Moon Chae-won offered lead in tvN’s Bride of the Water God 2017
by javabeans
Time to cross your fingers and send up your collective fan prayers, because Moon Chae-won (Goodbye Mr. Black) has been offered the lead role in buzz project Bride of the Water God 2017, which will be written by Misaeng and Arang and the Magistrate writer Jung Yoon-jung and directed by Queen In-hyun’s Man and Nine director Kim Byung-soo.
I have to admit that I can’t quite see her pairing with Nam Joo-hyuk (Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-ju), who was previously offered the leading male role of Ha-baek, aka the water god. He just seems very young next to Moon, who’s always had a mature air; I like him and I like her, but I’m not sure about them together. On the upside, his casting is not yet confirmed, so there is a chance we’ll get a different pairing. And if he does end up taking the role… well, I have a lot of trust in this writer and director, so I’ll have to hope for the best and wait to see how it turns out.
In the original manhwa from which the drama is adapted, Ha-baek was the god to whom villagers offered up a young woman as human sacrifice, hoping for an end to their long drought. The original was a fantasy-historical story, but this drama version is calling itself a spinoff rather than remake and relocating the proceedings to modern-day Seoul, although it will still retain its fantasy-rom-com angle.
The character Moon is up to play is a neuropsychiatrist whose father was more driven by a love of humanity as a whole than for his family in particular, which led her to have a rather sad childhood, and has saddled her in adulthood with mounds of Dad’s debt. She worked intensely through her medical school days to put herself through school, but that just added to the debt Dad left her, and in order to pay it down sooner, she immediately opened up her own doctor’s office after becoming a specialist. No word yet on how water god Ha-baek will be modernized, but hey, we’re in the era of modern-day gods and reapers and wistful fantasy romances, so sign me up.
I’ve been dying for Moon Chae-won to make a good drama again, after sitting through the drudgery of her last, Goodbye Mr. Black. (And despite 2013’s Good Doctor being a hit, I thought her underutilized in it, compared to how wonderful she was in The Princess’s Man and Nice Guy.) I’m definitely excited to see her in the hands of a strong writer and director, and dipping her toes into the tvN pool—which, frankly, is a lot bigger than it once was, and now rivals major broadcast waters.
Bride of the Water God 2017 will be pre-produced and plans to begin filming next month, aiming for a broadcast in the latter half of the year.
RELATED POSTS
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- Goodbye Mr. Black’s cast dolls up for press conference day
- Misaeng writer returns with new fantasy manhwa adaptation
- Lee Seung-gi and Moon Chae-won’s just-friends romance
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Tags: adaptations, Bride of the Water God 2017, Moon Chae-won, Nam Joo-hyuk
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51 jasmin
January 23, 2017 at 3:22 AM
I'm so very happy to hear casting news for Moon Chae Won. Even though I'm a bit worried about the premise. On the other hand the writer of Misaeng... that sounds promising.
Nam Joo Hyuk on the other hand. I enjoyed his performance in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo but the premise there was fluffy with more depth than I expected. And I'm not sure if Nam Joo Hyuk is ready for a leading role AND for a actress like Moon Chae Won.
I just can't imagine them as the leading couple and I'm personally not into noona relationships.
But I just wait and see where this project is going and if Moon Chae Won will accept the role.
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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 23, 2017 at 7:14 AM
Exactly, I would be thrilled about everything to do with this drama, even with the unfortunate choice to change its setting.... if it wasn't for the prospect of NJH in the lead role.
(I like him, but Habaek is exactly the kind of role that laid bare all his weaknesses as an actor before, and it's far from the kind of sweetheart roles he's turned out to be so good at)
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aisa
February 24, 2017 at 8:39 PM
If they are finding a new male role i would like to recomend song jong ki i miss the chaeki couple and i would love to watch how jong ki oppa take the role of a god,hehe sory guys it is only my opinion i hope tvn would read this and of course the writers as well,GO FOR SONG JONG KI,chaeki couple THE REUNION.
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52 Hyde
January 23, 2017 at 5:01 AM
Nam Joo-hyuk isn't lead material, he's not even a decent actor.
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GedSkaiKru
January 24, 2017 at 4:14 AM
Excuuuuuuse me! Have you watched Weightlifting Fairy to judge him as not even a decent actor? Do yourself a favor and check that show out, Ep 15. Thank you very much.
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53 bla
January 23, 2017 at 5:22 AM
I don't know whether to laugh or laugh.
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54 anon
January 23, 2017 at 5:25 AM
pairing as a mother and son would be great!
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Sailor Mars
January 23, 2017 at 5:51 AM
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55 Shinichi
January 23, 2017 at 5:28 AM
Moon chae won *.* i miss to see her back in drama land since i dont watch her last drama cause i am not interested. But Nam Joo Hyuk.. Noooo T.T it does not because i dont like him, but he is too young... i prefer he decline this offered. Sorry NJH. Maybe Lee Dong Wook/ Yoo Yeon Sook/ Lee Jun Ki?? Or Kang Ha Neul?? Yes. Please yes... i want to see him act as a lead.......
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56 Sailor Mars
January 23, 2017 at 5:50 AM
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boomboompow
January 23, 2017 at 10:34 PM
He has a good agency (YG) that's why
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57 Adryanna
January 23, 2017 at 6:18 AM
If Moon Chae Won is up for the role, then I really really really hope they will change the male lead actor! I simply couldn't digest Moon Chae Won is going to be the love interest of Nam Joo Hyuk in this drama. To be honest, MCW is too old for NJH and vice versa as well. Frankly speaking here, Mon Chae Won looks good together with Jo In Sung or Kang Ha Neul.
Please save NJH for a younger actress, Kim Ji Won myb?? I don't like it when they pair NJH with an older actress.
I keep it short. I DON'T LIKE IT. Huhuhu
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58 jadea
January 23, 2017 at 6:29 AM
Unless this is supposed to be cute puppy chasing after noona, I can't see this pair working well. MCW is younger than I thought she was, but she gives off a mature vibe that isn't going to match with NJH who's probably more suited for cute fluff roles. Production needs to figure out where they want this to go and cast an older actor or a younger actress.
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59 Greenfields
January 23, 2017 at 6:44 AM
Why is everyone complaining? Am I the only one who loves a good noona romance?
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jichangwooklover
January 23, 2017 at 7:42 AM
Many love noona romances but there's no guarantee they will turn it into a noona romance just because of the age difference between the two leads.
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Nessie
January 23, 2017 at 12:32 PM
I don't think people are against the notion of noona romance, but more the fact that it's using the aspects or the title of The Bride of The Water God. The manwha wasn't a noona romance so I guess some people might feel a bit cheated. Since it's like you're not going to be close or even similar to the manwha yet you're using it's name?
Might as well not mention it at all and just start with something new, fans of the original work can't help but compare.
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kx
January 23, 2017 at 1:24 PM
This reminds me of Orange Marmalade the kdrama version. They should have just called that something different instead of pretending it was something it was not while still changing everything 270 degrees. Tbh Yeo Jingoo did not deserve that (including his leading lady) especially since it was his first leading role.
But I won't write off this drama just yet because I'm trying to be positive and like both leads with the offer and the production team.
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...231
January 23, 2017 at 3:55 PM
exactly they have change everything compare to the manwha...plotline,time ,the youth of the characters how are they gonna use the name of the manwha when its completely different?the manwha loyal followers they gonna roar..
play is a neuropsychiatrist like whats going on?just use a different title.i was really excited that they think to turn manwha into a drama but i can't anymore..
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bb-chan
January 23, 2017 at 1:12 PM
Because Bride of the Water God was NEVER a noona romance to begin with?
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Haha
January 23, 2017 at 1:26 PM
I don't think people here mind noona romance if it's just another drama but this drama follow a webtoon that isn't noona romance.
Don't you think fans of the webtoon would be happy if the production betray the original story?
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yrlvv
January 23, 2017 at 2:35 PM
In the mahwa, she is a human, the most beautiful one to submit to god (so assume she must be very young too). He is a god that lives forever.
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60 Kickingtenshi
January 23, 2017 at 7:05 AM
If MCW takes it (and honestly I really hope she does), and NJH takes it, then I hope he plays the younger/day Habaek... puts him in a better fitting, less burdensome main character role (although Habaek is still pretty dramatic regardless of age) AND gets rid of the inevitable creepiness of pairing a now grown woman with a 12 yr old.
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61 pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
January 23, 2017 at 7:12 AM
.......really? Nam Joo-hyuk and... Moon Chae-won?!
I would be thrilled about the prospect of her being cast if it wasn't for the prior news of the offer to him (I like him a lot but he is just NOT right to play Habaek, even a modernised version).
I'd say switch him out and keep her - preferably with Lee Jun-ki or someone at least closer to her in age and vibe.
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62 Marie
January 23, 2017 at 7:29 AM
I'm a fan of NJH after WLFKBJ, but I don't think he matches very well with MCW. She's a veteran actress who has had several acting awards. While NJH is a rookie actor who just had his 1st lead role. If they are going to use NJH, I think he should be paired with someone in the same age range so the pairing wouldn't look awkward. Of course I'm rooting for NJH to be paired with LSK, but I don't think that will happen anytime soon. I think Lee Joon Gi would be the best person to work with MCW because he fits the look of Habaek plus he does the angsty thing very well. ?
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63 jichangwooklover
January 23, 2017 at 7:39 AM
If they both accept hope they just turn it into a noona romance like king of highschool or I hear your voice. Cause they just look too different in age.
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64 messybunny101
January 23, 2017 at 8:00 AM
Kang Haneul! pls let it be him!
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65 ...231
January 23, 2017 at 11:17 AM
all lot seems to have problem with Nam Joo-Hyuk but she is too old and looks too to play soah.they change the plot to modern day ...that a big change from the manhwa and negative in the first place all the magic been taken away already.why can't they pick the right age for the characters with 20+ cast....young korean actresses..
Jeon Soo-Jin
Lim Ju-Eun
kim jiwon
park min young
Park Sun-Im
Lee Yeol-Eum
Mun Ka-Young
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nami2
January 23, 2017 at 11:29 AM
Park Min Young is exactly the same age as Moon Chae Won...PMY (March 86) is even 8 months older than MCW (November 86)
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...231
January 23, 2017 at 11:41 AM
lol.i know that..i write she is too old and looks too... the fact is though that pmy looks young despite the same age she can pass as young lady.mcw can't she a way too mature looking for the role.if they want mcw they should find an older actor...but i prefer more to see a young looking couple than a 30+ couple..... for the main leads.
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66 AJ
January 23, 2017 at 11:37 AM
I am hoping either Yoon Shi Yoon or Lee Jun Ki as Ha-Baek.
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67 Nessie
January 23, 2017 at 12:26 PM
OH MY GOD THIS WOULD BE PERFECT. Well if they change the male lead...Although thinking plot wise Soah is a bit of damsel in distress if you read the manwha. They'll need a very competent male and female lead to really make it not seem like a typical fantasy drama.
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68 dani2000
January 23, 2017 at 12:56 PM
Off-topic but you know what I want to see...
A drama version of the webtoon Bastard. The story is unique and terrifying in its own way and I would love to see real life versions of all the characters come true. Though, the story is very very dark and it would take a very meticulous director to direct and set the tone of the drama right because the webtoon did an amazing job at making us feel with the characters. Which by the way, has anyone read the latest chapters?!
Sorry for going off-topic
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dani2000
January 23, 2017 at 12:58 PM
You know, after Weightlifting I can't really shake off the image of Joon-hyung for Nam Joo Hyuk but if he does take up this role, I hope he prepares cautiously because good directing can only do so much. But I wish him luck and hope he proves us all wrong.
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69 bb-chan
January 23, 2017 at 1:09 PM
Aww but Bride of the Water God was so pretty in its magical sense. It would have been nice to see the beautiful imagery come to life. But instead we get a modern version, boo.
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70 Yuki
January 23, 2017 at 1:12 PM
Why is everyone so negative in this thread? hahaha!!
Not thrilled with the pairing at first sight, but who knows. I'm not a fan of big age gaps, but still remember how much I liked Lee Bo Young and Lee Jong Suk together (gosh, I was pissed when she decided to marry Ji Sung instead, haha!!)
I trust that Misaeng's writer, the PD and Moon Chae Won have some common sense in them in order to make a good choice. If she and NJH decide to take it, I will look forward to watch it since I like them both.
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believed
January 23, 2017 at 6:46 PM
At least LJS could act.
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71 amara
January 23, 2017 at 2:51 PM
he is an abysmal actor so...i hope they fix that. either the casting or his acting because she's a force.
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lols
January 23, 2017 at 4:56 PM
Agree. Too bad, many of his fans only crying out about how old looking she is without care about the acting part... err
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72 Sinta
January 23, 2017 at 3:50 PM
They don't match ???
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73 GedSkaiKru
January 23, 2017 at 3:50 PM
So, I have a theory, since this is a spin-off and may not follow the original Manhwa, what if Nam Joo Hyuk is the "day" Habaek and someone older is the "night"? See, it could work...they just jave to get a "night version" who is as taller as Joo Hyuk.. ✌
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omomo
January 23, 2017 at 4:22 PM
Ohh, that's possible!
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Marie
January 23, 2017 at 8:57 PM
I like the idea of that. Day Habaek is NJH & Night Habaek should be Jo In Sung. Both are 6'2? Perfect! =)
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74 lydia
January 23, 2017 at 11:41 PM
Too bad. Looks set in stone. You can whine till the cows go home and protest with 101 posts like a broken recorder but the show will go on. If you hate it, don’t watch it. I learnt my lesson to give benefit of doubt in all drama castings since scarlet heart. I was screaming TRAVESTY when IU got cast, vowed never to watch it since I cannot tolerate idol turn actors and was also team TAK YE JIN in Producers and guess what? Turns out I still watched it in the end, in fact watched a few times over her scenes with Lee Joon Gi and liked her overall (despite finding her acting prowess fading after ep 11 or so). Moral of the story, don’t be quick to judge and let professionals do their jobs. Who knows might be best drama of 2017 after all.
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CrimeFighter
January 24, 2017 at 9:24 AM
Well said ?
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75 Crazyoverkdrama
January 24, 2017 at 12:28 AM
I hopr they will court Gong Yoo as the water god. Maybe this time, he won't be lonely anymore.
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CrimeFighter
January 24, 2017 at 9:24 AM
We had the goblin n now water God.
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76 looraroor
January 24, 2017 at 10:17 AM
The more I read about this drama, the more confusing as hell it's sounds. tvN better make it work. Otherwise their reputation will be under huge question.
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77 aurore
January 25, 2017 at 2:14 AM
I am sure there will be another leading actor to play the older Ha-Baek. Nam Joo Hyuk will play the young version
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78 someyicooo
January 27, 2017 at 6:08 AM
I remember when I read the manhwa some 5 years ago and I loved it! I was excited thinking about the drama but turns out it's a modernized drama. It would have been amazing if they just made like it is.
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