Aaaaand, we FINALLY have a king. I seriously thought this drama would never secure a cast. But now the production team behind highly anticipated miniseries The King has announced that Ha Ji-won and Lee Seung-gi have been confirmed as the soon-to-be royal couple to hit the small screen this March. Looks like the king’s in for a noona romance, but considering that Seung-gi’s basically the poster boy for noona love, it only seems fitting.
The King is the new project from the team behind Beethoven Virus (PD Lee Jae-kyu and writers Hong Jin-ah and Hong Ja-ram), and is described as both a romantic comedy and a “human melo black comedy.” Uh… so basically you have no idea what it is. If it’s actually a dark comedy, all the better, but I’m not going to get my hopes up about that. The story takes place in a fantasy world where modern-day South Korea is governed by a constitutional monarchy. Lee Seung-gi will play the crown prince, Lee Jae-ha, who is just the face of the royal family. He quite literally only has a handsome face and cares nothing about politics, and is described as horribly spoiled and materialistic, and extremely blunt. That’s pretty much his Brilliant Legacy character taken up a notch to royal pain in the ass, yeah?
Meanwhile, Ha Ji-won plays Kim Hang-ah, a legendary North Korean special forces agent, now an instructor for the special forces. They begin their unlikely romance with prejudices about each other, but eventually come to fall in love. So… Pride and Prejudice meets Shiri?
I’m excited about the cast, but confused as hell about the premise, and just praying to the drama gods that it’s not Myung-wol the Spy Redux. I feel like with this production team it’ll go for a more serious version of the modern royal family rather than the goofy one, even if it’s a rom-com at heart. It’s the kind of premise that rests entirely on tone, so I guess we wait, and hope for some royally funny, kickass romance this spring.
The King follows The Moon That Embraces the Sun and premieres March 14 on MBC.
Via Star News
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Eh… Lee Seung Gi is good and all but there’s something about him that never wows me.
Why is Jo In Sung not confirmed? Is he busy with another project?
hoyeah!
Finally the cast has been confirmed and my favorite actor and actress were paired for this drama. The story sounds intriguing. Ha Ji Won is a great actress and never disappoint me in all roles she was assigned before. Lee Seung Gi’s acting has improved a lot and he never stop learning to be better. I’m looking forward for their chemistry for this project.
The King fighting!
They seem so unlikely as a pair that I seriously can’t wait to see how this plays out.Looking forward to this drama althrough I’m not sold on the premise.
I like to watch the love of noona and younger man love in Korean drama because the younger mans always look charming, hot and handsome., they can make your heart flutter. I am so sorry to say that Lgs more likely to make viewers to raise their eyesbrows and irritate to watch him act but they have to watch because of good story and actress. Love in Korean drama is like a beautiful fairytail comes true so people expect to see a good match not mismatch. I think one of the reasons many people don’ like him to take the role King not because their favorite actors refused to take but because his acting and appearance are not qualified enough for the role. Why does The King production choose him? There must be a lot of reasons but definitely not because his acting and appearance. And as you can see drama producers sometimes make bad choices, too and this is a case.
lee sung gi nickname is “king”.he is also known as nations “prince,nation’s younger brother,um-chi-nah, etc. if he is not qualified to play king i wonder who is. brilliant legacy acheived 47.1% ratings and mgiag acheived 21% ratings towards the end. in 2009,2010 he feautered in top 10 actor lists in all polls and magazine posts in 2011 even though he didn’t do a drama he still feautered in top 10 actor list that his starpower and acting phomena(you can check it in LSGFAN posts if you want). still you say he is not qualified just take a chill pill.
Love Ha Ji Won and Lee Seung gi (and damn, the antifans here are crazy!), but the story doesn’t seem to grab me and it feels like the actors are playing a version of their old drama characters- Ha Ji Won as the sort of action-y heroine again and Lee Seung-gi as the spoiled rich boy again. I hope the story proves my misgivings wrong!
hmm… I admit LSG is not the best actor around, and there’s a lot of great actors out there but I’m sure there’s a reason why the production crew chose LSG, let’s just put our trust in them. He has his limitations, but he can improve. And he will only get to improve if he is given the chance to do so.
And for those who symphatise with HJW for having to act with LSG, honestly there is no need to pity HJW. What kind of statement is that anyway? HJW is a top star and she is an experienced actress, I’m sure she knows what she is doing. It is not like she is being forced into taking this project or something. If she has doubts about the premise and her co-star, she would have reconsidered the project or drop it already.
Last but not least, good luck to both LSG & HJW! =)
I only watch Korean dramas. I don’t watch or listen to Korean music and neither Korean talk shows. My guess his singing and hosting skills must be “phenomeno” that make some people to ignore his weak and annoying acting. Good ratings in the dramas he played was due to good storyline not his charming and acting skill. The drama viewers expect a lot in the next project of HA JI WON and after mentioning several names of excellent actors, the producer chose to pair the best with the worst. I don’t need to take a “chill pill” because Lsg name in the drama ‘s already got me cold feet.
I understand where you’re coming from and you’re entitled to your opinion. But these issues are pretty subjective. There is no right or wrong. You may find his acting annoying, but there are some who see potential in him. Honestly, I don’t think that he’s the best actor around but I don’t think that he’s annoying either (and that is my opinion)
So do not worry or get agitated by the replies to your opinion, sometimes fans may feel the need to protect their idol, but then again you can’t really blame them.
HJW is wise enough to make decisions for herself. She must have faith in LSG too for agreeing to participate in this drama together with him and I have faith in HJW =)
I can’t wait! An extreme fan of Ha Ji-Won and loved Lee Seung-gi in both Shining Inheritance and My Girlfriend is a Gumiho!
Both need to stay out of dramas. Ugh.
I can only say good luck to him for having the guts to take this up, and it will be a uphill battle from the start.
And he will only get sympathy/encouragement from the minority in this place because:
1. He is not a flower boy and dbeaners dig them. Just slightly above average looking in my opinion.
2. He is not a fantastic actor.
3. Favorite(over here) 2nd leads blocker 1: Bae Soo Bin.
4. Favorite(over here) 2nd leads blocker 2: Noh Min Woo.
5. Taking up this mess allegedly rejected by: Jo In Sung, Cha Seung Won (loved much here).
Comments in recaps gonna be brutal (but I hope less hateful than I am seeing), if there is any recaps at all. Most likely Rooftop Prince will be more preferred because of the chick premise and the Yoochun love on this site.
Me, I’ll try to watch and see if I am surprised.
Oh I am so totally all over this drama ;D But does anyone else find the storyline reminiscent of Goong? I actually really adored that drama so I can’t wait to see how this goes XP Especially because I absolutely love Seunggi oppa ;]
Lsg can try to improve his acting by taking up the second male lead in this drama which I believe is more suitable for him.He being a King next to HJW is killing the drama right at the beginning. Acting with the best only shows more of the worst.
cham na!I can smell something in your comment.worried?KING’s rivalry?just support your idol and we have to support Lee seung gi.
I just saw this at baidu tieba. Apparently, someone posted on DC MBC Drama on NOVEMBER 14 that Lee Seung Gi and Ha Ji Won were confirmed for The King. So this could mean that SeungGi had been considering this drama for a long time now, and he might even be one of the first actors to receive the offer!
via http://tryp96.wordpress.com/2012/01/20/12-01-21-news-tidbits-lee-seung-gi/#more-1404879988
yup, I have read about that too. It means that the casting of LSG is probably not a last-minute thing. Probably the role was offered to a few actors at the same time.
HJW might have known earlier who she will be starring with. I have faith in HJW and I believe that she will be an awesome mentor to LSG.
The King, fighting! =)
Seung Gi oppa’s new drama!!! Oh yeah!!!!!
To me, it just feels so right for Seung Gi oppa to star in as the king!!! Haha~!
I am not really worried about the chemistry between the two but just super excited!!! Can’t wait for March!
FIGHTING!!!
Ooh, I’m relieved! I thought this was a straight up saeguk and just couldn’t picture LSG as a sageuk king. He’s best at dorky and bratty characters, definitely. This fusion thing sounds more promising. Ha Ji-won does badass best. Actually… I can’t wait to see them together!
i think ill pass on this as much as i like her this plot is iffy
that on top of the lead male is enough to turn me off he doesn’t do it for me
&&
I don’t get why ppl stan all over this topic
if you love/dislike him great but that doesn’t give you the right to belittle someone who thinks differently than you. Voicing a opinion shouldn’t be grounds for dirt slinging. You would think that with bigger problems going on right now a fan war really?
Badass Ha Ji Won teaching a lesson to puppy Lee Seung Gi? Could be fun.
BUT…
I think this time I would rather see Seung Gi as a nice cheerful guy who is just disgusted with the politics and wants to be a normal person… like a kindergarten teacher (with little girls swooning over him) or an elderly house carer (with all ajumas swooning over him)
And it is him who teaches the lesson to the power-obsessed badass sexy-noona Ha Ji Won!
OMG, how come until now I know this news. Lee Seung Gi!!! Very miss his acting from BL and MGIG. Never complete HJW drama so no comment but heard she’s very good actress so YAY for The King. So sad when so many ppl talk bad about him but ok, for me his acting very good, fresh, not typical cold handsome character I usually watch on Kdrama. Very anticipateeee
I could never agree more on the comments to STOP BASHING.. I am a fan of Seung Gi and I’m so proud to be one. Everybody has their own opinion that they can voice out. But I just hope that you guys (those who doesn’t like him) would be more sensitive as well on your comments. It’s like you people are trying to provoke Airens to comment back at the nasty things you have been posting here. We all have our favorite actors/actresses/singers etc. But can’t we all just be MATURED enough with the comments or things we’re going to say?Some ANTI’s here are posting nasty comments about Seung Gi,so in defense to Seung Gi,of course Airens will fight back. They’re doing it so they have more things say against Seung Gi….aaaiiigoooo~~~
The show hasn’t even started yet.Please..Give the guy a chance.Can’t we just accept the SIMPLE FACT that HE WAS CHOSEN BY THE PRODUCERS because THEY BELIEVE IN HIS TALENT AS AN ACTOR?
Anyway,I don’t want to spoil the fan here.I love dramabeans and let’s just try to be civilized people here.You wouldn’t want your idols to be bashed by other people as well.
PEACE TO EVERYONE.SMILE..^_^
if they’re going to cast someone opposite Ha Ji Won who is young, a singer and a not-so-stellar actor, he might as well be pretty. LSG is butt ugly! Ugh! I would rather have Kim Hyun Joong over LSG for this role.
Kim hyun joong’s plastic surgeon was so rich now because of him. I dont know if HJW willing to act with a robot actor.
HAHAHAHA you must be joking.
KHJ? a plastic man? What a funny joke! HAHAHAH! You’re sure really love plastic!
This drama will leave an everlasting impression of HJW babysitting LSG, kinda sad
kim hyoon joong playful kiss was crashed when he competed with mgiag .still you drag kim hyun joong here.hjw babysitting lsg plz get transferred to mental hospital quickly.are you a actor by yourself. i don’t think you are qualified to judge him. g and cut his nonsense crap out.you are exceeding limits. your comments reflect poorly on you.
Well..Lee Seung Gi is ok for the male leading man but i prefer Cha Seung Won to be the leading man…it will be more appealing..oh please,just my opinion:)
I think all the negative comments only show envy n jealousy towards him. Lee seung gi is still the best for whatever he does..will support him alwayss!!!
WOW at all this “hate” and “border-line hate” comments. Its now K2H past episode 6 and LSG is rocking it. Drama (writing) is great, acting is great and puppy is a grown man
Hope you ALL are enjoying the show 
haha yea I actually read back all the comments and I was like WOW. Proves that people should judge things before it hasn’t even started. Sadly the ratings dropped, despite it being awesome
sorry, *SHOULDN’T
LOL I know, dramas over, and he got better and better with each episode- do not think anyone can comment someone else should have gotten the role or could have done better.
LSG is the KING
it is fun to come read these after the fact, rather than before LOL.
seems the haters have all left the room. HaHA
Hi! I am Filipina, just thinking people here are mostly Koreans. Hmmm,. I dont care with his anti, for me LSG is a good one, there are lots of actors and actresses I have watched already from Japan, Taiwan and Korea more manly and more handsome than him but I feel the sincerity and kindness in him. With his acting, maybe he is not dat good(but actually I like d way he acts, the way he moves and the way he deliver his lines), I think it is not important if he is good with it or not, anyway at the end of it they’ve got the ratings and that is what counts anyway, it means people believe in them and admire them. If you dont like him then dont follow and watch what ever is connected to him,. He didnt do anything wrong to any of this anti I think, so guys just stop being “hater” and posting of foul comments, before judging somebody just try to put yourselves on their shoes. Anyway I LOVE LSG no matter wat,.