Kim Hyun Joong's New Drama Begins Production

Kim Hyun Joong's fans have a new reason to celebrate. The cast of his new drama "Age of Feeling," also known as "Inspiring Generation" met this week for a script reading.

Fans have patiently awaited Kim drama comeback enduring the cancellation of his previous drama "City Conquest" and the two-month delay of this drama. The actor and SS501 singer has not been seen on the small screen since he appeared in "Playful Kiss" in 2010.

The cast, including Im Soo Hyang and Kim So Eun, as well as the director and crewmembers met this week for a script reading.  The drama was originally slated to air in November in the time slot currently held by "Pretty Man," but official permits delayed filming.  As the story is set in 1930s Shanghai, the shooting schedule is dependent on the cooperation of the Chinese government and they delayed permits for filming due to holiday festivals.

"With a delay in shooting permits, the 1930 Shanghai backdrop of the drama would not be complete, and that was a concern," said director Lee Kang Hyun.  "We thought that even if we have to postpone filming and fill that spot with another project, it would be better to capture the full essence of this new drama."

The drama is a big budget production, which has so far seen a $14 million investment.

"It's a special project that KBS has been working on for quite a while," said Lee. "I am confident that with good teamwork between the director and staff, the drama will be successful."

 The 24-episode historical drama is based on Bang Hak Ki's manga of the same name. It's a story of violence, love and friendship that travels between Korea, China and Japan in the 1930s.

Kim was cast in "Inspiring Generation" after Lee Jun Ki and Kwon Sang Woo turned down the role due to scheduling conflicts. He will play the leading role of Jung Tae. Im Soo Hyang, who appeared in "Iris 2" and "I Do I Do," will play his love interest.  But it's a love story that has a nasty turn as she grows to hate him. Kim So Eun, who co-starred with Kim Hyun Joong in "Boys Over Flowers" will play a singer who gets involved in the independence movement.

The drama, which also stars Jo Dong Hyuk, Han Jung Soo, Kim Sung Oh and Kim Kap Soo, will air in January.