Yoona To Play Quirky Talented Nodame In "Nodame Cantible"

Girls′ Generation's Yoona will play Joo Won's fellow musician and romantic partner in the upcoming k-drama version of "Nodame Cantible."

The drama "Nodame Cantible" is based on the shojo manga of the same name, written by Tomoko Ninomiya. The popular manga, which sold 26 million copies, is about the relationship between two very different classical musicians. Despite their differences they help each other to grow and succeed.

The manga has charmed audiences in many forms. It already inspired a Japanese drama, a sequel, an anime series and two films. Award-winning Japanese actress Ueno Juri played the role in the 2006 Japanese drama version and won another award for her performance. The manga was so successful that it inspired the creation of a few games. Also, everal albums of classical music have been released in conjunction with various adaptations.

Yoona, fresh from her acting success in the drama "The Prime Minister and I," will play the pianist Noda Megume or Nodame. Real-life classical musician Megume Noda inspired the creation of the quirky but talented character. Yoona's character Nodame prefers to play by ear rather than read a musical score. She is messy and spontaneous. Joo Won will play Chiaki, a brilliant musician and an arrogant perfectionist who wants to be a composer. But he's not perfect either, as his fear of flying limits his ability to travel.

When they meet, she falls for him right away, but it takes longer for him to realize her true worth and appreciate what is special about her. They help each other to overcome fears and limitations. After school the characters move to Paris to study music.

IU was also courted to play the part in the Group 8 production but declined. Last year she appeared in "Pretty Man," another drama by the same production company.

Bae Yoon Sik has signed on to play Nodame's teacher and Tiny-G's Dohee will play a music student named Sakura.

Yoona has been a member of Girls Generation since 2007. She also made her acting debut in 2007 in the drama "Two Outs In The Ninth Inning." She had her first leading role in the daily drama "You Are My Destiny" and her first k-drama leading role in "Love Rain" with Jang Geun Suk." Last year she appeared with Lee Bum Soo in "The Prime Minister and I." Although the drama was not a ratings success, the acting was praised.

"Nodame Cantible" will air on KBS in October.