[NEWS] More news about Kim Hyun Joong & Athena

Source: Newsen
English Translation: 오디 / Ode

"Kim HyunJoong's participation, no such decision yet"

SS501 leader Kim HyunJoong's consideration for participation in drama 'Athena: Goddess of the War' has previously been reported about. But to this, production company Taewon Entertainment denied.

Taewon Entertainment personnel has said in a phone interview on the May 11 afternoon with Newsen, "Kim HyunJoong's casting and related information hasn't even been considered for any finalized decision at all, right from the start, there haven't been a single meeting up with the production team yet", thus dismissing the rough talkabouts of the drama's casting.

This personnel has also added on, "Kim HyunJoong hasn't even resolved his (contract) issues with his agency. Because of that, after he's resolved those problems with his agency, only then would we undergo discussion for it", "Though we know that one of our staff member are close acquaintances with HyunJoong and have had discussions with him, but because we haven't come to a final decision yet, we aren't mentioning any thing for now".

On the other hand, Kim HyunJoong's full contract will be soon expiring on the 6th next month with current agency company DSP Entertainment. Exactly because of this, after the contract issue has been resolved for, only then would they carry out discussions to this participation of drama Athena.

Should Kim HyunJoong participate in Athena, it would be his second time challenging the role of an actor after KBS 2TV drama 'Boys over Flowers' ended its run in 2009 March.

'Athena' is set to be released earliest second half of this year.

'Athena: Goddess of the War' will be produced by 'IRIS' production company Taewon Entertainment, and will feature stars like Cha Seungwon, Jung Woosung, Su Ae, Lee JiAh etc.

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Source: 뉴스엔 Newsen
English Translation: 다음 / Ode

Drama 'Iris' which has ended its run previously starring Lee Byung-Hun, Kim Tae-Hee has had gained interest in its sequel series of late.

Spin-off version 'Athena: Goddess of the War' and official 'Iris 2' are both receiving the core of attention as top stars would be starring across in these 2 works.

As of now, IRIS' spin-off 'Athena' has had decided for a casting of actors Cha SeungWon, Jung WooSung, SuAe, Lee JiAh etc, and is set to be released later half of this year. Whilst IRIS 2 is set to begin shooting next year March onwards, and is targeting for broadcast in 2011 October, there's also a high possibility that Lee ByungHun, Kim TaeHee, Kim SeungWoo, Kim SoYeon etc who previously already starred in IRIS will be appearing once again in its official sequel. Apart from that, the producer Taewon Entertainment also added on, "We're also seriously considering for new top-stars to be added on into the casting list".

Also, the hottest news of late has got to be SS501 leader Kim HyunJoong's considered participation in drama 'Athena'. A veteran personnel of Taewon Ent who was in an interview with Newsen on the 11th has revealed, "As of now, according to what's in the synopsis, we don't have a suitable role for KimHyunJoong. If he's decided to star across in this drama, we will then certainly create a suitable role for him to play across as. Kim HyunJoong has a strong desire to play the role of a national bureau intelligency agent. His will of challenging acting is amazing".

"Until he has settled his contract issues with current agency company DSP, only then would we discuss further about this. Because this is currently undergoing process and status is still uncleared about, we shall be waiting until the issues get resolved. But should he decide to accept the offer, we will be creating a meaty role for him, a role that would be of heavy impact. HyunJoong is very much motivated by action-packed acting, which is why he really wishes to challenge the role of a National Bureau Intelligence agent".

However there's also a possibility that he might not participate in Athena. According to the personnel, Athena will begin shooting in mid-June, and because of his singer activities, they might not be able to wait for him. There's also a discussion ongoing about the appearance of members from a (another) idol group who's close in age as him.

Though it had been hard trying to settle for a casting list of the previous IRIS, but it didn't get really far off afterwards. Because the actors were actually very supportive and strong-willed about being in the drama, the personnel of Taewon Ent further added on.