The tension between Korea and China. Following the Joseon Exorcist controversies and subsequent cancellation, they’ve been sensitive to anything China-related. I’ve seen some sort of ‘hit list’ going around of kdramas they were going to look out for for any historical discrepancies, overt Chinese PPL, etc. Golden Hairpin, being a Chinese novel, was one in the list.
‘Happiness’ will start filming in May! I hope they give lots of behind the scenes stuff and promotions like pictorials and interviews... anything! I need Hyungsik content! ^-^
I guess a good sign that a Second Lead Couple outshines the main couple is if you can rewatch the drama just for them... and for those that I’ve watched in your list, I have definitely skip-watched High Society and Goblin just for the SLC.
Then there’s also a SLC where I wish they had more screen time so I can stand a rewatch — it would be the Hwarang side couple.
Looks like they will no longer adapt Golden Hairpin to kdrama due to the controversies. The last update I’ve read say that tvN will instead create an entirely new creative historical drama (title is currently undecided). And filming date has been changed to September which means Hyungsik will likely work on his other drama, ‘Happiness’ , first.
Then there’s also a SLC where I wish they had more screen time so I can stand a rewatch — it would be the Hwarang side couple.