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Seo Kang-joon takes the lead in webtoon adaptation Between Us

It’s strange to get casting news about Seo Kang-joon’s next drama when his last drama, KBS’s Are You Human Too, hasn’t even premiered yet. That one was entirely pre-produced and won’t be out till later this year, but the actor has already signed on to his next project. He’s accepted an offer to be the leading man in the new drama Between Us, an adaptation of a friends-to-lovers romance webtoon by the same name.

The original webtoon by Lee Yeon-ji ran from 2014 to 2016 and is the most popular webtoon on platform Lezhin Comics to date, with 130 million views. It’s a romance set on a college campus, about a boy and girl who have been best friends since they entered high school. The heroine, Do Ga-young, is your average wallflower who stumbles a bit through the social aspects of college life. But she’s very outspoken around her best friend, Han Woo-jin, who’s a charming social butterfly with a classic cold-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside personality.

The webtoon starts out with Ga-young having to navigate her freshman year of college without her wingman, because while they were happy to get into the same school, he went straight to army after high school. Fast-forward two years later when he finally joins her on campus, and they easily fall back into their comfortable routine of doing everything together, to the point that everyone just assumes they’re dating. But of course, the line between friendship and romance begins to blur.

It reads like a slice-of-life campus drama much like Cheese in the Trap, which might explain why production company Eight Works, of tvN’s Cheese in the Trap adaptation, is behind this project too. I don’t think comparisons to Cheese will do this drama any favors though, especially with Seo Kang-joon starring, so hopefully this one steers clear of any similar production woes.

Based on the first few episodes of the webtoon, the hero is already pretty swoony—he’s prickly to everyone but the heroine, he’s always coming up with excuses to be around her, and he’s extremely protective of her. He also oozes charm, which often leaves the heroine all fluttery and confused. I can easily see Seo Kang-joon in the role, and I hope they cast someone good opposite him because I love a good friends-to-lovers drama and find this relationship cute from the start.

Between Us doesn’t have a broadcaster yet, but hopefully we’ll see it sometime this year.

Via Seoul En

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This type of plot/characterisation sounds as by-the-numbers as they come, so I’m hoping they can either freshen up the concept or pile on the swoon. I’d love to see someone like Park Eun Bin take on the leading lady.

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Park Eun-bin will definitely look more suited for the part of a college student than a judge. She will be fantastic in the role like she is in everything especially when the writing is good!

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Alot of the Knetizens have mentioned wanting Park Eun-bin in this role too! She would be so good for this role.

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She was the first actress that came to mind.

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Park Eun Bin would be perfect for sure..

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Omg yes. SKJ and PEB would be simply adorable and believable together. I already see the chemistry and now I don’t think I’d be happy with anyone else. Damn.

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..plot/characterisation sounds as by-the-numbers

I love them, missed them recently and am glad these swoony protective cliche and light-hearted plots are coming back in dramaland like in Radio and this...

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I hope she rocks that short hair like she had in AoY season 1 again, plus it's pretty similar style with the webtoon character

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Hopefully the satisfaction level of the ending for Between Us is more on par with Just Between Lovers than Cheese in the Trap.

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Cheese had pretty good end. Lovers had your usual fictional happy ending. In my opinion 1st half of Between itself is far better than Cheese and Lovers.

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I'll be watching depends on who is the female lead because Seo Kang-joon's pretty face only won't make me stay for any drama. Based on this description, the female lead must be a good actress, so hopefully we will hear the news soon.

Seo Kang-joon is on roll this year while his groupmate Gong-myung was on roll last year. I'm currently watching his another groupmate Kang Tae-oh who is also very good looking in OCN's drama Short and liking him in this drama.

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This kind of campus romance drama honestly that I want to see Kim So-hyun in it. Hmm, maybe next time.

Park Eun-bin, Lee Se-young or Nam Ji-hyun (if she isn't taking that romcom sageuk) would be fantastic choices, they are especially at the right age for such roles. There are also actresses in the late 20s who are still be very believeable as a college student such as Baek Jin-hee, Lee Yu-bi, Kim So-eun etc but it seems like they are already moved on to be a career woman, based on their recent and current
projects.

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Lee Se Young would be great! 😍💖

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Seo Kangjoon seem to like webtoons alot. This better not be shelved again like From a Distance The Green Spring. I love youth/campus dramas and there isn't any this year so far.

Anyway I have a feeling they'll cast Yoona as female lead. I vaguely remember seeing their names together. But I pray for Lee Seyoung - can't wait to see her more after Hwayugi.

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omo, this sounds right up my alley... is Lee Se-Young free?

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Lee Se-young would be great too.

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I just remember that she has that webdrama with Soo-ho "How Are You Bread."
"Between Us" sounds more promising to me.

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Seo Kang Joon and Lee Se Young would be a nice couple. They are perfect for the role.

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This just made me more impatient for Are You Human Too! Is that ever gonna air? The downside of pre-production...

This sounds cute, though! And is definitely the type of show that will all depend on execution. I’m still not completely on-board with Seo Kang-joon as an actor so my excitement level for this will probably hinge on the casting of the female lead. I really like the above ideas of both Lee Se-young and Park Eun-bin!

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I talked about This webtoon in 2017 Open thread!!? Or it was some news thread. I wanted its live adaptation and here it is.
Its start is good and then it takes the usual Korean Drama route.
But who Cares. I'm all in for it. Seo kang Joon might be able to pull it off.

Something about us - WAITING FOR YA.

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Won jin ah, please hire won jin ah as the leading lady. I want to see Won Jin ah on my screen again.

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I think she is better off with Ryu Jun-yeol on the big screen in "Money" than a drama with Seo Kang-joon.

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Isn't it already finished filming? I don't see anything listed on her wiki page for 2018, plus she has done a lot of interviews lately, so I think she's free.

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My bad. Yes filming is done.
I hope she does more films because she is still far from being an establish film actress.
It would be great if she is at the same level in Chungmuro as Kim Go-eun, Park So-dam, Lee Yoo-young etc.

It'd be sad if she ends up like the talented Kang Ha-na. It has been 3 yrs since her last film.

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I love WJA but I don't expect KGE or LYY's level of accomplishment for her in the near future. For now I want her to be more recognized by K viewers.

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You know her better than I do. I've only seen her in minor roles in films.

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@kiara
Nooo, I only watched her in JBL, I don't even remember where she was in age of shadows. I just thought that KGE and LYY are on different level from most actress that I saw on dramas. I'm not saying WJA and the other are less talented, but luck and network play a big role in one's success. As far as I know WJA waited for 4 years to get her first lead role in a drama and JBL didn't even get high rating. It's not like Reply 1988 situation for RJY.

But we shouldn't talk about WJA in this thread :)) Other beanies might get annoyed

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I really want to see Are You Human Too before thinking of seeing him in another drama. Or is this going to be aired first before AYHT?

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I'm waiting since for how long for his new drama Are you human too. When will it be air? seriously, LOL

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There is no set date yet and I think they are almost or done filming by now.

Seo Kang-joon is attached to 3 dramas now.
"Are You Human", "Between Us" and "From a Distance, Green Spring," another college drama.

Looks like he is Fantagio's it boy. It's too bad they don't promote their actresses the same way (like Kang Ha-na). I hope she finds a new agent.

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Kang Ha Na is so waste in Just Between Lovers. I will never forgive that.

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I really liked Yoo-jin as a character but I agree that Kang Han-na definitely deserves bigger roles. I am hoping for her to get a good leading drama role some day soon.

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I really like Yoo Jin as Character. But her character doesn't do her justice so much. Meanwhile freakin Lee Ki Woo got more to work with despite his lacluster acting. I was so excited when they introduce scene which indicate her character will take an important part to the story. But nada, nothing.
Please pick a better project Kang Ha Na. I will be glad if she will become a leading lady in upcoming Kim Jin Won drama

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Oh I actually read this webtoon! It was quick, light read, plus the pair was cute together. I can really see SKJ as the lead guy. As for the female lead, I have two in mind: Lee Sun Bin (38 Task Force) or Jung Hye Sung (Doubtful Victory). I was catching up with last year's running man eps and when they were guests I kept thinking 'wow she's really underrated'. Hopefully I see more of both this year.

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Although it'd be funny if Jung Hye Sung was chosen, seeing as she was in We Got Married with Gong Myung...

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I'd like to see Park So-dam in this!

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Usually, I find friends-to-lovers drama epically boring. I’ll probably get stones pelted on me for that lol. But other than Fight My Way (and even this to some extent) every drama I’ve seen of this story line just eventually got old. Bubblegum, 9E2O, TILY, etc. Because it revolves around two people realizing the feelings they’ve always had. You can’t push that storyline for 16 episodes. And once they do figure it out, it just gets boring.

But it’s SKJ, and it’s a college setting. The first time I liked him in anything was in Cheese. So much that I rooted for him so hard and somehow I inexplicably can’t see his faults now. All I see is how awesome his eyes can be and how much hurt it can show. Whatever, love is blind lol. I’m excited for this so pleeeeease pick an actress who’ll match him well. Someone mentioned PEB! Or Kim Ji-won, Park Bo-young, Chae Soo-bin, Seo Ye-ji. I’ll take any of them!

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Have you seen Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo? That is by far my favorite friends-to-lovers romance! I think the fact that they were childhood friends/classmates but hadn’t seen each other since then until college made it less boring.

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Ah yes of course I have! My favourite of 2016 by far! I didn’t consider them as friends to lovers though because I was more in the thinking of childhood friends to spending years as just friends to realizing they have more romantic feelings for each other.

But yes, if we include those kind of stories, then I think I’d be more of a fan of this genre.

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Hahaha, I 100% could have written this comment, this is EXACTLY how I feel both about the friends to lovers genre AND my now undying love and support for SKJ (based only on his performance in CitT but I don't care, I will now watch anything he is in!!).

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I used to think Seo Kang Joon was an ok actor (pretty, can emote a bit but not at Kang Ha Neul/Park Bo Gum/Yoo Seung Ho levels) but then Woo Do Hwan happened and now SKJ just seems like a pale imitation.

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omg. Now I desperately want Woo Do-Hwan to be in this. He would fit perfectly. Prickly to everyone but all gooey for the main girl. Now I am upset you put this idea in my head because I was fine with the casting until this comment :(

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Woah, what? Yay, I quite like this webtoon! It isn't the best friends-to-lovers I've seen, but with enough chemistry it could be something special?

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Since Cheese in the Trap I really like him. I'm excited for the March month with Are you a Human Too and Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food !
For the female lead, I would like Nam Ji Hyun. They're cute in What Happens to My Family and the both of them said they want to act together one more time :)

Just please, not an idol star like Yoona, Hyeri and Suzy.

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OMGG I'VE SEEN THE AD FOR THE WEBTOON ON YOUTUBE SO MANY TIMES

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Oooh. The premise has me super intrigued. I'm already excited for this drama and no one has even officially been cast yet! I like simple campus romances like this and love the friends-to-lover premise. Love the whole prickly hero to everyone but heroine. Basically it's got everything I love in it!

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Kim so hyun kim yoo jung or yoona for female lead role

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I miss my college life and I feel that there are too few dramas that depict the daily struggles of a student life. The premise seems to focus on romance though. Hope they deal with some student problems too like episode 4 of Cheese in the Trap focused on group projects and it was so relatable :)

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I love this webtoon and would love to see Kim So Hyun as the leading lady in this one.... :( darn it.

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Seo Kang Joon is probably too "young" for her, according to her agency...

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Lol, the mischievous side of me wants the Cheese PD to get this project just to watch everyone's heads explode.

Also, she's a fantastic PD. But no one wants to remember that...

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I like your mischievous side haha.

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I still have a high opinion of her even though I didn't appreciate where she ended up taking the story. Plus, Cheese feels like SO long ago that I'm completely over my disappointment. I don't harbor a grudge against her, haha.

Female PDs are a rarity anyway, so I want to support her.

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She's the PD of once my favorite drama of all time and the drama is still on my top three now.

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SIGN ME UP. I just need a good leading actress. And please don't make this cheesy guys. Please dont make the guy the stereotypical perfect guy and the girl oh so tipsy and cute. I want real relationships.

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Also can someone please explain the drama behind Cheese in the Trap? I hadn't entered the drama world at the time and just binged the show.

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JB wrote a great article about it while it was happening:

http://www.dramabeans.com/2016/02/the-rise-and-fall-of-cheese-in-the-trap/

You could clearly see the show shifting its focus away from Yoo Jung after the halfway point. Sad. I loved the first half of that show.

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Oh look, another leading role for this shit actor. I wonder who he's been sleeping with to be given so many opportunities despite having no talent.

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It's getting ridiculous tbh.

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Has anyone read this somewhere where you don't have to pay a ridiculous amount for every chapter?

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Errrr...... I'm not toooo sure if i particularly 'like' this plot....i mean its not bad but i dunno *shrug
Anyway are you human too must be extremely good for people to follow him easily to this drama
but how later in the year is later?????? We've been waiting for ages now😣
And the great temptation too😣

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It sounds very cliche, but I loved Seo-Kang-Joon's role in Cheese in the Trap; so maybe it will good like Weightlifting Fairy. Hope they cast a good female lead.

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The main guy sounds like hyun tae woon from school 2017 lol. All I want for the female lead is to half adorable chem with the main lead that can make me swoon

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now I want to read the webtoon

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Ooh, I love this kind of cute friendship-to-romance type of story but I'm iffy about Seo Kang Jun...So I guess it all depends on who the female lead is.

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Dream castings below:

(Casting would be interesting BUT highly unlikely):
Kim Ji Won (but I don't think she will take it)
Park Bo Young (Again, don't think she will take it because this doesn't sound like a drama she would be interested in)

My first choices:
Park Eunbin (if styled correctly. To me PEB has an older vibe and look to her and may come off too mature for SKJ, who I think actually comes across younger than he is)
Ryu Hwayoung (again, if styled correctly. I think she comes off older than she is too because of the roles she has taken before. Both ladies would have to be styled down to match SKJ who comes off so young he can still take on HS roles IMO)

Younger actress:
If she wasn't already connected to another drama, I would throw in Kim Yoo Jung into the mix. This is purely for selfish aesthetic reasons because I would love to see her and SKJ, two super beautiful people, onscreen together.

For his sake, I hope they do not cast an idol actress as the female lead. Or if they want to, it needs to be someone who's acting has been praised/accepted and not trashed on. Someone like Eunji.

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The story sounds interesting enough for me to go visit this webtoon. Looking forward to the series :)

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Ahhh I have all the books for this webtoon! Excited~~

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I LOOOVE this Webtoon series!!! I can totally imagine SKJ as the MC, but yea I wish they will choose someone that would really fit the role of the main girl

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Won Jin A from Just Between Lovers seems pretty good for the role in my opinion, I really liked her from that drama <3

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ugh just reading that last paragraph started to make my heart flutter lol

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I don't know what compelled me to read the webtoon after I saw this article, but I did and really enjoyed it! Would definitely recommended.

I think Park Min-Ji who played "Bora" in CITT would be a perfect fit for the female lead! She's got that feisty personality down as we saw from CITT and looks good with short hair!

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Lee Se Young for the female lead role! 😍💖

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so nice

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