It's been awhile since I've been interested in any upcoming drama, but this latest announcement of drama "Heirs" or "He Who Wishes to Wear the Crown, Endure its Weight" (Let's stick with "Heirs") casting star-studded leads really brings on new hype. First, it was announced that Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye are going to play the leads, and then SBS added an idol cherry on top by throwing in CN Blue's Jung Yonghwa as well. In a smart move, Yonghwa refused the offer last minute because of his busy scheduling conflicts (smart because he's been paired with PSH two times in dramaland already, and a third would be ridiculous). If I wasn't already a fan of hers, I would be protesting that she got too freakin' lucky here... because now Choi Jin Hyuk (the hottie Gumiho from "Gu Family Book") is joining the cast as LMH's half-brother in the series, while Kim Woo Bin (from "School 2013" and "A Gentleman's Dignity") and f(x)'s Krystal is also recruited for roles. Most recently ZE:A's Park Hyunsik, sexy rising star Kang Ha Neul ("Monstar") and cutie CN Blue's Kang Minhyuk and Kim Jiwon ("To the Beautiful You") has also been announced as part of the cast. Im Joo-eun also plays a role as one of the teachers. I'm starting to lose track of the characters here, will this recruiting train every stop?
"Heirs" is about the interactions between wealthy high school kids, and is described as the 20 episode fusion of "Boys Over Flowers" and "Gossip Girl." If it's anything as snarky and fashionable as the American CW show, I'm totally in. After hit dramas with a serious vein like "School 2013" and "The Wind Blows in Winter," I'm ready to see a more shallow and scandalous Korean drama that I can gush over without having to wipe my tears after. With popular second generation actors like LMH, PSH, rising star CJH, uber hotties KWB and KHN, October just can't come any faster.
It's also pleasing to hear notable writer Kim Eun Sook and Kang Shin Hyo PD will be contributing to this production. Kim Eun Sook has written screenplays for buzz-worthy dramas like "Secret Garden" and "A Gentleman's Dignity."
Whether you trust Wikipedia or not, here are some character details:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Heirs
Comments:
Why do I love this cast? (Other than it's handsome male leads *swoons*) Lee Min Ho has captivated me since "Boys Over Flowers" with his tall height, big manly nose and earnest acting. Over the years, he has lost most of his dorkiness and transformed into a steady, trendy man. His biggest attraction is that he can bring strong impact to otherwise normal scenes without going overboard with crazy clothing or expression. He's just naturally cool and sexy- until he bursts out laughing (which ruins the image, haha). While Lee Min Ho doesn't change much in terms of style or cast-types, Park Shin Hye is like the Emma Watson of Korea: Her look is so versatile that she has limitless role potential. Possibly the only character she can't play is an evil villain, but with the proper attire and make-up, she can still look very tough and bad-ass. This is why her character in "Heirs" is so intriguing; will the producers go with her typical "sweet" girl image, or give her a new acting challenge with a sexier, shocking role? Also, if she does happen to play the Serena Van der Woodsen type, will Krystal be Blair Waldorf? However way it turns out, Shin Hye has the acting chops to rise to the occasion, and Krystal has a very high-fashion look. As for Kim Woo Bin, I never would've imagined him in a drama alongside Lee Min Ho because while Lee Min Ho usually plays the straight-forward heroine, Woo Bin has always played the edgy dark horse, creating tons of tension and just looks like trouble. As for Shin Hye, I like how she acts as that bridge between candy-coated romance and mature themes. I can't wait to see how their relationship unfolds, but I do hope this talented combination is a synergistic one.
At first, the casting announcements made me want to squeal with joy, but after the addition of Kang Ha Neul and Park Hyunsik, I'm really starting to become suspicious. What drama needs that many beautiful people? Even "To the Beautiful You" was not ambitious, in the sense that, yes, there were beautiful boys everywhere, but a very select few were actually important to the storyline. Adding popular actors, rising star actors, AND rising idol actors seem to be a bit much. No one needs that much hype for a drama- unless there's something the producers are making up for? If so, please please please don't let it be the writing. I can give up on some plot, but I would be devastated if the character interactions are anything short of scandalous. Furthermore, the cast is so over-saturated with potential talent that it'd be a huge waste if there weren't enough scenes for everyone.
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| Choi Jin Hyuk |
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| Kim Woo Bin |
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| Jung Krystal |
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| Kang Ha Neul |
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| Park Hyunsik |
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| Kang Minhyuk |
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| Kim Jiwon |
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| Im Joo-eun |
Since "Heirs" won't be broadcasted until October, I've concocted some hypothetical character dynamics:
1. Park Shin Hye is gorgeous, sophisticated, and totally demure as the "It" girl everybody dreams about but never has the courage to talk to. Lee Min Ho plays the untouchable heir that no one really knows about. He's talented, intelligent and successful, but he's so private the girls can't even imagine what goes on in his life.
2. Park Shin Hye plays the pretty innocent type. She doesn't talk much nor is very social, but all the guys love her soft feminine image. Lee Min Ho plays the preppy flower boy type. Here, he's social, is well liked by everyone, but completely curious about Shin Hye's quiet nature.
3. Park Shin Hye combines attitude and high fashion as the resident fashion queen. She is never caught without a killer pair of stilletos or the trendiest designer fashion. Not only does she dress like a rockstar, her fierce, sassy attitude intimidates her peers and teachers alike. She always gets her way, even if it means knocking others down. Lee Min Ho plays the ambitious, cold and focused son. His main goal is to please his father and lead his company to global heights. Nicknamed as the "Stone Statue," he hates nonsense, and clashes bitterly with Shin Hye's strong attitude.
4. Lee Min Ho can't be any more understated with his casual clothing and can-care-less attitude, a contrast to his superior family background. He's into his local band and more hipster than most. Park Shin Hye plays the Lee Hyori role in her school- sexy, attractive, and crushed on by all the boys. Strangely enough, Lee Min Ho is not one of them. He's the first male challenge she's encountered in her whole life, and she's determined to make him notice.
5. Park Shin Hye plays the mature, levelheaded new girl who just arrived at their high school. She's uber rich but she's not spoiled, she's fashionable but not extravagant, she's opinionated but not overwhelming. Her charm is a subtle one, and until she runs for president of a prestigious school club, Lee Min Ho didn't even know she existed. After all, he's got a lot of things going on; being the captain of various sports, clubs and a top-notched scholar, he's too busy to worry what other students are doing... except for when he wants to hook up with his female classmates. As it goes, he's a notorious player, and she just got out of a serious 2-year relationship. Just when he believes the presidency is in the bag, Shin Hye arrives with some surprises of her own.
6. Lee Min Ho plays the happy-go-lucky guy who's well liked and friends with everybody. Park Shin Hye is the nice quiet girl that no one dislikes, but no one knows much about. She's the epitome of an understated, girl next door type, only her hobbies suggest anything but. She races motorbikes and models in her spare time. The two hang out in the same circle and are good childhood friends, but Min Ho crushes on glamorous girls while Shin Hye harbors a secret crush on him.
7. Lee Min Ho is the rebellious golden boy, accomplished at all things but hates socializing with just anyone. Born into scandal as the son of a second wife, he's always determined to prove himself. Despite nurturing a bruised ego, he always shows an aloof facade to hide his real feelings. Park Shin Hye plays the friendly popular girl that everyone wants to be around, but actually hides a lot of dark secrets underneath her sunny facade.
9. Park Shin Hye channels crazy fashion and flair Lady Gaga style, while Lee Min Ho is a sarcastic, sharp-tongued designer determined to prove himself outside of the family name.
What are scandalous teen dramas without a bad boy? With Woo Bin chosen for a role, how awesome would it be if he's cast as the rabble-rouser *cough*Chuck Bass*cough* extraordinaire? I mean, just look at that face! While Minho's features are large and manly, Woo Bin has a matching height with contrasting, sharp features. Please make him a dangerous playboy dramaland, I would die of happiness!
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