpick at the unrealistic things happening in the drama… But man, my love for Mung Ji-hyo and my adoration for Doraemon Il-kook (and the fact that he looks like the older, mature version of kevjumba) had me hooked. They were the perfect couple and I want to see them end up together. Also, I want to see Ji-ru Ajusshi’s relationship with the new Detective lady develop, the way his possible loveline with the other girl was cut short when they had to kill her off the show. XD
I didnt see the show but I think withs2 have done subs for it.
Try http://www.dramacrazy.net/korean-drama/crime-squad-episode-list/
Their site usually upload region free hardsubbed 3rd party servers. I just can’t stand their ad pop-ups from time to time, so I go back to soft subs, but little commitment for free use of their wide range site is okay, right?
waw I ant him get out of his slump
I love MaWang and Resurrection, I love PD Park’s production, and I do love SIK.. So if they do collaborates… Wow! It definitely will wow me..
I loved both dramas too, and I think it’s time for another good production from that PD. I’ve heard good things about Song Il Gook too, so here’s hoping! I just want it to be dark and thrilling and not light stuff, but with that title…I just can’t figure it out.
me three.. I love both drama.. Mawang is still one of my all time favorite. I think SIK is a good actor especially in action type of role.. he always plays a tough guy… and I think he would be good if this drama is gonna be like the other 2.. but I do love and want to see Uhm Tae-woong again to team up with the PDs.. he was excellent in both Mawang and Resurrection.
I hope SIG gets back the glitter and glory of Jumong days . Wow so many Sageuk dramas bypassed him. Why waste all the talent and previously acquired skills ,not to mention his demeanor as a historical figure. Unless, he did not want to be typecasted and wanted to try other roles . But that is his choice.
So I hope he does well in this Fermented Family drama -what a title – smells something coming from somewhere LOL
I hope he takes it. This is good news. Thanks JB.
I hope SIK will bring the shines in his STAR coz 3 of his pass Dramas has poor ratings
PD from The Devil? I’m SOLD! So Who is the writers? Hope it will be the same writers as well ^^
Totally in. Resurrection is probably one of my fave Kdramas. The one that cemented my love for Uhmmie (does anyone else call him that?) and his little boy goofy smile.
And I love Song Il Gook, so much so that I managed to sit through all of A Man Called God. The travesty that was.
Omg I died “Kimchi and Gangsters” that is hilarious. I love Song Il Gook~ I also loved Mawang. So I’ll be excited for this, but I won’t get too excited just yet.
Love Song Il Kook, always watch all of his material, even if it has poor ratings, because he is always worth watching. Can’t wait, no matter which way the Kimchi Gangsters wind blows …
Wasn’t there supposed to be a drama or film about makgeolli???? Lol
Why not Uhm Tae Woong for the third time?! I’d be in for sure!!!
Agree….
The Gangster Pickles
Mob Ferment
Pickling Family
subtitled: they can put you under–kimchi or criminal
…it just gets worse and worse!
Okay, English, we get it, you’re a snob about aging.
He should return to saeguk dramas. Not saying that he isn’t good with this century’s setting but he is better in saeguk dramas.
My mom loves this man. hehe.
Jumong!
I missed him– wasn’t able to watch Crime Squad /kicks uncooperative internet. Hope this pushes through.
“Kimchi and Gangsters” sounds like a good idea. And it’s catchy.
Is there no less unwieldy title than “Fermentation Family”? Makes me think of a whole family submerged in a pickle vat or a beer barrel o_#
Also, this made me look up the song that became the local Jumong theme, in nostalgia. In case anyone’s interested… http://videokeman.com/shamrock/hold-on-jumongtheme/
I’d started watched mawang with little expectation, but finished it with great satisfaction. The story was fast paced, with the actors(uhm tae woon and joo jihoon) and shin mina’s strong acting, they tell the story well and is able to capture my full attention when I’m actually not too interested in dark thrillers. i’m also quite impressed with the directing and constantly wowed by their editting and directing angles to keep us on our seats.
Good. I’ll take note of this upcoming drama.
HOLY SMOKES! I LOVE MAWANG!!!!
I’m pretty excited about this!
I did start watching “mawang” with 0% expectation, but got hooked by the first episode itself !!! I absolutely loved the three leads..looking forward to the new drama…:)
I wish SIK will one day be content w/ a rom-com script.
BooHwal (Resurrection) is like my number 1 korean drama and Mawang is close behind it……but if the drama is going to have the same “revenge” theme, I would prefer to have the PD working with Uhm TaeWoong again…..He’s definitely in need of such a project again.
I do love Song Il Gook too though, so I’m looking forwards to see him working together with a great PD^^~
Song Il Gook is such a talented and charming actor but has had really bad luck with his choices. A Man Called God and Crime Squad were so disappointing!!! I sincerely wish him success.
I love SIG! (My mom loves him even more…hahaha). Crime Squad was actually a very good drama,so I don’t know why it didn’t fair better. He is one of those rare actors that can portray characters that are ‘larger than life’. In any case, I will watch him in ANY drama!