JUNE 2025 | Current KDrama Watchlist Obsessions, News, Casting + SO JI SUB Deep Dive

Hi there! 

We're back to share the latest Kdrama casting and news for June 2025. 

This month we're celebrating the patron saint of our channel, So Ji Sub, with a deep dive into his career and why we love him so much. We're also discussing our current Kdrama obsessions, including 'Our Unwritten Seoul' and 'Nine Puzzles', plus exciting news like Amazon Prime's first original Kdrama and upcoming military enlistments. Help us work through our feelings about  Kim Go Eun in 'Yumi's Cells 3' and her final series co-star

So much to discuss! Join us!

00:00 Introduction and Monthly Updates

00:34 Everyone’s Obsessed: Unwritten Seoul

05:17 Everyone’s Obsessed pt 2: Nine Puzzles

08:29 K-Drama News and Announcements

20:30 Kim GoEun & Yumi’s Cells 

21:55 Supporting Roles and Upcoming Projects

23:22 So Ji Sub: The K Three Origin Story

24:51 First Dramas and So Ji Sub's Appeal

28:28 Memorable Roles and Performances

33:58 Recent Works and Future Prospects

39:37 Thanks!! 

Transcript

[00:00:00] Hi there. I'm Jenn. I'm Marisa. We love TV and we love kdramas. Welcome back to our podcast. As we do every month we're gonna get you guys updated on the all the casting announcements that have happened since the last time we chatted and the news roundup. And this month we're celebrating the patron saint of our channel.

So Ji Sub in our deep dive. When did we first meet him? Why do we love him? Our favorite? So Ji Sub K dramas and films. And so much gushing. So much. We love him. He brought us all together. Yay. He did. So Ji Sub But first, as we do, every month, we are gonna talk about what everybody is currently obsessed with and we have obsessions This month, you guys, this slump is over, at least for a short period of time.

Yes, a lot has changed since our May podcast. We just had our most recent live chat and oh my goodness, the two that everybody was super excited to talk about was our unwritten seoul and nine puzzles. You would, would you agree [00:01:00] with that? Those were our two big ones. Yes, definitely. And also maybe So Ji Sub's Mercy For None, which we will get into.

Yeah, that's def that's definitely one we definitely talked about for sure. Um, so I think the one that SI think surprise is maybe the wrong word, but I think unwritten, our unwritten Seoul has struck all of us it seems, in a, in our feels in a way that I don't think any of us were truly expecting. Right?

Yes. So this is starring Park Bo Young as two twin sisters. Mm-hmm. And they are very different from each other. And then to add another layer onto it, they switch jobs. They switch lives. Um, so she, I think she's playing four characters. Yeah, that's what you had said in our live. And I thought that was really interesting and I had to think about that for a while.

So we've got Pak Bo Young, Park Jin Young [00:02:00] and Ryu Kyung Soo, and a whole host of Ahjummas we really love.

And Halmonies too. It's just, it's just such a slow paced kind of. What is, what's the word I'm trying to come up? Like a reflection on life and choices. Mm-hmm. And getting an opportunity to maybe put, you know how they always say walk a mile in someone else's shoes?

We're kind of walking that mile in the sister's shoes and it's just, it's really delightful in the way they each are understanding how the, how their other half kind of lives and finding their own purpose in life through that. And it's kind of this really interesting meditation on choices and I'm, I'm really enjoying that.

Yeah. Yeah. I think what I said was that it's a lot of people being lonely together. Yes. God, you were so, so smart in that conversation. I dunno, there's just, there's a lot of, [00:03:00] um, you know, just, just how do you survive? A regular life. Mm-hmm. Um, and how do you get through disappointment when you feel really alone?

And, um, and they're just, they're just stuck. So many of them are stuck. And as we move towards the final episodes, um, I just, I want so much for all of these characters and it isn't about our typical find romance finding each other. It's like, yeah, Jin Young will end up with who Jin Young is supposed to end up with, but that they, they find themselves and can find a path forward.

Um, because weathering disappointment. Has been soul crushing for our, for our twins, um, but also for Park Jin Young and also for our strawberry farmer. Right. So this bizarre like strawberry farming, like I need more backstory. I know it's the [00:04:00] grandpa and the whole thing, but it's like interesting. Okay, do you even know how to grow strawberries?

I'm very confused. No, but he's just delightful in his unknowing of everything, so, yeah. Yeah, it's definitely about picking big swings missing, and then how do you get back up is kind of how I see it. And I, I like what you said about it not really being a romance. I think we all maybe went into it thinking it was gonna be more romantic than it is.

And I'm finding that I'm enjoying it more as, um, like I said, a meditation on, uh, failure and getting back up. So, yeah. Yeah, yeah. This is one of those high quality dramas that's really kind of looking inside people. Mm-hmm. And it's less about the things hap, I mean, there is some, there is some, this is also an office drama.

Yes. And a strawberry farm drama. Yes. A small town. Yeah. Yes. So, [00:05:00] um, but this is really about, like you said, meditation, a lot of reflection and just a lot of just kind of how to find yourself mm-hmm. When you think you're lost or when you think you're alone. So, so yeah. I'm, it's, it's, it's worthy of an obsession for sure.

For sure. So, and then the other one that we just, that just finale that everyone was super excited about was the Crime Drama Nine Puzzles. And that one is starring Kim Da Mi Son Sukku um, and, uh, Kim San Kyung and, oh man, it was so good. It was so good. It really was. It really was so quirky. Like both, like they were such an odd couple.

Um, she's a profiler and he's a grizzled detective. Yes. And, uh, that always wears a beanie unless he's mad and then he takes it off. I know. The beanie, he had so many specific quirks about his character that really had [00:06:00] no true purpose to the story. They were just there. They were really interesting character choices that I feel like Son Sukku was like, you know, it'd be cool.

I just wore beanie. And then when I got mad, I took it off, like to show them that. And I'm like, okay. That's amazing. I love it. Yeah, I know. So quirky. Um, if you're a fan of the Benedict Cumberbatch, Sherlock Holmes or Sherlock, then I think you will enjoy this K drama a lot. It's a little less, as is that show.

It's a little less about who done it or solving the crime. Um, and clues, although there's plenty of all of that, it's really about, uh, Kim Da Mi and Son Sukku and just the, their quirky, quirky characters. Yes, yes. So much so. I mean, it's just, uh, it's actually in the news. I put it down in the news, but I think this is a perfect time to actually bring it up.

But she did an interview about [00:07:00] skipping romance in the subplot of nine puzzles, and I have to say, I'm so glad they did. She said they tried it and it was super awkward and it didn't work. And I'm like, thank you. Thank you very much. I think romance would've completely ruined that drama. Even a hint of it.

Well, yeah. 'cause they started episode one with him thinking that she murdered her uncle. Yeah. There's that thinking later. Romance. Come on. Yeah. I mean, I don't think that works either, but just her character and his character just don't, they're like the, you know, I mean, listen, I'll still be angry that Mulder and Scully got together, and I know that's dating me.

It's going hard, gen X, but some people really wanted it. And I was one of those like people who's like, no, leave them alone. They're perfect the way they are. And that's kind of how I feel about, um, Son Sukku and Kim Da Mi So if this series continues, which they kind of tease at the end, I'm hoping[00:08:00] they, they continue to just be the greatest duo ever.

No kissing. Yes. Oh yeah. Um, and it's a cool thing is you get to binge it. We kind of got to binge it, which was awesome. You got the first six episodes and then we had three, and then we had two. So it felt kind of bingey. Um, I think it'd be amazing to see how it feels to go straight through all the way through on it.

And it's just an amazing cast. So again, another one Well worth an obsession. Yes, definitely a big recommend. Um, so what else is in the news? So we've also got, I mean, I don't know if this is exciting, it's exciting for who's in it, but Amazon Prime is getting into original K drama, so I'm not sure I'm all that excited that there's gonna be yet another player on the scene.

I mean, how many streaming services do we have to track? My God. Uh, but they're doing their first original, uh, k drama with Park Min Young.. And that is gonna be released. She's a winner. 2020. He's a winner. I know, right? It's gonna be called Confidence Man. Kr. And it [00:09:00] follows a trio of con artists with versatile talents as they pull off scams against villains from all walk of life.

I mean, please, I, but I'm already in love. Like, just give it to me. It is the first Korean drama selected to launch Amazon Prime's video lineup of Korean originals. . It's gonna be 12 episodes, and it is scheduled for the second half of 2025. Oh, they started filming in 2024. Yep. It looks like they filmed it last fall. Oh, okay. And it'll be coming out. Where are we this fall? What year is it? I dunno. Right? I know. I'm like, wait a second.

Where are we? What, what is happening? It is currently June, 2025. Just in case anyone else needs a refresher. I always do. I always do. I'm always like, what year, what month? How old am I? Can I still be 35? And that's usually the order it goes in. Um, so, um, so that was pretty exciting. Um, again, I'm not sure, I'm thrilled about another platform and it being Amazon, but listen, I'll, we can [00:10:00] get more Park Min Young

I'm , pretty pleased. We did get official notice that both Rowoon and Cha Eunwoo will be enlisting in the military in July. That's right. Get get your, get your, all your viewing in or like have 'em locked and loaded. 'cause you're gonna have to be without them for 18 months. So Astro just had, uh, I think two shows someone correct me in Korea.

So I guess that was the see you soon to Cha Eunwoo, and probably some of the other guys in the group. Um, so yeah, here we are. This is what happens. We know this. Yep. And now it's their turn. So I'm curious to see, I, I'm curious to see what Cha Eunwoo comes, like, Ron's already a pretty manly looking man. I'm curious to see what Cha Eunwoo looks like when he gets outta the military.

Like he's pretty well, he's gonna be Oh, that's right. He's only going into the band. He's gonna be the band. But he does do basic training, so maybe he'll keep those muscles. Who knows? Probably not. I don't know. It's, it's all over Instagram [00:11:00] and TikTok. The, um, how a lot of these guys have just gotten beefy, like Song Kang

I think they just published some photos. My goodness. My goodness. Right? And like, Rowoon is already like, what is he like 6 2, 6 3. He's already like a mountain of a man and now we're gonna put muscles on him. I'm like, good Lord. He's not even one of my favorites. And I'm gonna be like, hello. So it's gonna be interesting.

Um, and then a final just piece that I thought was really interesting, I, I don't really follow the Tony's as much as other people do, but the Korean musical maybe happy ending, won six Tony's thought that was pretty exciting. Yes. Pretty stunning, um, you know, with the creator, the Korean creator did the translation as well.

Mm-hmm. I don't have all of the details on this, but it starts Darren Chris, who's, I think mom is Filipina, um, and it also stars Helen Jay. Shen but the original Korean cast was [00:12:00] with Jeon Mi do from I saw hospital playlist.

Yes. Yeah. It says here that it was a musical, the first showcase in 2016 in a theater that seated approximately 300 people. So you're talking like, I'm not quite black box, but you're talking like small theater and I think it's so cool. That it has grown to like a Broadway and then it won Tony.

So, I mean, it's really exciting. So, yay. Yes. Congratulations. Yes. And then we had some fun casting announcements. This in a month. Uh, the one we have to officially talk about, uh, it happened, it happened right after we recorded last month, and I was really bummed that we missed it. But now we get to kind of talk about it in depth.

Kim Go Eun is confirmed for Yumi cells, which really was there any doubt because without her, you don't have Yumi cells. Right. But then they announced who is playing the char, the, the final male character that she ends up with, and the internet kind of imploded. It's this guy whose [00:13:00] name is, um, Kim Jae Won. Do you know who that is, Marisa?

Because I did not, no, I look him. Yes. Let's look him up. Let's look him up. I, I'm sorry. Who, like, that's your final choice. I was, I have so many thoughts about this and none of them are really all that positive. Well, he's just such an unknown because Series one was ahn Bo Hyun uh, series two was Park Jin Young.

Yes. And now series three is, uh, a very, very new actor. Yes. Like, let's see. So I mean, he's done, he's a lot of like smaller ones that I've never even heard of. Stealer the Treasure Keep is the first one that I recognized. He was a main role in that. I think I dropped that after like an episode. [00:14:00] He was a, he was support in King the Land.

Mm-hmm. He was, he was main guy in Tale of Lady Ok I did a, I did a shout out on Blue Sky. Like, if you guys watch this and know who this is, should we be worried? Is it good? Like, what, what's happening? And that's it. And then he is, yeah, Yumi Yumi Cells three. I just feel like, I just feel like a, he's got amazing people.

His people are amazing. To get him the third slot in that, in my personal opinion, I just really thought they would go with someone a little more seasoned and a little more, um, exciting from a fan. Yes. Yeah. Also, how old is Kim Go Eun?

This young man's, only 24. Kim Go Eun is three four. Yes. I mean the character that [00:15:00] he's playing, which is Sin Sunrock. He is supposed to be younger. I remember that from the Webtoon. He is supposed to be a younger guy. Okay. But I, I was thinking like, you know, someone like, you know, I mean, they're going to the military, but Cha Eunwoo or like Rowoon or pick another young kid that, you know, we all love and think is pretty cool and that we get excited about.

But like, I just feel like there's no s there's no heat factor behind this pairing to get me super excited to hit play on season three. Isn't the character supposed to be like the publisher mm-hmm. Of web comics and kind of nerdy, is that right? He's quieter. He. Definitely not as flashy and I get all that, but mm-hmm.

Yeah, I was hoping Do kyung soo was gonna, you know, get cast in that role. I know, I'm sure everybody has some very strong opinions on who they think should have been cast. You guys, there [00:16:00] is a thing that says, text us and this, text us who you think should have been cast as sin, shun sun Rock for this role. If he is this guy is not your favorite.

Or if you are like, hold up ladies, he's really good. We're gonna be excited. Let us know that as well. Go ahead and hit that and text us and let us know, because I am, I'm just kind of like, it's Kim Goeun y'all. Like, she deserves like the best, like she deserves the best and I'm just, I feel like he is, I'm sure a lovely, lovely young man, but a little like non, like I said, just not a lot of heat behind this, this casting announcement.

And I was like, what? What whatcha doing? I was very disappointed. When's it coming out? Uh, let's see, I think, you know what? . The first half of it says Yumi Cells three will premiere the first half to 2026,

I mean, ugh. All right. Fingers crossed, man, because I'm still heartbroken over season one. So you better make this, you better make [00:17:00] this right. Yumi cells. You better make this right. I still remember how you and I were just like, yeah, what is happening? Yes. As people who had not read the web toon

Yes. We. You had to pick us up off the floor. Oof. Yeah. That was a gut punch, man. I was, I was, I think I immediately went and read the web toon after that. 'cause I'm like, I will not be, I will not be broken like this again. Will not happen. I will know what's coming. That was horrible.

I'm so sad. Um, okay, so next up we've got, um, Lee Sung Kyung and Chae jong hyeop are reportedly in a new leads for your brilliant season. I love him. Yeah, I love him. Everything he is done. I've enjoyed, haven't always enjoyed the show. Always loved him. Yes, absolutely right. Um, and I really, I think unfortunately, um, I.

Oh God, I've, I've washed it from [00:18:00] my brain. What was the show she was in with e uh, time or something like that? Um, oh yeah. The one with your guy Ang y. Yeah, Ang yon. I, I feel like after that one I was like, she's, this is terrible. But I don't think it's her. 'cause I have thoroughly enjoyed her and almost everything else she's been in.

And so I think I just need to get over how bad it was. About time. That's what it was. I think I just need to go over how bad about time was and like just know that I enjoy her quite a bit. So these two together is just really kind of the same. Is this a rom-com? Because she's, she's great and like comedy.

Yeah, she is. Yeah, she is. Um, let's see, what is this one? They're just kind of basically talking about how they basically started casting it in 2023. So this one's been in development, as they say for a while. Um, oh man. Thriller mystery, comedy, romance. Okay. Those are the tags. It's got, it depicts the story of Sunwoo Chan who lost his hearing and memory through an accident and Song Ha Ran [00:19:00] who becomes his savior.

Sun Chan is bright and lively animator who works at an American animation studio. Despite his cheerful energy and positive facade, he's a mysterious figure who hides a lot of secrets. Ra. I'm the eldest among three siblings and a renowned and designer. Her natural artistic sense, creativity and work ethic have earned her a solid reputation in the industry. Well, she gets along well with everyone.

She secretly hopes to not form any special bonds with anyone. These are the weirdest synopsis. Like, what's the story? There's just two people working together and they end up liking each other. Like, I don't like, like I, what is this? Yeah, I know, right? Huh? Boy. Ah, well, but I mean, listen, the two leads are pretty, and they'll be a lot of fun.

So I'm, uh, let's do it. Let's do it, y'all. Yeah. If, if you know this, it all comes down to their chemistry. So if it's good chemistry, then yeah, we'll be happy. Right. So, yeah, it's, it's, it's an exciting pairing. I do like it. I'm looking forward to that. I'm also looking [00:20:00] forward to Kim Bom returning to a romcom.

Yay. Yay. He's adorable. He's from, um, yeah, I loved him in the nine tailed series. There's, he's so cute. And he was also in, um, ghost Doctor. With rain. And they were so funny together. They were so funny. Like they literally were the romance and the drama. And they even made a joke about it at the end of the drama about how they were the, they were the love story, not the actual hilarious.

Anyway, it is being reported that he's been at it to the cast for the romantic comedy. sold out again today will tell the romance story of two work-driven individuals seeking to fill the emptiness in their hearts.

It'll showcase the story of Matthew Lee, a farmer working hard with three jobs and Ji a home shopping host, suffering from chronic insomnia. it looks like Kim Baum is only gonna be the second main lead Ahn Hyo Seop and Chae won Bin are confirmed as the main leads. and he will play.

Seo Eric [00:21:00] a relaxed yet proactive executive director for a global skincare brand in France, who applies this attitude to both his work and love life. I is reportedly premier in 2026. I don't know if we've got his female lead with him yet. Oh, nope. So, yeah. Yeah. All right. Well Ahn Hyo Seop. Always happy to see.

And then, uh, Chae WonBin, I think. I'm not super familiar with her. She was in Sweet Home Oh. Season two and three, which I did not watch. Mm-hmm. Um, and she was in Snowdrop, which I did not watch. No. Oh my God. So, yeah, so that one, I, again, the male leads I'm into, she's, she'll be new to us. It'll be so good.

It'll be excellent. Yeah. So that one it looks like is coming out in 2026. No official date yet. Okay. Okay. And then, let's see, oh, just two fun, [00:22:00] I believe, um, supporting roles that are happening. We just got done watching, uh, Yoo Soo Bin in Tastefully yours, and he is gonna be also joining. The 21st Century Grand Prince's wife.

I say that three times fast, the 21st Century Grand Prince's wife, which is the IU Byeon Woo Seok, and he is going to be the aide to the Grand Prince. So I think that's gonna be a perfect role for him. I'm super excited to see that. Yeah, he's the com comedic relief. Yes, he is. I do. I really enjoy him in that role.

And that looks like it's coming the first half of 2026. And then my favorite, y'all My favorite Choi Dae Hoon hey, is gonna be in the Remarried Empress with Shin Minah Ju Ji Hoon Lee Jong Seok and Lee Se Young. So excited. Yes. You told us about this casting news last month, and I am so excited for this. So for the month [00:23:00] before, we've we're waiting.

Exactly. I'm so excited for this one. Then you just, then you give Choi Dae Hoon and I'm like, listen, glued. I am all there a hundred percent. So there you go, you guys. Those are the exciting casting announcements that have happened since we last chatted. Yay. So let us deep dive. Shall we?

Yes. So Ji Sub time. Yes, y'all. so ji Sub man. So Ji sub Marisa for me, like he's fun and I like him, but what he does for me is just remind me of how. Much I love you and the K three and how we all came together with Karen, and he was the reason that this is all here.

And I think of him so fondly. He could, he can become the worst kdrama person out there. And I still would be like, but he brought us together,

so thank you. So, so yeah. So this is the K [00:24:00] three lore. Here it is. Here is our origin story. Yes. Karen and I knew each other. I said I, I was with her at an event and I said something about. Being downtown.

And she said something about being downtown at KCon, and I said, hold up, wait a second. She was like, I love kdramas. I'm like, I love K dramas. And then we've discovered this mutual love of So Jisub, and then Karen said, you need to meet my friend Jenn. Hi. And that is how the K three began. Yeah. And that's how we're here.

Ah, So jisub. Thank you. So with that being said, Marisa, what were your first dramas that brought you to So Jisub Love? So my first dramas were the Master's son. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Uh, and it was on Netflix at the time, and it was recommended to me [00:25:00] after Descendants of the Sun. Um, so that was So Jisub Gong Hyo jin

. So InGuk is like his head of security, right?

Very tight white shirts and black pants, very tight. Um, and Kim MiKyung who we would, we would begin a long love affair with one of our favorite Ahjummas. But I remember thinking, coming off of descendants of the sun when everyone in the world was going crazy over, um, Song Joong Ki, who I found very appealing. But when I saw so So Jisub, I was like, despite the cravat, oh look, I'm wearing, despite the Cravats, I'm wearing a scarf.

Despite the Cravats, there's something very manly about this man and very appealing to me. Oh yes. Like he, yeah, he radiates like maleness, like, I dunno how else to describe it. Like, some guys radiate, you know, like greenflagness. He radiates like maleness. I don't know how [00:26:00] else to describe it. Like there's nothing, in my opinion, like soft and delicate about him.

He might be a very like kind, comforting man. He probably is, but his whole like stage presence is like basically mercy for none. He will punch you in the face and you will go through the wall and there's something about that that is weirdly appealing in dramas. I'm not sure in real life, but in dramas.

Yes. How, how many times has he played a boxer, right? Yeah. Yeah, because I think I went down the So Jisub rabbit hole and the next thing I watched was the film Always with Han Hyojoo Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. That was so good. That was so good, isn't it? Yeah, it's so good. Like he and he, like, he radiates males, but he also radiates like kicked puppyness as well.

Like he does really good. Like you just wanna be like. Like, it's like a wounded wolf. Like, you know, he will eat [00:27:00] your face, but you still wanna take care of him. That's totally what it is. Yeah. It's like, it's okay. You are safe. Don't bite my hand off, I just wanna fix your paw. And you know, it's whether or not he bites your paw your hand off or not.

I, I He's just so appealing like that. Right. And like, especially in always like, that one was just when they are in, when he's in the, in the pottery and then they, she figures out it's him and they just . That film is, oh God, so good. Unbelievably romantic. And I mean, Han Hyojoo is just one of the best in the business.

Mm-hmm. So if you have not watched it, then you need to watch it. He plays a boxer. She is a blind, um, artist. And they, they find each other and then they're torn asunder and then you go from there. You go from there. And it's so good. And I know this, we're talking, we're gushing about So jisub, but can we just stop for a second and [00:28:00] I just need to ask, does, is there anyone, Han Hyojoo does not have amazing chemistry with No, no.

She has electric chemistry with everyone, even like in blood free, where it wasn't supposed to be romantic. Even her and Ju Ji Hoon were both like. We suddenly thought this was a romance. Like we were curious as to like, it was, it felt romantic. And I'm like, it's got, she's like the magic. She's the magic to all of that.

So I just had to throw that out. She really is. She really is. Um, so what was your first, so So Ji Sub I'm not sure Marisa, if it was Oh, my Venus or Master sun I think it was Master's sun and then, oh, my Venus. Um, but they were very close behind each other because whatever, whichever one I watched first, I felt hard for So Jisub and then went down to So Jisub rabbit hole and had to watch whatever was next.

So I think it was Master's sun because I, 'cause he was so, I remember watching it the first couple of episodes and being like, why do people like him? He's [00:29:00] so, he's so surly. Like, what? So I think that is my first one, because I was just like, I don't get it. And then by episode 16 I was like, give me my next, So jisub drama right now?

Yeah. It was such an ultimate k drama because, um, uh, descendants of the sun was very different from mm-hmm. A lot of kdramas, you know, but, , the master's sun had ghosts. It had our, you know, put upon young woman. Um, it had So Jisub as the, you know, arrogant chaebol.

So that was new to us. And um, you know, I mean they had Kim Mikyung as the aunt who was the most spectacular, rich lady I've ever seen with her younger husband. And I was like, yes. What is this magical storytelling device that we never see in American television? And I want more of it. Like, yes, I want to be Kim Mikyung when I grow up.

Like it was right. So many elements that I [00:30:00] was just like, this is amazing. Yeah. I know it was our introduction to so many Kdrama tropes mm-hmm. That we did. Like, we didn't know each other yet, but we both were like, yes, this is, this is the place we wanna stay. Yes, absolutely. So the next thing is like, so, oh, my Venus amazing.

Really enjoyed it. But it was, there were moments that I kind of was like, it wasn't like completely unproblematic problematic, right? Oh, it had some, it had some moments where you're like, okay, you're all pretty, but what, what did you just say? Yeah, but, and also Shin Minah on a fat suit, right? Like yeah, there was, there was a lot.

But we did mainly on that one. I didn't embarrassed to admit, but we did. Yeah. You played a physical trainer and Yes, there was a kind of a lot of, I own you and I own your body kind of thing. And it was like, uh, I, like, I feel like I rewind that scene like four times to see [00:31:00] if I misunderstood. Like, like I, I, I read the, I read the transcript, like, like each word, like, did I misread that?

Like I went to the Googler, I'm like, did I mishear this? Like, what's happening? Yeah. Was it a poor translation or what I tried really hard to make that moment not be as bad as it felt.

Yeah, but the rest of it, yes. Oh my God. Yeah, exactly. I'll say at the end, I think we still laugh about, I think he, this was the one that really solidified how much we laugh about the disappearing for a year trope. He had like a, like a broken ankle or something like that and like ghost her for a year while he knits.

Can't tell. Yeah. Can't share his pain with her. And like that's, that's the one, that was my first kind of real experience with that trope. And I'm like, this is ter, what is this? What is this? I was so angry. There are [00:32:00] phones in America. What is going on? Like you have a cell phone, like what is this?

She's able to send you video. You can't send her a like a something back. Come on man. Yeah, yeah. So, so, but yeah, I mean other than those small things, like it still was one of ours that we're like, oh, so Jisub. Yeah. Yeah. Such a great rom-com. And then I ne I think the next thing that came out was Battleship Island.

again a boxer. Yes. In a prisoner of war camp. God, he was so dynamic in that. I think he was only in like four minutes of it. Like he was in very small part But I think Karen and I went to that movie at and it was like surround sound. And we were like, yes but he was, he was at his like, dirtiest, toughest best. And it was, yeah, it was definitely one of those for sure. Yeah. Um, do you remember when we all watched Be with You with Son Ye Jin? Yes. I think that was one of our first K three outings together. It was [00:33:00] so much fun and we were so like, oh God, that's still one of the best films.

It. Oh my goodness. It's so good. It's got like some weird time travel kind of stuff in it. It's super romantic. Park Seo Joon makes a cameo at the end that we all were like, is that, and I think that's what I realized, that that, that they throw these random cameos into everything and you're just like, what is happening?

Why is this very famous person playing this very non, non-big part? Like I think that's my first realiz that Yeah, Gong Hyo Jin. Yeah, Gong Hyo Jin makes a cameo in it too. But yeah, so one of the most enjoyable films ever. So fun. Um, just, you know, young love and then with the big you know, Korean twist to it all.

It's just Oh yeah. Yeah. I was just, yeah. Was just so good. It was so good. Yeah. Yeah. We really loved that. And then I have to say my, [00:34:00] like I had didn't really enjoy a lot of his other stuff since then until we got to Alienoid. He had a very small part in Alienoid, but he was so good at it. I think he had maybe like five lines, but he does so well with just having a presence and making you feel terrified.

Yes. That's totally what it was. It was a Terminator kind of role. But yeah, his onscreen presence, and this is, yeah, when you see him on a movie screen is the best. Yeah. He's just, you forget, and I did, again, I forgot, leading into mercy for none. How much true presence he does have. Like, you know, we, I knew he loved him.

I knew he was a patron saint of our channel. I knew, I remember all these things. I remember really enjoying him, but I'd forgotten Marisa, I had forgotten until he showed up in Mercy for None, and I was like, oh. That's right. You own the screen when you are on it, sir. You [00:35:00] own it. Yeah. Yeah. It's funny they put these sound effects on his punches, but, you know, maybe not so much.

I mean, maybe, right? It's kind of real. I dunno. Oh God. Like I, I believe it. Like I absolutely believe it. Like he's just, yeah. Even covered in blood, he still looks like that, like Wounded Wolf. You're just like, can I help you? Even if you're going to eat my face? So, so this was seven episodes. I have not binged a drama in a long time.

I have not stayed up till 2:00 AM in a long time, and I could not put this one away. So the, the story. Was a little, I guess one note, it's very, it's a singular kind of revenge, Ala John Wick. But man, I could not stop watching. No. And I could not stop watching him. No. God. Yeah. It was, it was very John Wick, and he was so dynamic and they, the way they put it together, it was [00:36:00] so, they didn't linger, nothing lingered.

He just like tore through things and he tore through them in such a way that you just could not stop watching. It was, it was, it was so compelling. It was so compelling. Mm-hmm. And so bloody and so violent, but, so, oh my God. So violent, so driven. Yeah. Yeah. But yeah. Yeah. But yeah, and, and we, we looked it up.

He's got, I don't think he's got anything else coming down the pike, but because, uh, man, that just, that's gonna have to keep us satisfied for a while. Right. But holy moly. And I mean hopefully, I mean like we can't have a season two because if you watched it, you know, there's nothing there. To have a season two with the story is complete.

The story is complete in, in a way that has never been more complete than any show you've ever watched. Um, but it is like if for non-English, it's like ranking in like the top five. [00:37:00] So it's definitely finding an audience. Obviously everyone's discovering quote unquote So Jisub so I feel like Netflix is gonna bring him back for another drama hopefully soon.

Oh yeah, I hope so. I hope so. Right, because he is such a star all across Asian. He's been like working since forever. I mean, he predates this current Hollywood wave by Oh, absolutely. Yes. Yeah, right. Um, and he's like the first wave of Hallyu, right? Yes. People who've been watching him forever.

Like those were some dramas where like everyone dies at the end. Oh, well maybe we're kind of going back to that with him. Um, maybe, but yeah. What was it like, I'm sorry. I love you. I remember Karen talking about that one all the time and like I was just like, Karen, I'm never watching that you've, I, there's, I'm never watching that.

Yeah. Cain and Able I think was the one Cain and Able Yep. I think I did start to watch, watch Memories of Bali I tried that one. They're a different time. They're like old school k dramas that I just am [00:38:00] like, I can't, I don't have the bandwidth for it. I just do not, but mercy for none.

I'm all good. Yes, yes, yes. And, um, yeah, so he, he doesn't have to work a lot. He can pick and choose his projects, he's happily married and you know mm-hmm. Marriages are somewhat rare in the Korean, uh, entertainment industry.

He is of that age though, so he's like late forties, isn't he? Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah. So, you know, he's old enough, 47. He can, yeah. Yeah. He's like, I can tell you I'm married, so there you go. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Anyway, so the, uh, there's, there's a bonus if, if you enjoyed or he had a rap career for a little while there.

Um, but he recently did a fan meet with Ok Taec Yeon who is also with his agency. They did it in a Taipei, Taiwan, so you can find that on Instagram and TikTok. There's lots of footage of the two of them performing and singing and oh, I mean, [00:39:00] amazing. Right. I love it. Yeah. I also love that for the press conference, for Mercy, for none.

Everybody in the cast was dressed in a black suit of some variety and he shows up in all white and everyone was like, did you not get the memo? And he's like, I honestly had no idea. I just, this is what I decided. And I'm like, I find that hard to believe, but amazing. I don't care who just planned this.

This is amazing. And so it was, yeah, exactly. kudoos just stylist. Yeah, exactly. Stylist is like, you didn't know, but I did. So just go ahead. There you go. You just do your thing and look good in the clothes I put you in. Well done sir. Well done. Yes. So excellent. So there you go, you guys, that was fun. Oh my gosh.

How much fun to gush about. So JiSub, thank you So Jisub for all you have brought to our lives. There you go, you guys. Remember, you can find us every other week on our YouTube channel where you can talk to us live. You can talk to a k drama crew of kdrama lovers just like yourself. It's the most fun that we all have together because we have, we have all found each other in this Yeah. [00:40:00] Hallyu wave.

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