Cast, producer nervous, excited ahead of 'Arthdal Chronicles' premiere
The four stars of the tvN drama “Arthdal Chronicles” during the press event Tuesday at the Imperial Palace Seoul. Courtesy of tvN
By Dong Sun-hwa
Mixed expectations precede the June 1 premiere of cable channel tvN's fantasy drama “Arthdal Chronicles.”
Producer Kim Won-seok was antsy when he met the press Tuesday with the star-studded cast at the Imperial Palace Seoul.
“We do not expect compliments just because we worked hard, but the cast and crew believed Korea should have a drama like this,” he said. “Please evaluate it after watching at least the first two episodes.”
The 18-episode big-budget series, which revolves around the birth of the first civilization “Arthdal” on the fabled continent “Arth,” has been one of the most anticipated TV dramas this year thanks to its unique setting and cast members ― Song Joong-ki, Jang Dong-gun, Kim Ji-won and Kim Ok-vin.
The actors wear “tribal” makeup and animal skins to recreate the ancient times. Most scenes required computer-generated imagery (CGI) and special effects to create an imaginary world that has a sense of reality.
The actors and crew admitted they were nervous and excited at the same time.
Song Joong-ki and Jang Dong-gun pose during the press event Tuesday at the Imperial Palace Seoul. Courtesy of tvN
“'Arthdal Chronicles' is probably the most challenging drama for me,” Song said. “I needed courage to star in the work but I thought I should walk out of the comfort zone as an actor. I also trusted the writers and the producer who I previously teamed with.”
Song has the role of “Eun-seom,” a cursed child who later takes control of Arthdal.
“I was pressured to appear in the masterpiece, but I could rely on Jang,” he said.
Jang plays “Ta-gon,” an ambitious war hero and the rival of Eun-seom, who desires to become the first monarch of the imaginary continent.
“Ta-gon is a three-dimensional figure who crosses the line between good and evil,” Jang said. “I desired to take this role and was thrilled to read the scripts.”
Kim Ok-vin and Kim Ji-won pictured during the press event Tuesday at the Imperial Palace Seoul. Courtesy of tvN
Kim Ji-won plays "Tan-ya," an unblessed woman who becomes the kingdom's first female politician.
“I was enthralled by the character that never gives up,” Kim said. “If not now, I thought I would not have another opportunity in the future to appear on a TV series like this.”
Park Sang-yeon, one of the two screenwriters, said: “We wrote the drama based on the belief 'nothing is original.' Therefore we attempted to return to the past when there was neither monarch nor civilization.
“I have been good at predicting the ratings, but this time I cannot even take a guess. I just hope the soap opera can rock.”
“Arthdal Chronicles” premieres at 9 p.m. (local time) on June 1.