IU Might Be Female Lead in Korean Version of "Nodame Cantabile"

Singer and actress IU might be Korea’s Ueno Juri in the Korean version of “Nodame Cantabile.”

She exchanged opinions recently with production company Group 8 about taking on the lead role in the Korean version of “Nodame Cantabile.” IU recently played the female lead role another Group 8 production, KBS 2TV’s “Beautiful Man,” so she is a natural choice for “Nodame Cantabile.” However, as specifics about the production have not yet been released, it is still too early to bring up about casting even if IU has expressed her interest in the project.

A broadcasting representative said, “Both sides are looking positively at IU’s appearance. The drama is still in its early stages and since it is looking at being aired in the second half of the year, casting is not an issue that has to be decided on right away. However, IU is certainly at the top of the list.”

The original Japanese drama version starred Ueno Juri as Noda Megumi, a talented piano student with an eccentric character and a passion for music. IU has eccentric as well as talented roles in the past (“Beautiful Man,” “You’re the Best, Lee Soon Shin” and “Dream High“), so this may be why she would be a good fit for the role.

The representative said, “IU may be young, but she has received recognition in the industry for her talent as a singer-songwriter. That is something that she shares in common with Noda Megumi. Also, because she is consistent with her acting, there is a high chance that she will become the heroine of the Korean version of ‘Nodame Cantabile.’”

Manga artist Tomoko Ninomiya’s “Nodame Cantabile” first appeared in a Japanese manga magazine in 2001, and was adapted into a drama starring Ueno Juri and Tamaki Hiroshi (Chiaki Shinichi) in 2006 by Fuji TV. The drama spawned an anime version, as well as two movie sequels to the drama.

Group 8 is aiming for their production of “Nodame Cantabile” to be broadcast within the year.