Program Director (PD) of the “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo” Oh Hyun-Jong explains his reason to cast actor and actress from the same agency to play leading roles in the drama. He also admitted that he found out the fact later, and he completely understands that people may see his decision as somewhat controversial.
During a press conference which was held at the MBC Golden Globe Hall in Mapo-gu, Seoul on Tuesday, Nov. 15, as reported by E Today, Oh explained his casting decision. His first option to play Kim Bok-Joo is Lee Sung-Kyung so he persuade her to play and she agreed. Later, he see the most suitable candidate to play swimmer Jung Joon-Hyung is Nam Joo-Hyuk so he cast him as well.
“I found it later that they are from the same agency,” he said. “However some people were making fuss about the fact they both are from YG.”
In the press conference Oh also said that he had looked forward to see them pairing up in the “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo” as reported by KPop Herald. The fact that two leading roles are from the same agency, YG Entertainment, making the drama become more interesting. YG Entertainment is a well-known agency that manage many excellent Korean actors and actress such as Kang Dong-Won (Vanishing Time), Choi Ji-woo (Woman with a Suitcase) and the acclaimed actor Jang Hyun-Sung.
“Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo” is premiered on MBC on Nov. 16 as Wednesday and Thursday night drama. It takes over the time slot previously occupied by “Shopping King Louis” that ended its series last week.
The drama is a tribute to the female Korean weighlifting champion and four time world champions Jang Mi-Ran. She is the gold medalist in the Female +75 kg category in 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and four-time world champions in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009. “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo” is designated to be a romantic comedy drama revolves around the athlete’s life.
Watch the official highlight from the official MBC Drama of drama “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo” Episode 1 when Book-Joo caught a pervert.
