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Park Jung-min up to star in tvN’s Entourage

Aw bummer, I guess this means that Choi Woo-shik (Ho-gu’s Love) is out of the running to play Eric in the tvN Entourage remake, because now Park Jung-min (You’re All Surrounded) is up for the role. I wasn’t surprised when Im Shi-wan turned it down, but now that they’re courting Park Jung-min for the same character, I can’t help but wonder if he won’t be the lead anymore.

I really like Park Jung-min, who debuted in the indie film Bleak Night opposite Lee Je-hoon and was achingly raw and intense, and later turned out a comical performance in the SBS drama You’re All Surrounded. He’s a versatile actor who’s been doing supporting roles until now (and had a cameo in Answer Me 1988 as Bora’s assy boyfriend); Entourage would be his first leading role.

His casting does make me think that the focus of the remake will shift to Vince (the movie star) over Eric (his best friend and manager) though, which in my opinion would be a bad move for the show. It’s an ensemble drama for sure, but you kind of need Eric to be the sane voice of reason, and the guy the audience relates to. Seo Kang-joon (Cheese in the Trap) will likely sign on to play the Vince character, and opposite Im Shi-wan or Choi Woo-shik, I would’ve said he was the secondary character, but now I’m not so sure.

Entourage is a drama about an actor and his entourage of buddies navigating their way through the showbiz industry. Possible co-stars include Lee Kwang-soo (It’s Okay, It’s Love) as Seo Kang-joon’s actor cousin who’s desperate to be more famous (Johnny Drama), Lee Dong-hwi (Answer Me 1988) as the group’s driver and gofer boy (Turtle), and Jo Jin-woong (Signal) as Seo Kang-joon’s high-powered agent (Ari).

I’m sad about Choi Woo-shik, but I’m also skeptical that an Entourage remake will successfully capture the feeling of the original anyway, so maybe my expectations were low to begin with and I’ll be fine with Choi Woo-shik picking something else to return in. And who knows, this could be the breakout role for Park Jung-min, who’s certainly due for some recognition.

Entourage is planning to air this summer on tvN.

Via Sports Seoul

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Lol, Seo Kang Joon is stealing the lead again.
*sight* was looking forward to Choi Woo Shik

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sigh*

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Was looking forward to CWS too, but I'm not too keen on the story anyway so it's all good.

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Lol

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What's up with the SKJ negativity? I knew this would happen, getting frustrated at the actor when it's the PDs fault.

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hah even OST of Cheese on the Trap album OST has his Picture Most. yeah now i understand Fantagio's deal, with the PD and CJ EM

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCurCr4JSs3/?taken-by=bling_krrr

seriously this is bullying.

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Vince was the main character of the original Entourage series.

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Hope Jo Jin-woong will decline too so I don't have to watch it.

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even if Jo Jin-woong takes it, there's next to no chance his role will actually get the primary position it does in Signal..... so unless it turns out crackingly awesome, I'd say skip it and hope he gets a movie lead where he can really shine.

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I honestly prefer him in supporting roles. He can do 2nd, 3rd lead and still manage to shine.
I have no doubt that his version of Ari would be just as good as Jeremy Piven's.

It would have been great if the actors were on the same level or closer as far as acting and age (mid 30s early 40s) like the original but these young mediocre actors totally turns me off.
Just because it has humor doesn't mean anyone can do it.

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Me joining the pray!

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lol ... who didn't see this coming from a mile away ?

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lol

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I guess it's kind of a red flag when all the potential leads are declining the project? (Sigh). I can't say if it's a good thing or a bad thing at this point though. It could still go either way.

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At this point it's very hard not to link what became of that other drama that ended last week with the current casting situation for this drama...

and now that Choi Woo-shik has also taken a pass on this one, the potential reason why is becoming a bit obvious.

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I am jaded and I do think that someone in SKJ's agency tried to get his client ahead of other actors. That's just how entertainment, here or in Korea, seems to work.

http://www.soompi.com/2016/02/12/anonymous-insider-reveals-insidious-reality-of-sponsorship-in-entertainment-world/

That is why so many people wonder why he went from small to second lead in Singly Cunning Lady, when he is not that good of actor. Even if people said he has great personality, has anyone seen "Roomates"? His looks is what is carrying that dude.

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His agency has been pushing him hard for the past few years. Fantagio invested $$$ into Cunning Single Lady, hence why he got cast in such a major role despite only being a rookie actor at the time (and it ended up being his breakout role). I think it's pretty common in the industry.

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I cannot help not to think that Fantagio did invested money for him ( I still wish it isnt the case).

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Sorry for my stupid question, but... What is a sponsor?
I thought it was a good thing like an athlete's sponsor, but I see it has a negative connotation in this discussion.
Is it more like "daddy long legs" kind or a pimp kind??

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I don't understand why people pay attention to malicious issues. Isn't spreading this kind of issue a civil (legal) violation?

Seo Kang Joon is a talented kid and people see that. So hope people should stop spreading this kind of rumors.

Even he was newbie, he shined in CSL. SKJ can easily connect with his fellow actors and can build that amazing chemistry with his fellow actors.

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Yes the writing is on the wall! As soon as Im Si-wan passed on this I was like, "Well, I bet he knows what's going on behind the scenes and is getting clear now."

At this point with PJM being positioned, well, it would still be a good career step up for him right?

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I hope they do change the show format. I didn't like the original Entourage so if they were trying to emulate it perfectly I wouldn't have wanted to watch it.

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yey for PJM, i like his acting since puberty medley. he's effective in supporting roles but i don't think he's lead role material. who the male lead is now blatantly obvious but i won't be surprised if tvN keeps it hush hush and just say its an ensemble casting.

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now i need jo jin woong to skip this....

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Ah. Bummer.
If Vince become the lead in this re-make, it won't be special. Too mainstream. Esp with SKJ.

I might following the drama thru your recaps, if you're willing to do it.
I'd rather watching Marriage Contract with Seojinnie and Uee.

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They are certainly going for very similar acting styles-ish. All three actors have this sort of soft, relatable and warm vibe to them so at least they're sure of what to do with Eric. But yea, as much as I liked PJM in YAAS (I thought he stole it amongst the younger cast) - he isn't really that big of a name yet.

I'm really meh on who gets to be lead vs second lead. I'd much rather it be composed of a strong ensemble. With Kwangsoo and JJW in (if they are) I'd love to see all four guys have equal footing. But I know it's unlikely even just looking at the original's screen time division. On the upside, I'm happy to see Seo Kang-joon getting the lead status right of the bat. It's better for him rather than dealing with idiotic accusations later on. Still, if it's in sacrifice of the overall story telling, then that's a no-no.

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Its not a question of who gets first lead vs second lead. its the difference between what you are promised and what you actually end up with. How is it that they went from Im Shi-wan to PJM for the same role ? Or were they offering ISW a second lead to SKJ to begin with ? That makes no sense ..

... its the sneaky dealings that is leading to everyone turning down what should have been a very good role.

You are right on the strong ensemble. But i have rarely seen a show managing to pull it off and treating all actors equally. Plus with live shoots and fan service, the whole ensemble concept goes for a toss :)

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How is it that they went from ISW to PJM? Maybe it's simply because none of the initial actors they courted wanted to do the drama because they didn't like their character/the script/the PD etc. There are a thousand reasons on why and because we aren't involved behind the scenes, we can't tell without making guesses. I'm not one to speculate unfortunately. Whatever happens in the production isnt public (yet) and while many would like to pretend as though they know, in reality, none of us ordinary folks do.

"Sneaky dealings" - unless there's concrete proof, I don't believe in crap like that. It can be true undoubtedly, but I don't try to tarnish someone's image just because of what I think. Just like I always defend JSY in these kind of accusations, I'd defend anyone else too. I'd rather be proven wrong in the end and 'embarass' myself than actually point fingers when one is innocent.

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+1
Such a rare thought.

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+10

I like your line of thinking, Mandy.

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I really tried to give SKJ the benefit of doubt in the whole thing. But really? Two back to back turn downs.

Yeah i am sure a lot of people will call it coincidence, many people do it right? Maybe ISW and CSW didn't like character/script/PD. Ha! How much their 'character' must have sucked compared to SKJ now for them to be unwilling to accept it.

Esp if they intend to make Vince the lead or whatever.

I guess these guys must be apprehensive also because what happened to PHJ and the cheese controversy. So i guess they will try to bring someone as similar experience and popularity to SKJ, cause no actor more popular (and ofcourse talented) will take a risk here.

I doubt the 'sneaky dealings' will be out in the open anytime soon, cause that's the nature of sneaky dealings. So its fair if people thrash those rumours. Seeing is believing after all. But the others who look beyond things and connect the dots, its obvious whats happening. I do not buy the 'oh it could be a coincidence' bullshit

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You don't need to buy the 'coincidence bullshit'. I ain't force selling it either. You can think and accuse someone all you want and I'd call it out as crap all I want. In the end, whether some want to act as 'experts' and 'connect dots' is their choice. I'd like to be objective and not scream murder when there's absolutely no concrete proof.

When the 'truth' comes out (if there's even such a thing) we'll know for sure. Like I said earlier, I'd rather be a fool later on than be pointing fingers at innocents now. End of.

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Well there has been plenty of evidence out there lately that suggests the actor skj's company interfered in the production. If all those revelations on official news outlets (albeit in Korean and hard to get by, but still you can't deny they are out there) aren't relevant to the real picture I don't know what else is.

All that fiasco of certain news and announcements posted then deleted then revised and reposted and edited again makes anyone with a brain wonder what's going on. Skj's company shamelessly insisted that the actor's increased screen time in the latter half of the show was due to his (unprovable) popularity, as if that were a legit reason for screwing the show and its audience. All the main actors' interviews earlier and the different versions of the actress' interviews that just came out yesterday point to the same explanation. The OST inserts shows almost no pictures of the main male lead PHJ but tons of pics with skj in it, even the main cp's ost cover image shows the second lead hugging the heroine. PHJ was left out of the loop after his part of the shooting concluded. He did not know the alt ending they were filming, was not informed of the reward vacation until he saw the news and even the last one to know about the wrap up party. ALL these are undisputible facts, confirmed by various sources.

Tell me if this is not bullying, what is. Say that "there is no concrete proof".

No one can feed you the truth if you choose to be indifferent. Assuming innocence sounds all noble and just, but defending someone And blindly ignoring all the evidence against them is no less judgmental.

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Opposite Park Hae Jin Seo Kang Joon was supposed to be a second lead too. So, no wonder no one wants to work with him, in case of a CITT scandal 2.0.

Actually, the new of declining this role are not surprising at all. His sponsor must be pretty frustrated now.

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he stole my heart in YAS so hopefully he'll really get to be a lead soon ;;

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I'm actually more excited for this now. I really appreciate Park Jung-min as an actor, I find him very interesting. He was in Valid Love as the terrible little brother, but his trajectory hit me right in the chest. I now casually (obsessively) watch everything he's in. He's costarring in a movie with Kang Haneul that's supposed to be really good, as well. It started off small but I think it's doing well on word-of-mouth. I might have to mess around and watch this after all lol

ps - he was also in a movie with Byun Yo-han in a film that's worth watching for the acting and directing alone, so take that as you will.

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Well, it would be good exposure for Park Jung Min, but this really does sound like a mess in the making.

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No... I want Choi Woo Shik on my TV. He not doing any dramas last year. let's hope this will bring good news for him in drama later.

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Wasn't in Hogu's Love last year?

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Hogu's Love is one of my favorite drama's. It is so well executed and was a great opportunity for Choi Woo Shik. He is so well suited for "everyman" roles. Maybe he can do better than Entourage.

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Looks like tvn is really set to make Seo kan joon as a lead! The possible casting sounds so funny. Does it reallyeven make sense? They are considering PJM for ISW's role? I am so disappointed with tvn this year. I would have loved to see choi woo shik stealing all the scene and limelight for his perfect acting.
P.s. I ak still trying to debate how I feel about seo kang joon and his connections in this industry.

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Aw, geez. I liked him in You're All Surrounded.

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Of course tvN piano boy Seo Kang Joon who will be the lead. Who doesn't see it coming?
My interest has dropped significantly ever since Im Siwan out.

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good decision by Star Empire and JYPE they don't want to be another PARK HAEJIN.

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am i the only one who still thinks this remake is suuuper unnecessary?....tbh i hope none of them take it. i adore jo jin woong and lee kwang-soo so I'll have to watch it if they're cast...... but entourage?? of all the possible adaptations? ok....

i haven't seen this guy in a while though!! maybe it's time for a bleak night re-watch. signal has me in intense lee je-hoon fangirl mode :DD

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Pheww... good decision there CWS-shii you saved me from never ending fast forwarding... kamsahadaaaa *fingerheart*

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I haven't watched the original and I'm sad Choi Woo-shik isn't joining, but I'm also equally excited if Park Jung-min might get a chance in the limelight. I don't really care if he's up for first or second lead since so far, his drama career has put him in supporting cast because he isn't pretty enough despite being one of the most versatile young actors with serious talent. It's about time he gets his moment to shine because sometimes being a scene stealer just isn't enough. Two actors rejecting the same role might sound worrisome, but that's show business and it means nothing until we get the final product. Best of luck to Park Jung-min.

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I agree. +1
Casting call rejections seem run of the mill. I'm not getting any red flags.

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Is it too late for Jo Jin-woong to drop out of this? I feel like this is going to be ridiculous and I'm not hating but I really need a break from Seo Kang-joon right now. If Jo ajhussi is in this I'll have to watch it.

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His agency should realize that give a break for SKJ for the time being is the best thing to do, before everyone turn to hate him for no reason.

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No it's not too late and I'm hoping he'll drop out so I don't have to watch it.

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Oops. The second lead will be the male lead again? hahahaha

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"Seo Kang-joon (Cheese in the Trap) will likely sign on to play the Vince character, and opposite Im Shi-wan or Choi Woo-shik, I would’ve said he was the secondary character, but now I’m not so sure."

in the end he will be the lead =/

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Wait... I haven't been keeping up with this remake, but isn't Vince the main character in Entourage to begin with? When they cast Seo Kang Joon I thought it made sense, even though I don't particularly care for him and am not really impressed by his acting, because he seems like a Vince to me.

I'm not fond of Siwan's acting either, because it's like I can see him acting, and I thought he was out of place in the Entourage cast to begin with, just going by the original. I thought the original casting with Siwan was off because he's the biggest star, but it was clear the SKJ would be Vince, and in a Korean version the "star" of the show would most definitely be Vince.

Park Jung Min actually fits perfectly because he's not exceptionally good-looking, but likable. He's relatable and comical and has the potential to be pretty endearing. When I watched the original series I never really saw Eric as the main character? I actually didn't like Eric (or most of the guys actually) though so maybe that was a factor lol. Vince was the center of the show, but the one you're supposed to connect the most with is the entourage (especially Eric). Why do people think Seo Kang Joon is "stealing" the main spot?

If they get it right, Park Jung Min will shine and I'd love that, he's a good actor. Entourage is an ensemble first and foremost anyways, so this whole "stealing" lead roles talk seems a little premature.

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"I would’ve said he was the secondary character, but now I’m not so sure."
Famous last words

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From Korean Netizen to International netizen

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Aw, is everyone still mad at SKJ? Damn. :/
Well, I've just begun Cheese in the Trap but I don't think I will blame the show's going down hill on him. I really do think that's a production problem even when I was just reading the news.

Anyway, I wonder how things will go. Hopefully they secure the "Eric" soon. I don't really know why people are so worried. Like, it would be one thing if everyone except SKJ dropped out but just two people rejecting an offer? Eh...a non-issue it seems like. We'll see.

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"His casting does make me think that the focus of the remake will shift to Vince (the movie star) over Eric (his best friend and manager)"

I thought Vince is the main lead in the original Entourage series who was played by Andrian Grenier. It was always Vince who's the main lead, was it? I'm confused here.

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*main character

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