Fabulosity of Baby: To The Beautiful You

(｡◕‿◕｡) To The Beautiful You (｡◕‿◕｡)

To The Beautiful You is a 2012 South Korean television drama series starring Sulli Choi of f(x), Choi Min-ho of Shinee, and Lee Hyun-woo. It was broadcast from August 15 to October 4, 2012 on Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 for 20 episodes.

It is based on the Japanese shōjo manga series, Hanazakari no Kimitachi e, written by Hisaya Nakajo. The Korean series is the fourth television adaptation of the manga following the Taiwanese Hanazakarino Kimitachihe in 2006, the Japanese Hanazakari no Kimitachi e in 2007 and its remake Hanazakari no Kimitachi e 2011.

❂ Background ❂

On 10 March 2011, SM Entertainment announced that they had acquired the rights to the manga, "Hana Kimi" and would be filming its Korean adaption. Representatives revealed, "The Korean version will have a total of 16 episodes that draw out stories of hopes and dreams. It’s a teenage comedy with a cute, but strong storyline and a slew of handsome cast members. We’re planning to begin airing it this summer."

Rumors circulated that SHINee's Choi Minho and f(x)'s Sulli would portray the two leads and on April 26, 2012 it was confirmed that they had been casted in the lead roles. It was also announced that Jun Ki-sang would be directing and that it would air in the latter half of the year on SBS.On May 24th, 2012 the title was revealed to be "To The Beautiful You" and would be written by Lee Young-chul, screenwriter of the High Kick! series.

On June 6th, ZE:A's Kwang-hee was confirmed for the drama and that Infinite's L was reviewing the offer to join, as he would have to juggle overseas schedules with filming.On June 7th Seo Jun-young was confirmed to be part of the cast. On June 8th, it was announced that Kang Kyung-joon would be cast as the cool, but comical track coach, Ki Tae-young as the school nurse who discovers Jae-hee's identity, Lee Young-eun as a teacher caught in a love triangle with the two, Kang Ha-neul as Tae-joon's rival, and Ahn Hye-kyung and Lee Han Wee were also cast. After previous discussions for the role, Lee Hyun Woo was finally confirmed as Cha Eun-gyul. Kim Ji-won was cast June 14th and Yoo Min-kyu was announced to play Young-mahn on July 10th.

The first script reading took place on June 7th at the SBS Ilsan Production Center. On July 9th, Minho, Sulli, Kwanghee and members of EXO were spotted taking part of a photoshoot for the drama. In preparation for his role as Tae-joon, Minho received personal training from coach Kim Tae-young, former national high jump athlete and a member of the Korea Association of Athletics Federations, for a month and a half. His personal record at the end of July was 175 cm. Filming began at the beginning of July. In an interview with Vogue Girl Korea, Minho confirmed that the drama would broadcast on August 15th, rather than the initially scheduled August 8th. Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies was used to film for the all-male school, Genie Athletic High School, and Anmyeondo was used to film the summer vacation scenes. The first scene Choi Min-ho filmed was a high jump scene. For the high jump scene, 105 high-speed cameras were used to film the high jumping in bullet time.

❂ Plot ❂

The series centers on Goo Jae-hee (Sulli), a Korean girl who lives in the United States. One day, she sees a track and field competition on TV, and becomes inspired by a gold medalist high jump competitor, Kang Tae-joon (Minho). She begins to idolize the young athlete but Tae Joon suffers an accident that could potentially end his career. Therefore, to see Tae-joon jump again, Jae-hee disguises herself as a boy and attends the same school as Tae-joon.

❂ Cast ❂

☆ Sulli Choi as Goo Jae-hee

She grew up in the USA and was touched when she saw Tae-joon in a high jump competition. In order to see him, she dressed up as a boy to transfer to all-boy Genie High School.

☆ Choi Min-ho as Kang Tae-joon

Kang Chan-hee as young Kang Tae-joon

He is a high jump athlete who holds the best record in the World Junior Championship. He receives love from fangirls for his outstanding looks that match his national representative rank. He is dull and only says what he wants to, nor is he very interested in girls. After he injured himself and knew he'd still be disabled even if he recovered, he announced he wouldn't high jump any more. He later regains his lost laugher after meeting his roommate, Jae-hee.

☆ Lee Hyun-woo as Cha Eun-gyeol

He is a charming soccer player who likes to joke and very active. He is the mood creator wherever he goes. Even though he has many people around him because of his outstanding skill and looks, he has never been in love. He initially was sure that he likes a girl, but when he realizes that he likes Jae-hee, who is dressing up as a boy, he gets completely confused.

☆ Kim Ji-won as Seol Han-na

She is a gymnast and daughter from a rich family without any shortcomings. Although she possesses a reckless personality, in front of Tae-joon she becomes a gentle lady.

☆ Seo Joon-young as Ha Seung-ri

He is the leader of Dormitory 2 and fencing team chief, who is macho-type with strong leadership skills.

☆ Hwang Kwang-hee as Song Jong-min

He is a hurdler who tries to annoy Jae-hee, but he actually is a warm hearted person. It appears he has feelings for Eun-gyeol.