Gwanghaegun returns in 'factional' drama

Actors starring in MBC's new period drama "Hwajeong" pose at a press event at the MBC building in Sangam-dong, west Seoul, Tuesday. From left are Cha Seung-won, Kim Jae-won, Lee Yeon-hee, Seo Kang-jun, Han Ju-wan and Cho Seong-ha. / Courtesy of MBC

By Kwon Ji-youn

The ancient story of Gwanghaegun (or Prince Gwanghae) has found its way back onto the small screen, but actor Cha Seung-won and producer Kim Sang-ho have pledged their new period drama "Hwajeong" will remain compelling while staying true to history.

At a press event Tuesday, producer Kim Sang-ho described "Hwajeong" (Splendid Politics) as "faction" (a combination of fact and fiction) and resolved not to distort history.

"It'll be a cross between fact and fiction" Kim said. "It won't stray too far from facts, but seasoning will add flavor to the plot."

He continued, "Because it's a 50-episode drama, a lot of actors will come and go as the story progresses — they may die, be born, be exiled or return. Rather than focus on one character's life story, ‘Hwajeong' will bring history, as it occurred, to viewers."

Kim said the planning for "Hwajeong" began with Italian historian Benedetto Croce's quote, "all history is contemporary history."

"This is why I believe viewers enjoy period dramas so much," he said. "The history covered in ‘Hwajeong' will undoubtedly serve as a mirror for modern day Korea."

"Hwajeong," an MBC production that will celebrate the broadcaster's 54th anniversary, will center on Gwanghaegun, the 15th king of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), who was deposed in a coup and demoted to prince. It will draw on the theme of human ambition and power, such as with the aristocrats under Gwanghaegun's regime, and will focus on Gwanghaegun's transformation as ambition taints his otherwise spotless reputation.

"‘Hwajeong' is not a fantasy period drama nor is it a heavy historical production like KBS's ‘Jingbirok,'" Kim said. "It's somewhere in between. Our consumers are our viewers and it seems this is what they want."

Cha, to appear as Gwanghaegun, will carry the first half, while Kim Jae-won, to portray an ambitious Injo, the 16th king of Joseon, will helm the second.

"My hope of course is that my portrayal of Gwanghaegun will be well-received," Cha said. "I liked that the producers and writers weren't looking to twist historical facts to make it melodramatic or sensational. My job will be to take the character and my written lines to recreate a Gwanghaegun that viewers will find appealing."

Kim, whose character is unlike the optimist he typically evokes, will be handed the baton when Gwanghaegun is deposed.

"It has been eight or nine years since I've taken on a role in a period drama," Kim said. "I've been agonizing over how to keep viewers absorbed as Cha exits. There's a lot of pressure, but I have some time to think it through."

Actress Lee Yeon-hee, who will star as Princess Jeongmyeong, only daughter of King Seonjo and sister to his (late-born) legitimate heir Grand Prince Yeongchang, will once again masquerade as a man. Princess Jeongmyeong falls from grace as Gwanghaegun takes the throne only to narrowly escape death and sneak back incognito into the palace to go up against Gwanghaegun.

"I think dressing the part of a man is something actresses can enjoy," Lee said. "There's something alluring about flaunting an androgynous appeal."

Producer Kim said he cast Lee because he saw ambition veiled behind her boyish charm.

"She definitely has a boyish charm, but there's ambition there, too — I can see it in her eyes," he said.

Actors Seo Kang-jun, Cho Seong-ha and Han Ju-wan are also set to appear. The first episode will air on April 13 at 10 p.m.

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