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| Actor Yoo Ah-in, right, who plays the role of rebellious Yi Bang-won in the upcoming drama "Roots of the Throne" poses for a photo with actress Shin Se-kyung, who takes the role of Yi's paramour Bun-yi, during a press conference in Seoul, Wednesday. / Yonhap |
By Kim Jae-heun
Actor Yoo Ah-in is shooting for another triumph in period drama as he stars in the new epic series "Roots of the Throne" ― also known by its working title "Six Flying Dragons" ― which starts airing on SBS on Oct. 5 at 10 p.m.
Yoo, 29, is undoubtedly one of the hottest young actors today for his two recent box office hits, "Veteran" and "The Throne," is ready to exude his charm in interpreting historic figures.
Yoo, who made his debut in 2003 in the teenage series "Sharp 1," has worked in various genres on both the small and big screens since. The actor gained fame in his breakout role as the mischievous Moon Jae-shin in the period drama "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" in 2010 and starred as piano prodigy Sun-jae in the cable melodrama "Secret Love Affair" in 2014, which established Yoo as a skillful actor.
In his new epic drama, Yoo will take on another role with a rebellious streak -- Yi Bang-won (1367-1422), who later rose to the throne as the third king Taejong of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).
"I felt a strong attraction towards the bold character of Yi Bang-won as many veteran actors have taken the role before," said Yoo during a press conference at SBS in Mokdong, Seoul, Wednesday. "I will be able to show the new Yi Bang-won as I am comparatively younger than other actors who have played the character before.
"I think the character (Yi Bang-won) has not yet been fully acted out to show the various aspects in life (back in the Joseon Kingdom). For example, I tried to show the internal conflict he had when he clashed with his with father (Joseon's founder and first king Taejo) and then prime minister Jeong Do-jeon."
"Roots of the Throne" is a special project produced to mark the 25th anniversary of SBS. The plot depicts conflicts revolving around six ambitious characters including Prince Yi Bang-won, who especially collides with Jeong Do-jeon for control of the newly established Joseon Kingdom. Jeong alleges that ministers should rule the country while Yi wants absolute authority.
Veteran actor Kim Myung-min plays Jeong Do-jeon, and actress Shin Se-kyung takes the role of Bun-yi. Chun Ho-jin, Byun Yo-han and Yoon Kyun-sang appear as Yi Seong-gye (King Taejo), Ddang-sae (Jeong Do-jeon's bodyguard) and Mu-hyul (Taejong's bodyguard), respectively.
Popular writers Kim Young-hyun and Park Sang-yeon's participation in inventing the epic script also contribute to the growing expectation of the drama. Kim wrote the 2003 hit drama "Jewel in the Palace," also known as "Daejanggeum," while Park wrote the 2000 mystery thriller film "Joint Security Area."
"I have always wanted to work with Kim Young-hyun and Park Sang-yeon," said actor Kim Myung-min. "I have strong faith in these two writers and they are the reason why I decided to star in this drama along with Yoo Ah-in and Shin Se-kyung, who are popular now.
"So far, I've shot two scenes with Yoo. I wanted to work with Yoo from a long time ago. I am excited to work with this talented cast."
Kim also has a knack for playing historical figures, including the unforgettable representation of Admiral Yi Sun-shin in the 2004 drama "Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-shin."
"Roots of the Throne" will be aired on Mondays and Tuesdays and more than 50 episodes are planned.
