Shin Se-kyung, Jang Hyuk in new sageuk
by javabeans
Finally there’s movement on the SBS drama Tree With Deep Roots, an anticipated historical drama that comes from the producers of Queen Seon-deok and is based on a best-selling book. The drama was first announced a year ago, and had cast Han Seok-kyu (Into the White Night), but news was sparse till now with the additions of Shin Se-kyung (High Kick Through the Roof) and Jang Hyuk (Chuno).
Han Seok-kyu plays King Sejong the Great, who is most famous for having created hangul, the Korean alphabet. The drama will have mystery-thriller elements, as it features a suspicious murder, but will also center around language as one of its motifs, which is something I look forward to. (It was one of my favorite parts of Sungkyunkwan Scandal, and gave it its own distinct flavor.) His version of the famous king is characterized by an offbeat, cute charm as well and sense of humanity.
Shin Se-kyung has been cast as So-yi, a court lady who helps King Sejong in his hangul creation project. A childhood trauma has rendered her unable to speak, but through working with the king, she gradually begins to talk. Don’tcha just love Korean dramas and their fascination with thematic opposites? It’s like they’re afraid you’ll miss the Important Messages, and are ensuring you won’t by bonking you over the head with ’em. (Such as: girl sees ghosts, guy conjures ghosts (Chilling Romance); girl feels too much pain, guy can’t feel any pain (Pain), girl needs eyes, guy gives her his eyes (that music video, you know the one, oh and that other music video), and so on.)
Jang Hyuk
Then there’s Jang Hyuk, returning to the sageuk fold after pretty much reinventing his career as the fierce slave hunter Dae-gil in last year’s blockbuster Chuno. Dae-gil was a nobleman turned slave hunter; this time his character Chae Yoon takes the opposite trajectory in starting out a slave who becomes a soldier.
However, while that makes Chae Yoon one of the king’s armed men, for some as-yet-undisclosed reason he considers Sejong his enemy. The tension is sure to flare when it becomes clear that So-yi is invaluable to both men, which naturally entangles the relationships further.
If the title Queen Seon-deok weren’t enough to stir interest in this new drama, consider the credits of the three main people involved: PD Jang Tae-woo had a ratings smash with War of Money, then directed the lush period drama Painter of the Wind; writer Kim Young-hyun penned mega-Hallyu hit Dae Jang Geum and then Queen Seon-deok, and also has the crime series H.I.T and recent chaebol drama Royal Family to her credits; her co-writer Park Sang-yeon worked with her on H.I.T and Seon-deok, and also wrote the original novels that were adapted into movies Joint Security Area and May 18.
So…yeah, that’s a lot of experience for three people, and some impressive credits. You can see why the interest is high for Tree With Deep Roots, which is scheduled for a fall premiere. It will be 24 episodes long on SBS, airing Wednesdays and Thursdays, with its first episode airing on September 28.
Han Seok-kyu
Via 10 Asia
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Tags: Han Seok-kyu, Jang Hyuk, Shin Se-kyung, Tree With Deep Roots
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1 jomo143
May 22, 2011 at 5:46 AM
I'm starting to like the longer series.
It'll be nice to
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Ani
May 22, 2011 at 8:23 PM
If it becomes a hit, chances are they might capitalize and add episodes. Heh.
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2 Shelley
May 22, 2011 at 5:49 AM
Another one for Jang Hyuk? OMG, I guess he doesn't need any break. I just finished watching his Midas.
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Steph
May 22, 2011 at 8:02 AM
Actually, he probably would have a 2-3 month break before the new drama.
Horikita Maki had at least 3 movies and 3 dramas per year from 2004 to 2008. In 2006, she acted in 4 movies and 5 dramas.
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yakno
May 22, 2011 at 9:43 AM
There is actually a difference between a Japanese and Korean drama..
Korean drama airs every twice a week while Japanese only once a week.
Most of the time, Japanese dramas are completed before, or almost half way through because they can have weeks in between filming them. Japanese dramas are also short, they run about 40-50 minutes if I am right. They can have lots of time in between.This can't be said for movies as I don't know.
Even though the filming for korean drama starts about a month or two before it airs, the drama catches up before when it nears 12 episodes so they have less time each week after.The rest is short and it is though.
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glencorajane
May 23, 2011 at 2:24 AM
this drama will start commence production in mid june.
Altho I will prefer Hyukie in a modern drama but I guess him dressed in Saguek with a round hat and a feather extension is not so bad either!
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3 mysterious
May 22, 2011 at 5:58 AM
Yes it does sound intriging. I like sageuks but usually steer away because they can be soooo long and I have a short attention span (not to mention they are dripping with strife and sometimes I just can't take all the melodrama - like Chuno which had me in a sad mood for days - they killed Daegil for crying out loud - as if he wasn't tragic enough already and they broke Seolhwa's heart - as if SHE wasn't tragic enough! Sorry rant over :D). But this does sound interesting with the korean alphabet angle going for it and the fact it is only 24 ep, I think I'll put this on my list of things to (possibly) watch. But I'll probably wait until it is completely finished, find out the ending and decide if I want to watch depending on if it is sad or not.
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fun²
May 22, 2011 at 9:50 AM
Really, that's Chuno's end? I'm glad I pushed off watching the last few episodes... now, probably for ever. Ep 15 had me heart broken when they 'killed off' major side characters, but this is just gonna push me off the edge.
Hm, a 24-episode saguek with such creditable production team just might make it bearable to sit through... let's hope it lives up to expectations :)
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aya
May 22, 2011 at 7:57 PM
next time can you indicate a spoiler if you're going to reveal the ending of a drama.
i just got time to watch chuno and im 3/4 in and quiet honestly you just completely ruined the drama for me.
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glencorajane
May 23, 2011 at 2:26 AM
chuno is more than a year old, you cant blame anyone for talking about the ending... just my two cents worth.
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Linda165
May 23, 2011 at 5:10 AM
I agree with aya. Not everyone has years watching Kdramas. I've only been a Kdrama addict for less than a year and Chuno is in my to watch list. I'm still going to watch it regardless the ending, but yeah... it won't be the same.
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4 ck1Oz
May 22, 2011 at 6:10 AM
Interesting.Should I watch it?Aigoo..
It sounds like a drama ripe for extensions.I would have just finished/finishing Scent of a woman (Lee Dong Wook and Kim Sun Ah).Decisions decisions.
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5 Lacey
May 22, 2011 at 6:48 AM
Yay Shin Se Kyung! I have been missing her!
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6 Bengbeng
May 22, 2011 at 7:05 AM
is that girl in the picture really Shin Se Kyung? she looks different. She looks like Lee Min Jung in the pic.
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beppu
May 22, 2011 at 9:54 PM
I second the observation!
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weekwand
May 23, 2011 at 10:24 PM
Lee Min Jung's lips has more curve hehehe
anyway, i envy Shin Se Kyung's shiny(honey?) skin....
wonder when i can get to that kind of skin tone *keep scrubbing babe*
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7 JNC
May 22, 2011 at 7:14 AM
now THIS is something that's going to be BIG!
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8 kellie
May 22, 2011 at 7:35 AM
Thanks for the news re TWDR. Anything history buff Kim Yeong-Hyeon writes is of interest to me. I don't think she was in on Dae Jo Young. Her only other sageuk credit besides QSD and DJG seems to be Seodongyo. This new one has a terrific title. I hope they stick with it and don't go to "Scandal of the Bloody Sword" or something.
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supah
May 22, 2011 at 8:30 AM
I like the title too, it's actually meant to be a remake of MBC's Tree with Deep Roots from 1983: http://wiki.d-addicts.com/Tree_With_Deep_Roots_%281983%29
I like that a lot of old titles are coming back in the form of remakes or otherwise i.e. Flames of Ambition, Golden Pond...
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9 pohonphee
May 22, 2011 at 8:09 AM
Wow Jang Hyuk is really a busy man. I like Dae Jang geum, Painter of the wind, Queen of Seon deok, and Chuno (shirtless jang hyuk), I'll watch this.
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10 supah
May 22, 2011 at 8:25 AM
Ooh... I like that cast. Shin Se-kyung might not be a strong enough actress against the lead men, but I did like the way she played her role in Queen Seon-deok, she does have a certain spark.
I never really got round to finishing Painter of The Wind but I loveloveloved the directing.
But I'm not so sure about the writer, I've been sort of looking forward to this project hoping the writing would be a little on the darker, less conventional side.
QSD, Dae Jang-geum were, in my humble opinion, borderline mediocre projects in spite of being big hitters. (And were partly responsible for my disillusionment about sageuk as a genre.)
Still, I'll be watching and hoping for the best.
Dae Jo-yeong was penned by Jang Young-cheol (of last year's Giant).
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11 carpetfibers
May 22, 2011 at 8:55 AM
So excited about this project. And I'm happy to see only 24 episodes and not 50 slated for it.
Also: I did not recognize Shin Se Kyung at all in that picture. I kept looking at the name and then the picture, and then back again, doubting that I was connecting the right actress.
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12 le
May 22, 2011 at 9:15 AM
jang hyuk is awesome, he is so busy. but i would like to see him in a great romantic comedy, like from the hong sisters. the girl i don't know much about her except she is dating an idol.
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13 Revy
May 22, 2011 at 10:23 AM
I am definitely watching this
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14 caulfieldglass
May 22, 2011 at 10:29 AM
Ok, good pick on picture of Jang Hyuk. He looks pretty damn good in that shot.
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15 sandy80
May 22, 2011 at 10:45 AM
hmm from what ive seen on the drama page on daum there is not that much anticipation and cast is boring
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16 YBisTOP
May 22, 2011 at 10:54 AM
Wait, who is actually the main leading male?
I'm excited for this drama. I love historical dramas! Currently watching 'The Duo' and it is AWESOME! ;)
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17 mangoesforsummer
May 22, 2011 at 11:03 AM
is it just me or does jang hyuk really resemble woo sung jung in that pic?
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18 Emeldy
May 22, 2011 at 11:08 AM
I hate to say it out loud. But i really don't find Jang Hyuk attractive. I just can't seem to get over how weird his lip movement is.(OMG did i say that out loud)
Sorry Fans Please don't kill me.
For the record my nephew is a big fans, he thinks he one of the few K actor that ooze masculinity.
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bd
May 22, 2011 at 9:58 PM
JH in his early days wasn't really good-looking - had too "soft" of a face.
As he has gotten older (and gotten in better shape), his feature has become significantly more defined and "manly."
Now, I wouldn't put him up there w/ the Song Seung heons and Kim Sung soos of the world, but he's in the lower tier.
I'd probably put Hyun Bin in that lower tier as well - w/ actors like Jung Woo sung, etc.
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haeho
May 23, 2011 at 3:12 PM
IA with your tier ranks lol.
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glencorajane
May 23, 2011 at 2:27 AM
yes I am going to kill you. LOL
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Linda165
May 23, 2011 at 5:11 AM
I'll help you :)
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19 sunshine
May 22, 2011 at 11:21 AM
So excited about this! Better get on with finishing all those other dramas I've been dying to catch up on before this one begins.
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20 boobae
May 22, 2011 at 1:13 PM
There is a big age difference btw JH and SSK. Is Jang Hyuk playing Shin's father ?
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glencorajane
May 23, 2011 at 2:42 AM
If you compare her with Jang Hyuk, you should compare her to the other actor portraying the King. They will have a relationship too!
girls can always fall for older man and Jang Hyuk is not that old.
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21 arhazivory
May 22, 2011 at 1:38 PM
Wow...Sept 24 is quite a long way from now so I'll put a damp cloth on my highly piqued interest. This drama sounds really good and the people behind it are great enough to make it as good as it sounds.
BTW....Jang Hyuk's lips are hot.
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Kiara
May 22, 2011 at 3:39 PM
Quite the opposite for me :( (forgive me).
It didnt really bother me before but when he put on that serious look in my Midas his mouth/lips was far from being hot. I cant really explain what it is but it annoys the heck out of me. He kind of like an arrogant sob.
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Arhazivory
May 22, 2011 at 10:16 PM
lol. So opposite...It was his lips that caught my attention.
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glencorajane
May 23, 2011 at 2:29 AM
I am sorry you feel that way. But Jang Hyuk is not arrogant. He has a serious personality and is humble.
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Kiara
May 23, 2011 at 6:48 AM
Qwenli I know he's not agrrogant :). I meant to say he kind of look like one with his mouth like that but I guess he was doing his job well because his character was an arrogant bastard in the beginning.
I think he's a fine actor and one of my favorite and I have watched every drama that hes been in. I just dont find him that attractive esp his mouth/lips thats all.
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Pamillah
May 22, 2011 at 8:34 PM
Jang Hyuk's mouth is different and quirky, but I find it very sexy!! It gives him a unique look compared to other male actors. Overall, that man is downright gorgeous ;)
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Linda165
May 22, 2011 at 10:14 PM
I've said this before, but I've had dreams, endless dreams about JH's mouth. Sigh. I won't give details.
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Lenita
May 25, 2011 at 10:08 AM
LOL, you and me both, girlfriend! :D
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22 Kiara
May 22, 2011 at 3:28 PM
Its about time and thanks for the update. I have been waiting and waiting for this. Love everything I read so far.
I know SSK still have a way to go but she is still young and I love her beautiful natural face.
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23 Ladymoonstone143
May 22, 2011 at 5:56 PM
Jang Hyuk? Definitely watching this...:)))
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Linda165
May 22, 2011 at 10:17 PM
Omo omo, to steal a line from Lie to Me: Yeobo... I'm here!
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24 Anon
May 23, 2011 at 7:07 AM
Wow Shin Se Kyung is in a roll. She has not stopped working since High Kick - it's been CFs, movies and now drama. Good for her.
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25 ar
May 23, 2011 at 2:20 PM
Jang Hyuk and plus the fact that this sounds super interesting...I can't wait!
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26 tinatot
May 27, 2011 at 2:08 AM
24 episodes? okay i might check this out... hopefully they wont extend it hahah... i hate 30 episode long series... they get dragging... i love creating destiny but i admit there were lots of unneeded parts... =(
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27 jasminenight
June 9, 2011 at 10:38 AM
I'll watch anything that has Jang Hyuk in it! And I do hope that this series will be extended up to abot 60 episodes at the very least! hehe!
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28 Almond
May 19, 2012 at 12:58 PM
I'm watching TWDR thinking Jung Woo Sung is playing Kang Chae Yun/Dol Beok for the entire time. I just finished the 17th episode and googled about the drama, what a big shock! It's a totally different actor! I usually don't get confused between actors, but wow they look so alike. Kang Hyuk is like a slimmer version of Jung Woo Sung.
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