Kim Hyun Joong as Hanazawa Rui

So the latest buzz about Kim Hyun Joong is that he's being cast as Hanazawa Rui for the Korean adaptation of Hana Yori Dango a.k.a. Meteor Garden. Although nothing much has actually been confirmed about the matter, just that there have been negotiations and that DSP Entertainment is considering the fact that a lot of adjustments have to be made in order to accommodate the drama into his already heavy schedule, the main issue at hand to fans of popular variety show "We Got Married" is that he may have to leave the variety program if he accepts the drama.

There are some expressing the view that it would be a good career move for him and would probably propel him to greater stardom, as has been seen with other singer-actors such as Rain and Eric. However, others are worried that he'd leave the program that brought him to the attention of the production team. His chemistry (or lack of it!) with Hwang Bo has won him many fans and lots of people are starting to fall more and more for the adorable 4th Dimensional husband that he portrays in the variety program. Some have also expressed that based on his real character, he may not be able to suit the role of Hanazawa Rui who is an introverted, emotionally tortured character who has relationship issues with an older woman before falling in love with the lead female character.

Hanazawa Rui

My take on the matter is that everything is still at the preliminary stages, the casting process has only just started and there's no set filming date yet. All that we know so far is that it's scheduled to be broadcasted in 2009 and that Kim Hyun Joong is being approached by the production company. An avid fan of WGM myself (as can be seen from here!), I'm hoping that there won't be any changes that would seriously affect any couple. As it is, Hyun Joong is already travelling back and forth from Japan to Korea just so that he can fulfill his WGM duties. A drama would most definitely tie him down even more.

BUT! It's scheduled for 2009 and if everything is at it's prelim stages, then it's highly probable that filming would only start in late 2008 or early 2009 anyways. By then, WGM, if it decides to become a seasonal show, might have already finished its first run. Other than that, he may decide to continue with WGM and do what he's already doing now. Travelling from one shooting spot to another. Although I seriously sympathize with him, he's going to be so burnt out.

As of now, everything is a guessing game, and there are opinions being thrown left and right. What must be remembered though is that he should always choose what's best for himself, and he has to look after his health! Surely, as it is in the case of every person, a celebrity has the right to be healthy and well. And I'm sure all his fans wouldn't want to see him all dried out like a preserved fruit. I know I don't.

Aja, Kim Hyun Joong! Fighting!