Sneak peek: A different kind of Hong Gil Dong
Who’s excited about Hong Gil Dong??
The upcoming drama (the official title is “Kwae-do Hong Gil Dong,” which translates roughly to “Sharp Blade Hong Gil Dong”) has been on my radar ever since it was announced because it’s the next project for screenwriters Hong Mi Ran and Hong Jung Eun, who wrote three series I thoroughly enjoyed: Delightful Girl Chun Hyang, My Girl, and Fantasy Couple. A lot of times with dramas, they sound interesting and I get all excited, then watch an episode or two and drop it in boredom. With these two, I’d practically commit to a series sight unseen because I know it’s going to be (1) funny, (2), fast-paced, (3) and have great, sparkling characters. Oh, and romance peppered with funny dialogue, hilarious clashing, and lots of chemistry.
It’s described thusly:
“The drama is decidedly different from any sageuk dramas we’ve seen thus far. From the actors’ wardrobes to its styling, it plans to show the essence of what a fusion sageuk is. In particular, there are a lot of fantastic action scenes and fiery sunsets, but the harshest and most brutal scenes have been reduced, so anyone, male or female, young or old, will be able to enjoy it.”
Unfortunately, the Olive Nine-produced drama doesn’t air till early next year (KBS2, Wednesday-Thursday), but at least we have these newly released preview pictures to whet our appetites…
SONG OF THE DAY
Sorea – “이 노래를 부를게요” (I would sing this song) [ zShare download ]
The second reason I was eager about this drama was upon hearing their casting for the main role, the Robin Hood-y historical figure of Hong Gil Dong — here played by Kang Ji Hwan. Aside from being cute and all that superficial stuff, he’s got a charisma and an ability to absorb into his characters in a way that a lot of young actors in his generation don’t have (or haven’t yet figured out). I’m confident he’ll totally own his role here.
In this drama, the main character of HONG GIL DONG, played by actor Kang Ji Hwan, is a complete change in direction from the way he’s generally portrayed. In the preview pictures, Kang Ji Hwan sports naturally mussed hair and, peculiarly, sunglasses — bespeaking a completely new Hong Gil Dong character.
I’ll admit it. I was notably less excited to hear about Sung Yuri being cast, because I don’t think much of her acting. The best thing people can say about her is “she’s pretty” and “her acting has improved…” (Ha, when you start out scraping the bottom of the barrel, it would be horrifying if you didn’t improve.) But fine, I’m willing to give her a shot, and I’ll even promise to TRY to, maybe, if I feel like it, possibly tone down the bitchy snark. Kind of. Because I know a lot of times the only things separating a mediocre actor from a potentially good one (although perhaps not a great one) are a good script and strong director. Hey, the Hong sisters did wonders for Han Ye Seul and Oh Ji Ho in Fantasy Couple…
Born into a noble family but living without regard to her social status, the cute roughneck HEO INOK, played by singer-actress Sung Yuri , shows an uncommon glitter in her eyes. Her character displays athletic prowess and is just as skilled as the guys in the martial arts.
And then there is baby-faced uber-cutie Jang Geun Seok, who really shot to fame after his role in Hwang Jini despite his tender years (he’s a 1987-er).
Jang Geun Seok, playing LEE CHANG HWI who ascends the throne in the drama, just oozes charisma. Having caused women’s hearts to flutter as Hwang Jini’s first love in the drama Hwang Jini, he shows yet another side to his handsome charm.
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Tags: fusion dramas, Hong Gil Dong, Kang Ji-hwan, sageuk dramas
I’m totally looking forward to watching Kang Ji Hwan in Hong Gil Dong because I have loved all his work so far. I’m sure he’ll make this a series worth watching. Not sure about Sung Yuri because I’m not familiar with her work. Jang Geun Sook was cute in Hwang Jini bit seemed a bit young to be Ha Ji Won’s first love.
Looking forward to that one too ^^
Sung Yuri was great in Snow Queen so lets see what she’s gonna do in this one. Anyway be it a new kind of sageuk or a traditionnal sageuk I don’t care, It’s gonna be historical, seeing your pics there’s gonna be good costumes and Cool looling characters so I’m all for it!
As for Kang Ji Hwan, I’m not really familiar with his acting. Just watched something like three episodes of Capital Scandal, and one episode of one of the last drama aired in SDTV don’t remember the name it was with this actress who was in Sassy Girl Choon Hyang… Was crappy and boring so I didn’t bother with the rest…
I also think Jang Geun Seok seemed to young next to Ha Ji Won in Hwang Jin Yi, but he looks older on the pic and the actors are younger in this one so it should be ok. Not like they really care about age in Sageuk Dramas…
Currently watching Bae Young Joon in The Legend supposed to be something like 17… Ahem kof kof.
Same with the actor acting Jang Bo Go in Hae Shin… He’s way past 30 and in the beginning there’s tons of sentences like the guy is young or something. Anyway it looks promising. Still a few months to wait ^^
I’m not so sure about this drama
but Sorea ain’t bad, nice blend of old and new.
Wait…Song Yuri as a tomboy…?? O_O
hmm…maybe this might be interesting after all o.o
Oh, was Sung Yuri in Snow Queen? She was OK. I think I was too focused on Hyun Bin to notice her acting much.
I have high expectations for this drama.
Only because Kang Ji Hwan’s in it.
He hasn’t disappointed me so far… =P
I’m so excited for this because ;
Kang Jihwan !
Kang Jihwan !!
Kang Jihwan !!!
Loved him eversince Capital Scandal ^__^ cannot wait~~!
thanks for featuring Hong Gil Dong! i have such high hopes for this with uber charming, oozing with x-factor Kang Ji Hwan and the talented Hong sisters. his sunglasses look reminds me of Val Kilmer at the airport scene in the movie “The Saint”. groovy.
ME ME ME!!
Not only am I excited about it..I’m practically dreading the so many days I have to wait until it comes out..
And I’m with you about Kang Ji Hwan..he just does wonders with his roles. (Still can’t get over his role as Wannie in Capital Scandal – which made me think differently about him as an actor. Totally displayed his versatility as an actor in this drama..);
PLUS, how can I ever miss a Hong Sisters drama? They’re like one of the best comedy drama writers out there.. having produced most of the best rom-coms we’ve seen till now.
SYR’s alright. I don’t have any particular liking towards her acting..she didn’t leave a big impression on me while watching SQ (maybe there wasn’t any depth in her acting, or it’s just me who didn’t see it..). But since the Hong Sisters have always had the knack in propelling unknown/not so popular stars to stardom..I will cut SYR some slack. She’d probably amaze me like how Han Chae Young did in Delightful Girl Chun Hyang (altho it was Jae Hee who made it for me in that drama) in this drama.
BUT still, I can’t hide my excitement!
Kang Ji Hwan just spells LOVE for me..
Thanks for the info! Definitely going to watch this one (excited because I like My Girl and Delightful Girl Choon Hyang – good cast, good pace, good soundtrack, they just have the right elements to get my votes).
I’m not a fan of Sung Yuri either… let’s see if she can change my opinion about her this time..
i dunno about sung yuri but im so excited to see KJH again
Being someone who enjoyed My Girl and Delightful Girl Choon Hyang, I’m really interested in this. The first picture of Kang Ji Hwan was pretty convincing too… Not quite digging the curly hair on him though. I’ve never seen Sung Yuri act so I guess it’ll be a new experience for me.
I love the dramas that come out in the winter season, they seem to capture my attention better.
Lol. I totally agree with you on SYR. I’ve tried to watch her dramas, but her acting fails to engage me as a viewer every time. I hope I’m wrong and she ends up being interesting in this drama. ^_^
cant wait… not a sung suri fan but that pic kicks some serious derriere…not a sageuk fan, but i’ll give it a try
OH. I’m so waiting for this drama.
Kang Ji Hwan is the main reason. Hihihi.. ( grinning like a fangirl )
Sung Yu Ri..err. we can’t ask the producer to change her anymore, rite? I’ll just wait and see.
Baby faced uber cutie? lol. But he looks cute indeed in that picture..( haven’t seen Hwang Jini )
Of course, Hong sisters! They are proven good!
i think the name of the featured song is wrong. according to my records, it’s 이 노래를 부를게요…
Ooooh…..looking forward to the dram, Kang Ji Hwan opa…… You sound naughty and bitchy on SYR, Javabeans. Give the gal a tiny chancey….maybe she’ll surprise us, never can tell.
ooh, i think you’re right haerim, i think the id tags were mixed up in my itunes. will fix.
I love their costumes and Kang Ji Hwan’s pose (attitude) in that first picture. The man is absolutely charming. This series has all the markings of a blockbuster. I think there will be quite a few people camping out on this site each week for your recaps. Ahh, how i miss the Coffee Prince madness. This series should be just as captivating. When exactly will this drama air again? Can’t wait.
Oooh I love the first photo!! Count me in as a KJH fan! I adored Capital Scandal. Thanks for the preview.
Thanx for featuring the Hong Gil Dong drama. I was REALLY looking forward to it when I heard that both Joo Ji Hoon and Jo Hyun Jae was going to star in it and so disappointed when I found out that both dropped out! ^^;;;; But after reading about it here (with sneak pics), I’m rather looking forward to it again! I have only seen Kang Ji Hwan in Save the Last Dance for me and that was a very minor role he had there, but Jang Geun Seok was really great in Hwang Jini and I think Sung Yuri was good in Snow Queen. Also, I’m delighted to hear that it’s going to be a new kind of sageuk dramas ^^ Btw, when exactly will it be airing next year? Hopefully around the very beginning of it~
This is probably off topic, but I was wondering if anyone here is looking forward to “Robber” starring Lee Da Hae and Jang Hyuk? Although the storyline isn’t exactly original there’s potential to it and it’s going to be great to see Lee Da Hae in another drama (that has gotta be better than “Hello Miss”…). I wasn’t too sure of Jang Hyuk, but after watching him in “Thank You” I have no objection whatsoever! XP It is supposed to air this december and hopefully it will get broadcasted as planned!
ahhh i’m so excited for this!!
two words: hong sisters. i’m the same as you, javabeans. my girl, choonhyang, and fantasy couple are three of my favorite dramas. there’s no way i’m gonna miss this one. even if Sung yuri is one of the main characters.
Hong sisters, ’nuff said.
I’m actually really looking forward to this. I haven’t been watching any kdrama these days.
Raises hand!! me me me!! i love KJH’s new look omg. i really wanna see this. the cast looks so good in the pics. Plus KJH really pulls off his roles well too! heheheh
I love the fact that he can do most roles great. So yey!!
Yuri isnt that bad for me.. Actually quite ok. Geun Suk is too look out for.
Im really looking forward to it.
I have to admit I’m not familiar with any of the actors (how embarrassing, hehe) but I’m looking forward to this drama mainly and primarily because it’s written by the Hong sisters. I’m a huge fan of their work thus far ^^
looking at just the pictures, i must say sung yuri is giving me hope that she will be giving a different kind of performance (hopefully good.. lol)..
kang ji hwan is too hot >
KANG JI HWAN and HONG SISTERS! it will be the perfect collaboration ever…!! definitely no doubt for their talent… XD
and for me that curly hair is adorable! can’t imagine this hair style in a period drama!! XD
HONG GIL DONG……….!!!!! fighting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
garghhhh, i’m tooo excited….!
ooh! 장근석
exciting!!!!!
if anything, im just excited for YOU to enjoy another drama so we can read along =D
I’m excited, but I think I am still not quite over Joo Ji Hoon dropping out on this one. I still have high hopes for this Hong Gil Dong, though… it’s just gonna take a little extra to get me over the hump of being sad about no Joo Ji Hoon.
I can’t wait. It’s been a while since I’ve heard about a funny one. *fingers crossed*
me, i’m excited as well. hong sisters.
YAY FOR JANG GEUN SUK!!! hes a cup of HOT CHOCOLATE mmhmm..
I really like the prince . Someone can tell me how to forget him ? he always in my mind …
I love Song Yuri….I love Jang Geunseuk…I love Kang Jihwan..they rock!!!!
hmm…Jang Geun Seok reminds me of jo in sung
I love jo in sung!!
i fell in love with Kang Jihwan after Kyungsung Scandal. He’s a very believable actor.. He’s so charming too.
Even though I like Jo Hyun Jae and Joo Ji hoon also, I find Kang Ji hwan better for the role. He’s so Hong Gil Dong. He owns the role. Love it!!!
Jo Hyun Jae is still the only Korean prince befitting of its title..
now i have see this “hong gil dong”.
and i love it.
the actor and actress are perfect in her/his role.
i have never notice kang ji hwan in any role but now i think he is really sweet.
i hope i see him in more dramas.
does anyone knows whetever there is a 2. season?
greetings from germany
cu =^.^=
i really love jun geun suk ,.,.he was so charming and hot.,. i hope to be one of his friend
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this is my love jang. geun seon i love you