@kayt I would definitely be MORE interested in the drama if Choi Siwon were in it but he´s busy with Athena so yeah, I´ll keep my eye on Playful Kiss

I don't care what they do at this point now....As long as the female lead is not as irritating as Ariel Lin's character.

Ive seen the Japanese version, Taiwanese version, and anime, and am looking forward to this. I don't think Kim Hyun Joong is the best choice for this role, but I guess we'll see. Sulli's look makes me think she could play the role best. And honestly, the character Kotoko or "Moon Ha Ni" is annoying/irritating to begin with. That's just how she is - liking someone even while he thinks she's stupid and useless. I don't like these kinds of characters who have no pride or worth, but I've known Korean dramas to give the female leads a little more substance. Like Geum Jand Di from BOF was more tough or headstrong (I think) than Tsukushi in the manga.

I want JGS and PSH to be the casts of this show.... hahah...<3

@kdramalovers

To add onto what @shaira and @Bee have said.

It's not about not being able to have a freedom to comment. I doubt plenty of these debates would still be here otherwise. It's more a matter of people deciding to attack javabeans instead of bringing actual debate over the topic. There's a difference between saying, "You may say that, but I think blah because of blahblahblah." and "You're just a snotty person you know?" Instead of deciding to debate on the current opinions plenty of people are deciding to just attack javabeans for her opinion. There are still plenty that are debating their opinions without attacking each other. It's really more about those that are deciding to attack the person instead of debating between their opinions.

This could actually open a good debate (and potential conspiracy theory) on the Korean entertainment business attempting to weed out "just" actors and actresses to replace with "multi-taskers" aka idols.

@Basuha

Nice point, I completely forgot about that quote.

really, does Kim Hyun-joong want to improve his poor acting skill? this kind of drama is not gonna help him!
I think Choi Si Won is a better choice, or maybe a whole brand new actor would be much more refreshing than seeing those BOF's handsome faces again (no offend, sr)

NOOO.......I literally just screamed no at my computer, no way!!!! I know he's a pretty face and all, but just, no!
Ok, so the only way they can make me watch an episode of this, and if I had to choose between the 3 females they are picking from, is if they cast Sulli. PSH has done something really similar in You're Beautiful and between the other 2, at least Sulli has some experience.

But Kim Hyun-Joong? Please, please tell me you've improved since BOF!!! By a LOT!

awww, more Choi Si Won (SIGH!!!) ---yes, he could definitely multi task--without a doubt, but well, let's give Kim Hyun Joong a chance... let's ease up on JAVABEANS-Sarah... If she wasn't around, we wouldn't have this great place to exchange opinions---wishing that they be civil and a little more kind even if the horns and fire are just gushing out from dismay, anger, but also love......

We won't know until the drama actually airs how Mischievous Kiss will do........... The funny thing is that Girlfriday will be recapping ( I hope all the way through the end...) that even the haters will watch... Good luck all ..... Take a glass of ice cold water and just CHILL.... and hope the female lead is someone able---not irritating, but that's going to be so hard as the role has an irritating character!!! Again, chill................ enjoy the weekend be you haters or likers...

JAVABEANS--SARAH, GIRLFRIDAY FIGHTING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! KHJ and CSW too...!!! as well as Fans and Antis....

I really don't get it! Why people really have a bad feeling about Kim. I know that the role he played in BOF was for many people not that good. But I think that if the producers have chosen Kim is because he can play the character.

And sometimes Kim seems to be a cold person with no heart, so I guess that this will help him to develop his character. But the most important thing that if he don't take the risk of playing such a different role, he will never grow as an actor. Since the first time I heard about this drama, the first actor that came to my mind to play the role of Irie was Kim, so I have a little hope that he is going to suprise us.

We just need to wait until the drama starts and see what happens, maybe I will be wrong or it will be a huge success!

there are a lot of pretty boys out there that knows how to act.........why it has to be him in this drama !!!!! i'm crying......woahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

ok listen up... no more arguing .......let Jang guen suk do the male lead then hahahhahahahahhaa i'll watch the drama at least 10 times if JGS is in it!!! i'm not kidding.....i solemly swear that i'll do what just i've said hahahahhahahahahahha

oh well ........what about Kim heechul ??? he's cool, he's cute and the best of all, he is JGS best friend hahahahahhahahahahha

@Mandy S

Do you really have to start name-calling? I think you need to read @Star's comment again. Obviously, we all know that despite all its flaws, Boys Before Flowers was a success. All @Star is saying is that just because an idol star like KHJ is popular & has a pretty face does not mean he is a good actor. As far as I know, she never said BBF was unpopular.

I quote, "Don’t ... make such comments without thinking what you had typed." Please don't make comments & start calling people names without fully reading someone else's comment.

I read 412 comments here !

And if Group8 would be clever enough to read them too, they "maybe" would be able what a stupid mistake they did (what I am suspicous of!)

If they would have chosen a better actor, neither JB nor so many others would have ben so incredibly DISAPPOINTED about this casting.

So many negative oppinions about this casting, is REALLY a very good promotion for Playful Kiss. Congratulasion G8, very cabable casting team you have to bring up the people against the K-version, even before starting filming.

IF Group8 would hae chosen a real / better actor like

Im Joo-hwan
Kim Soo-hyun
Ji Chang-wook
Jang Geun Suk.... or any other really good young actor....

...G8 would not have receiced out from 411 comments so far, about 80% negative comments.

And againg, this famous drama (in Asia, Europe, US) DOES NOT NEED and idol-posinger + wooden actor, to get anyones attention.

Funny, G8 is not a little bit scared how this drama will be annihilated by comments because of this casted actors bad acting abilities. (Please dont tell me to give him a chance - he had already enough chances, as other above mentioned actores did already better with their drama debuts !!!)

I wonder how happy all ISWAK fans could have been just with the casting of an actor we can accept. We would have died of happiness and joy, and there would have been 400 comments of happiness, joy and cheering, looking forward for this drama.

Now, if this idol-singer is going to play the main lead, I will LOOKING FORWARD TO GIRLFRIDAY'S REVIEWS, as she can be meaner then JB (for those who accuse JB to be mean with her comment)

Gosh, I am stil pissed of.

I dont have anything against KHJ - but he is so wrong for such a famous big project like ISWAK - I feel sorry for him, but not for G8. They piss me totally off..*grrrrr*

@ 14 mymayflower99 - hahaha ! I'm totally with you on that one XDDD Geun suk would be awesome....they should throw in a lee min ho aswell while they're at it! LOLZ
------
ON A POSITIVE NOTE:..unlike the majority here, I'm really really looking forward to his drama cant wait!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

wow my interest in this drama dropped exponentially after connecting the words 'playful kiss' and KHJ.

Now I have more time to read back all those comments
LOLz
This is hilarious!!!

JB, Dont you love your readers/ fangirls?
They are awesome!!!!
Those fangirls need to get their head straight before posting any %$#%@ comment on you blog. Period.
THIS IS YOUR BLOG!!! And YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT, JB!!!

And GF, PLEASE SHOW THEM WHAT "MEANNIE" LOOKS LIKE!!!!
:p

Ugh, this drama is gonna be so bad.

ppl why dont we hold our horses and give the guy a shot this time he is the leadin character and as a prsn i kno tht he certainly feels the pressure to do his best lets jus waot and watch because we may never kno wat happens.lets give him a chance !!!!!!!

Why not give KHJ the second lead in Itazura Na Kiss as played by Jiro Wang in the Taiwanese version? I think that would suit him better and it would be a step for him to practice his acting skills.

@Naoki yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh let's high five about what you've agreed with me :-)
but on a negative note.....i won't watch the drama though....maybe i'll just peek ...with one eye closed ahahhahahahahhahahahhaha

abracadabra ........please grant me a wish ...........i wish i wish i wish the male lead is is is is
Jang Geun Suk
hahahahahhahahaha

Finally , i found opinions not merely based on looks, he is handsome but he is like a doll, a scary one , no expressions at all XD...what about the main actress??? i'd wish Park Shin Hye , but with long hair she is too pretty., besides it would be similar to gominan,i want her in a sad drama, she is perfect in those, ..however because of her i'd watch playful kiss
jgs would be perfect ..i'm watching iswak and the protagonist is similar to tae kyng..i'd have been great to have him here..i'm so sad...

Who would you trust.??? The people that have expertise in the entertainment industry (directors / producers) or unqualified people not in the industry to make comments about the casting of KHJ. I choose the directors/producers any day anytime. Can't wait for this drama to begin!!!!!!!!!!

psh, the only reason KHJ was picked is because of his "star power". the guy sucks at acting and definitely doesn't deserve future BYJ status/fame. i am so disappointed that he is the final pick! ugh! i'm not watching this train wreck.

@abc - Darling, if every person in the entertainment industry were always such great judges, there would never be any bad acting, or bad writing, or bad music, or bad directing, or... just plain bad dramas.

However, as we all know that is not the case, let's not take their "expertise" without question. Rather, let's look at the actual evidence, and the reactions of the viewers - the people who actually matter. People in the "industry" are, after all, only trying to please the viewers.

KHJ acted in Boys Over Flowers. He was undeniably bad. He does not have screen charisma. He was wooden and stilted. He did not have chemistry with the cast.

This is acknowledged by most netizens. And even if it wasn't, Javabeans, as a viewer, is ABSOLUTELY QUALIFIED to say what she thinks of his acting and how dismayed she is that the leading role of a drama she was looking forward to was going to an UNQUALIFIED ACTOR - why unqualified, you ask?

Because, as an actor, he can't act.

That's all.

And acting ability is a perfectly good way to judge an actor and his suitability for a role, don't you think? I mean, it's not like she's saying he's too ugly or stupid for the role. And you know what else, darling? She is a blogger, and has the right to... I don't know, blog her completely civilized and justified opinion on her blog.

@29 - NHU

Excellent post!!!!

YAAAAAAAY!!!!! This news have made my day!!!! Talk about Kim Hyun Joong not being the right choice here...dis news and dis drama already has 430 comments...I tell u guys...dis guy can pull crowds and that is more important...for crazy fangirls like me, acting is really not important as long as we get to see the actors we like and trust me the number of KHJ lovers is more than KHJ haters. This thing is gonna work no matter what u say...and please ppl stop judging KHJ acting...bof was his first drama...ppl improve if u let them improve...and anyway in playful kiss he has to play a very serious role...so i guess he ll do well. But oh well what the hell...KIM HYUN JOONG is back!!! woooohooooo ^_^ I am loving it!

When I re-watched BBF, I actually liked KHJ's interpretation of the character. The first time around was a bit chappy watching but with all episodes available, I rewatched and appreciated even the acting of the GJD actress, which I did not like first time I watched.

I think KJH fits the lead character of this drama. I will definitely watch out for this as I enjoyed the Taiwanese version.

Fighting... KJH!!!!

Yeah.. I totalllly agree that his acting is HORRRRIBLE in BOF. Well, everyone in BOF was terrible in the acting department (sole reason why i didn't watch it.. too mcuh cringing=no enjoyment). Anyways, i hope the lead female is legitimately good at acting enough to not make me cringe all the time.

Like you said, what's done is done, i can't him since it's final.. now all i can hope for is an improved actor.

Why people really have a bad feeling about Kim. If you don’t like him don’t watch dis drama..lol..thanx for the production house for choosing him as the main actor for playful kiss at least he can’t heal my heartbreak after lee min ho decline the offer and for the female lead I hope they choose someone that really with the character.

pls not park shin hye..i know korean have so many talented actress..

@mymayflower99 ooooh I see another good option too... haha yes I would be very very hyped up if Heenim would play the part... but unfortunately he isn´t. He´s definitely cute and having just turned 27(28) today and still looking like he´s barely in his 20s.. I´m jealous, hahaha... actually it would have been good to see him act in it after all he´ll be leaving for military service next year...
I have no attachment to Playful Kiss since I haven´t read the manga, watched the J version or the T version so I will go into it with a clean slate and just enjoy the view that Hyun Joong will provide :)

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
No offense, I don't have anything against the Guy even though he totally ruined RUI character in BOF(Korean version), I can content myself (re)watching the Japanese version instead. But taking yet another popular manga turned drama, well, he's asking for another comparison to all the others actors who played the main character before him. Meaning another bashing is yet to come his way if he doesn't get this character right. No matter, I'm not really into this drama anyway as I never got into the crazed at the time it was on, saw just one episode of it and then got hook on the rival drama shown at the time w/c was FATED TO LOVE YOU, so i never got to follow it. But I'm sooo looking forward NOT to the drama but to GIRLFRIDAY recap (Evil grin). I could just imagine myself enjoying reading it while Girlfriday having the fun time writing lots and lots of accompanying adjective to it (and maybe a few expletive as well). By the way is the korean version a comedy one? or maybe a black comedy at that? (that was just my sarcasm showing). ^____^

I have watched Season 1 & 2 of the Taiwanese version, the anime and I've even read the manga.

I've also watched the Japanese version and in my humble opinion, it kinda sucked. The actress playing Kotoko had zero chemistry with her onscreen partner and she didn't fit the image of Kotoko. Her portrayal really ruined the entire drama.

The Taiwanese version on the other hand was really faithful to the author's work. The author's husband has even commented that the actors portrayed the characters really well. For those who do not know, the manga is based on a true story - the story of Kaoru Tada who is the author and her husband.

Those who complain that Kotoko's character is annoying and has no pride, please bear in mind that it was based on the author herself. Although the character may have been exaggerated for the storyline.., it is true.

Kim Hyun Joong has done MVs and has several cameos in other dramas besides his supporting role in Boys Over Flowers. I've seen Boys Over Flowers, and I did study his scenes to see whether the complaints against his acting were to be believed. It seems when he's trying to express happiness or excitement, there is only one expression. He smiles widely..

And when he wishes to appear aloof, there is only one expression as well.

I don't watch We Got Married, I understand that it is a reality show. But, I don't think we can place reality shows and dramas in the same category.

Irie Naoki is someone who is unfazed by anything. He's a genius. He's the kind of guy who wishes to forge his own path in life. Kotoko is a girl who falls for Naoki at first sight and she's awed by his intelligence. Her efforts to make him like her start to get to him and he's puzzled by her strength, her tenacity.. Although he doesn't express how he truly feels, he's definitely changed by her efforts.

For me, Kim Hyun Joong won't be able to pull Irie off...
His character is not emotionless, he's just really smart, so smart it seems he's able to see through anything Kotoko does.. So, he is able to act in response without appearing as if his emotions have taken over.
If he's frustrated, it shows by the raising of a brow. If he's amused by something Kotoko does, he snickers beneath his breath. But, he can be easily touched and that shows as well. His jealousy is obvious to everyone except her.

He's actually very caring towards his family.. You'll see.

Kim Hyun Joong likes singing.. At least 10 times more than he likes acting. I don't think he's forced or pressured to take this role. But, I do think his management wishes him to act more, as it might gain him fans..

Group 8, I believe is pressured by time constraints and really, I think they're settling on Kim Hyun Joong because he looks the part physically.. If they wanted fans of any idol to watch this drama, they could have picked Choi Si Won. He has fans as well and he definitely looks the part and on top of that, he can act.

Kim Hyun Joong can't do it. If you have some talent but couldn't break out of a box, you might suddenly wake up one day and realise what acting is all about. He hasn't taking acting classes, he's probably received pointers during his time on Boys Over Flowers.. But, if there is any acting talent in him, I can't see it at this point.

Guys, I have half a mind to start a Facebook page "Change Kim Hyun Joong's role in Itazura na Kiss" or draft a letter to Group 8...

I think the main problem is that KHJ is being the lead actor.
That's like having someone who comes fresh from high school lead a billion-dollar company after his only prior experience is being a cashier in a supermarket,.

I think it's safe to say that no one here *hates* KHJ, or wants to take away from him the chance to learn and improve. That's just narrow-minded talk from those who feel that everything which isn't praise = coming from jealous haters or antis.
KHJ deserves a chance, just that the center stage top role might not be the best place for it.
But just like the person who wants to run a company has to train properly for years, KHJ still has years ahead where he neds to learn more about acting and work hard on his performances. Lead roles are for those who already know how to do their job, in my opinion - i mean, think about it if he acts badly or below standard, wouldn't this damage his reputation as an actor just even further and polarize people?
And for KHJ's sake, I really hope that he will chose his next roles wiseley, so that he gets the best chances for learning from his actor sunbaes, and people will remember him for his good acting.

Not pleased about this (he honestly was the *worst* thing for me about BOF), but I suppose there's nothing to be done... I'll probably still watch to see if I can stomach it. Especially if the lead actress is good. Teehee.

i wish park shin hye will be his partner.. the two look good together.. pls. consider psh's acting in you're beautiful, i believe she will give a good judgement on the role.. :) let's give a shot to khj coz his character in bof is way way different from the character he will be portraying now...

@439 therainhouse - thanks! couldn't agree more.

People, I know that a lot of you are thinking,'There's nothing that can be done' or that we should at least give Kim Hyun Joong another chance by waiting for the first episode. By then, it might be too late to change the actors.

I've created a group on Facebook to protest his casting. If anyone else has created a petition, I'll be glad to sign it.

I hold nothing against Kim Hyun Joong, I just don't think he's the best person for this role. If they're going to do it, they have to do it well or they should wait it out until the right person comes along. Do it well or don't do it now.

Ok ppl...what we say or comment is not gonna change anythng...we all know we are gonna watch the series anyway...amean c'mon whatz with the facebook protest n all...there are equal number of people happy with KHJ being cast as the lead (including me ^_^) ...so i think letz wait n c hw the guy does...and seriously am checking dis thread since morning...there is a new post almost every hour...THATZ THE REASON HE HAS BEEN SELECTED!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RMjka6LB9U&feature=player_embedded

Please do watch!

It amazes me the amount of posters who ask how can we judge a person on one drama. Answer: how can we not? I doubt anyone is given their first role with the expectation that, should you do terribly, its OK...we'll reward you with a leading role next time around. Oh wait.....

It just doesnt make sense.....

@Nhu: yes for you KHJ is "acted in Boys Over Flowers. He was undeniably bad. He does not have screen charisma. He was wooden and stilted. He did not have chemistry with the cast."...Of course! you said this because your not his fan! we, the billion fans of hyunjoong are very very happy to support him no matter what he does on his career..we don't care if he's not good in acting as long as we can see him 2 days in a week on tv screen...i think your idol wasn't chosen by G8 that's why you have full bash to khj, sooooooo pity

@therainhouse
@Bee

I cant agree more than 100% with your comments.

And I have nor facebook account - but for this I will get one!

for the people saying because of over 400 comments because KHJ get the role, shows how popular he ise - please stop dreaming an see the real facts.

More then 400 comment about this decision of G8 has nothing to do with his popularitiy - au contraire, most people show their disappointment here.

So beg me a pardon, but since when is showing disappointment a sign of fan-acting and popularity ?

Hey, hey, no one's bashing anyone's favourite artist. I like Kim Hyun Joong a lot.

Really, I do. I think he's a great artist..

The reason why this post has so many comments, I'm not really sure why either. But, I do know, we're all really excited that a Korean adaptation of Itazura na Kiss is happening. And Kim Hyun Joong sure has a lot of supporters.

When someone's your favourite artist, you tend to brush aside his weaker points or paint them in a better light.. I'm happy that he's getting his break, but as a fan of Itazura na Kiss in any form, I feel a bit more protective of this.

I'm praying so hard that God will bless Kim Hyun Joong with Heath Ledger and Marlon Brando's acting powers... Although I'm sceptical that he'll change into Heath Ledger, I'm really hoping that he pulls it off.

The Facebook group is called Change Lead Actor for Playful Kiss/Itazura na Kiss remake. Please join this group if you wish to see someone else in this role.

Oh bummer!! that`s too bad though, because i like all the other version, Japanese and Taiwanese. Well, good luck with that. I know i `m not gonna watch it. And people, stop attacking javabeans, she`s done nothing wrong!

this KHJ man just like had too many botox on his preety face, so it kinda hard for him to show natural xpression with his face
all kinds of emotions seem so flattt...n boring...:P