Sung Joon and Namgoong Min confirm I Need Romance Season 3
by girlfriday
Kim So-yeon has secured her leading men for the upcoming third season of I Need Romance, and she’ll have the best of both worlds — a noona romance with Sung Joon (Gu Family Book) and an oppa romance with Namgoong Min (Unemployed Romance). Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it too?
The third installment of tvN’s rom-com franchise will take place at a home shopping channel and focus on the alpha girls who work there together, telling the stories of their friendships, their workplace rivalries, and their love lives. Kim So-yeon stars as the 33-year-old fashion marketing director who’s an ace in the workplace but constantly licking her wounds when it comes to love.
This season it looks like the noona romance will take center stage, and Sung Joon will be starring as a 27-year-old geeeenius songwriter who heals the heroine’s heart. The genius part is silly, but I’m always happy to see Sung Joon doing anything remotely Shut Up-esque, so yay for that. He’ll have happy childhood memories of growing up with the heroine (I smell childhood first love), and then returns to Korea after being away for seventeen years. He finds her again and the two will eventually live under one roof, where he’ll have his heart stolen by her all over again.
Namgoong Min has been cast as the heroine’s work sunbae and mentor, a workaholic perfectionist who does whatever it takes to meet his goals. He’s a smooth, refined romantic, but inwardly he doesn’t really believe in love. Wang Ji-won (Good Doctor, pictured below) will play his other love interest, a model-turned-stylist who is both the heroine’s friend and constant rival in the workplace. She’s uninhibited, honest, and always true to her emotions, and though she’s had a line of guys waiting to date her since her school days, Namgoong Min will be the first man she genuinely loves. Eep, don’t be the guy who breaks both girls’ hearts AND busts up their friendship. Don’t be that guy!
I Need Romance Season 3 will air on Mondays and Tuesdays beginning in mid-January.
RELATED POSTS
- Kim So-yeon headlines I Need Romance Season 3
- I Need Romance comes back for a Season 3
- I Need Romance 2012: A Review
- I Need Romance 2012: Episode 1
- I Need Romance gets a Season 2
- I Need Romance: Episodes 1-2
- Sung Joon’s dark turn as high school delinquent in Pluto
- Sung Joon takes a bubble bath
- Unemployed Romance: Episode 1
Tags: I Need Romance 3, Kim So-yeon, Namgoong Min, Sung Joon
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1 ujsid
November 21, 2013 at 2:07 PM
Looking forward to this 3rd installment...such a pretty cast <3
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2 happybyul
November 21, 2013 at 2:11 PM
OMG SO HAPPY!!! *squeals* Sung Joon is AMAZING and although I haven't seen Namgoong Min in anything before, he looks so hot that I think I'll be enjoying this:D
OMGOMGOMG
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Sue
November 21, 2013 at 3:17 PM
Unemployed Romance is on air now. I watch it at gooddrama.net. Namgoong Min is really cute and funny on this one. The drama if fluff, but I am enjoying it. It only has 10 episodes and they are up to ep 7. The only bad thing is that they only have one episode per week. You may want to check it out.
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eny
November 22, 2013 at 8:24 AM
yes i watch it too, it's funny, it's not typical rom-com poor meet rich
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Lilian
November 22, 2013 at 8:05 PM
I kinda gave up on Unemployed Romance after the boring first and second episode.....hmm..should I catch up again?
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newgirl
November 23, 2013 at 12:38 AM
I like it too. I like the way the writers have framed the scenes not so much as flashbacks, but a couples' history from each of their points of view. Too bad it's only 10 episodes. The ratings are low, but I don't think it's gotten much publicity. If you haven't seen it, it might be a good one to marathon some weekend. It's also on Dramafever.
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sugarpunch
November 24, 2013 at 1:38 AM
I agree. I was really surprised with Nam Goong Min's acting in Unemployed Romance. He was the comedic chops for someone who looks pretty serious all the time.
Hoping he won't go back to being serious and cool in INR 3.
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Rovi
November 23, 2013 at 5:52 AM
Namgoong Min has been on "A Rosy Love" (as Lee Tae-ran's late-arrival love interest) & "Birth of the Rich" before, so it's hard to miss that even if you haven't watched either one.
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3 anneakemi
November 21, 2013 at 2:30 PM
I've never watched this series before, but maybe will have to tune in this time. This is an awesome cast! So looking forward to this!
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4 redfox
November 21, 2013 at 2:30 PM
Sung Joon, noona romance, cohabitation and music *hyperventilates* did someone put a camera up in my dreams?
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tohru314
November 21, 2013 at 5:19 PM
Same here!
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parakeet
November 21, 2013 at 8:41 PM
my dreams...they came true!!! haha
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5 whatsthescenario
November 21, 2013 at 2:40 PM
CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!
Although, honestly, they've screwed up the ending to INR 1 and 2. The final pairings of the main couple have been completely wrong, IMO. But with these 2, I don't mind the outcome of either one.
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Ek Ladhki Thi
November 22, 2013 at 1:58 AM
I know right. I didn't watch INR1 but INR2 made me so mad, I had a serious case of second-lead syndrome. Poor Kim Ji-suk. I so wanted him to get ther girl but after a while I decided she didn't deserve him, he was too good for her. I've never seen Namgoong Min in any thing but I've only seen Sung Joon in LTM, hopefully, I don't get SLS again if I get to watch this.
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bd
November 22, 2013 at 10:27 AM
I thought the KJS was the best depiction of the 2nd lead in a K-drama (nice, but not boring), but I can totally see why Jung Yumi's character went with her long-time love.
Granted, the hereditary disease and not talking about it way before was a bit of the whole "noble idiocy" thing, but there was just too much history and feelings for the new guy to win out.
Otoh, felt that Jung Yumi's character really started to get attached to KJS's character, which is why her heartbreak over having to abandon that relationship felt real.
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6 KatFish
November 21, 2013 at 2:49 PM
Is it just me or does Sung Joon's story line sound like a mash up of The Woman Who Still Wants to Marry and What's up Fox?
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Mystisith
November 21, 2013 at 2:56 PM
I did have the same impression. Will they have parallel love lines instead of one guy stealing the gal from the other guy? That would be nice to refresh the INR formula...
Of course, the noona romance is already appreciated. ;)
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Waiting
November 21, 2013 at 3:27 PM
I did, too! I also had a little I Hear Your Voice feeling as well...first love from childhood, cohabitation....hoping the writer will weave something original.
Love the leads and glad to see them both!
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DDee
November 21, 2013 at 9:11 PM
And Dal Ja's Spring --> Home-shopping network shenanigans!
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Waves
November 23, 2013 at 1:03 PM
Yup, the home shopping network, cohabitation with noona love, and oppa romance with a sunbae all reminds me of Dal Ja's Spring.
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7 danna
November 21, 2013 at 2:58 PM
Woot! Woot! Kim So Yeon is a lucky gal, and deservedly so..I may actually watch this installment
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8 fuzzymogwai
November 21, 2013 at 3:00 PM
ahhh ok i had to comment...
SUNG JOON BACK ON MY TV!!!!! =)
super excited!
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9 Ceecile
November 21, 2013 at 3:11 PM
Reading "Oppa romance I was like Whaaat? And Oh shit Namgoong Min is 35. I did not see that one coming.
Watching him on Unemployed Romance I thought he was in his mid-late 20s or something. Wow. I guess it's the character + styling because looking though his google image page he definitely looks older with less make up and different hairstyle. Also wow abs. I won't look at him the same way in the next episode of UR.
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10 Kath
November 21, 2013 at 3:30 PM
I'm giggling like crazy right now lol , YAY !!!. Can they hurry up and start filming just so we can get some pictures and a teaser already. I'm so excited.
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11 kit
November 21, 2013 at 3:31 PM
YESSSSSSSS.
I thought Namgoong was ten years younger than he actually is, huh.
And link to second season since Sung Joon is a songwriter? I love the cameos that link the worlds.
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12 jomo143
November 21, 2013 at 3:38 PM
It would be a fabulous set up if her best friend is a boy who has his own romantic thing going on, rather than be part of the love triangle.
I really don't want to see NGM NOT get the girl...again.
I do want to see some serious kissing out of NGM and SJ.
I like 2012 better than the orig. I thought it had more heart and less flip. I hope they stay in that vein.
And KSY will be wonderful in something light and sweet.
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rhienz
November 22, 2013 at 9:58 AM
Have you try watching Can We Get Married, Jomo?
Sung Joon sure know how to kiss, serious kiss of course :*
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13 sPark*
November 21, 2013 at 3:38 PM
I just want to see some hot makeouts :) Oh, and good plot...of course lol
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14 birdscout
November 21, 2013 at 3:54 PM
Definitely looking forward to this for the three main actors!
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15 Aly
November 21, 2013 at 3:57 PM
Yeeeeeeees! :D
Bring on the makeouts!
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16 minah
November 21, 2013 at 4:01 PM
OMG THE CAST. I'm sold. lol
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17 Lilly
November 21, 2013 at 4:22 PM
Better and better.
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18 salt n' pepper
November 21, 2013 at 4:23 PM
Exciteeedddd!!! \o/
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19 Marami Salami
November 21, 2013 at 4:29 PM
Co-habitation, noona romance AND Sung Joon!
Call me signed up
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20 ck1Oz
November 21, 2013 at 4:35 PM
Yes you guys can go for the plot. I am just waiting for the skinship scenes. Now I can finally see if the actors can kiss vs the limp goldfish kisses on the main stations.
Shallow works for me.
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oozzeee
November 21, 2013 at 5:19 PM
I find it funny that we are all looking forward to forward skinship scenes. I know from SJ's previous works that he is not coy about "realistic" passionate kissing, not sure bout NGM and KSY though.
But considering that this is an INR franchise, we may have a lot to look forward to indeed. :)
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Kiara
November 21, 2013 at 6:36 PM
Lol works for me too. There is a real woman on the show.
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PlumWine
November 21, 2013 at 10:19 PM
Finally!
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21 Lightrain
November 21, 2013 at 4:42 PM
Haven't seen the first two "I Need Romance" dramas, but yes I will watch this because of Sung Joon...
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Callmechrisss
November 23, 2013 at 5:56 AM
You should try watching the 2012 one! The INR dramas are very entertaining and don't hold back when it comes to the kissing/sexual scenes. Perfect drama for us mature viewers!
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22 canxi
November 21, 2013 at 4:53 PM
Happy days!!!
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zsa
November 21, 2013 at 5:09 PM
yessss...yessss....happy days are here again!!!!
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23 Enz
November 21, 2013 at 4:54 PM
Omg, too many dramas to keep track. Beautiful man, melody of love and now this. And golden rainbow for makjang fixes and heirs for my trichotillomania needs and potato star to make me just happy. I wont have time for a social life!!!
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24 damianna
November 21, 2013 at 5:25 PM
YAY!!!
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25 ladida
November 21, 2013 at 5:34 PM
**swoons into puddle on floor**
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26 Trina
November 21, 2013 at 6:23 PM
I will be definitely watch this for Namgoong Min and Sung Joon!!! I adore Kim So yeon!! Also, I hope they have some HOT kisses and show us some ABS too and lots skinships!!!!!!!!
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27 LOVE HS&SH
November 21, 2013 at 6:24 PM
Look like I HEAR YOUR VOICE more rom-com version :)
BRING IT ON
CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH THIS
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28 pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
November 21, 2013 at 6:28 PM
YEsSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!
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29 come2noona
November 21, 2013 at 6:35 PM
Namgoong Min AND Sung Joon? This noona's heart is thumping wildly!
I'm curious... why is Namgoong Min's name written that way? It seems atypical for a Korean name. I would expect to see it written Nam Goong-min.
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Merong
November 21, 2013 at 8:21 PM
Min is his given name and Namgoong is his surname, one of the handful of Korean surnames with two characters.
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come2noona
November 22, 2013 at 5:54 AM
Ah, okay. Thanks!
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30 Skye
November 21, 2013 at 7:25 PM
Nan Goongmin and Sung Joon? yay!
So looking forward to this drama!
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31 Anvesha
November 21, 2013 at 7:53 PM
Sung Joon is genius again? He was genius in all the dramas I've seen him in (White Christmas, Gu Family Book..) But I'm finally excited for an upcoming drama! I've nothing much to watch now but AM1994. And there's Nam Gong Min too! Definitely excited!
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canxi
November 21, 2013 at 8:40 PM
Lol, I think it has more to do with the fact that no one can just be good at something in a K drama. They have to be AMAZING!
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32 SweetPea
November 21, 2013 at 8:30 PM
Is Sung Joon the lead?
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33 Beng
November 21, 2013 at 8:35 PM
i haven't watch any of the I need romance series, except for some snippets here and there. But this, i'll definitely watch =)
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34 Viki
November 21, 2013 at 9:21 PM
Wow, Namgoong Min already signed up for his next drama? Nice...I'm waiting for more episodes of Unemployed Romance to start watching it.
Anyway, maybe I should start watching INR 1...that's the one with Choi Jinhyuk right? Is it really good?
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soprection
November 21, 2013 at 10:52 PM
Honestly I have a hard time finishing dramas but I Need Romance Season 1 is one of my favourite dramas. It's fun and sweet and hot and it does a great job of showcasing female friendships which is too rare in dramaland. I didn't love the way the main romance played out but Choi JinHyuk is great in it. Very endearing.
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Adal
November 22, 2013 at 11:41 AM
Agreed. Choi JinHyuk stole my heart with that show. I had seen him in Pasta but he didn't really make an impression until INR1. Still, I hated the way it ended. Here's hoping for a better ending for INR3. It had better be good, it has Sung Joon in it!
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35 Perrie
November 21, 2013 at 10:14 PM
I like it! This season seems different and fresh! No more 7 year boyfriend lol~
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36 PlumWine
November 21, 2013 at 10:23 PM
Definitely putting this on my calendar! I can't wait to be a shallow watcher waiting for the skinship scenes. I think I'm a wee bit jealous. :)
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37 fishy2love
November 21, 2013 at 10:23 PM
okay, now I'm OFFICIALLY excited about this installment of 'I Need Romance'!!!
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38 mina
November 21, 2013 at 11:17 PM
i watched both season 1 and 2, and both times I experienced the second lead syndrome @.@ so I'm a little bit traumatized! I will wait how the plot plays out and probably watch it when its done airing!
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39 Spi
November 22, 2013 at 6:07 AM
Sung Joon!!! (Haha I did this before and now I'm also too happy, that's all I can utter)
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40 Abbie
November 22, 2013 at 9:49 AM
Not into this show, or its predecessors. But I'm glad that Namgoong Min and Sung Joon are both in another drama. Love both of them.
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41 Lucka
November 22, 2013 at 12:56 PM
So excited for the 3rd season! Loved the 1st season the most, though! INR 2 was kind of a mess.
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42 Ihsi
November 22, 2013 at 5:24 PM
Super excited for this one. I absolutely LOVE both the leads so I'm hoping that the story will be solid so I won't have to curse the writers for wasting these fantastic actors. Also how georgeous did these two look while presenting and award at MAMA 2013 ?
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43 Waves
November 23, 2013 at 1:08 PM
I was trying to remember who Wang Ji-won was in Good Doctor. She was Shi On's hoobae and looks different here.
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44 erika
November 23, 2013 at 7:32 PM
polka dots!!!!what the.....
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45 Ciara
November 24, 2013 at 5:10 PM
Definitely excited to see this! I really love the first two seasons of I Need Romance. Hopefully this season will be just as good!
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46 Cath
November 25, 2013 at 8:23 PM
Sung Joon is so pretty.
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