There have been fewer k-drama casting reunions in 2015 than the previous year but one of 2015's most notable is the pairing of Lee Dong Wook and Jung Ryeo Won. The actors, who worked together in the 2003 SBS drama "Live Properly" will co-star in the upcoming drama "Bubble Gum."
When the stars appeared at the drama's October 19 press conference in Gangnam, they spoke about their reunion but also expressed doubt that men and women can be friends.
"It was good to see her after 12 years," said Lee. "I was a rookie back then and so was she, so we were both struggling to adapt to our environment; it was good to meet up again. We met at an awards ceremony two or three years ago and now we are having fun making the drama."
The comment about friendship between men and woman related to their drama roles as childhood friends. Jung plays a radio producer named Kim Hang Ah. Kim had a tragic childhood but retains a positive personality. Lee plays Park Li Hwan, the director of a Chinese medicine clinic. Because they grew up together they think of themselves as friends. There is more to their relationship. Only neither will admit as much.
At the press conference Lee Dong Wook said he does not really believe men and women can be friends.
"I don't believe in it," said Lee. "I had this conversation with Jung Ryeo Won before. I think such relationship is possible only when one of the two people hide their true feelings. The characters we portray in the drama also walk the fine line. They seem very comfortable around each other, but there's a sexual tension beneath the surface."
Lee Dong Wook was last seen in the dramas "Hotel King" and "Blade Man." He can also be seen in the 2015 film "Beauty Inside."
Jung Ryeo Won appeared in "Medical Top Team," "The King of Dramas" and "The History of a Salaryman."
"Bubble Gum" also stars Lee Jong Hyuk as the director of the radio station and Park Hee Bon as a dentist who interferes with the romance between Lee and Jung's characters. Bae Jong Ok plays Park Li Hwan's mom.
Kim Byung Soo, who produced "nine: Nine Time Travels" and "The Three Musketeers" will produce "Bubble Gum."
The first episode airs on October 26.
Obviously the male and female lead in this drama will not remain merely friends for long. But what do you think about the possibility of men and women being friends in real life?
