Beautiful men come of age in new KBS period drama

[waves-of-light.livejournal.com]

In the distant past of Korean history, there was an age when an elite group of young and handsome men roamed the land to train themselves in the arts, culture and self-defense.

The forthcoming KBS 2TV drama "Hwarang" is the story of these men, called by that name, who discover their passions, love and friendships in the turmoils of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. - A.D. 935). In the title roles are some of the hottest up-and-coming stars and idol singers, including Choi Min-ho of boy band SHINee, Kim Tae-hyung, or V, of boy group BTS and Park Hyung-sik of boy band ZE:A.


"Although it's clearly a historical drama, we aimed to create a historical drama that is also a fusion (of genres), talks about youth and has a modern feel," the series' producer and director Yoon Sung-sik said Friday during a promotional press conference held in southern Seoul.

The drama's overall tone is bright and cheerful, but at the same time, it will have a serious side that deals with the real history of the coming-of-age of Silla's King Jinheung and other hwarang members. Jinheung, who was enthroned at the age of seven, greatly enlarged the kingdom during his reign and established hwarang as an official youth organization tasked with nurturing the young.

Park Seo-joon takes on the role of protagonist Moo-myeong, or Seon-woo, who rises above his low social class to become a legendary hwarang. The actor said he chose the work partly because he wanted to end his 20s with a piece centered on youth. In the end, he took away a lot of lessons.

"My character is someone who feels uncomfortable about the strict social caste system in the Silla period and feels it needs to be changed," he said. "I often felt embarrassed as I read my lines because while Seon-woo expresses (those thoughts), I asked myself whether I can, or have been raising my voice with my own convictions."

To celebrate his 28th (or 29th under the Korean age system) birthday, which fell on Friday, the producers prepared a cake and had everyone sing for him at the end of the press conference.

"Hwarang" is a "first" in many respects for the young cast members. Not only is it the first historical piece for the majority of them, it is the first time acting for V. The idol singer plays Han-seong, the youngest member of the hwarang and the hope of a family on the brink of ruin.

"Han-seong is innocent and bright and full of curiosity," V said. "He's also the kind of person who when they become engrossed with something concentrates only on that. He's kind of like me."

Other lead actors include Go Ara in the role of an outspoken woman born to a noble father and low-class mother, and Park Hyung-sik in the role of the young and troubled king.

In choosing the cast, Yoon said he obviously picked them based on their good looks because that was important for their roles, but also for their acting abilities. "I was pleased as director because they all worked so hard to my complete satisfaction," he said. "Perhaps because of their youthful energy, I was happy throughout filming."

"Hwarang" completed filming in September and is set to premiere at 10 p.m. on Monday.




I lol'ed at the article title, but I'm keeping it.

Yonhap News

Comments

[teukie-pie.livejournal.com]

Taehyung is the cutest cutie to ever cute. No one can convince me otherwise.



Q: What is behind the casting of Taehyung for the role of Hansung?
“Honestly, during our first meeting.. my eyes were fascinated by Kim Taehyung.. he is so cute.. I thought he is really cute.. he is really cute.” - Hwarang PD

I'll definitely watch the Drama because I like the cast...but I can already tell I'm going to get annoyed by the love triangle. Is there a single Korean Drama out there without a love triangle?

[ah0000.livejournal.com]

Healer doesn't have a love triangle!!!! Neither do either of my faves Angry Mom or God's Gift, which are both about motherly love lol so no love triangle

[antrea.livejournal.com]

Man I love God's Gift, should get around to rewatching that some time

[cedric-mcfly.livejournal.com]

Lmao the title, i love it!

I don't know exactly when i became this excited for this, but now that it's almost here i'm kind of scared, what if it doesn't deliver lmao!

[lostintheechoes.livejournal.com]

i love these period dramas in general, but i cant wait to see this. all the previews have been adorable.

[epls6.livejournal.com]

I am not sure I'll be able to enjoy this drama, I tried to watch the special episode but was a bit too cringe for me.

Not too found of period dramas unless story is trully good, not quite convinced that this is the case yet.

[nandexdame.livejournal.com]

This drama's probably going to be a pile of hot dung, but i'll give it a try if only to see long hair minho again

[pastelpinklace.livejournal.com]

This has flop written all over but ill watch bc of tae

[caipirinhas.livejournal.com]

I love Park Seo Joon, and he tends to pick good dramas. So, I'm holding out hope that this show manages to adequately balance ~humor with plot. My fav thing about all of this press is how everyone clearly loves the hell out of Taehyung. It's so cute.

[keytfelt.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you kept that title.
I'm totally going to go into this just expecting bromance and pretty boys. I'm hoping if I set my expectations low I won't be disappointed (unlike another recent sageuk with flower boy actors...)
I am excited because my best friend and I will both be home for Christmas and we're already planning on watching the first 4 episodes together in the same room instead of just simultaneously watching and texting each other half a world apart.

[kaypukis.livejournal.com]

ugh cannot unsee park hyungshik resemblance to yan an.
they look like brother

[chimpansee.livejournal.com]

This drama should just be called V bringing all the boys to the yard because that's what it is lbr

[mewaqua1.livejournal.com]

i just watched the special episode of pre-hwarang airing and omg it rlly looks like a good drama! def gonna try it and see where it goes ^^

[cielo89.livejournal.com]

I'm really excited for this but at the same time, I don't want to be too hyped about it in case it doesn't deliver.

[arysthaeniru.livejournal.com]

the trailers were a little cringeworthy, but i'll find a highlight reel somewhere for go ara, i'm sure.

[antrea.livejournal.com]

The special ep that got released yesterday killed me. The interactions between the 6 boys are so fun, it feels like they've known each other for years!!! And Seo Joon called Taehyung Taetae lol

[rosiemotleymind.livejournal.com]

Their cast interviews are all so cute! I'm watching this for all the hot guys tbh. Like Taehyung of course. Plus Park Seo Joon can break me in half and I would thank him for it.