Yonsamas New Drama to Air on TV in September

Poster for ``Taewangsasingi'' (The Four Guardian Gods of the King)

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter

TV's highly anticipated release date of its blockbuster drama ``Taewangsasingi'' (The Four Guardian Gods of the King), starring hallyu superstar Bae Yong-joon, has finally been set to Sept. 10. The epic series is awaiting its international release that will stretch across some 90 countries around the world, including Japanese broadcaster NHK.

Despite initial plans for it to air in May, the schedule faced several post-production delays, including large-scale computer graphic works. Currently six episodes are complete, according to its broadcaster MBC.

The drama, shot since February in Korea's largest ever production site on Jeju Island, adds a mythical flair to the string of epic period pieces garnering large followings, such as MBC's hit series ``Jumong,'' which aired last summer until March this year. Many are anxiously waiting to see ``Taewangsasingi,'' which has been saddled with a whopping (staggering) 30 billion won budget.

The historical fantasy piece traces the legendary life and times of the great King Gwanggaeto (391-413), the 19th ruler of the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C.-A.D. 668). Bae will play three major historical figures: Hwanwoong, the father of Dangun, who is believed to be the son of God and founder of Korea's first kingdome Gojoseon (2,333-108 B.C.); Jumong, the founder of Goguryeo; and finally King Gwanggaeto.

In addition to starring Bae, popularly called ``Yonsama,'' in Japan, ``Taewangsasingi'' boasts an all-star cast including award-winning actress Moon So-ri (``Oasis,'' 2002) and veteran actors Choi Min-soo and Park Sang-won (heroes of SBS hit series ``The Sandglass'').

``Taewangsasingi Special,'' introducing the series by revealing the behind-the-scenes of the shooting and interviews with its stars, will be shown Sept. 10. MBC will then air the first three of the drama's 24 episodes during the first week, 9:55 p.m., Sept.11-13, followed by two episodes per week every Wednesday and Thursday.

A total of 1,184 members are registered for the drama's official blog site (http://cafe.naver.com/mbcking). One member with a user name ``Hwangoltaltae,'' commented, ``I finally get to see confirmation news (of the airing). My heart beats furiously.''

hyowlee@koreatimes.co.kr

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