K-dramas are full of k-pop idols, but classical musicians are now also getting their due. Yoo Ah In is playing a piano prodigy in "Secret Love Affair" and now Joo Won will be taking a role in 'Nodame Cantible," a drama about college students majoring in classical music.
His agency, Sim Entertainment told Newsen that he is confirmed to appear in the Korean version of the Japanese hit production. Joo Won has had a very busy year, following the run of his successful drama "Good Doctor," with a musical version of "Ghost" and a film "Fashion King."
"Currently we are in the final stages of mediation," said a Sim representative.
The Japanese drama "Nodame Cantible," was based on the shojo manga of the same name, which was written by Tomoko Ninomiya. The manga, which sold 26 million copies, depicts the relationship between two classical musicians when they are both students and later when they are professionals. The manga has already inspired a drama, a sequel and an anime series, as well as two live action movies.
Group 8 is producing the drama. The production company previously adapted two other mangas into dramas. One was "Boys Over Flowers," which was very successful and the other was "Pretty Man," which had less than stellar ratings.
Joo Won will play the role of Shinichi Chiaki, a classical student at a music college. He is arrogant, a perfectionist and wants to learn to conduct an orchestra. But he's not as perfect as he would like people to believe. Because of phobias, he's afraid of planes and the ocean, so his ability to travel is limited.
The other leading role is that of Noda Megume or Nodame, a quirky but talented pianist who falls for Chiaki. Nodame is a messy eccentric musician who prefers to play by ear so Chiaki thinks she is not a serious musician. She falls for Chiaki right away but it takes him a while to appreciate her finer qualities.
Originally singer-actress IU was said to be in the running for the role of Nodame. After her appearance in another Group 8 manga-drama production "Pretty Man," she may have changed her mind.
The actress currently being courted for the female lead is Shim Eun Kyung. She recently won praise for her role in the film "Miss Granny" and she also appeared in the hit film "Sunny." If she accepts the part it would be Shim Eun Kyung's first drama role since she appeared in the 2010 drama "Bad Guy."
