Yoochun in Sungkyunkwan Scandal

Jang Geun Seok has confirmed he’ll return to drama in the manhwa adaptation Mary Stayed Out All Night. The star says he felt conflicted about taking on another music-related role after his career-making turn in You’re Beautiful, but the script was “so fun” that he couldn’t turn it down. One big change for the character, originally a death metal singer, is that he’s now a sweet and sensitive indie rock vocalist. Read more about the plot and casting rumors swirling around Mary here.

Teasers for two of the biggest dramas of the fall were released, and they’re both wall-to-wall action. The IRIS spinoff Athena: Goddess of War released a good look at the spy series that you can check out here. A sneak peek at Rain‘s Runaway (now titled Plan B?) features lots of, well, running, but there’s also car crashes and umbrellas.

Yoochun‘s character got tipsy and flashed a bit of skin on his new sageuk Sungkyunkwan Scandal, but is a mediocre shot of his legs enough to boost ratings for the foundering series? Have a look!

Kim Tae Hee revealed that she lied about her height on her actor’s profile, and spilled the beans about Yang Dong Geun‘s “unique style of kissing” on the variety show Win Win.

Prosecutor Princess‘ Park Shi Hoo will next appear with Jung Jun Ho and Chae Jung Ahn on the Queen of Housewives pseudo-sequel Queen of Reversals. He’ll play a cold and “indifferent” department head at the company where drama takes place. Kim Nam Joo will return as Chun Ji Ae in the new series, a role for which she won the “Actor of the Year” award from the Korean government. Other than Kim, though, the characters and plot of the first Queen will be left behind.

The stage musical version of Goong opened, with idol Yunho in the lead. See the curtain calls and judge for yourself if his singing is up to snuff.

Finally, drama fans in Dramafever’s hometown of NYC should be on the lookout for Lee Min Ho and Han Chae Young, said to be arriving tomorrow for the Fashion Week festivities. And the next time you’re on the subway, keep your eyes open for Wonder Girls!

Park Yong Jin

Park Yong Jin, who plays Go Jae Bok on this summer’s runaway hit Baker King Kim Tak Gu has been fired after a month-old drunk driving charge came to light. Reportedly the actor got the attention of police after running a red light, then led them on a 2km chase before being caught. Park refused to take a sobriety test, cursing out the policeman and even ripping the officer’s uniform. Producers were dismissive of the actor’s contribution to the success of Baker King, saying “Park leaving the drama won’t change anything.”

On a lighter note, Baker King star Yoon Shi Yoon is beginning to cash in on the popularity of the show, making an appearance at Dunkin Donuts to box up orders for fans.

News reports hinted about this last week, and now it’s been confirmed that Hyun Bin will replace Jang Hyuk in the upcoming fantasy Secret Garden. Meanwhile, Jang is appearing in the Chinese remake of the Kdrama All About Eve (apparently retitled In Love With A Female Anchor)–check out Jang making out with costar Zhu Dan here.

Oh Ji Ho is joining Oh Byung Jin, Yook Gi Seok, and Kim Chi Young to change the homey image of kimchi. Get ready for the launch of Namja (Man) Kimchi! Reminds me a bit of the manly Japanese brand Otokomae Tofu. Put them together and it’s virility on a plate.

And speaking of virility, you may have thought that Dong Yi couldn’t possibly get any longer, but producers are now considering whether the addictive drama has the staying power for a second extension, in addition to the one granted in July. Dong Yi rival Giant also got gianter, with a 10-ep extension that will bring the total to 60.

So Ji Sub helped out an extra on a commercial for the ginseng tonic One Root when the guy got discouraged and quit in the middle of shooting. So encouraged him and even offered to become his mentor. In the same interview, the Road No. 1 star is sticking by the war drama, which was widely publicized but failed to reach a large audience. He says that the show’s greatness will still be discovered by future audiences.

Finally, enjoy a bit of Fall/Winter fashion from Bang Bang, modeled by always adorable Lee Min Ho and Han Ji Hye.

Kim Jae Wook

The Queen of Housewives sequel, formerly known as Queen of Tears, has been rechristened Queen of Reversals, which sounds a lot more intriguing to me. Jung Jun Ho has been cast in the male lead role as a rather useless social climber who relies on his hotness to sail through life–until he decides it’s time to pull himself together and make a play for his boss, played by Kim Nam Joo.

Kim Tae Hee says that after tasting huge success from her role in IRIS, she’s become much more conscious of her popularity and is anxiously hoping for big box office numbers from her upcoming equestrian epic Grand Prix.

Lee Byung Hun revealed his surprise at how “hardcore” his controversial new horror film I Saw the Devil turned out. Evidently the script only hinted at the level of violence that initially won the movie Korea’s dreaded “restricted” rating, essentially prohibiting anyone from seeing it. Lee says that after the first screening, he and co-star Choi Min Sik were speechless. You can watch the gritty trailer without any restrictions here.

On a lighter note, Kim Bum and girl group MissA teamed up for a cute photo shoot for Edwin. See the pics, showing off Edwin’s Fall/Winter line, right here.

Sungkyunkwan University head Choi Geun Deok has issued a complaint against the upcoming historical drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal, saying that the word “scandal” casts a shadow on the 600-year old institution. The drama is based on the novel The Lives of Sungkyunkwan’s Scholars, and Choi insinuates that it is also unseemly to associate the Korean cultural institution with an English word. KBS, who has been promoting the drama, title and all, for some time now has not responded.

Bad Guy fans will want to settle in for an extensive interview with headstrong, multi-talented star Kim Jae Wook as he talks openly about his image on set as an argumentative actor, narcissism, and his music.

Finally, Lee Min Ho gave a tweet-out to thank fans who donated books to charity and shot them a little grin, causing one of one of the matronly Minoz to comment that when she saw his face, she gave her best “motherly smile.”

Lee Min Ho

When can we watch the Birdie? Birdie Buddy, the comics-based golf drama featuring the drama debut of UEE has been in production now for six months, with not much to show for it. Usually, entire 20-episode dramas can be filmed (and aired) in this time, but BB has shot only about seven. Producers Group 8, with the high-profile Playful Kiss to work on, seem to have allowed this drama to float in limbo for the time being.

Cuteness overload! Yoon Eun Hye teamed up with a couple of babies to sell laundry detergent in a new commercial–see the 15-second ode to adorable people in clean clothes right here.

Lee Min Ho uploaded some beautiful beach vacation pics to his Twitter account (see them here), and fans quickly discovered that he was relaxing in the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. Wonder who’s holding the camera?

Guns! Glamor! Cell phones! If you’re looking forward to the IRIS spinoff Athena (starring Jung Woo Sung and Cha Seung Won), check out this collection of recently released stills from the spy thriller due in November. The true sequel IRIS 2 meanwhile is scheduled for October, 2011.

Know your gumiho! In light of the summer horror drama Tale of the Fox’s Child, and perhaps especially the upcoming My Girlfriend is a Gumiho, Kdrama news sites are providing background on the creature for those of us who didn’t grow up hearing stories of the creepy renard fatale. See how the gumiho has been portrayed in recent Korean films and drama in this retrospective, and then get an in-depth look at the cultural significance of the embodiment of (evidently) terrifying female sexuality right here.

Finally, which Kdrama stars do you think most plastic surgery patients choose as the models for their new faces? Make your guesses and then check out this article, which also features some surprising statistics: over 10% of recent poll respondents said that they were planning “plastic surgery vacations,” with almost half of those  saying that they thought their new looks would help them land a job or promotion!

This post is for both our lady and guy Ninginers out there! Fangirls, check out one of your favorite actors Lee Min Ho giving the word ’suave’ a whole new meaning. “Yummers,” much? And guys! Bust out your notepads because homeboy could give you a few pointers or two on looking fly.

Read more about Lee Min Ho in Trugen PhotoShoot on Ningin.

Jung So Min and Kim Hyun Joong in Playful Kiss

The behind-the-scenes story of Daemul, in which Go Hyun Jung had been cast as Korea’s first female president, then left amidst a seemingly hopelessly disorganized production, reached a new chapter as Go is apparently back on. Although the drama has yet to cast its female lead, and filming hasn’t even started yet, the show is still on schedule to debut in less than 2 months.

The first teaser for My Girlfriend is a Gumiho is out! Hints of romance, comedy, and a bit of horror are all on display in the new video here.

Obsessive fans, who do you think is taller, Rain or his Fugitive co-star Lee Jung Jin? Have a look at this unauthorized fan photo taken on the streets of Tokyo and decide for yourself if Lee towers over Rain, if Rain‘s been artificially squashed (he also looks a bit heavier), or if it’s just the angle of the photo.

Han Go Eun is doing some admirable charity work in conjunction with the program Love Request: visiting Peru with a group delivering medical assistance. Read all about her good deeds right here.

Pics from the first day of shooting on the highly-publicized Playful Kiss have hit the internets–have your first look at Kim Hyun Joong as a model student and Jung So Min as the lovable dummy who falls for him here.

Finally–at first glance, these may look like rather creepy paparazzi photos, but Lee Min Ho uploaded them himself to his Twitter account this weekend. Looks like Lee spent the night relaxing in his trainers in the park with his cute little chihuahua.

Read more about Lee Min-Ho and Kim Beom’s Friendship on Hancinema.

KEYEAST announced in a press release that Kim and the rest of the cast members including Kim Beom, Kim Jun and Koo Hye-seon will be in Osaka (August 18) and Tokyo (August 21) for a reunion event for the drama. Actor Lee Min-ho will not be attending due to personal matters.

Choi Chul Ho

The beleaguered drama Bad Guy‘s streak of bad luck continues as star Kim Nam Gil, who plays the title character, must enter the military on Thursday with only 13 of the planned 20 episodes filmed–and only one more having been written. Kim received an extension  from the government to allow him to accept the role in Bad Guy, but due to scheduling changes and the World Cup schedule, there seems to be no way that the drama can complete with him on screen. Currently, the entire staff is working around the clock to get as many of Kim’s scenes on tape before he has to leave, and the future of the drama is uncertain.

(Former) Dong Yi star and expert liar Choi Chul Ho apologized to his fans and coworkers as video surfaced of the actor assaulting a woman outside a restaurant after filming a scene from the popular drama. Choi had adamantly denied the attack, saying that if he had done something like that, “the whole world would know.” That’s before closed-circuit camera footage turned up of the Choi kicking a woman (you can see a news report containing the footage here). Choi also announced that he would drop out of Dong Yi so as not to hurt the drama, and to reflect on his actions. The woman involved has declined to press charges.

Kim Bum gave a revealing interview to BNT News in which he says he regrets that ratings for The Woman Who Still Wants to Marry didn’t climb to the stratospheric Boys Over Flowers level, his career plans, and who’s the only idol who can match him in holding his liquor. Read all about it right here.

Filming of Cyrano Dating Agency wrapped recently, and the stars seemed happy and relaxed about their work on the “well-made romantic comedy.” Lee Min Jung says just thinking about filming the movie gives him a warm feeling, and he hopes that the emotion comes across for viewers of the film.

Kim Hyun Joong continues on his road to Hallyu heaven with plans for a photobook of his trip to Spain to be released in Japan. The 200 page book will include a DVD containing footage of the actor having fun across the country. Ready, Action will be in Japanese bookstores next month.

Finally, a special service announcement for all prospective girlfriends of Lee Min Ho: Don’t wear a miniskirt–he hates them!

Kim Hyun Joong‘s first official step with new management company Keyeast is a special program airing on Japanese cable TV: Everything About Kim Hyun Joong aims to reintroduce the star and groom him for Hallyu superstardom.

What do you think of the new poster for Athena? The IRIS spinoff is currently filming in Italy and will start broadcasting this November on Mondays and Tuesdays. Does the new poster say “IRIS-style thriller” or “campy spy action” to you?

So Ji Sub‘s raw emotion at Park Yong Ha‘s funeral has been widely covered, and a new bit of information was leaked to the press: it turns out that So generously paid for the entire service. When asked about it, he confirmed that the cost had come out of his own pocket, but added “I am curious of how this fact got revealed to the public because only me, Park Yong-Ha’s parents, and my manager knew about this…. I don’t want any further media coverage on this. I just did what I was supposed to do.”

Jung Yong Hwa is going to need some strong time management skills. It’s been reported that the CN Blue leader’s been offered 5 new drama roles (including perhaps Playful Kiss), along with parts in films and musicals. On top of that, he’s appearing on We Got Married and of course touring with his band. His managers say that he’ll decide on his next role sometime later this year.

Finally, now you can replicate the Netflix cue of Koo Hye Seon as the Boys Over Flowers actress reveals her top five Julia Roberts movies.