Well when you’ve got a good thing going I guess no one wants to see it end. Recent box office hit The Thieves costars Kim Hye-soo and Lee Jung-jae look like they’re headed for film number two as a combo pack, this time in the Joseon-era historical epic The Face Reader.
The film stars Song Kang-ho as a Joseon-era physiognomist/phrenologist, a reader of faces to tell people’s fortunes and characteristics. Is there a historical seer/mystic/pseudoscience trend going on lately, or is it just me? Lee Jung-jae has been offered the role of Prince Suyang, aka second son of King Sejong the Great, and central figure in a ruthless coup d’état to become King Sejo of Joseon. His greatest rival, General Kim Jongseo, has yet to be cast. But the film will focus on their epic battle as Suyang takes over the government by force.
But the central figure in this retelling is the face reader, who will guide the fortunes of future kings. Kim Hye-soo has been offered the role of a gisaeng, which would normally be below her pay grade, but this seems to be the kind of tale that will focus on the pivotal nobodies that the history books would have left out. Song Kang-ho signed on early, as he has worked with writer/director Han Jae-rim, of Elegant World (aka The Show Must Go On), The Purpose of Love, and Natural City before.
Lee Jung-jae and Kim Hye-soo have yet to sign contracts, but reports are favorable. And one of my favorites, scene-stealer Jo Jung-seok (The King 2 Hearts, Introduction to Architecture) has signed on to play Song Kang-ho’s brother-in-law in the film. I hope he’s at least an apprentice, junior face reader extraordinaire, because it would be great to watch him play off of someone with as much presence as Song Kang-ho.
The Face Reader plans to begin shooting by the end of August for a release next year.
Via Star News
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Thank you for the news! off to read now…
Yay!!! So happy to read about Jo Jung-seok again!!!!! He seems to be going places!
And I agree with many who think that JJS is a scene stealer. I loved watching him in TK2Hs. Just a consummate actor, like many of the actors and actresses who acted in that drama.
JJS stole scenes in WU and ItA but I think he met his match of very capable actors in K2H whether it be LSJ, LSG, HJW, & LYJ. As an ensemble cast they elevated the scenes with their nuanced acting.
i can watch JJS allday errday.
I agree with you on the spectacular cast of TK2H. From what I remember there was no scene-stealing or one actor over-shadowing another. They were all stupendous!!
oooh, sounds interesting.
I’m not much of a historical buff, but I do enjoy them if they’re impressive. This one sounds promising.
yeii! i would actually watch anything Song Kang-Ho is in……he is an excellent actor and he never lets down!
Well, that would be a nice cast, that’s for sure. Funny those stories with “ancestors” of today’s sciences. I pretty much like that. Palace guards were like the bouncers of our days.
Interesting. Another take on Suyang after Princess’s Man’s recent turn.
woot! earnest bot!!
WHAT?
LJJ and SKH together? With JJS?
I don’t think LJJ + SKH has ever happened before…. I am so happeeeeeeee!
CAN’T. WAIT. *___*
Jo Jung-seok, YES!!! a talented actor/performer, and a scene-stealer like him is hard to come by. A lot of idols on the lead role can’t even act … just playing cute and pretty, much prettier than their lading-lady. am glad that the manly looking actors are now coming back in the small screen.
isent this the era that Princess’ Man dealt with???!!!
It was very dramatic.
Yes it is. I never liked Prince Suyang since.
i do admit the only thing that made him look more human was his love for our leading lady.
i loathe Kim Hye-soo so much !
I feel the exact opposite.
She makes me weak at the knees.
She’s lovely.
and delicious.
and mischievous.
a scene-stealer.
Hotter that a July afternoon.
lovely ??? delicious ??? “hotter” ??
are you serious ???
she really sucks !! worst actress on television !!
I’ll go with @msim on this one. Just what Kim Hye Soo are you talking about, @Draga? Did she run over your dog, or something? Kim Hye Soo has been one of the most popular and impressive actresses in the business for years. She simply blows away almost anyone in the room with her in nearly every scene. I doubt whether you are likely to find a “hotter” female anywhere in the K-entertainment business. I thought that this was the common consensus. You are in the decided minority in your opinion here, I’m quite certain…
I like her, too!
Yay jo jungseok!!
Jo Jungseok! adored him in K2H, but loved him more in Architecture 101…scene-stealer, indeed!
Why is nobody mentioning Jo Jung-seok’s role in What’s Up when they write about him? He was really good in that drama!