Find out about the Korean drama "Royal Secret Agent" with Kim MyungSoo (INFINITE's L), Kwon NaRa, Lee YiKyung, and Lee TaeHwan.
Laure, Kpopmap Editor 3 min to read ·
Published : Dec 21, 2020
· Updated : Jun 25, 2021
KBS
"Royal Secret Agent" is an investigation comedy historical drama of KBS.
Kim MyungSoo (INFINITE's L), Kwon NaRa, and Lee YiKyung are the lead actors.
Kim MyungSoo has the lead role in this drama. The acting-dol has built a solid acting career since 2011. His latest drama was "Meow, the Secret Boy" and acted in the historical drama "The Emperor: Owner of the Mask". During the INFINITE 10th year anniversary V-Live, he hinted that it would be his last drama before leaving for the army. Nothing is official yet about his enlistment.
Kwon Nara acted in various dramas and gained a lot of popularity with her latest drama "Itaewon Class". Lee YiKyung has been acting in numerous dramas and he is well known for his good acting such as in "Welcome to Waikiki". Lee TaeHwan has acted in the dramas "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim" and "Touch".
The director in charge is Kim JungMin who worked in the historical dramas "Queen: Love and War", "Grand Prince", "Gunman in Joseon", "The Princess' Man", and more.
"Royal Secret Agent" tells the story of a unique job in Korea. These secret royal inspectors were the mouths of the people and the ears of the king. They checked if the officials were corrupted.
Here is more information.
Royal Secret Agent (2020)
KBS
Information
Title: Royal Secret Agent / Secret Royal Agent / Secret Royal Inspector / Amhaengeosa / 암행어사: 조선비밀수사관
Director: Kim JungMin
Writer: Park SungHoon, Kang MinSun
Network: KBS
Runtime: From Dec. 21
# of Episodes: 16
Genre: Comedy, Historical, Investigation
Language: Korean
Summary
It is the comic investigation story of late Joseon secret royal inspectors who are the secret ears of the palace. They actively and cheerfully eradicate corruption and help victims of injustice.
He is living without goal and ambition. He won the first place in a state examination but he was caught gambling. For punishment, he has to become a secret royal inspector.
Learn How To Say "You're Doing Too Much" In Korean With Kim JaeJoong & INFINITE's Nam WooHyun
Want to know how to say, "you're doing too much" in Korean? Learn the Korean phrase for it from "JaeFriends".
Ishani Sarkar, Kpopmap Editor < 1 min to read ·
Published : Apr 6, 2024
uhmg's YouTube / Kpopmap
One commonly used phrase among young people these days is, "you're doing too much". Want to learn how to say it in Korean? Keep reading!
"You're doing too much" is an informal slang phrase that means someone is trying too hard at something or overdoing something.
The Korean equivalent of "you're doing too much" can be "적당히 해" (jeokdanghi hae, informal) or "적당히 하세요" (jeokdanghi haseyo, formal).
"Jeokdanghi hae" literally means, "take it easy", "do it in moderation", or "don't overdo it".
In the latest episode of "JaeFriends" where INFINITE's Nam WooHyun appeared as a guest, host Kim JaeJoong asks if WooHyun's company officials ever tell him that he's overdoing his interaction with fans.
WooHyun said that while people at his company don't say anything, his members definitely tell him that he's doing too much.
Within such a context, even if the literal meaning of "jeokdanghi hae", or "jeokdanghi haseyo" isn't directly "you're doing too much", you can use the phrase to imply the same.
You can watch the full "JaeFriends" episode below.
To learn more fun Korean words, phrases, and slang, stay tuned to Your Korea Tutor - Kpopmap!
10 Actors Who Would Be Perfect In The K-Drama Adaptation Of Webtoon "The Mermaid I Loved" [VOTE]
Which Korean actor should take the role of a attractive mermaid and chaebol? Here is our dream cast for the K-Drama adaptation of the webtoon "The Mermaid I Loved" ("내가 사랑한 물고기").
Laure, Kpopmap Editor 5 min to read ·
Published : Mar 28, 2024
LookMedia / "The Mermaid I Loved" by Cosmic Bom Bom and Bubal on NAVER / KingKong by Starship
With all the amazing webtoons-based dramas that have been released in the past couple of years, we have only become more excited about upcoming K-Dramas linked with webtoons.
The webtoon "The Mermaid I Loved" is a special case because the story was first written as a script for a drama production. The drama production is on its way and the webtoon was pre-released. The drama's production company, Group Eight, thought that in releasing it first as a webtoon they could showcase some of the various deep sea adventures of the story and also help garner attention for the drama.
"The Mermaid I Loved" by Cosmic Bom Bom and Bubal on NAVER
The romance fantasy adventure webtoon “The Mermaid I Loved” ("내가 사랑한 물고기," literal translation, “The Fish I Loved”), written by Cosmic Bom Bom and Bubal (우주봄봄 and 부발), tells the story of a man whose intermittent transformations into a mermaid become increasingly uncontrollable as he experiences the emotion of love and spends time with a woman who he finds himself more and more attracted to. The season 1 of the webtoon ended on March 13th with 31 episodes.
Given the webtoon’s popularity, Group Eight is looking forward the positive effect the webtoon will have on the upcoming drama’s viewership. They have built a solid portfolio with dramas based on webtoons like "Taxi Driver", "My ID is Gangnam Beauty" and "A Good Day To Be A Dog". Among their awaited projects is the reboot of the popular drama "Princess Hours" (2006).
Currently, there are no actors cast for “The Mermaid I Loved”. Fans of the webtoon are waiting for the announcement of the cast. We can already think of actors and actresses who would be perfect for the roles!
"The Mermaid I Loved" by Cosmic Bom Bom and Bubal on NAVER
We at Kpopmap have thought up a cast of actors who would suit this drama amazingly.
1. Sim Kai (심카이), a mermaid and 3rd generation chaebol
Sim Kai is the lead male character. He discovered he was a mermaid 12 years ago and he pretends to be a human.
"The Mermaid I Loved" by Cosmic Bom Bom and Bubal on NAVER
"The Mermaid I Loved" by Cosmic Bom Bom and Bubal on NAVER
When he shares physical touch with a woman, his fish scales begin to appear and he transforms back into his mermaid form. Because of this, he avoids all contact with women and has been single his whole life.
But due to his handsome looks, he has a lot of girls chasing after him, so he hired YaNa to pretend to be his girlfriend. However, he can’t help himself from having physical contact with YaNa even if it means he won’t be able breathe.
"The Mermaid I Loved" by Cosmic Bom Bom and Bubal on NAVER
Kai is the son of the jewelry brand Inoroo, or 3rd generation chaebol, but he is not interested in the family business and instead prefers performing as a mermaid at the aquarium.
The actor must possess features suitable for long hair and a muscular physique to be able to portray a mermaid. He should exude charm and look dazzling in a suit, while also being capable of conveying a mix of cynicism, cuteness, and panic in his expressions. Comfort with underwater filming is also mandatory.
Moon SangMin, WEi's Kim YoHan, Baek SungChul, Kim MyungSoo (INFINITE's L), and Chae JongHyeop could be a good match.
LOOKMEDIA / Awesome Entertainment / WEi Official / Chae JongHyeop Instagram / KEYEAST
Not only would they look stunning with long hair and looks amazing in suits, but their facial features would perfectly match the character's. Beyond their physical attributes, all five actors possess the talent and ability to convey Kai through the right facial expressions. The genre of fantasy romance suits them impeccably. Each actor would bring their unique colors and charms to the character, making him stand out on screen. Additionally, we can anticipate excellent chemistry with the lead actress.
Vote for your pick in the poll below!
Moon SangMin
WEi's Kim YoHan
Baek SungChul
Kim MyungSoo
Chae JongHyeop
Please do not refresh any more. Press the "VOTE" button below.
2. Jung YaNa (정야나), an easy-going part-time student
"The Mermaid I Loved" by Cosmic Bom Bom and Bubal on NAVER
Jung YaNa (24 years old) is the lead female character. She is a student who works a part-time job and has an easy-going personality.
She accidentally kisses Kai when she meets him for the first time, and shocked to see him suddenly fall very sick, she calls the ambulance. She ends up more shocked when she sees him put his face into a dirty bucket of water used for cleaning.
"The Mermaid I Loved" by Cosmic Bom Bom and Bubal on NAVER
"The Mermaid I Loved" by Cosmic Bom Bom and Bubal on NAVER
The actress should possess a mix of cuteness and strength, capable of expressing a wide range of emotions, and especially comedy. The character experiences rapid and extreme changes in emotions, so the actress should be able to show these transitions convincingly. Additionally, she should look just like a regular student, but be able to become a stunning lady with expensive clothes.
Kang MinAh, WJSN's Bona (Kim JiYeon), Chae SooBin, Girl's Day's HyeRi, and Seor InA could be a good match.
H& Entertainment / King Kong by Starship / Creative Group Ing / GOLDMEDALIST
All five actresses have demonstrated their talented acting and are well-suited for a character like YaNa. Each of them possesses the ability to portray the youthful, cute, and fiery vibes of the female lead character. Comedy and expressive acting would not be an issue for any of them, so it would be a smooth portrayal of the character without overdoing it and making viewers laugh. No need to mention that they would all bring great chemistry with the lead actor! Being a romance, it is crucial.
Vote for your pick in the poll below!
Kang MinAh
WJSN's Bona
Chae SooBin
Girl's Day's HyeRi
Seor InA
Please do not refresh any more. Press the "VOTE" button below.
The webtoon is not available in English officially yet, but you can read it in Korean here.
"The Mermaid I Loved" by Cosmic Bom Bom and Bubal on NAVER
Let us know who you want to see cast!
Note: The aim of the vote is for Kpopmap readers to share their opinion about their preference for the cast. It is not affecting the cast of the production team.
Kwon NaRa Continues To Showcase Her Acting Prowess Through Fantasy Romance K-Drama "Night Photo Studio"
After a short hiatus, Kwon NaRa has returned to the small screen through "Night Photo Studio" and continues to amaze netizens with her acting prowess.
Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor 3 min to read ·
Published : Mar 31, 2024
Kwon NaRa's Instagram
2024 is already so ripe with incredible series, tugging on heartstrings and urging audiences to remain seated for hours on end. Among the ever growing list of entertaining 2024 K-Dramas is ENA's "Night Photo Studio". It stars an illustrious cast in Joo Won, Kwon NaRa, Yoo InSoo, and Eum MoonSuk.
It follows the life of Seo KiJoo (Joo Won), a photography cursed to take photographs of ghosts who enter the studio and Han Bom (Kwon NaRa), a passionate lawyer. After a string of events, she ends up collaborating with KiJoo's photo studio.
While the drama has yet to reach its halfway point, "Night Photo Studio" has been an entertaining watch and stands as more evidence of Kwon NaRa's acting prowess. She's had a long career in the entertainment field and seems to only get better with time.
We see a new side of the actress through "Night Photo Studio", adding onto her already storied resume.
Beginnings As An Idol
When Kwon NaRa became known in the entertainment industry, it was as a member of the beloved girl group HELLOVENUS. They covered everything from girlishly cute to alluringly sexy. During her time as a girl group member, Kwon NaRa stood out for her incredible physique, charismatic stage presence, and gorgeous visuals. Even when she wasn't at the center of the formation, a spotlight automatically followed her from beginning to end. Now, there was no doubt that Kwon NaRa exceled on stage and fans would certainly welcome her as a soloist if she chose to do so. However, she obviously had other plans and a brand new dream to pursue.
Venturing Off As An Actress
SBS PD Note
However, her time as a HELLOVENUS member wasn't her first step in the entertainment industry, as NaRa was casted in a guest role for the movie "Mr. Wacky" in 2006. Showing interest in acting at a young age, her transition from idol life to acting seemed natural and a course many might have seen coming.
She started gaining traction through K-Dramas like "Suspicious Partner" and "My Mister". From these series, she already showed incredible potential to become a well beloved actress soon in the future. Everything from her line delivery to facial expressions were immersive and real, earning praise from critics and fans alike.
Her first mainstream dramas like these set the tone for the rest of her career. From these performances, it appeared that Kwon NaRa was on an upward trajectory to become a household name within the Korean film industry.
Coming Into Her Own
Kwon NaRa continued to land multiple roles throughout the years, determined to get her name out there and prove herself to the entire world. She became an actress people started to love, adding additional layers to the drama with her undeniable presence and skill. Despite spending a good amount of her career as an idol, she transformed into a true actress.
Watching Kwon NaRa in one of her most standout roles to date as Oh SooAh in "Itaewon Class" is still engraved in the mind of K-Drama enthusiasts everywhere. She piloted the character beautifully, causing millions to root for her happiness and success. And while she wasn't able to win the heart of Park SaeRoi (Park SeoJun), she captured the hearts of the entire world.
And while this was certainly one of the many highlights of her career, NaRa would not stop and continued to meet her loyal supporters through "Royal Secret Agent" and "Bulgasal: Immortal Souls". Every time Kwon NaRa graced our screens, we were immediately smitten and slowly wrapped up in a riveting story until the very end.
Continuing To Break Every Expectation
ENA
After the conclusion of "Bulgasal: Immortal Souls", Kwon NaRa went on a hiatus and despite an appearance in "Young Actors' Retreat", did not participate in any series until "Night Photo Studio". Although she hasn't been seen on the small screen for a while, Kwon NaRa continues to portray incredible acting prowess.
She navigates her character with both wit and class, performing a balance act of charisma and comedic timing. The actress proves she hasn't missed a beat since she last stood in front of K-Drama audiences and has viewers coming back week after week for every new episode. Having just premiered on March 11th, there's still a lot more drama left to cover, but with Kwon NaRa as one of the people leading the charge, fans can rest assured that they're in for yet another amazing hit.
Are you a fan of Kwon NaRa? What do you think about the actress?
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