New drama Misaeng courts Im Shi-wan, Kang So-ra, Kang Haneul

63 July 1, 2014October 19, 2014

New drama Misaeng courts Im Shi-wan, Kang So-ra, Kang Haneul

by girlfriday

Casting for the upcoming drama adaptation of the hit webtoon Misaeng (or Incomplete Life) is back in full swing, after an early round that fizzled out. The drama about a failed baduk player who struggles through young adulthood has been picked up by tvN, and is now set to air on Fridays and Saturdays in October. Im Shi-wan (Triangle) has been offered the leading role, which seems like a natural choice since he played the character in the prequel web drama earlier this year. Offers are also out to Kang So-ra (Doctor Stranger), Kang Haneul (Heirs), and Lee Sung-min (Miss Korea), who are all considering favorably.

The webtoon is about a young man who fails to make it as a pro baduk player (a strategy game akin to chess), and struggles with the monotony of his bleak future. It’s the story of his gradual awakening and reentry into society after living a depressed, inconsequential existence — not yet alive, as the title tells us. He joins the rank and file of the corporate office employees and struggles to adapt, eventually figuring out a way to use the lessons he learned from baduk to engage with his life.

Kang So-ra has been cast as the heroine, a cold, sharp, capable worker and new intern who enters the company with the hero. Lee Sung-min will play their boss, a dedicated workaholic and leader who’s also warm and dependable. And Kang Haneul has been cast as the ambitious co-worker who’s smart but stunted by his anxious and sensitive nature.

It’s all in the execution, but as you can see from the prequel clip below that introduces Im Shi-wan’s character, it’s a subtle character study and the bleakness is stark but beautiful. Granted, the prequel was directed by two other directors, Sohn Tae-gyum and Kim Tae-hee, so there’s no guarantee that the drama will look and feel like this. But the source material is known for being a realistic and relatable story about ordinary people with poignant lessons about young adulthood, so I’m hopeful that the tone of the drama will be faithful to that.

I’m confident that the production is in good hands, with PD Kim Won-seok of Sungkyunkwan Scandal and Monstar at the helm, and writer Jung Yoon-jung of Arang and the Magistrate and Monstar penning the script. Now that I’ve gotten a taste in the prequel, I’m looking forward to the adaptation, and Im Shi-wan in the role. In the teaser below (for the prequel) the tagline says, “In the baduk board of life, there are no worthless stones.”

Misaeng follows Plus Nine Boys and premieres in October.

Via Osen, Star News

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1 derp

July 1, 2014 at 9:15 AM

them again? can't i see different faces for upcoming dramas.. there's alot of young actors/actress out there..
>.<

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Laden

July 1, 2014 at 9:19 AM

Lol :D I don't mind kang hanuel tho

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mauvery

July 1, 2014 at 2:42 PM

Kang Sora doesn't do it for me. I am not awed by her, at all.

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coffeenlucia

July 1, 2014 at 6:01 PM

I love Kang Sora!! My girl crush~~ So awesome in Sunny.

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coffeenlucia

July 1, 2014 at 6:06 PM

I love Kang Sora!! She was so awesome in Sunny!! ^-^~

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mo0mi

July 2, 2014 at 12:14 AM

me too, i don't like kang sora at all, she was terrible in dream high and so did the drama, but her in particular was so stiff and her facial expressions make me feel uncomfortable, i watched some clips from doctor stranger and she irked me so much that i decided to skip the whole drama.. please pick someone else!

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jalila

August 4, 2014 at 5:35 AM

who are you to judge her acting she was pretty good in acting on sunny and ugly alert and dr stranger so if you don't like her it's you problem but don't said that she is terrible if she was then why she always win awards !

ancientgranpa

July 2, 2014 at 3:46 PM

Me too... at first. I have this this irk feeling towards her after I watch Dream High.
But then I accidently bump her on Sunny and that movie totally change my POV about her.
She is so pretty and good at Sunny. Really love her as the high school gang leader and the way she communicate with Shim Eun Kyung. They make a good chems.

Despite the crazy writing on dr Stranger, I really love Kang Sora there. Plot aside, I really love her chems with LJS.

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Unholy

July 1, 2014 at 1:10 PM

From what I heard there are lot more talented 20 something in Korea. Did they all just disappear?

Kang Ha Neul though is great.

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pigsnout

July 3, 2014 at 6:07 AM

Oh please. At least all three are actually talented and have proved it in their previous work, unlike the likes of Jin Seyeon.

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adik

March 26, 2015 at 4:02 AM

ermmm

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pigsnout

July 2, 2014 at 1:03 AM

Why the complaining, all three are talented and deserve lead roles. KSR especially since people only seem to have seen her two bad projects Dream High 2 and DS. She's great in Ugly Alert and Sunny and does well when she has even a small chance.

and also it is not fair to complain about talented actors getting more work. At least they are not Taecyeon and Yunho.

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Chiaki

July 2, 2014 at 3:34 PM

I was just about to say that! WTH...combo from Angel eyes, Triangle and doctor stranger. I aint hating on the actors but OMG!, ENOUGH ALREADY!

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Chiaki

July 2, 2014 at 3:39 PM

The only person that I wouldnt mind seeing again is Kang Ha Neul. As much as I love Kang Sora, her current drama, Dr stranger has left me with a bitter taste. I am not ready to see any actor from Dr stranger just yet.

All of the cast of Dr stranger should please take a break and come back in 2015.

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2 laden

July 1, 2014 at 9:17 AM

When oh when dramagods will kang hanuel be casted in a lead role?

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LollyPip

July 1, 2014 at 9:32 AM

I was going to say this but you beat me to it1 He's total leading man material...he's got the talent, and the experience, and certainly the looks to play leading men. I would watch any drama with him as the lead.

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kanz

July 1, 2014 at 2:21 PM

I think in the next drama surely KHN would be considered as leading man. I know him in TTBY and Heirs as supporting role, then in Angel Eyes as childhood role, then in this one as second lead. So hopefully the next drama he will be lead. *pray*

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coby

July 2, 2014 at 1:09 AM

I stopped watching Angel Eyes after KHN isn't there anymore... I really wish he gets a lead role soon!

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3 snow

July 1, 2014 at 9:23 AM

Kang Ha Neul ♥

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4 gia

July 1, 2014 at 9:26 AM

oh the woes of drama land - actors who are always cast as second leads/side characters.

PLEASE can we have Kang Ha Neul in a leading role please? I'm sure what was shown of Angel Eyes proved he's a great actor. (Which reminds me, same goes for Song Jae Rim -- really hoping he's the lead for his upcoming show!)

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5 pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉

July 1, 2014 at 9:43 AM

I'm so happy Im Siwan is getting his turn at leading man at last (among the idol actors of today, he's a lowkey standout and he's done well in a range of roles), and there is no one in this cast I don't love. I do second the calls for Kang Haneul to be first lead in something soon though, that boy is leading man material if I've ever seen it.

Also, Kang Sora needs to be in something soon so we can all forget about that drama she's currently stuck in.

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ys

July 1, 2014 at 12:52 PM

Are you enjoying Siwan's performance in Triangle? He's doing a lot of over-the-top eye-acting, much like the Go Bok Tae actor. So do we blame the director? Siwan is so hyped up as a great actor, but there's no evidence of it in Triangle.

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Who's Scruffy Looking

July 1, 2014 at 3:27 PM

I don't know about Triangle cause I'm not watching it but I like him in that short prequel webtoon video above.

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Mandy

July 1, 2014 at 3:49 PM

He was great in The Attorney. I think he needs guidance from a sunbae to help him shine. I'm assuming he has none in Triangle. I'm not watching it but Im Siwan is pretty good for his age and experience.

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krista

July 1, 2014 at 5:45 PM

That's your opinion, though, not a fact. :) I think there's plenty of evidence that he's a good actor...

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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉

July 1, 2014 at 7:32 PM

I think he's doing mostly fine in Triangle, actually, occasional wide-eye tantrums aside - his antagonist character is interesting to watch and he had great chemistry with Baek Jin-hee in the early episodes.

Your opinion may differ, of course, but I definitely think he's put in the work and earned his shot at first lead. He's been legitimately good in too many other projects (including ones that don't get talked about much here) to dismiss him as just another idol actor.

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ys

July 2, 2014 at 9:40 AM

Yes, point taken. The actor who plays Go Bok Tae in Triangle did much better, more subtle and convincing work in I Hear Your Voice, so by extension I definitely give Siwan the benefit of the doubt and will watch his other works with an open mind. Yang Ha is just not a good showcase for his acting abilities.

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6 pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉

July 1, 2014 at 9:44 AM

And oh wait, I just registered this:

writer Jung Yoon-jung of Arang and the Magistrate

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!! (and KSR is cast already, great)

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7 soprection

July 1, 2014 at 9:49 AM

A human/slice of life drama about young adults who are just ordinary people (!!!) trying to figure out who they are, where they want to go with their lives and struggling with the everyday reality of the working world sounds amazing and like it would be right up my alley. AND it's on TvN?! What more could I ask for? I like all of these young actors too. Here's hoping they take the roles. I hope it's realistic but not too bleak. Life sometimes has a silver lining. This is definitely on my radar now, thanks.

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8 Bellamafia

July 1, 2014 at 9:57 AM

KHN..as a co-worker? *gasp*.. He is not a high schooler? Are you sure?

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9 mystisith

July 1, 2014 at 9:57 AM

That last poster: If I didn't know better, I would say it's a j-dorama. Lol.
I agree with the precedent commenters: KHN must be cast as a lead in something.

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kdramas

July 1, 2014 at 10:32 AM

Yes, the poster is VERY j-doramesque!

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10 jaejyj

July 1, 2014 at 10:08 AM

why not KHN to put as lead? not that i dislike ISW but just, why not KHN!!!

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pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉

July 1, 2014 at 11:33 AM

Three words: watch the clip. Seriously (ok, that's four)

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jaejyj

July 1, 2014 at 5:05 PM

did. sw seems to fit in this drama. but why cant i simply raise my preference here?

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11 noone

July 1, 2014 at 10:20 AM

when i read KHN's name before reading what the article say.. this question pop on my mind "will he play a high schooler again in this?".. u know coz that's he's favorite role to play forever high school *roll eyes* :3

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12 Rossi

July 1, 2014 at 10:27 AM

This sounds lovely even if the subject can get a tad too personal....plus really solid casting so definitely a yes! from me.

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13 pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉

July 1, 2014 at 10:29 AM

ok I know this is officially flooding the comments thread here but I strongly recommend watching the clip provided above. It's good stuff, beautifully scored and minimal, and is possibly the best ever argument for Im Siwan rightfully being able to carry this one. I don't even know baduk, and it's amazing.

(this is giving me flashbacks to the Jade Emperor's baduk games now)

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Mareina

July 1, 2014 at 10:44 AM

I agree! I watched the clip and Im Shiwan is perfect. I really hope they keep the drama similar in tone.

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soprection

July 2, 2014 at 6:31 AM

I watched the clip too and it was beautiful. Quiet but still arresting. If the show maintains that tone, it will already be on the right track.

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14 canxi

July 1, 2014 at 11:04 AM

Sounds goooood!

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15 Miky

July 1, 2014 at 12:15 PM

well i hope all of them accept especially Kang Ha Neul!and it's tvN so i'll surely watch it,totally love their dramas and even more being from Monstar

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16 Ace

July 1, 2014 at 1:08 PM

Yeah! Love the cast! Hope those who are considering would accept. Go Kang Sora! Aside from the prod team, it's on tvN so I'm in!

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17 lemondoodle

July 1, 2014 at 2:41 PM

I'm one who just can't get on the Kang Ha Neul train. Thought he was pretty awkward in Angel Eyes. I actually stopped during Ep. 2 because of him. Though it seems a lot of people love the childhood part of that drama...

Siwan isn't that great in Triangle, but he's done well in the past.

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Anny Key

July 2, 2014 at 8:39 AM

I also do not like his in Angel Eyes. He is very good in Monstar and in The Heirs

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18 cheekypig

July 1, 2014 at 2:47 PM

yay! kang ha neul!! awesome!!!

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19 Mandy

July 1, 2014 at 4:01 PM

I hope both the boys can be equal leads because I just adore them both. Kang Ha-neul has impressed the socks outta me in Angel Eyes. I've never seen him before it and he was just so expressive and moving. The childhood portion of Angel Eyes is just class apart in acting, storytelling and overall narration.

I'll call myself an Im Siwan fan too. He's so completely likeable and charming so I'm happy he's getting his shot at playing the main character. I hope this does well for all the leads since they're all such good actors.

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20 OhSoEnthusiastic

July 1, 2014 at 5:42 PM

Is the prequel available to watch anywhere? (Preferably somewhere legal.) I love web and mobile dramas, and I'm always looking for more to watch.

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21 tiffany

July 1, 2014 at 6:08 PM

"Lee Sung-min will play their boss, a dedicated workaholic and leader who’s also warm and dependable."

AWWWWWW yayyy LSM will forever be the kind hyung and King in K2H for me! Happy to see him in a just as awesome role again :)

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newgirl

July 1, 2014 at 11:19 PM

Lee Sung-min was fantastic in Miss Korea as well! If you haven't seen it, it's well worth watching. Hope to see him in this too.

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22 Arisu

July 1, 2014 at 6:57 PM

Kang (sora+haneul) ?

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23 Valerie Gudorf

July 1, 2014 at 10:58 PM

I watched the clip. It's so---what's the word I'm looking for here?---pretty! Im Shi Wan does a good job, and he's a pleasure to gaze upon. I think Kang Han Nul will also be a strong asset to this drama. I trust the writer, director, and company (TVN) responsible for this production, and I have high hopes for it.

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24 amber

July 1, 2014 at 11:40 PM

Will there be another fan war for who'll end up with whom?

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pigsnout

July 2, 2014 at 1:06 AM

Not likely since the writer is not crazy and all three of the above named actors are good.

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25 dramapotatoe

July 2, 2014 at 2:19 AM

HELLO KANG SO RA. And Kang Ha Neul of course <3
Only wish that he was in the leading role T_T

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26 Myka

July 2, 2014 at 11:24 AM

I honestly had to blink twice before I realized where Shi Wan's index finger disappeared to.

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27 Adal

July 2, 2014 at 12:55 PM

Siwan has onscreen presence as evidenced in all I have seen him in - Moon Embracing the Sun, Reply 1997 (Cameo)and in Triangle. He's quite talented and I would love to see him in a lead role.

Kang Ha Neul is overdue for a lead role. He's experienced, talented, and has carried all the roles I've seen him in remarkably well - Monstar, To the Beautiful You, Heirs and Angel Eyes, Two Weeks (Cameo).

What bothers me is why some untalented actors keep getting leading roles and people as talented as Kang Ha Neul, Song Jae Rim and Kim Jae Wook are stuck in supporting roles and bit parts.

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28 minitwin

July 2, 2014 at 1:55 PM

Anyone automatically think of Hikaru no Go? I'm already in purely for the baduk. :)

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ancientgranpa

July 2, 2014 at 3:38 PM

Me!!! Hahaha... Even that Si Wan's pose is Hikaru's pose LOL

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29 Elle

July 4, 2014 at 7:48 AM

I'm here for kang sora! Her acting was amazing in sunny and ugly alert and not bad in dr stranger (I blame the script more than anything else for the hot mess). She deserves to act in more lead roles. Jin seyeon isn't even that good of an actress and she's been picking up lead actress roles left and right like they're dropping from the sky in abundance and she doesn't even have that much of acting experience. Talk about double standards...

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30 jkho lee

September 27, 2014 at 8:36 AM

Wow! Kang Sora is really great...i have just watched her drama Ugly Alert and she is so beautiful...no wonder she has an award for this drama...I'll definitely watch her in the upcoming Kdrama this October Misaeng... Miss Kang Sora, fighting!

...guyz out there, please be nice...don't focus on her negative...just focus on her positive..trust me you will see how good she is...so i recommend you to watch Sunny, Ugly Alert and We got Married (teukso couple)...Kang Sora is really a nice person...