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'So Not Worth It', Netflix First Ever K-sitcom About Youths' Friendship, Hardships and Love

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

Cast of 'So Not Worth It' and Director Kwon and Director Kim

The wait is over! Netflix’s first ever K-sitcom, ‘So Not Worth It’ will be available on 18 June 2021! The 12-episode sitcom, starring Park Se-wan, Shin Hyeon-seung, Choi Young-Jae, Minnie of (G)-IDLE, Han Hyun-min. Joakim Soresen, Carson Allen and Terris Brown, ‘So Not Worth It’ will depict the chaotic, bittersweet life of college students living in an international dorm.

Present at the virtual press conference today was Park Se-wan, Shin Hyeon-seung, Choi Young-Jae, Han Hyun-min. Joakim Soresen, Carson Allen and Terris Brown, together with Directors Kwon Ik-Joon and Kim Jung-Sik. Although Minnie was not able to attend the press conference physically as she is in Thailand, she sent videos over prior to the event! The cast and directors of ‘So Not Worth It’ shared about what viewers can expect for the K-sitcom ahead of its release.

The cast were to introduce their 'So Not Worth It' characters through a presentation, like students doing an assignment!

Check out what the cast had to share about their characters below:

Although #Minnie of #GIDLE was not physically present at the #SoNotWorthIt press conference today, she sent in her assignment a day before! 👍🏻#Youngjae plays Sam, who is a character that is immature yet funny and has a pure heart! 💕 pic.twitter.com/S6zCsrxQEU
— GOKPOP (@goKPOP) June 16, 2021

#JoakimSoresen plays Hans who is passionate about korean culture and a student who sticks by the rules in the dorm! 💯#TerrisBrown will play Terris who is a smart, outstanding and warm-hearted person! 💝

We simply can’t wait to see the unique characters in #SoNotWorthIt! 🤩🥳 pic.twitter.com/dpfuBPg5SO
— GOKPOP (@goKPOP) June 16, 2021

G-IDLE's Minnie as Minnie in 'So Not Worth It'

Minnie gave a more in-depth description of her character! She came to Korea to study K-Beauty, drama and fashion. She is a sophomore in K-Contents major, who straight-forward and enjoys school life to the fullest! Minnie is also obsessed with the k-drama 'Crash Landing On You' and can fall in love with other dramas as well! We believe that many of us can relate to Minnie in 'So Not Worth It'!

Actress Park Se-wan as Se-wan in 'So Not Worth It'

Director Kwon shared that although the title of the sitcom 'So Not Worth It' appears to seem negative on the outside, the series will bring laughs to viewers and it is a sitcom with a positive vibe. The message of the sitcom is to not think about tomorrow and just enjoy today! The sitcom will bring light to the troubles of the young generation these days, who are afraid and insecure about their future. In 'So Not Worth It'.

During the press conference conveyed that Sewan is the only serious character amongst the other friends who are just living their lives happily. Director Kwon revealed that the character, Sewan, symbolises the young generation that carry worries about their future and how friendships change Sewan. 'So Not Worth It' aims to be a show that everyone in the world will be able to relate to.

Shin Hyeon-Seung as Jamie in 'So Not Worth It'

Rising actor Shin Hyeon-seung will be a familiar face to those who have watched the webdrama, 'Be My Boyfriend'! It was also disclosed that Hyeon-seung was offered the role of Jamie, against 5000 other actors who auditioned for the role! We cannot wait to watch the sitcom and we look forward to the bright future of the rising actor!

Choi Youngjae as Sam

When asked about how Youngjae feels being a former idol from the global K-POP group GOT7, having musical gigs and now in the acting scene, he replied, "As I had been an idol for sometime, I am nervous to have the title of an 'actor' but I am grateful for all the opportunities for musicals and the sitcom 'So Not Worth It'. I will do my best to live up to everyone's expectations!"

Youngjae also revealed that his former group member, Jinyoung, who is a more experienced actor, provided him with some advice for his new start to an acting career! "He told me that I should do whatever I want and to follow my heart."

We love friends supporting each other and we hope to see Youngjae in more shows as well!

Han Hyun-min as Hyunmin in 'So Not Worth It'

Han Hyunmin, who is originally a model, has taken up other variety gigs and was even the MC for K-POP music broadcast show, Mcountdown, previously, what a versatile entertainer! He also revealed that Hyunmin is the funniest character in the sitcom and the actor himself laughed a lot during filming as the show was just way too much fun!

Terris Brown as Terris in 'So Not Worth It'

During the press conference, the cast was asked about what food they would like to recommend their foreign friends if they come to Korea! Terris suggested that he will recommend bulgogi as it is widely accessible everywhere to those new to Korea! We miss Korea and we cannot wait to be back there!

Director Kim and Director Kwon

Q: There was a lot of hype on the sitcom, was there pressure and what did you focus on that to bring out to the audience who will be watching ‘So Not Worth It’?
Director Kim: Although I do feel pressure now, I did not feel pressure on set as everyone was as if they were not acting but being themselves! Because of this, everyone was comfortable on set.

Q: What is the difference between people in their 20s in the past and people who are in their 20s now?
Director Kwon: The young generation these days face a lot of hardships. It is heartbreaking seeing how they seem to have a tough life. Sitcoms are funny but in 'So Not Worth It', viewers will be able to see and learn that everyone is hiding their pain somehow.

Producer Kwon Ik-Joon, the hitmaker of top Korean sitcoms such as Three Guys and Three Girls and the Nonstop series, helms the production as the creator and director. Producer Kim Jung-sik of High Kick, Potato Star 2013QR3 and more serves as the episode director. ‘So Not Worth It’ is also produced by Mystic Story, a company led by Yoon Jong-shin who will also be involved in producing the show’s original soundtrack. The legendary members of the production team will bring together a sitcom that not only delivers laughs but also comfort and empathy to young people who face the realistic hardships in life.

The original soundtrack of 'So Not Worth It', beautifully sung by fellow cast, Youngjae, will be released on 19 June 2021, a day after the release of the sitcom!

Cast of 'So Not Worth It'

Q: How do you feel about the show’s release to audiences around the world through Netflix?

Se-wan: ‘So Not Worth It’ is scheduled for simultaneous release to fans around the globe. I am so excited about it but also very nervous. I hope the story about multinational students is fun and entertaining to the viewers.

Shin Hyeon-Seung: I worried a lot in the beginning, but in retrospect, I don’t know why I worried. It was such a fun and happy experience. I know there is still more to be desired. But we all worked very hard, and I hope the viewers enjoy the fruits of our labour.

Youngjae: I watch Netflix frequently, I am so happy and amazed that I get to be on a Netflix show. I really gave my all to the filming of the show like everyone else. I am sure our efforts will pay off. It is a very entertaining show, and I hope the viewers will like it!

Minnie: I watch a lot of Netflix, and it’s such an honor to be a part of a Netflix sitcom. As a newcomer, I know I have a long way to go. I hope the viewers are understanding of this journey I’m on and be a witness to my learning and growth.

Han Hyun-min: I’ve watched Netflix since high school and to be on the other side, to be part of a show seems unbelievable. I’m so excited. The show is the result of our hard work, so I hope the viewers appreciate it.

Carson Allen as Carson in 'So Not Worth It'

Carson: I’m honored to be a part of such a great show. There hasn’t been a Korean sitcom for young people in a while, so I was thrilled to be included. We worked very hard to live up to the viewers’ expectations, so I hope they enjoy the show.

Joakim Soresen as Hans in 'So Not Worth It'

Joakim Soresen: It hasn’t hit me yet. I had a blast being an exchange student and international student in Korea. The Swedish city I come from has a population of less than 10,000, and it’s amazing that I’m in Korea to appear in a Netflix sitcom. Through the vicarious experiences and thrills of the show, I hope the viewers will develop an interest in this country. Maybe even visit here someday. I hope they really enjoy the show.

Terris: I grew up watching Netflix so it’s hard to take it all in, but I’m thrilled. It’s a huge honor. Having a multinational cast will likely set us apart from the other Korean sitcoms, and due to our diversity, viewers may find common ground no matter where they tune in from. We gave it our all, so I’m confident that the show will live up to expectations.

‘So Not Worth It’ tells a story of an international dorm where multinational college students live together. The sitcom gathers characters with unique personalities from Korea, America, Australia, Thailand, Sweden and more! From the unsettling realities college students face to the meaningful friendships forged, ‘So Not Worth It’ will portray the stories of the eight individuals into light-hearted amusement.

Watch the trailer below and be sure to tune in to ‘So Not Worth It’ on Netflix, 18 June 2021.

Photos: Courtesy of Netflix

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Tuesday, June 15, 2021

exclusiveinterview

Jang Ki-Yong, Hyeri, Kang Ha-na & Kim Do-wan Talk About Their Characters in 'My Roommate Is A Gumiho'

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Back in 2015, Jang Ki Yong and Hyeri starred together in drama Schoolgirl Detectives as supporting roles but this time they are reuniting for tvN's ongoing drama 'My Roommate is A Gumiho' as the main lead. Based on a popular website, My Roommate is A Gumiho' tells story of a 22-year-old university student Lee Dam who ends up living with a 999-year-old male nine tailed fox named Shin Woo Yeo.

In an interview, the main cast - Jang Ki-Yong, Hyeri, Kang Ha-na and Kim Do-wan talk about the charms of their characters and share the most memorable scene of the drama.

Q: Describe the charm of Shin Woo Yeo and Do Jae Jin.

Kang Ha-na: Shin Woo Yeo is a very knowledgeable and smart person but there is a charm to his soft side when it comes to love. In the case of Do Jae jin, he is very sweet and lovely which resembles a puppy, that’s how you say it right? That’s his charm.

Jang Ki-Yong: Shin Woo Yeo is very Kind. He is strict, stern and serious but he also has a kind side too.

Kim Do-wan: Someone who is always true to himself. Jae-jin is always true to himself when he is playing around with his friends or girlfriend, no matter the situation, even to his brother or a professor

Q: What are your personal thoughts of Lee Dam? Any similarities or differences between you and the character?

Hyeri: I can relate to her honest side. I am somewhat similar. Dam build a wall around herself, whereas I’m really interested in people.

Q: The character Yang Hye-sun is really popular among the fans of webtoon. What do you think is the reason?

Kang Ha-na: She was a gumiho in her past, so she gives off this impression of a tough image but there’s actually a twist in her personality. She can be sweet. And when it comes to love, she is very true to herself. Hye-sun’s character is always in love with different people. She has been in love and been hurt for 700 years and back to loving again. I think that is the reason why the fans of the webtoon love her, because of the different sides to her personalities.

Q: If Kim Dowan could advise Do Jae-jin on how to obtain his love, what would he tell him?

Kim Do-wan: I want to tell Jae-jin that his method is right, do it YOUR WAY. You fail and you succeed, that’s how you grow up. That’s what I want to tell him.

Q: Which scene was the most memorable to film?

Hyeri: I’m looking at Woo Yeo and he changes from his human form to gumiho, there will be CG in that scene so I had to act with my imagination, so I want to know how it will turn out.

Q: What would you choose between being the most beautiful gumiho or a normal university student?

Kang Ha-na: I would choose to be a normal university student. I think for the real me, Kang Han-na prefers something normal, a normal life so when it comes to choosing between living as a gumiho who gets the attention of everyone forever, I’ll rather be a university student who eats delicious food and lives a happy normal life.

Q: In the show, Dam is a die-hard fan of history. What are you, Hyeri is a die-hard fan of?

Hyeri: Room Escape

Q: If you were to really live with a gumiho, what is the first condition you want to add in the contract?

Hyeri: Please don’t hurt me. That’s what I want to add in . It’s scary. If it’s a gumiho then it’s not a human and the appearance is actually quite scary, that’s why I would set “no harm should be done on me” as a condition.

Q: If you could promote “My Roommate is a Gumiho” with a slogan, what would it be?

Jang Ki-Yong: The drama is really entertaining, it’s really fun. So please look forward to it.

Check out more interview footages here:

My Roommate Is A Gumiho has been receiving good responses since its released, so don't miss out the upcoming episodes on tvN (Astro CH395 (HD) & Astro GO / unifi tv CH211 (HD) & unifi playTV) every Thursday and Friday, 9.15PM.

photo credit: tvN Drama, tvN Asia