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Auditions draw over 700 hopefuls in search for Joo-won’s Sassy Girl

Open call casting auditions have started for the drama remake of My Sassy Girl, the new youth sageuk adaptation starring Joo-won (Yong-pal) from production company Raemong Raein (Sungkyunkwan Scandal).

In the original film My Sassy Girl (2001), Cha Tae-hyun (The Producers) played the bumbling dorky college student to Jeon Ji-hyun’s (Assassination) powerful charismatic sassy girl. Their adorable chemistry led to what is now considered one of the most iconic Korean romantic comedies. In this new drama remake set in Joseon, Joo-won will be playing the role of hapless scholar Gyun-woo who finds himself swept along by the wild adventures of a new sassy girl.

Over 700 women have already participated in the open calls, and more are expected to audition in the near future. Everyone from rising star actresses to tyro girl group idols to female comedians have taken this chance to prove their potential. It’s a great publicity stunt as well, since it’s an open invitation for any female in her twenties to thirties to break into the Korean entertainment industry. And let’s face it, even the slightest chance to meet Joo-won in person as his leading lady could get any red-blooded female to audition.

My Sassy Girl will be 100% pre-produced, and plans to be broadcasted sometime in early 2017 simultaneously in Korea, Japan, and China.

Via Newsen

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So basically anyone, even women with no acting training or experience whatsoever can audition? Did they think koreans weren't complaining enough about this remake so they wanted to add fuel to the fire with this? I hope they choose someone with at least 2 semesters of acting college because this girl will not only have to keep with a Daesang award winner, but she'll have to promote this drama alone, so every flaw this drama might have, the public/press will criticize her for it since she'll be the only one available for it.

And when will they have time to film it if they're still casting? Joo Won is set to enter military in September...what a mess!

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Someone could get a four-year degree in acting and still not be a good actor.

Others might never go to acting college but have natural talent.

I'd take a nobody with zero experience that blows that casting directors away during her audition over someone who has a piece of paper or name/fame (or a Korean acting award, which I personally can't take seriously*) any day...

*this is not to suggest that Joo-won is a terrible actor, just that popularity/rating successes significantly influence the awards

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My thoughts exactly!!! Nothing else to add

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The problem isn't only in the acting, if she has no experience, how will she handle everything in this entertainment world without her costar supporting her? And putting aside awards, Joo Won still has YEARS of experience on her, even if she has tons of raw talent, the lack of experience will be glaring. Acting is not only the ability cry beautifully, you have to know set rules and how everything works behind the scenes for it to flow smoothly. A lot of people, you included, think that knowing how to react to the actor in front of you is all it takes to be a good actor, but you have to learn a thing or 2 about the world of acting before talking IMO.

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Joo won is considered one of the best actors in his generation if not the best by the public AND the industry. Critics have consistently praised his performance even in his lowest rated dramas and he has been chosen by directors and producers in the industry as top lead actor for The Good Doctor. In fact, hes also considered one of best among the seniors too hence why they love him so much. The guy's incredible performances in Gaksital and Good Doctor should have earned him a massive Daesang. U may not agree with him getting a Daesang for YongPal but the guy was loooong overdue for one. YongPal had issues but Joo Won's acting in it was great and probably the only saving grace by the end of it. Just because the scriptwriters messed up doesnt mean that he cant get the recognition he deserves.

This is why he needs an actress that can really stand out and act against him. The true fact is that his acting has always been so good that his co-actresses have actually never seemed to stand out decently opposite him including the usually talented Moon Chae Won and Choi KangHee who struggled to show the same depth in acting when they acted in front of him. I agree with you that having won awards doesnt always mean the person is talented (aka Yoona or Suzy) but I still hope its someone who is talented and able to learn quickly because having some experience is still important and preferred.

Anyways, back to this drama..tbh everything about this drama points to a failure. I will be seriously surprised if it succeeds. I wish he would get away from comedy. He does so well with melodrama/action/thrillers/romance. I would have liked to see him in a role where he transforms completely like he did with Gaksital and Good Doctor. Hes so much better than childish comedy with same overbearing female hero and cold main male.

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I love your comment!!!!! THANK YOUUUUU!

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shk who has been in the industry for 20 years still can't act properly

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They're out of ideas, all is a remake

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Not a remake - an adaptation which might go more off the original source material rather than the film.

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Why are they even auditioning, the industry is full of actress why not choose from them!!!!!
Is it some kind of promotion for the drama? What's wrong with the casting these days...
I think Joo Won is crying right now, i bet he didn't see that coming
I hope it will not be a flop for JW sake

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Hollywood is always holding auditions, when there are plenty of established actors and actresses already out there. It's a good way to bring in new talent and blood to the business. Many of the huge stars you see in Hollywood were cast as a nobody through auditions like this.

I love that they are holding an open audition because the Korean industry is so focused on only casting established actors, idols or those who have connections that I feel like it's stagnating. This is an opportunity to find a talented actress who might not ever have had this type of chance before.

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I agree, instead of casting idols who cannot act, I much prefer them doing open auditions. This way they are likely to find a new talented actress

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+1 @TrinPie

South Korea is the only country I know of where you pretty much always have to have years of training at a company to even debut (whether as a singer, actor etc) and then wait years for a lead role. It's also the only country I know of where open auditions never really happen. I don't get why anyone would criticize this idea so harshly, it's common practice elsewhere.

And yes, lots and lots of talented actors and actresses were discovered through open auditions! I'm looking forward to seeing if they'll just pick one of the celebrities auditioning or be bold and go for an unknown.

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One of my favorite Korean actresses is Han Groo who was discovered in an open audition for the amazing show Girl K.

And I am also hoping who they choose will be because she is a good actress and fits the role, not because she might already be an idol or have connections. If they do that, what's the point of an open audition?

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I believe, but i might be wrong, that Kim Go Eun auditioned for Eun Gyo and Kim Tae Ri auditioned for Agassi. Both of which are their breakout(?) roles and got/getting attention from film critics.

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I'm likewise really excited about this open audition. Sure, there is a lot of acting talent in Korea already, but I'm positive there are potential gems out there that for some reason or other didn't go into acting, and now might have a chance to break into the industry.

I figure this would be the makings of another (melo)drama Cinderella-story, wouldn't it? Unknown, girl-next-door, possibly down-trodden, possibly an orphan, possibly with a future terminal disease, gets noticed by a famous director and stars in the most popular cracktastic drama or movie of the year, and within a blink is at the very top of the industry with everyone wondering who-in-the-world she is, where did she pop out from...and when she might fall on her face. *fingers crossed*

I believe Chang Zhi-Yi, the famous Chinese actress in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Heroes, 2047, Grand Master, and many other Chinese movies, was similarly discovered by the director Zhang Yi-Mo. She was previously a no-name with only (I think) one shampoo commercial under her belt. And while I think she was still working things out in her very first break-out role, in The Way Home (?), she definitely kept improving with each succeeding movie.

I don't envy the people conducting the auditions, as they probably will have to sift through a lot of dross to discover the jewel(s), but who wouldn't want to be the one who discovers that the glass slipper fits?

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Well, I think what happens is Korea does hold auditions for smaller parts, but not for leading roles. I don't think Hollywood holds open auditions for a leading roles either.

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But Hollywood holds open auditions all the time. True, some directors will have someone in mind or will write roles specifically for a certain actor. But let's take one of the biggest movies recently, Star Wars. Daisy Ridley was almost completely unknown, but was cast for the character of Rei from an open audition.

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Game of Thrones held open auditions and casted actresses for main characters like Dany and Arya from open auditions

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Thank you guys for make things clear for me, I didn't see it that way, i think i got carried away, after reading your comments I realized things I didn't think of before, come to think of it you are all right it's an opportunity for talented new actress

Again i thank you all for the mature replies

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It's SK, the person who wins will win b/c of connections lbr.

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As stated, Hollywood holds auditions all the time - whether it be to choose among veteran actors or find some talented newbie.

The Answer Me/Reply PD and writer have held auditions and it was worked out very well for them (even in casting actors who have been much criticized for their acting in the past).

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Excuse me? If there were no auditions then we wouldn't have actors like Emma Watson. Hollywood still hold auditions. Auditions just seem rarer in Korean entertainment industry than Hollywood. This is a great opportunity for dreamers with talent to shine.

And the PDs are choosing from 700+ girls. They are gonna choose the best. Unless they end up with a famous idol girl and that could either be she's talented or her agency got her in.

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Hapless scholar? Drama remake of movie? Why does this remind me of Level 7? Shudder...

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agree, the drama premise does not sound promising - the casting will be super important

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Sassy Girl sageuk? This genre has turned into a freaking trendy joke, it's quite sad. Respectable writers and directors of the genre are either retired like Jung Ha Yeon or passed away, (director Kim Jae Hyung etc) /cry.

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the best part is, that sad attempt at a My Sassy Girl sequel? Is a resounding flop in both Korea and China.

At least a sageuk setting might force them to come up with some fresh ideas but I don't see why this drama is even necessary, though it's not as offensive in conception as MSG2 the movie.

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I think it's better that they changed the setting at least. If the movie has flopped that badly, then they obviously wouldn't want a repeat with the drama. And this way, people can consciously choose to think of this drama as a stand alone one, instead of trying to relate it to the original.

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What's so wrong with holding auditions? It's a great way to discover new and fresh talent. And since I haven't watched the original movie, I'm really looking forward to this drama.

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This is my exact thought. I think holding open auditions is an awesome way to find a talented actress instead of just choosing the popular actresses of the week.

I also haven't seen the original movie so I am also looking forward to this.

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i don't think it's bad per se, it's just not as common in Korea for auditions to be so public for everyone especially if the other character is going to be played by a famous actor. At least that's what I think, i may be wrong lol.

I'm looking forward to this drama as well, fingers crossed the casting will be good!

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yeah the open auditions are possibly the best news about this series' existence.

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Yeah, I don't really get all the negativity here. Holding open auditions like this gives me the idea that they are trying to find some hidden talent. It could very well be that a promising, struggling actress takes the part. It's far better than just casting an idol right off the bat.

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yeah nice idea but this is Korea after all, so you can pretty much bet there lots of back room deals going on as to who getting cast, I would put my money on an Idol or a young actress with a big company behind her. Every thing else is pretty much a try at promotion to my mind.

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That is true. But then the previous results of open auditions for a role have generally turned out pretty well, I think - Kim Go-eun in Eun-gyo, Jung Eun-ji in Answer Me 1997 - so I hope the backroom deals, if any, at least back an actress who's capable of pulling off this role.

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Right, it would be a great experience for wannabe actresses, even if all but one don't end up getting the role. It's a unique way to select a leading lady and I would like to see how it goes. Nothing to lose.

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Even Joo Won was picked from open audition for Baking King, so I don't see what is so wrong with holding one for this.

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My only question is why Joo Won would agree to this mess. He's built a solid acting record and generally picked good projects. So why? Wae? Por Que? He's not exactly in the youth age range anymore. On top of that, youth sageuk of Sassy Girl? On top of THAT, a gimmicky audition process for his co-star? Don't get it, but to each his own I guess.

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Well..He has always been his company's golden slave,somehow in give-and-take relationship.Some works are chosen by him and in return he is forced to take part in some other works his company produce.And his fans are going crazy with his company and ready to burn it down.

Long story short,Joo Won himself,fans and the company are all in mess with wary to one another. Many are not even that positive...

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The drama is produced by his company. Like Mini said, hes always been considered the biggest star at his company so they are trying to cash on him before he enlists. He has said many times before that one of the things hes very proud of is having played deep and rich characters like Lee KangTo in Gaksital and The Good Doctor. He also said that he wants to continue playing rich and deep characters and from what i recall, he even said that he would like to play either the main hero in a melodrama with a love obsession like the Note Book movie or dark/evil character. The reasons fans are so upset by this drama is that its nothing like what he has said he wants to do next. Hes also barely mentioned or promoted it on his social networks and keeps posting other unrelated stuff to it. Hes no where near as energetic or excited as he usually gets when hes filming a great project. There has been changes in his company's management recently so this could also be why hes getting degraded to doing a "youth" drama (im still in shock at seeing his name next to the words "Youth Drama")

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701 here? ?!!

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I just have one question. Is Joo-won really that big of a star that holding an audition for his co-star is found as degrading (for lack of a better word)?

Like I'm confused?.. What's so wrong with holding an open audition?. What's with d negative responses??

Cast an idol - uproar
Cast an established actress - there will be something to be said
Oya they are holding an open audition - still not satisfied.

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I saw oya in your comment and had to back up to see your name :) hiiiiiiiiiiiii my fellow nigerian :)

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I also saw oya and started laughing. Hello fellow Nigerian!

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Hes considered one of the most talented actors in Korea and many people in the industry including seniors see him as the most talented within his generation. Hes won many awards from critics, producers and directors and his acting is praised by basically any Korean who has seen it. One of the most common criticism his other dramas have always received is that his main female costars are never as good as him when they are acting on the same screen. Thats why people are worried that the company producing this drama was unable to get him a really talented established actress possibly because the story is not very good (we still dont know who is directing it and it hasnt even been picked up by a TV channel!!! thats how bad things are) and so they are resorting to this open audition thing in hope that some unknown actress with some bit of talent will agree to doing it.

I agree with you that generally open auditions are a great way to find gems but for this particular project, im worried thats only done as a publicity stunt and because no talented established actress wants to get involved in it

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yay for the audition!!
now people can show their version of the girl as they think and it may fit the best than anyone,

but I still don't understand why they had to remake the movie, what makes the movie special is bc it just that one movie is enough to tell about their story (I am not counting any sequel or other adaptation),

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If only I could act.... *sigh*

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I think open audition Is welcomed. My biggest concern if why bother to do remake / sequel for this movie. On top of that, based on Joseon..Aigoo.

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Well, with 700 women auditioning, we wont have any issue with acting ability right? Cause I'm pretty sure netizens will drag this drama version all over the place, just like MSG 2. Whoever will be the Sassy Girl better brace herself and use that acting talent as a shield, sort of.

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This is great and everything, except...

PARK BO-YOUNG. =D

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I hope my bias Gong Seung Yeon will audition..

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Lol YES.

Or...

Han Groo
Lee Shi-young
Im Joo-eun (she really hasn't got her due yet)

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whoops, this was supposed to be in reply to @crazedlu

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I think this is the best thing they can do to get a good actress onboard.

Which established actress in her right mind would want to reprise Jeon Ji Hyun's role? The only ones who will take the risk are those who have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Fingers crossed that they can find a raw diamond in that pile of 700 hopefuls and growing. At least, they didn't just take some wannabe idol actress who can't act.

I don't like My Sassy Girl, averse to most remakes but just curious how they can adapt the sassy girl character into period settings.

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I really don't know how is this a mess for Joo Won....this is not the first remake he is starring in right? Since he is well aware of this risk and is a damn brilliant actor i would not doubt his sensibilities.

Also nothing can be worse than a sequel to my sassy girl....not even this remake. I actually found that turning it into a sageuk is an interesting idea. So i ll wait for the glimpses of the finished product to really judge.

Lastly, i think this audition is an open audition. Rising starlets can audition, so can newbies....it is like a golden opportunity for those trying to enter the industry without a backing. Saying that, it's not necessary they choose someone out of the auditioned crop. Who knows, an established actress can audition through networking via her company (cause i think everyone needs to pass screen tests for the character...don't know if that's how it works in korea...but elsewhere even established stars need to pass screen tests to check if they suit the character) But even then the audition is a good idea to get noticed and get roles in future....or who knows even a supporting character in the show.

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LOL. Is My Sassy Girl remake a new trend?
After that movie sequel, now drama remake.

Open audition is not a bad idea. If it going right, they can find unknown talented actress through it. That idea is waaay better than casting an idol like Victoria.

Eventho they has Joowon, I'm not really looking forward to this drama tbh.

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Wu Quian would be perfect for this?

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LOL. At least they get the publicity. Never mind with the controversies, gonna think about it later. XD

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I really think that Park Bo-Young would fit in here, she has shown that she can fit very well with various genres and Im pretty sure she would be perfect here.

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Don't know why open auditions are such a taboo ? IS it not great - you get to have new acting talent ... plus the more transparent you make the system, the less chances of girls getting into a casting couch type of situation

in my country, the only way you can get a role is if you are an actors daughter/son and with connections ... or are willing to sleep with everyone for it (btw, lots of starlets don't end up with roles even after doing that and end up running some sort of an escort service)

the whole entertainment industry is so murky ... open auditions is a step forward ...

PS: when they are changing the eras, why term it as a remake and invite comparisons ?
dorky/serious guy + spirited girl is not really a unique concept

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I'm happy for the auditions. It lessens the chance of the actress being Jin Se Yeon, which I think we beans can agree is argument enough.

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Yoon Jin Yi
Gong Seung Yeon
Kim So Eun
Han Groo
Lee Yoon Ji
Kim Seul Gi

*hopeful*

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I hope Jung Eunji would audition for this role. She plays sassy/feisty female characters well and she has the hair for it, assuming that the sassy girl will still have those long luscious locks.

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Ive never seen the original movie before, Im going too watch this one when it comes out, but man I never knew any problems or issues that aroused around the making of dramas until I found Dramabeans, and Im thankful.

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This gives me hope for this show. I'm not familiar with the movie but since this drama has Joo-won in it I'll watch it. I seriously hope they cast a new face. No offense to established actresses or idols or comedians, but I like to see a new, talented face every now and again.

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I understand the apprehension, but at the same time, I'm actually giddy over a new face getting her step forward and a chance to get her dreams. Most of my experience comes from another industry, but I do sympathize and understand that joy from realizing that there's a contest that doesn't require you have an industry in or there's a chance for you to be seen by the people you admire and not just dream of making the right networking connection at some point.

Take that with a grain of salt, of course, since I am from another industry, but...I really, really hope someone's dreams come true and dramaland ends up benefiting from a new star that no one ever expected to find.

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lee sung kyung cheese in the trap

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Please, Let's Vote Jisoo from Tahiti. She's in the Top 10 i think, This will make Tahiti known and in the Top 10 she is the only one who can really act. Please Let's Vote Jisoo

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700 women and who do they choose?

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