Jang Hyuk, Han Chae-ah courted for period drama The Innkeeper
by javabeans
My first reaction to hearing about this possible casting was that it sounded perfect, so here’s to hoping that Jang Hyuk (Shine or Go Crazy) and Han Chae-ah (Mi-rae’s Choice) sign on to KBS’s upcoming period drama The Innkeeper, offers for which both actors have received and are currently considering.
The Innkeeper is a sprawling historical saga based on a ten-volume novel, serialized from 1979 to 1982 in Seoul Shinmun, featuring the lives of tradesmen in the late Joseon era. The drama centers around a man who inherits a defunct inn, who comes from humble beginnings and turns himself into a top business magnate. If they sign on, Jang Hyuk and Han Chae-ah would play love interests, though there’s not much given about her character aside from her being a lead.
The series will follow the clash between peddlers and businessmen against the bureaucratic powers that oppress them. The hero has a talent for finding creative problem-solving solutions every time he is at risk, thwarting others’ attempts to rig bad deals and blazing a trail for a new way of doing business. I know a government-and-commerce-themed drama might not sound sexy, but at the core this is a success story, and there’s a gratifying trajectory to the rise of any underdog. Plus, these stories always hinge upon the core characters, and Jang Hyuk is a charismatic actor who does well in period fare (say, Chuno, Tree With Deep Roots).
Directing is a PD with lots of sageuk experience, Kim Jong-sun of Gwanggaeto the Great, Dae Jo Yeong, Taejo Wang Geon, and The King and Queen. Writing is Jung Sung-hee of historical dramas King Geunchogo, Ja Myung Go, and Into the Fire.
It was announced previously that KBS was considering the drama for a run this year, and has now fixed its slot on the schedule to follow political drama Assembly, which follows Masked Prosecutor as KBS’s next Wednesday-Thursday drama. That puts The Innkeeper’s premiere in September.
Via IS Plus
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1 Miyamoto
July 3, 2015 at 10:01 AM
Weird coincidence, just today i thought i had not seen Han Chae-Ah in anything in a while, especially as a lead, but now these news
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The Real CZ
July 3, 2015 at 10:29 AM
She did a daily drama from late 2014 to early this year. However, daily dramas aren't for me, so I never watched any of it.
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Azale
July 3, 2015 at 5:22 PM
Same thing happened for me, except it was for Han Ji Min right before "Hyde, Jekyll, and Me casting was revealed. I wish that drama was better though.
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2 little-muffin
July 3, 2015 at 10:03 AM
Jang Hyuk is like Lee jun-ki, fits well in sageuk.
Gonna keep this in my radar!
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bd5
July 4, 2015 at 1:42 AM
While he hasn't been as active lately, I'd put Song Il-gook more up there w/ LJK as being totally suited for sageuks.
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3 Rrenit
July 3, 2015 at 10:12 AM
Yassss! I miss her so much. Rie <333
I hope she takes it because I don't know how long I still have to wait for Made In China.
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no name #6
July 3, 2015 at 10:21 AM
Yup. Forever, possibly. Or it feels like it anyway.
And I didn't even make a dent in her daily that just finished. I've started so many things because of her and then never finish, for reasons that are never her fault. So maybe I can make it though this one. :)
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Javabeans
July 3, 2015 at 12:30 PM
I've been seeing Made in China promotions starting up in the past week or two (sans Park Ki-woong), so it may be out sooner than later!
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no name #6
July 3, 2015 at 12:48 PM
Yes, well, they finally released it in Korea last week, so that's progress in the right direction. I just wonder how long until *I* get to see it. Gimme. (Said in the politest possible way, of course.)
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Rrenit
July 3, 2015 at 5:28 PM
Really? Finally!!! Although it's minus Ki Wong Oppa *sadface*
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fab
July 4, 2015 at 6:07 AM
At least he is in it!!
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4 Mandy
July 3, 2015 at 10:26 AM
Jang Hyuk is forever sageuk gold, so I'm always up for him doing one. But it's Han Chae-ah I'm really excited for! She's finally getting to headline a big project which she deserved to do so many years ago.
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bd5
July 4, 2015 at 1:37 AM
Aside from his tendency to overact/stick to the same mannerisms over and over again (cough, cough - "Chuno", TWDR).
The machinations of traders and seeing a business-person grow his/her fledgling empire is often the most interesting aspects of sageuks ("Emperor of the Sea", "Jumong, "The Kingdom of the Winds", etc.).
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5 The Real CZ
July 3, 2015 at 10:32 AM
I'm glad for Han Chae Ah. I thought she'd be perfect for a lead role since Gaksital, and she had to suffer through Oohlala Couple and Mirae's Choice in the interim.
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Emmy
July 3, 2015 at 1:38 PM
But she was great in Mi-rae's choice. i dropped the show halfway because the plot was getting oring for me, but she really made the second lead character loveable.
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The Real CZ
July 3, 2015 at 2:14 PM
She was the only reason I was able to finish that drama, as I found the other three main characters to be terrible. I felt bad for Yonghwa, Yoon Eun Hye, and Lee Dong Gun because their characters were horribly written.
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Sena
July 3, 2015 at 5:24 PM
I feel bad for Lee Dong-gun. He's a good actor but more often than not he's had terrible dramas.
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6 Sailor Mars
July 3, 2015 at 11:46 AM
Comment was deleted
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7 michyeosseo
July 3, 2015 at 11:52 AM
This casting sounds perfect on paper, make it happen chebal~
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8 nikiminnie
July 3, 2015 at 11:58 AM
Oh my god!!! Jang hyuk oppa!!!...can't wait for this
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9 pogo - now sailing HMS Queen of Tears with Corn Salad on deck🍉
July 3, 2015 at 12:44 PM
I fully support this. Han Chae-ah has been long overdue for a leading lady promotion, better late than never! And Jang Hyuk is always fabulous in sageuk mode.
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10 R
July 3, 2015 at 1:07 PM
Agree that Jang Hyuk does well in sageuk. But I was hoping to see him in a modern drama next... I'm happy that his leading lady is Han Chae Ah though (if both accept the project !) Really loved her in Bridal Mask <3
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11 Emmy
July 3, 2015 at 1:37 PM
Yes please, I adore both actors. And I really miss seeing Han Chae-A. She's so talented I really think she should be getting more leading role offers.
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12 NowandForever
July 3, 2015 at 2:03 PM
No more historical dramas, they are really boring.....
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13 alienshore
July 3, 2015 at 2:31 PM
This sounds fantastic! And the cast is just spot on! I tend to only like Jang Hyuk in sageuks and I love Han Chae Ah, especially in sageuks, so, BRING IT ON! Can't wait!
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14 Kiara
July 3, 2015 at 3:51 PM
Sageuk again? Dude...
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15 Dakchigo
July 3, 2015 at 5:49 PM
"Only You My Love" was an irritating sap-fest with an annoying male lead and equally insufferable side characters. Good thing she's back in something I can expect to watch.
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16 Ella
July 3, 2015 at 5:57 PM
Speaking of which, I've not seen any news or updates on The Assembly.
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17 DayDreamer
July 3, 2015 at 7:17 PM
I just started rewatching Gaksital and my love for Rie was bubbling up again so to get this kind of news is exciting. I have always loved Han Chae-ha's characters and wished she would get leading roles. She was the best thing about Mi-Rae's Choice even though I had started off watching it for Lee Dong-gun and Yoon Eun-hye.
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18 Nao
July 3, 2015 at 10:04 PM
This news made my day!! Jang Hyuk coming to my screen again in September...please say yes!
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19 kanz
July 3, 2015 at 10:54 PM
I thought it was a movie, until I re-read the article and headline and it is indeed a drama.. Hmm, so basically SBS will have Six Flying Dragons, MBC still have Hwajung in Sep and KBS will have The Innkeeper.. Even the most excited sageuk lover would think it's too much to watch sageuks everyday on weekdays.
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20 Ally
July 4, 2015 at 2:17 AM
I HOPE THEY BOTH ACCEPT! AMEN! ♥
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21 Dreamer
July 4, 2015 at 4:57 AM
i will watch it for Jang Hyuk... because he is one of the best actor for me in kdrama world.. and also i dont know about female lead?? i haven't see her in any kdrama i have watched!!
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22 john
July 4, 2015 at 5:07 AM
I enjoyed her role in Mi Rae's Choice . It's the only thing I've seen her in.
She can look forward to working with Jang Hyuk. He seems to be a fun person to work with.
Look forward to seeing this.
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23 Gork
July 4, 2015 at 7:26 AM
Yessss Jang Hyuk in another saeguk! Loved his last historical drama, Shine or Go Crazy!
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24 Cocoboo
July 4, 2015 at 3:32 PM
Oooh I like both of them and the story sounds interesting. I like Jang Hyuk in sageuks. ^^ The rise of an underdog is a theme I like. Can't be all talk and no action though... :/
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25 Jane Wong
July 4, 2015 at 9:46 PM
Hurray for jang hyuk!! Recently I missed you and wished that you would a new drama for us. And bingo you didn't disappoint me. You're back again. You're a great actor!
And I hope this drama Innkeeper has a happy ending. I love to see my favorite actors having happy endings!
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26 whitewire
July 5, 2015 at 5:24 AM
Oh my goooooooodness.
This casting is the most beautiful I have seen in ages. Please make it happen. Jang Hyuk with Han Chae-ah is the frame as priceless as Mona Lisa. Shucks-- until now this news makes me happy. I hope my little heart can accept this. I do accept it with all my heart, but the joy bursts back and forth.
Let me survive and witness this beautiful, beautiful team-up!
Jang Hyuk ♥ Han Chae-ah
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27 salt n' pepper
July 5, 2015 at 4:39 PM
I like Han Chae Ah! I agree, she needs to be promoted to leading lady. Too bad I'm not really a fan of sageuks. But if both actors sign on, I might have to check this out.
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28 Silverfish26
July 14, 2015 at 5:44 AM
I am so super excited for this new television drama for my ever favorite Jang....All the best and I love you from the Philippines
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