T-ara's Ji-yeon cast in Dream High 2 » Dramabeans Korean drama recaps

82 November 27, 2011November 27, 2011

T-ara’s Ji-yeon cast in Dream High 2

by javabeans

Ji-yeon, the young singer of girl group T-ara and budding actress, has been confirmed for the cast of Dream High 2, joining her groupmate Eun-jung (who starred in the first series) in the franchise.

This means we’re about to be deluged with a number of casting announcements for the anticipated sequel to the youth drama all about singin’, dancin’, and bright young dreams crashing up against the harsh realities of what it takes to become an idol star. And who better to portray that than actual idol stars? A lot of times, idol presence in a drama amounts to little more than stunt casting and ratings grabs, but the original Dream High did a pretty solid job of mixing actors with idols and bringing out everyone’s strengths — and sometimes even turning their weaknesses into hilarious plot points. (See: Robot Hye-mi.)

Other idols in contention for the sequel include 2AM’s Jung Jin-woon and Sistar’s Hyo-rin, though as of now they’re just possibilities. Eighteen-year-old Ji-yeon said, “I wanted to take on this part of a student aspiring to perform on the stage while I could, as I think back to my own trainee days. I’ll work really hard, so please look forward to it.”

I’m satisfied with this casting, because although I don’t know much about T-ara’s k-pop activities, I have seen Ji-yeon acting a couple of times and found her warm and likable. She was sweet in last year’s God of Study when her character could have gone way into annoying territory, and she did a pretty good job in her Miss Ripley cameo as the runaway teenaged lesbian daughter to the Japanese prime minister, which I swear was not nearly as crazy a plot point as it sounds on paper. Okay, it was a little dramatic, but worked for the story.

Plus, she’s got a pretty singing voice, which will come in handy since she’ll get chances to use it while playing an adolescent singer trainee. (Listen below to her track from the God of Study OST.)

Dream High is set to premiere on January 30 on KBS, just over one year since its predecessor made its debut.

SONG OF THE DAY

Ji-yeon – “또르르” from the God of Study OST. [ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Via Mk.co.kr

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Tags: Dream High 2, Ji-yeon, sequels

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1 blahibloop

November 27, 2011 at 7:28 PM

i can't wait for this :D
i've been in dream high withdrawal for way too long.

also hoping for jinwoon to be cast as the main!

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djeedjes

November 27, 2011 at 8:40 PM

I don't know with his acting, but I do want Jin Woon to be casted in DH2...as rocker idol!

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Nis

November 27, 2011 at 9:37 PM

I TOTALLY SECOND THAT! I was hoping that they will cast Jinwoon and make full use off his musical talent

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Meghan

November 27, 2011 at 9:45 PM

yes yes yes. I have no idea how his acting is, but he could pull an IU and completely surprise everyone with it. But awesome voice to add to the cast.

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hallyukid

November 28, 2011 at 10:34 AM

akp said tht they both Jin-Woon and Hyorin were confirmed cast. Along with Kang Sora and Wheesung's rookie Ailee

mirabeau

November 28, 2011 at 2:20 PM

Actually, as much as I like Jinwoon, if I had to pick a 2AM member to play in Dream High, I'd TOTALLY go for Jo-kwon :D
That guy is downright HI-LA-RI-OUS and his voice is amazing. Kab power!

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2 Ace

November 27, 2011 at 7:28 PM

Wish they'd also get a great actor like Kim Soo-hyun for DH2.

I don't know about Hyorin's acting, but I've seen her in immortal Song, and she's got a great voice for an idol.

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Molly

November 27, 2011 at 7:42 PM

It'd be so cool if they could find some talented newcomers like High Kick does for their cast...or even "hidden jems" like JYP. Got a kick out of his role last year!

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mnstpdu08

November 27, 2011 at 10:02 PM

Totally agree! I have been hoping they would take that route! Use it as a forum to propel new idols and actors/actresses.

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Meghan

November 27, 2011 at 9:42 PM

The "actor" that's in contention for a lead role is Kang Sora. She would be the Kim Soohyun of this year's cast I believe.

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Ace

November 27, 2011 at 11:51 PM

Really? I just watched Sunny yesterday and I loved all the actors/characters. Kang Sora's role as a leader of Sunny was so cool. That's one of the best movies I've watched this year. (The only memorable Hollywood film I've watched in 2011 was HP7.2)

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Ace

November 28, 2011 at 1:33 AM

Oh, and may I say that I'm really envious about her curves? I'm idol stick-thin, but I want to gain more weight and get that kind of figure.

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KompaktneHaare

November 28, 2011 at 1:10 AM

Kang Sora has a kind of magic aura or something like that. love her :)

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Elaine

November 28, 2011 at 3:25 AM

I'm praying so hard that Kang Sora scores the lead, since Jiyeon won't be. I love her in Sunny and at least she has acting chops. I can't stand all the flake she's getting for being in contention for the DH2 role just cos she's Leeteuk's (SuJu) virtual wife.

Girl is gorgeous and so above all those kpop idol stars. She's an actress and this is a kdrama for gods sake!

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Cynthia

November 28, 2011 at 7:43 AM

True.
I'd love to see Sora in DH2. The fact that she's currently in WGM should have nothing to do with her being cast in any other production. Her stint on WGM will be a short one - Leeteuk will be going into the military soon and their "relationship" will end. Sora is currently working on the long-running daytime serial "Women of the House". A high profile night-time drama would be ideal for her.

The only suggested idol choice for DH2 that I wouldn't like to see is Sista's Hyorin. Frankly, I think she's just too talented to join a fictional group of idol wannabes. Her voice is beyond any of her peer group - it just wouldn't be believable. Also, physically she just doesn't look young enough to play the role of a high school performer.

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Yeon

November 28, 2011 at 8:32 AM

I.A
also , they'll put her with Jiyeon , like for real?
Those two are on a two total different level in term of singing skills. Honestly , even though I'm a jiyeon-biased...it's gonna be ridiculous.

Elaine

November 28, 2011 at 10:28 AM

I can't stand kpop fans bashing actors/actresses when they have no clue about them. There were comments on allkpop saying that Sora was too old for the role, like SRSLY?!

And yeah, I thought she was cute in the daily but I'm so eager for her to take on a new (and shorter) kdrama and DH2 really seems perfect to propel her forward.

Cynthia

November 28, 2011 at 11:43 AM

Even though I don't agree, I can understand why some of the reaction to Sora's appearance skews her as looking older (it's my same reaction to Hyorin's appearance - and she IS older) by people critical of casting her in DH2.

In Sora's case, I think it's because she's flat-out beautiful, but not cute. She carries herself with confidence (check out any of her red-carpet appearances) and she radiates maturity. Those three characteristics alone don't spell out "high schooler" by any means for DH2.

It was the same for her appearance in "Sunny". She was the leader for a reason - personality (dominate) and looks (lovely but tough). It made me laugh at how natural she looked while cursing up a blue streak - no one was willing to mess with her.

If this sequel follows the original (and it sounds like it's going to), then it calls for a cast who can act and look, for the most part, like untried and unconfident newbies.
Sora and Hyorin might have a real problem with trying to convey that impression.

3 diorama

November 27, 2011 at 7:31 PM

Oooh, that was her in Miss Ripley? She was really sweet in that...looks like I'll be giving Dream High 2 a try, although the first season will be hard to beat.

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4 gala

November 27, 2011 at 7:32 PM

idol-infested series again...altho i shouldn't really sound sarcastic cause i've been-still am-a fangirl of a certain idol. lol

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5 Ani

November 27, 2011 at 7:33 PM

Whoa. I am very surprised for the turn of this article. I think this is one of the handful of times jb is happy about a casting of an idol. I think that's pretty cool. I don't know what to expect from this new season or from T-ara's Jiyeon, although I am one to give idols a chance if they're good and got casted through tryouts and such. I just hope they go easy on her eye shadow (er, eye liner?) since it usually makes her eyes seem longer than it should be compared to her face.

P.S. Can we a JYP to be in this again? Or a similar character as JYP's hilarious Roboteach?

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eli

November 27, 2011 at 8:33 PM

JYP is confirm for Dream High 2. he's the only one from Season1 that has been confirmed for Season2.

another one that's confirm is Ailee. she's Wheesung's trainee. she's really talented.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUl_hioWOfk

so,the confirm cast are JYP,Ailee and Jiyeon.

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mnstpdu08

November 27, 2011 at 10:04 PM

Yay on Ailee! She's new and very talented.

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Little Lulu

November 27, 2011 at 10:10 PM

Oh my, I love Ailee! this will definitely be a big break for her.

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Meghan

November 28, 2011 at 7:13 AM

Her voice is RIDICULOUS. I'm expecting some very good musical scenes with her in the cast.

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6 Biscuit

November 27, 2011 at 7:43 PM

Remember HON?

I think after watching her in a few dramas, she's not as bad as others and have proved that she can act and sing decently. YAY.

Usually when you have a drama about singers and such, having the talent to sing is important, but IT IS a DRAMA and it helps when the actors can... y'know... act.

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Alvina

November 27, 2011 at 7:51 PM

oh man Hon.... bad times, bad times *shudders*
She's done a couple of horror stuff right?

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7 yasminsatria

November 27, 2011 at 7:51 PM

Dunno :) I do like Ji-Yeon in God of Study, but till now, I don't see an actor-actor being cast here.

I love Dream High, and still love it. But as much I love it,
honestly, Taec and Suzy, as leads are little bit lack in act departments. Thanks God they cast someone like Kim So Hyun, an actor.

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8 hmm

November 27, 2011 at 7:59 PM

I remember her when she played a ghost in Hon. Anyway, I've heard that the real actor they'll cast this season will be Park Eun Bin.

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9 Pamela

November 27, 2011 at 7:59 PM

Omg. Seriously. I listened to the song that Ji yeon sang. Omg I LOVE HER VOICE.
I'm looking forward to see her in Dream High 2 now.

And I really can't wait until Dream High 2 comes out!! I LOVED the first one.

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10 x

November 27, 2011 at 7:59 PM

She was pretty decent in Jungle Fish 2. I just hope they cast that strong young actor/actress to sturdy up the cast! And yes JYP is a must!!

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11 crazedlu

November 27, 2011 at 8:02 PM

pretty voice. good actress. HORRENDOUS STAGE PRESENCE. i don't know what it is, but she sucks it up big when she has to combine the two.

please move your face, jiyeon, when singing on stage. ^^

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Elaine

November 28, 2011 at 3:27 AM

Really? Have you watched their recent lives? I think she's doing pretty well for Roly Poly and Cry Cry.

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mooses

November 29, 2011 at 6:01 PM

i've watched their roly poly and cry cry performances. do you really think that she's charismatic on stage? the girl looks like she doesn't want to be there half the time. and just "smiling" doesn't mean that she has a stage presence. even in the dance music videos, she looked bored and barely moves her face to sing along.

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hapacalgirl

November 28, 2011 at 9:51 AM

Really?! I dunno but usually she is the one with the most stage charisma , same with hyomin. Especially during the cry cry performances, she is definitely their strongest dancer.

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crazedlu

November 28, 2011 at 10:44 AM

yeah, i've watched their most recent performances, and she's still struggling to emote when she sings. her stiff face doesn't really convince me of the concept and story they're trying to sell.

like i said, good voice, good acting, not so good when they're put together. i hope she does well in dream high 2. i'm rooting for her and the production.

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12 danni

November 27, 2011 at 8:43 PM

Got to agree with crazedlu. I like Jiyeon as an actress and she's a decent singer, but she never seems to sell it when she's performing, she just doesn't seem to be into the performance at all.

Anyway, looking forward to this, I need my Dream High crack.

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13 pigtookie

November 27, 2011 at 9:02 PM

Oh, so Suzy & Eunjung's good friend is finally onboard?

Can I trust that the Dream High writers will give Jiyeon a character as interesting as the ones from last season?

As far as singing talent goes, they managed to cast very solid singers for females. Jiyeon is decent, and if Hyorin & Jinwoon jump onboard, this would be pretty awesome. Acting-wise, I'd be a little hesitant, as it's really the core of a drama and Suzy got a quite a bit of criticism last year.

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Meghan

November 27, 2011 at 9:48 PM

I honestly think Suzy got a little too much criticism. She was pretty good by the end of the drama, which is honestly all we can ask from a rookie actress, growth.

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pigtookie

November 27, 2011 at 11:07 PM

I agree, and the writers were very witty to draw out the Robot Hyemi card and give her manageable parts. I am a fan of miss A since their debut, but never paid much attention to Suzy until Dream High, and boy did she win me over. However, it would have been nice if the lead actress could have helped carry more weight acting-wise, a la Kim Soo Hyun.

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pigtookie

November 27, 2011 at 10:59 PM

* managed to cast very solid singers for females LAST SEASON ^^

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14 Melissa

November 27, 2011 at 9:06 PM

yay i like her! will she be the main girl?

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15 Ktichel17

November 27, 2011 at 9:24 PM

yeah, her acting is pretty good ^^ way better than suzy, so im considering checking this out

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16 Gandalf

November 27, 2011 at 10:01 PM

She.cannot.sing.

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aardvarksmile

November 28, 2011 at 12:41 AM

just.like.most.of.them

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jessie

November 28, 2011 at 3:23 AM

but.she.can.act

nuff said

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Yeon

November 28, 2011 at 5:41 AM

SHE.CAN.SING.
No one is claiming that she sings extremely good but she's definitely decent

/watch?v=rEbgdW-1OaE

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Gandalf

November 28, 2011 at 6:39 AM

i've been following t-ara for a while.
i dont really need to educate myself on her vocal abilities

She's "decent" by kpop idol standards (because kpop idols have such high standards /sarcasm)

but next to a 2AM guy? and Hyorin? (though hyorin does have bad technique she's got a beautiful voice) in a drama that actually requires her to sing?

Jiyeon is small fry.

I'd take Soyeon and Eunjung over her anyday

but i dont dislike her acting, i might even watch her if it was another drama but she is a very mediocre singer

She like Boram and Qri is in T-ara for her face.
(nothing wrong with her face BTW; very pretty girl)

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Yeon

November 28, 2011 at 8:22 AM

I guess it's a matter of taste/opinion . You don't sound like a hater so...

but seriously , lol comparing her voice with Hyorin's and Soyeon's ? well at least she's got better acting skills than them , that's all I can say for now...since well , I still didn't see neither of Soyeon's or Hyorin's(<- she's not even confirmed for the drama though) .

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Elaine

November 28, 2011 at 10:30 AM

I don't think her singing is awesome but it's pleasant.
Thing is, this is a kdrama, why so much emphasis on singing? It's not like they stated that it's going to be a musical themed drama or anything. Singing is part of it and yes, a pretty integral part, but it's not like the actors are required to break into songs every other scene so honestly, acting is still rated higher and Jiyeon is decent in acting for idols standard.

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17 karecity

November 27, 2011 at 10:17 PM

i hope jiyeon's character is interesting! not sure about how she emotes though cos she always looks like she hates being on stage.

apparently Wheesung's protege Ailee has been casted in DH2 too! not sure about her acting chops, but she has mad singing skills. Ailee's cover of Halo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZUl_hioWOfk

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hmm

November 28, 2011 at 2:53 AM

Ailee's role in the drama might be small. Remember Joo's role in DH?

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18 Combray

November 27, 2011 at 11:01 PM

I wanted Park Eunbin (the grown up version of Hyemi's little sister) for this tbh, and the story to be set a few years into the future so we'd have teenage Hyesung (still hopelessly in love with Jingook lol irl).

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19 chahaya

November 27, 2011 at 11:33 PM

I want Lee Joon MBLAQ in Dream High 2! Hehehe

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20 aX

November 27, 2011 at 11:58 PM

... awaiting Lee Joon from Mblaq to join the cast now!

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jessie

November 28, 2011 at 3:46 AM

DITTO

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21 Ham

November 28, 2011 at 12:44 AM

Jiyeon that reason why i watch DH2

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22 brian

November 28, 2011 at 1:06 AM

Yay!!! I think she's perfect for that series and like a lot of people probably penciled her in for a role right after we heard there would be a sequel :)

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23 V V

November 28, 2011 at 2:24 AM

I wish for a cameo from Chipmuck and Sushi!!!

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V V

November 28, 2011 at 2:26 AM

Sorry I can't spell...chipmunk...

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24 IceFlower

November 28, 2011 at 2:48 AM

I love this!!! How I wish Lee Hyun Woo would be also here. That would be great.

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25 kaka

November 28, 2011 at 2:48 AM

Yay! I already can picture her role in here. As an idol who always hate being on stage.

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26 Unnursvana

November 28, 2011 at 2:53 AM

Now both of my T-ara biases have been in Dream High. This made me even more excited for Dream High 2.

I liked her in God of Study, that show really made me a fan of her. She can really cry and I think she is a decent actress and singer even if she doesn't seam to into it sometimes.

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27 Yeon

November 28, 2011 at 5:44 AM

She better have the lead role this time! I've been waiting for more than 1 year already! She was pretty good on Jungle Fish 2(that drama was AMAZING).

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Tombrady

December 1, 2011 at 6:47 AM

Jiyeon was amazing in Jungle Fish. I was pleasantly surprised.

I was hoping SHINee's Onew would be casted here (he can provide comic relief LOL) but they are far too busy in JP.

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28 Alyssia

November 28, 2011 at 5:51 AM

So she's the main girl? I thought Kang Sora got that role. I love Ji yeon but i would prefer an actual actress to take on the main role.

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Elaine

November 28, 2011 at 10:32 AM

I don't think she's the lead. And Kang Sora is still in contention.

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29 kam

November 28, 2011 at 5:59 AM

Just when i wished for another jiyeon drama here comes the news with a bang, i never thought, lies, she'd be casted in dream high,,,,:-) yessssssh thank you for this birthday newws

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aoiaheen

November 28, 2011 at 6:07 AM

Me too. I love this girl. I think she really manages to make the viewers feel for her character. I was just thinking a few days back that I want to see her in a new drama and here it is. (I was hoping for operation love, but this will do to.)

I think she'll be great.

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30 Alexx

November 28, 2011 at 7:15 AM

Ohh gosh, Is that Ji Yeon from that show "Strong Heart"? She was with Yoon Si Yoon there when I saw her for the first-time, ofc. Haha, she's really adorable....wow, she's young! (18 yrs. old)

Neaaat! (thumbs-up) I will able to watch this if I have time, keke. :D

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31 Zoya

November 28, 2011 at 7:17 AM

That'd be amazing if we'd watch her in this drama! Also, she's exactly look like actress Kim Tae Hee ~ ~ !! ^__^

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32 john

November 28, 2011 at 8:36 AM

Where in the timeline does Dream High 2 take place after Dream High 1?

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33 Noelle

November 28, 2011 at 11:48 AM

I miss the show so much! Does anyone know if Eom Ki Joon will be reprising his role?

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34 dapinaymrs

November 28, 2011 at 1:27 PM

I'm going around in circles in dramabeans trying to find that page where it says Kang So-ra is part of the contenders for the main female lead...but okay, I realized it must have been on another site.
If she and Ji-yeon are truly going to be cast as the two leads, then this could really be interesting. I feel So-ra would be like the next Soo Hyun and Ailee is even more interesting and might be IU's version in DH 2.

Do we have other contenders for the male lead?

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hmm

November 28, 2011 at 2:53 PM

I heard that Kim So-Ra was going to get casted as a teacher.

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35 ar_arguably romantic

November 28, 2011 at 7:43 PM

I like Ji Yeon even though she's not the strongest actor or singer. I do like how even though she looks like Kim Tae Hee, whenever I see her in a role, I don't think "Kim Tae Hee" or "Ji Yeon". Even though she is always impeccably beautiful, she's good at shedding off that idol star sparkle when she's in a role.

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36 Narahannah

November 29, 2011 at 12:00 AM

I don't know about this, but I watch Kang Sora in a daily drama @ KBS... She's not so impressive..

Jiyeon is pretty but I think she's kindda stiff.

Hyorin of SISTAR too old to be a student!

But hopefully the Drama will cast a real actor who can act and who is cute, can act and sing .. just like my dear Kim Soo Hyun.

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37 maldita

November 29, 2011 at 7:28 AM

She's a much better actress than she is as an idol star.

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38 Ben

November 29, 2011 at 4:00 PM

I just hope they'll cast some more experienced actors. Eunjung and Taec still had experience as actors. With that I don't mean that they were really exceptional, but they were solid enough to keep it going. Just Kang So Ra as actual actor doesn't put up imo.

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39 AJ

November 29, 2011 at 10:54 PM

Not really understanding how Kang Sora and Hyorin are "too old" to play students, considering Eunjung was 23 playing one. Anyway, not really interested in DH2. I liked the first one and sequels have a tendency to suck.

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yuoi

November 30, 2011 at 10:47 AM

I think it's more about looks and perception of them than the actual age. I was really surprised when knew about real age of Kang Sora and Hyorin, but I guess less make-up, school uniforms will help to give younger feeling.
Well, EunJung looks like kid, especially when she is without her heavy eye make up. In her stills for upcoming 'Queen Insoo' she looks like she's 16 >.<