[HanCinema's News] Cha Eun-woo, Ong Seong-wu, and Ji Chang-wook Herald Return of Softer Male Image to Korean Dramas
By William Schwartz | Published on
On July 17th Cha Eun-woo's new drama, "Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung", is set to begin. In contrast to the more aggressive male leads that have featured in South Korean dramas as of late, Cha Eun-woo will be playing more of a supportive role in regards to the title character's scholarly ambitions in the Joseon period. Other dramas soon to begin will also feature softer male images.
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"A Moment at Eighteen", which begins shortly after on July 22nd, features Ong Seong-wu of Wanna One in a teenage drama where he plays a rough young man who starts to experience lighter passions in life after meeting that drama's heroine. The production company has said there are hopes for Ong Seong-wu to be rediscovered as an actor for his work in this fairly serious concept drama.
Later on in the year "Melting Me Softly" is expected in September and will be the comeback drama for Ji Chang-wook following his mandatory military service. Though Ji Chang-wook is generally known for more action-oriented roles, he had explicitly talked about doing a fluffier romantic styled drama before enlistment. Additionally, the very title "Melting Me Softly" hints at the notion of its male lead defining himself through more emotionally centered activities.
- Written by William Schwartz
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"Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung" is directed by Han Hyun-hee, Kang Il-soo, written by Kim Ho-soo, and features Shin Se-kyung, Cha Eun-woo, Gong Jung-hwan, Yang Jo-a, Lee Kwan-hoon, Ryu Tae-ho. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2019/07/17~Upcoming, Wed, Thu 20:55 on MBC.
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"A Moment at Eighteen" is directed by Sim Na-yeon, written by Yoon Kyeong-ah, and features Ong Seong-wu, Kim Hyang-gi, Shin Seung-ho, Kang Ki-young, Moon Bin, Shim Yi-young. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2019/07/22~Upcoming, Mon, Tue 21:30 on jTBC.
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"Melting Me Softly" is directed by Sin Woo-cheol, written by Baek Mi-kyeong, and features Ji Chang-wook, Won Jin-ah, Yoon Se-ah, Choi Bomin. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2019/10/19~Upcoming, Sat, Sun 21:00 on tvN.
William Schwartz
Staff writer. Has been writing articles for HanCinema since 2012, having lived in South Korea from 2011 to 2021. He is currently located in the Portland metropolitan area. William Schwartz can be contacted via william@hancinema.net, and is open to requests for content in future articles.