Hwang In-roi (황인뢰)

"I have too placid of a temper, so I am trying to be cynical". -Kim Hyun-joong

Kim Hyun-joong, who became a star actor by appearing in the drama "Boys over Flowers", will make a comeback to the small screen by appearing in KBS's new Wednesday and Thursday drama "Mischievous Kiss" (written by Ko Eun-nim, directed by Hwang In-roi and Kim Do-hyeong). The drama is about a genius but cynical male protagonist named Paek Seung Jo, who has an IQ of 200 and meets an impatient troublemaking female protagonist named Oh Ha Ni (Jeong So-min). They will present a pleasant and cheerful love story in the drama...More

By Han Sang-hee

A catchy storyline, plus likable characters, is a must for dramas. And this is probably why some are made into various versions in different countries, particularly in Asia. But to be successful they need a little more to create a stir among the smart and somewhat ruthless viewers today.

Following the comic-drama "Boys over Flowers" (2009, KBS), which was remade in Japan, Taiwan and Korea, a new comic adaptation, "Mischievous Kiss", is awaiting its first airing next month, with hopes that it will attract viewers and also surpass its Japanese and Taiwanese versions.

"Mischievous Kiss" first appeared as a comic series from 1990 to 1999 by Japanese cartoonist Kaoru Tada's "Itazura na Kiss" and was made into a television drama in 1996 and also a cartoon in 2008. The popular series was later remade into a television soap in Taiwan in 2005. And now it awaits its Korean remake with a star-studded cast this September.

The show brings two doll-faced characters back to the small screen: young stars Kim Hyun-joong and Jung So-min.
Kim will play the arrogant yet smart and athletic Baek Seung-jo, while Jung will appea...More

From left, singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong and actress Jeong So-min pose during a photocall of a press conference for MBC TV series "Mischievous Kiss" held at the Imperial Palace hotel in Seoul, South Korea on August 26, 2010. [Group 8]

"Will fans of Kim Hyun-joong please exit the room to facilitate the interviews?" The host of the press conference for upcoming MBC TV series "Mischievous Kiss" had to repeat this line several times during a Q&A session. The show had drawn people's interest due to the popularity of the original Japanese comic series combined with the participation of director Hwang In-roi of hit series "Goong" fame. And it became a 'hot' drama even before going into production after singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong's casting for the show was announced. Will the interest be reflected in its ratings? Below are excerpts from the press conference held at Seoul's Imperial Palace hotel on Thursday...More

Actor Kim Hyun-joong speaks during a press conference for MBC TV series "Mischievous Kiss" held at the Imperial Palace hotel in Seoul, South Korea on August 26, 2010. [Lee Ki-bum/Asia Economic Daily]

Singer and actor Kim Hyun-joong has said his boy band SS501 has not disbanded, playing down rumor that its five members will go separate ways since their contract with their former agency has ended and some have signed with new management...More

Official poster for MBC TV series "Mischievous Kiss" [MBC]

SS501 member Kim Hyun-joong starrer "Mischievous Kiss" will air in Japan starting December, according to the show's producer on Tuesday.

Park Rae-hyun, in charge of the PR & Promotions team at production company Group 8, told 10Asia over the phone that cable music channel Mnet Japan will broadcast the TV series twice a week in about three months time although additional details have yet to be set...More