K-drama romance war: ‘A Gentleman’s Dignity versus ‘Big’
It is a very exciting time in K-drama land as two romantic melodramas go head to head this season.
"A Gentleman's Dignity", touted as Korea's male version of "Sex and the City", is in direct competition with "Big", a body switching romantic comedy. What makes this particular K-drama romance war more interesting is that it presents competing legends in the fields of acting and scriptwriting.
Actors battle it out
"A Gentleman's Dignity" is the comeback drama project of one of Korea's most beloved actors Jang Dong Gun ("The Warrior's Way", "All About Eve") after a 12-year absence in the genre. "A Gentleman's Dignity" is an adult melodrama about the lovelife and travails of four 40-something men which is a unique concept in K-drama. The drama also stars popular actors Kim Ha Neul ("You're My Pet", "Blind"), Kim Soo Ro ("God of Study"), Kim Min Jong ("Athena", "The Man Called God"), Lee Jong Hyuk ("Fugitive Plan B", "Chuno").
"Big", on the other hand, is the much awaited comeback drama of "Coffee Prince" Gong Yoo. In "Big", Gong Yoo essays two roles, a responsible man in his 30s and a young teenager. He is paired with beautiful and talented co-stars Lee Min Jung ("Boys Over Flowers", "Midas") and Suzy ("Dream High"). Although Gong Yoo is younger and less experienced than Jang Dong Gun, his popularity is undeniable.
Scriptwriters battle it out
Aside from the actor's battle, the scriptwriters also go head to head. The scriptwriting legends of K-drama romances Kim Eun Sook and the Hong Sisters face each other through these dramas.
"A Gentleman's Dignity" is penned by Kim Eun Sook, the talent behind such hits like "Secret Garden", "City Hall", and "Lovers in Paris" promises an exciting adult melodrama for "A Gentleman's Dignity". During the press conference, she did not shy away in saying that there will be a lot of kissing scenes and "skinship" in her latest drama. Of course, with charming actors signed up for her drama, how can she not include these scenes?
"Big" is penned by the famed Hong Sisters who also wrote memorable romance dramas like "You're Beautiful", "Greatest Love", and "My Girlfriend is a Gumiho". Gong Yoo expressed a lot of excitement in working with the Hong sisters since he has missed working with them before due to timing issues. Lee Min Jung, his co-star, is already reaping the benefits of being a Hong sisters heroine as her performance in "Big" is already a hot topic.
Check out the exclusive video of this interesting K-drama battle.
So, who do you think will ultimately win the K-drama romance war? "A Gentleman's Dignity" or "Big"?
Catherine Deen blogs for Yahoo! Philippines OMG! She lives, eats and breathes Korean music, cuisine, telenovelas and pop culture. Follow her on Twitter @cathsdeen.
