News bites: October 2, 2023

The countdown is on for Part 2 of MBC’s My Dearest and the new sneak clip reveals our forlorn hero Namgoong Min (One Dollar Lawyer), drowning himself in a sorrow of what-ifs about the past events in Part 1. For now, Ahn Eun-jin (The Good Bad Mother) can only listen and cry because there’s still 11 more days until the sageuk returns on October 13. [MBC]

Jung Hae-in (D.P. 2) is reviewing an offer to star in Some and Shopping (working title), which will apparently be his first rom-com if he accepts. Still in the early stages, the classic opposites-attract romance is hoping to have Jung play the by-the-books cosmetics company CEO who ~~clashes~~ falls in love with the flexible-but-efficient top show host. [Newsen, Star News]
Speaking of firsts, Hulu Japan’s upcoming Secret Playlist has kicked off promos with a set of new stills, showcasing leads Kim Hyang-gi (Poong the Joseon Psychiatrist 2), Shin Hyun-seung (Han River Police), and Yeon Oh (Twinkling Watermelon). In a romance about a YouTuber and idol singer secretly dating, the webtoon adaptation will be releasing this November. [Sports Donga]

The promos continue for ENA’s Evilive as well, ramping up the tension between Shin Ha-kyun (Yonder) and Kim Young-kwang (Call It Love) in the newest teaser. Although I want to believe the latter when he says that they’re friends, I expect we’re in for an unsettlingly dark ride when the noir sets off on October 14. [Sports Donga]
Thankfully, this month also brings a trio of heroes who are committed to making the world a brighter place in JTBC’s Strong Girl Nam-soon (previously Strong Woman Kang Nam-soon). With a preview of Lee Yumi (Mental Coach Jegal), Kim Jung-eun (My Dangerous Wife), and Kim Hae-sook (Revenant) protecting our streets in the new highlight reel, the fantasy premieres this week on October 7. [JTBC]
Over on KBS, new character stills have dropped for The Matchmakers, featuring our colorful main pair played by Kim Ro-woon (Destined With You) and Jo Yi-hyun (All of Us Are Dead). Preparing to hitch up all the singles of Joseon, the sageuk rom-com will be coming to our screens later this month, airing in the Monday-Tuesday slot starting October 30. [Sports Donga (1), (2)]