Jung Il Woo 정일우 -♥- We Love You, Oppa!

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11 K-Dramas Based On Web Novels To Add Onto Your Watchlist

 

Through the course of Korean entertainment, the catalogue of K-Dramas has only multiplied, reaching audiences worldwide. Then, over the past few years, the industry has made use of various forms of other media like webtoons and web novels, using them as source material to create the next award-winning drama. Opposed to webtoons, web novels are like your typical novel, however, it is exclusively published online. The author releases one or a few chapters at a time, following a set release schedule.

 

Even web novels have seen a tremendous amount of success, with fans binge reading series until the early hours in the morning. Then, just like their webtoon counterparts, they are made into K-Dramas that move our hearts. Seeing a web novel come to life becomes a source of joy for the series' avid readers and fans.

 

Now, look down below for a list of K-Dramas based on web novels. If you're a long-time fan, this might be a trip down memory lane. And for any newcomers, you'll definitely find a K-Drama you will want to add to your watchlist.

 

 

4. "Cinderella With Four Knights"

 

Kakao Page / tvN

 

Cast: Park SoDam, Jung IlWoo, Ahn JaeHyun, CNBLUE's Lee JungShin, Choi Min, Son NaEun, and more

Summary: Eun HaWon (Park SoDam) dreams of becoming a teacher, however, she is treated poorly by her family. Despite this, she is able to maintain her bright personality and upright morals. She works various part-time jobs in order to pay for her upcoming college fees. On the opposite end is Sky House, home to three spoiled cousins. Eun HaWon ends up working at Sky House as a live-in butler and drill sergeant for the cousins.

Watch Because: Park SoDam once again expertly navigates her role to perfection, providing a character fans will absolutely love and want to root for. While residing in the Sky House, there will be lots of friction, sarcastic remarks, and of course, romance. The love lines are just the tip of the iceberg for this wildly entertaining drama.

Webnovel links: Korean / Not officially available in English

 

 

 

source : https://www.kpopmap.com/11-kdramas-based-on-web-novels-to-add-onto-your-watchlist/

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Top ENA Dramas With Highest Ratings Since 2022

 

If you're a K-Drama fan, you're familiar with the many broadcasting networks that produce all of our favorite dramas. While they've remained at the forefront of the K-Drama world, newcomer ENA, which started in 2022, has shown promise when it comes to storytelling, production value, and so much more. Although ENA is a cable channel, one of its dramas has already placed in the best ratings list of 2022.

 

While ENA is still fairly new, it continues to build up its legacy, hoping to climb ever higher in ratings.

 

 

6. "Good Job" - 3.2%

 

 

Starring Jung IlWoo and Girls' Generation's YuRi, "Good Job" combined fantasy, mystery, romance, and so much more to create a lighthearted drama everyone will love. The chemistry between chaebol Eun SunWoo (Jung IlWoo) and extraordinary Don SeRa (YuRi) was electric, convincing viewers to return every week. "Good Job" was able to earn 3.2% ratings and is currently available to watch on iQIYI and Rakuten Viki.

 

 

 

source : https://www.kpopmap.com/top-ena-dramas-with-highest-ratings-since-2022/

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*** Videos of Jung Il Woo and Yuri painting together. The two teamed up to paint a wall mural for the Welcome Daehakro Festival 2033, which is an annual performing arts event for both locals and foreigners.  

 

 

 

 

 

photo/video source : https://breathlesssurvival.wordpress.com/2023/10/22/woori-welcome-daehakro/

 

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16 Best Underrated Romantic Comedy K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

 

Readers have been asking us about underrated romantic comedy K-Dramas after the release of Best Romantic Comedy K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist. Are you done watching the most popular dramas and looking for more? This list is for you.

 

It is always hard to make a good drama watchlist. Hopefully, the following list will help you! It is composed of romantic comedies which received less attention (when they were released) from the international audience despite having great plots and skilled actors. They are "underrated" dramas.

 

This is not a ranking.

 

 

3. "Cinderella and the Four Knights"

 

tvN

When: 2016

Cast: Park SoDam, Jung IlWoo, Ahn JaeHyun, CNBLUE's Lee JungShin, Choi Min, Apink's NaEun

Summary: Eun HaWon received the mission to change three handsome chaebols who are impossible to control into humans. She starts to live in the mansion to fulfill her mission and ends up being in a love quadrangle (adding on the bodyguard).

Why watch?: If you like K-Dramas like "Boys Over Flowers" or "The Heirs", this is for you. If you don't like this type of K-Drama, you might want to look out for something else. The story is fun, sweet, and light from the beginning to the end. The viewers' heart also has a hard time deciding who to root for between these 4 eye-candy men who have their own colors and stories.

 

 

 

source : https://www.kpopmap.com/10-best-underrated-romantic-comedy-k-dramas-to-have-on-your-watchlist/

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18 Best Romance Historical K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)

 

For new K-Dramas fans and non addicts to K-Dramas, it is often hard to make a great watchlist. You most probably ask your friend’s opinions or read the reviews online to make your selection, but sometimes it is not enough. We hope this list will help you find the dramas you are looking for!

 

After listing up, the best romantic comedy and best action thriller romance dramas, here are the best romance historical dramas. If you are a beginner to K-Dramas, historical dramas might look unattractive to you. It is a question of taste but Korean historical dramas are very diverse. Some have few historical elements and are easy to watch. It is simply like another drama but with a pretty historical background. While some are approachable and easy-to-understand, some have complex and political plots. Your only task is to choose wisely according to your taste!

 

For K-Drama addicts, you probably have watched all of the drama listed below, if not, it is time to add to your watchlist.

 

 

15. "Bossam: Steal the Fate"

 

MBN

 

When: 2021

Cast: Jung IlWoo, Girls' Generation's (Kwon) YuRi, Shin HyunSoo

Summary: A man who kidnaps widows for remarriage life is turned upside down when he kidnaps a princess by mistake.

For: Viewers looking for an emotional romance touching on the women's condition in Joseon with politics.

Why watch?: The background of this drama about widow and women in Joseon make it memorable. The overall atmosphere is quite serious and emotional as the lead characters' situations are far from being happy once. Complex love relationships, dangerous situations, and politics are keywords.

 

 

 

source : https://www.kpopmap.com/10-best-romance-historical-kdramas-to-have-on-your-watchlist/

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14 K-Drama Actors Who Were Exempted From Military Service

There were different reasons why each of them was excused from service.

 

Due to unfortunate accidents or failing to meet requirements, some Korean actors aren’t required to complete the country’s mandatory military service.

 

 

Jung Il Woo

Good Job actor Jung Il Woo was diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm in 2016, which would’ve exempted him from military service. However, he enlisted anyway and was discharged in 2018.

 

 

 

 

source : https://www.koreaboo.com/lists/k-drama-actors-exempted-military-service/

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*** In the entertainment and pop culture world, trends flicker and fade, but certain stars shine on, leaving a timeless legacy. Jul Il Woo still holds the same charm in the rapidly changing world of today's entertainment. He's still CUTE and COOL! I think he would be a heartthrob no matter what era he appears. He still made my heart flutter so much. I adore Jul Il Woo! I would say he has aged well ... like wine!  

 

 

 

 

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*** I'm happy that Jung Il Woo surfaces again. Jung Il Woo returned to the spotlight for a good cause with his appointment as an honorary ambassador of the Korean Red Cross. The ceremony was held yesterday. He was all smiles. Miss seeing him around and in dramas. 

 

 

photos source : https://breathlesssurvival.wordpress.com/2023/12/28/jung-il-woo-appointed-honorary-ambassador-of-korean-red-cross/

[CarolynH]

Love seeing JIW and LMH together 

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On 1/4/2024 at 11:57 AM, CarolynH said:

Love seeing JIW and LMH together 

 

@CarolynH  same here - Jung Il Woo recently appeared on MBC‘s entertainment program Omniscient Interfering View and talked about his unfortunate car accident together with Lee Min Ho some years ago. During the episode, which aired on January 13, he was joined by some of his close friends, including his manager Joo Yoon Seok. His manager revealed that they have been friends since middle school. Here, he said that he's riding in the back of a car with his childhood friend, Lee Min Ho. The aftermath was scary as he suffered through short-term memory loss. He was also unable to walk at all, and it was his friends who would take him to the washroom and help him wash up. At the time, he was only 19 years old.  

 

 

 

photo source : https://news.mt.co.kr/mtview.php?no=2024011407010693343

 

 

 

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*** During Jung il Woo's appearance on the January 13 episode of MBC's television show 'Omniscient Interfering View',  he enjoyed a gathering with his longtime friends, reminiscing about the invaluable support they have provided to one another during challenging times. Jung il Woo guested on the show with Ju Yun-seok, his friend since middle school who is now his manager; and according to him, they used to walk to school together every day during middle school and high school years. In the episode, he invited Ju Yun-seok and several other friends from his middle school and high school days to his place. One of them mentioned that Jung il Woo gave him everything he was wearing that day and that in fact, everyone else was wearing something from Jung il Woo; Jung il Woo explained that he gave some of his clothes to friends because he likes to buy clothes, but does not wear many of them. They then remembered when Jung il Woo was injured in a car accident. Jung il Woo recalled how some of the friends at the table, who were 19-year-olds back then, took care of him every day; "I was unable to walk at all, and they used to take me to the bathroom to wash my body.", he said, expressing how thankful he was. Ju Yun-seok talked about losing his father last year and how Jung il Woo helped him during that difficult period. Ju Yun-seok said, "Jung il Woo arranged my father's funeral and came there first. He stayed at the funeral for the entire three days and paid for everything. Even though he wasn't the sangju (a family member in charge of planning funerals when someone in the family dies in Korea), he still behaved like one. He did so many things for me at the funeral, like greeting the visitors and looking after my mother. I deeply appreciated everything he did.", he remarked. After listening to this, Jung il Woo said, "My mother went to Yun-seok's father's funeral as well since he is like family to me. It broke my heart to see him suffer. As his friend, I'll always be there for him during difficult times, just like he would be for me. I consider him my friend for life, not just a manager." 

 

 

 

 

 

source : SBS Star

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*** Jung Il Woo will be showcasing his acting skills in the play, Kiss Of The Spider Woman.   

 

 

 

photos source : https://breathlesssurvival.wordpress.com/2024/02/03/jung-il-woo-kiss-of-the-spider-woman/

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Jung Il-woo breaks sexual mold with Molina in 'Kiss of the Spider Woman'

 

 

The Korean production of the play “Kiss of the Spider Woman” kicked off its fourth run on Jan 21 with Jung Il-woo stepping into the role of Molina, a trans woman.

 

Adapted from the 1976 novel by Argentine author Manuel Puig, the play revolves around two prisoners -- Molina and Valentin, a political prisoner. The two inmates with differing ideologies share a cell in the prison and gradually come to accept each other.

 

Also cast in the role of Molina are Yi Youll and Jeon Bak-chan.

 

Jung is making his theatrical comeback after a five-year hiatus since the play “The Elephant Song” in 2019.

 

At a rehearsal that was open to the press, Jung looked at his reflection, delicately straightening his clothes and delivered his lines in a higher pitch than his natural voice.

 

“Two prisoners, who are different in every way, share a bond in a confined space of a cell. I am focusing on the depth of emotions (Molina) feels for Valentin,” said Jung.

 

“I feel awkward speaking in my natural voice when wearing Molina’s costume and makeup. Rather than artificially changing my voice into a female voice, I thought about which voice color would suit the character best.”

 

Yi Youll (left) and Cha Sun-woo plays Molina and Valentin, respectively, in the play "Kiss of the Spider Woman." (Yonhap)

 

 

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*** Jung Il Woo stepped out to attend the VIP premiere of Yuri’s new movie, Dolphin. Lee Jang Woo and Yoona also attended to support Yuri. Did Il Woo lose weight? He looks noticeably slimmer in the pics.  

 

 

 

 

photos source : https://breathlesssurvival.wordpress.com/2024/02/26/jung-il-woo-yoona-lee-jang-woo-attend-dolphin-vip-premiere/

[CarolynH]

Love love love that they are still friends 

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Jung Il-woo breaks new ground in his career with first queer role

 

 

By Pyo Kyung-min

 

Acclaimed for his endearing performances in romantic series, actor Jung Il-woo has returned to the theater after a five-year hiatus. In a bold move, the actor bravely steps into his first queer role in the play "Kiss of the Spider Woman."

 

Having risen to instant stardom with his debut in the 2006 sitcom "High Kick!" Jung has cemented his status with leading roles in dramas such as "Moon Embracing the Sun" (2012) and "Cinderella with Four Knights" (2016).

 

Despite his established career, Jung's recent decision to tackle the play "Kiss of the Spider Woman" highlights the actor's commitment to diverse and challenging roles.

The poster for the play "Kiss of the Spider Woman," starring actor Jung Il-woo as Luis Molina / Courtesy of RedNblue Entertainment

 

Adapted from the 1976 novel by Argentine author Manuel Puig, the play explores philosophical themes including love, identity and resilience as it narrates the complex relationship between two contrasting jail mates, Luis Molina and Valentin Arregui.

 

In this production, Jung assumes the role of Molina, a man who believes he is a woman and gradually forms a deep connection with Valentin.

 

During a recent interview with The Korea Times at a café in Jongno District, Wednesday, the actor reflected on his portrayal of the character, sharing insights into his careful preparation.

 

"Molina, the first queer role in my career, is a complex character. He encompasses both inner strength and vulnerability," Jung said.

 

"Taking on this role demanded significant dedication. I began by adjusting my voice to a higher pitch and perfecting subtle, dainty gestures to portray Molina's essence."

 

The actor revealed that he crafted his interpretation of Molina as he drew inspiration from acclaimed performances, including Eddie Redmayne's portrayal in "The Danish Girl" (2015) and Leslie Cheung's compelling role in "Farewell My Concubine" (1992).

 

"Molina's gestures and nuances have now become so natural to me that they appear in my everyday life ... After the performance, even when spending free time with my friends and family, these subconscious behaviors just surfaced," he said.

 

Actor Jung Il-woo as Luis Molina in the play, "Kiss of the Spider Woman" / Courtesy of RedNblue Entertainment

 

The true challenge for Jung was conveying his character's profound feelings for Valentin.

 

In the play, Molina, who holds no interest in politics, is constantly looked down upon by his cynical inmate Valentin, imprisoned due to his involvement in socialist movements. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, they slowly develop a connection through their shared vulnerabilities, leading to a romantic relationship.

 

Jung elaborated that he saw Molina's affection for Valentin as akin to maternal love.

 

"I grappled with defining the depth of Molina's love. I almost experienced a breakdown just before the performance because I couldn't pinpoint an answer," he recalled.

 

"In the end, I concluded that Molina's love resembles the unconditional love a mother feels for her child. Initially, I questioned why Molina would so selflessly sacrifice himself for his lover, but as I truly immersed myself in Molina's character, I came to understand the essence of his love."

 

The 36-year-old single said he hasn't encountered such profound love in his own life yet, but added, as he chuckled, "If I happen to encounter someone who offers such depth of affection, perhaps I won't hesitate to marry."

 

Spoiler

Actor Jung Il-woo as Luis Molina in the play, "Kiss of the Spider Woman" / Courtesy of RedNblue Entertainment

 

"Kiss of the Spider Woman" marks Jung's return to the theater stage after a lengthy five-year hiatus, following his stint in "The Elephant Song" in 2019. Regarding his decision to return with this play, he said the play felt both "irresistible and profoundly challenging."

 

"Theater, I believe, is one of the most demanding mediums. It's almost like going back and forth between heaven and hell," Jung said.

 

"Particularly with 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' being a two-hander, the extensive dialogue was almost daunting. I believe it's essential for the audience to delve into and connect with the meaning of the lines as deeply as the actor does. Thus, I still strive to imbue each line with my best possible effort."

 

Nevertheless, he views the ability to perform onstage in front of live audiences as the hallmark of a "true actor."

 

"I believe as an actor, one should possess the ability to command a play for hours on end or even longer. Personally, that's what truly makes me feel alive as an actor," he said.

 

 

Spoiler

 

Despite his proven acting prowess, Jung continually seeks growth in his skills. He also shared that he maintains a rigorous standard for himself, describing his approach as almost "self-flagellating."

 

"To be honest, I've never felt like I'm a 'good' actor. After each performance, I may find solace in completing it without mistakes, but that doesn't make me feel a sense of profound accomplishment," he said.

 

"I truly believe that continuous growth comes from pushing oneself relentlessly, to the extent it almost feels like self-harm ... My debut piece ['High Kick!'] set the stage for who I am today, but I believe it's my hidden efforts that have truly sustained my career. In any profession, if you don't challenge yourself, you won't grow, it's that simple.

 

"Without putting in the effort, luck can only take you so far. That's why I'm excited to take on roles like Molina, ones that I've never tried before."

 

“Kiss of the Spider Woman” runs until March 31 at the Yegreen Theatre in Daehangno, central Seoul.

 

 

 

credit : Korea Times

https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2024/03/690_371152.html

 

Edited March 29 by ferily
Maximum 3 images per post. please put any other in the spoiler tag. Thanks!

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5 Web K-Dramas To Watch

 

 

 

 

 

“High-End Crush”

 

 

If what you are craving is a light web drama with an “enemies to lovers” trope, where the leads overcome their differences and fall in love just like in “Branding in Seongsu,” then “High-End Crush” is the answer for you. In this 2015 K-drama the plot revolves around Choi Se Hoon (Jung Il Woo), a successful idol manager who is on the lookout for his next big project, as he has a special eye to find hidden jewels. He discovers Lee Yi Ryung (Jin Se Yeon), a beautiful and not-at-all interested in fame young woman who at first finds his offer almost ridiculous.

 

 

However, upon seeing her beauty, Choi Se Hoon falls in love at first sight, and he will have to find a way to win her heart. This drama is the perfect recipe for a boring day in which you don’t want to spend so much time immersed in a drama as it has very short episodes and a fast-paced story line. Plus the main leads make a very sweet and cute couple at the end.

 

Spoiler

 

 

You can watch “High-End Crush” below: 

 

Watch Now

 

 

 

credit : soompi news