Meet the otherworldly beings of Arang and the Magistrate
by javabeans
What a pretty heavenly king Yoo Seung-ho makes — as if we doubted he would, especially with his lustrous Barbie hair in Warrior Baek Dong-soo. But he ups things one step with his latest role (it’s an extended guest spot) in Arang and the Magistrate, where he plays the Great Jade Emperor.
The promos and teaser have made clear that this drama has got a strong quirky vibe, so it’s no surprise that this god-figure is a bit left of center: His character has a playboyish image, though he can turn on the dignified charisma in a heartbeat. For instance, Yoo explained that the Jade Emperor’s age is roughly equivalent to the King of the Underworld (played by Warrior Baek Dong-soo co-star Park Joon-kyu, pictured below), but as the ruler of the heavens who watches over new life and thinks positively, he looks much younger. Whereas Hades’ purview is death and bad deeds, which has taken a toll on his outward appearance.
Ha. For some reason that explanation tickles me. Also, does that mean we’re gonna get lots of scenes of 19-year-old Yoo Seung-ho treating 48-year-old Park Joon-kyu like a dong-gap buddy? Or better yet, talking down to him with banmal and a cheeky attitude?
Asked how he feels about the role, Yoo said, “At first, I found it difficult to create the character of the Jade Emperor, whether handling the dialogue or the character’s costume and hairstyle. We don’t know anything about the Jade Emperor, and the common image that comes to mind when we speak of him is an old grandfather with white hair. But in this drama I have to show his pure, simple side, which was difficult. But the staff helped me a lot, and both they and I are satisfied with the results.”
Then there’s his counterpart, the lord of the underworld, who is rumored to even be the Jade Emperor’s fraternal twin. HA. That would be great — and can Jade be the hyung?
The Underlord, aka Park Joon-kyu, said of the drama, “There are a lot of scenes that are entertaining just to think about, so I think you can look forward to good things.”
Then there’s the character caught between the two lords/planes of existence, Mu-young, played by Han Jung-soo. There are some humans who for whatever reason aren’t able to traverse to the afterlife after their deaths, left to wander the earth. Mu-young is a type of spirit who travels between the human world and the spirit one tasked with the role of ghost-catcher. Essentially he’s Hades’ henchman, akin to a Reaper, which explains the ominous all-black costume and the eyes like death.
One of said ghosts is our heroine Arang (Shin Mina), and he’s the reaper in charge of ushering her on to the hereafter… until she breaks free while pretending to be caught, making him responsible for chasing her down. Hee. Not only a feisty loud-mouthed ghost, but a successful runaway from Death incarnate? I’m liking it more and more.
Han Jung-soo explained his role and the name; the “young” part of Mu-young is represented by the hanja character for shadow: “Mu-young can become Arang’s shadow, and he can also become the shadow to the Jade Emperor and the King of the Underworld. Officially, he’s the King of the Underworld’s shadow, but it seems like the Jade Emperor would like for him to become his shadow…”
There’s a mysterious aspect to the role, as Han explains: “He appears to be an extremely strong person, but you could also see him as a sad character. I can’t tell you the plot, but he’s a fellow who holds sadness close.”
Arang and the Magistrate premieres on August 15.
RELATED POSTS
- Arang and the Magistrate’s poster and behind-the-scenes photos
- Arang and the Magistrate releases teaser, pushes premiere date
- On the set of Arang and the Magistrate
- Interviews with Arang and the Magistrate’s second leads
- Shin Mina becomes ghostly Arang
- Lee Jun-ki gets into character as the magistrate
- Arang and the Magistrate’s first script read
- Arang and the Magistrate adds to its cast
Tags: Arang and the Magistrate, Han Jung-soo, Hwang Bora, Kwon Oh-joong, Lee Jun-ki, Yoo Seung-ho
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1 eternalfive
July 20, 2012 at 5:18 AM
Oh gosh, so excited for this.
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pabo ceo reom
July 20, 2012 at 11:14 PM
Definitely digging it.
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2 birdscout
July 20, 2012 at 5:20 AM
The more I read about Arang, the more excited I am to watch! :)
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Kacey J.
July 20, 2012 at 9:52 AM
DITTO! :D
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himonogirl
July 20, 2012 at 11:36 AM
Hell Yeah (pun intended).
I usually grow bored the more we're stuffed with promos pics or news, but this time it only fuels my excitement.
I never watched WBDS so I can't tell, but Yoo Seung-ho makes a very fine god(d̷e̷s̷s̷).
Oh, if he really is the hyung, or talks with Banmal with Park Joon-kyu, I'll rate this show 10/10 on the spot!
*giddy with anticipation*
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KDaddict
July 20, 2012 at 7:03 PM
It is sounding better and better!
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Steamy Bun
July 20, 2012 at 9:49 PM
Same!! I don't think there's anything that could make me more excited for this. YSH as a heavenly playboy king speaking Banmal to much older Park Jun-Kyu? Can't wait!
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3 dany
July 20, 2012 at 5:24 AM
Yoo seung ho, what have they done to your hair??
Well, it's not really his hair, but it doesn't look cool like in Warrior Baek Dong soo
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4 jude
July 20, 2012 at 5:26 AM
Ack! I cant wait to watch. It seems like another crack is in the making :)
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5 Arhazivory
July 20, 2012 at 5:32 AM
Hurry up and air already! LOL. Waiting for this and Faith is killing me.
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6 cherkell
July 20, 2012 at 5:33 AM
OMO. OMO. OMO. CAN. NOT. WAIT. ::fanning self::
At least when I go to hell for crushing on a 19-year-old, I'm going to have great company down there!! :P
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Saima
July 20, 2012 at 5:35 AM
lulz -- 'the company in hell' bit cracked me up!
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momosan
July 20, 2012 at 9:24 AM
Passes Cherkell the bucket.
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jomo143
July 20, 2012 at 5:10 PM
It's funny to think that LJK is NOT the pretty one here?
Is that even possible? LOL
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7 MsScorpion
July 20, 2012 at 5:34 AM
Sooooooooooooo EXCITED,
Reminds me of the years when I used to watch Hercules and Xena.
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8 stars4u
July 20, 2012 at 5:57 AM
So excited!
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9 cookie128
July 20, 2012 at 6:07 AM
The first few seconds when I look at Yoo Seung Ho's still, I thought I was looking at a girl...
But he is gorgeous!!!! He sure will add a disctive flavour to the drama!
Thank you, javabeans, for posting!
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10 mtoh
July 20, 2012 at 6:11 AM
Dante you should be read again ;)
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11 aoiaheen
July 20, 2012 at 6:12 AM
That first photo! How can a guy look so gorgeous?
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12 mary
July 20, 2012 at 6:16 AM
Show! Shut up and take our money...err... life.
Storywise, I find this more interesting than Faith. :) please don't disappoint pls pls pls...
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13 nokcha
July 20, 2012 at 6:17 AM
Man, I'd recognize that eye brow anywhere!!! Gorgeous and moody pictures. Love the coloring.
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14 yuechan
July 20, 2012 at 6:25 AM
OMG! They're TEASING me! I'm biting my nails, counting down the days to the premier. I haven't been this excited in a while. I'm going to watch this as it airs and then wallow about how it kills me... I'm a masochist like that - But, I can't wait until it finishes airing, it sounded a little too hilarious to pass up.
And by the way, javabeans, this made me laugh so hard;
"Also, does that mean we’re gonna get lots of scenes of 19-year-old Yoo Seung-ho treating 48-year-old Park Joon-kyu like a dong-gap buddy? Or better yet, talking down to him with banmal and a cheeky attitude?"
I would love to see that as well :) Yoo has proven to be quite a capable actor, I hope he can portray this role well ^^
Too many pretty boys, I'm hyperventilating :P
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15 oramylove
July 20, 2012 at 6:40 AM
i'm not really fund of sageuk dramas but for shin mina and lee jun ki i"m gonna be watching this! Lee jun ki sooo cute!!!
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16 Nheony
July 20, 2012 at 6:50 AM
This drama sounds more promising by every news from Dramabeans.
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17 pumpkinattack
July 20, 2012 at 6:52 AM
It's getting more and more interesting! :D
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18 Laya
July 20, 2012 at 7:22 AM
Seung Ho looks... ageless... in that photo. O_O Like he goes from young to mature and back to young as you look at him. Awesome!
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19 Shiku
July 20, 2012 at 7:27 AM
I am liking this more and more. Can't wait for it to start
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20 Kiara
July 20, 2012 at 7:35 AM
Loving Arang....Solid leads down to the supporting cast. Yoo Seung-ho such a noona killer. <333333333333
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21 crazedlu
July 20, 2012 at 7:35 AM
can't yoo seungho be in this drama FOREVER?!!
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Belle
July 22, 2012 at 6:43 AM
My thought exactly...would have been better if he were part of the permanent cast...he's such a talented actor.
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22 Quiet Thought
July 20, 2012 at 9:18 AM
Where are more stills of Shin Mina!?
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23 Abbie
July 20, 2012 at 10:34 AM
These costumes are amazing! So looking forward to this drama!
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24 comradeS
July 20, 2012 at 10:39 AM
Han Jung-soo's all black outfit is really cool, but I kinda wish they'd dispense with most of it- all Chuno style ^_^
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25 Noemi
July 20, 2012 at 10:45 AM
so excited!!! Love the costumes :D
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26 Nutella
July 20, 2012 at 10:52 AM
I love how this show comes along in August right along with them things like fasting and school... on one hand, it'll be the pick-me-up, and on the other... let's just say we may be looking at another failed semester >.<;;
Also: after all those wuxia romances with Jade Emperor as a white-haired sage-like persona, the number of grabby hands that have sprouted out of my sides for Yoo Seung Ho ain't even funny. How and why did no one ever think of this form of crack before?!?
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foolmoon
July 22, 2012 at 9:12 AM
Another failed semester ..??
I can feel your pain right there, sista... LOL
Let's just say we're doing international research of Korea history -on whatever topic related to our course- through dramas. ^___,^
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27 Rovi
July 20, 2012 at 11:18 AM
How come I'm already liking the YSH's Jade Emperor, and the fact that he and the Lord of Hades are twins??? LOL~!!!
Also, love LJK on a horse~!!! Is there a contest between him and JHW??? Who seems he awesomest on a horse???
(side note sad to see our Boong-do enlisting on the 7th...will JB be doing an article of it???)
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28 anna
July 20, 2012 at 11:34 AM
NO! Stop it self, get your expectations down! Don't get too excited. Ugh, but it's just so hard. I am actually REALLY excited for this. I hope it delivers.
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29 redfox
July 20, 2012 at 12:27 PM
ohhhh the Jde Emperor, can I take him home, please? Ill decorate him with flowers and ribbons and light candles around him and sing and totally worship him. Really.
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Kiara
July 20, 2012 at 12:58 PM
Stand in line?.
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30 wonbinlover
July 20, 2012 at 1:02 PM
Oh can't wait to watch this. It reminds me of Chinese wuxia dramas. Gosh I miss my ancient Chinese dramas of the 80s. I love those and gosh im old ha.
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Maya
July 20, 2012 at 1:29 PM
I love those too! Although I watched most of them in the 90's. The Condor Heroes trilogy remains as my favorite.
Anyway the premise of Arang has already won me over. And now reading this just got me more excited.. :)
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31 jomo143
July 20, 2012 at 2:47 PM
I love this boy, I mean, he is so self aware, but at the same time, not self-centered.
“At first, I found it difficult to create the character of the Jade Emperor, whether handling the dialogue or the character’s costume and hairstyle...But the staff helped me a lot, and both they and I are satisfied with the results.”
Note to self: New dream job - YSH Staff/Helper Person
Do you think the staff stops seeing the beauty after a while and just treat him, or LJK for that matter, as a regular person?
Or do you think they are just as starstruck as us civilians?
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Belle
July 22, 2012 at 6:46 AM
lol...nice dream
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32 Noelle
July 20, 2012 at 3:19 PM
GAH! Is it impossible to be even more excited for this?
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33 sweetooth
July 20, 2012 at 4:22 PM
OMFG. i literally squealed like a pig when upon seeing that YSH photo and realizing it was indeed, him, so beautiful and manly at the same time.
sigh. i should go back to watching Return of Iljimae again. i suddenly had the craving of watching JIW and his glorious mane of glory after this YSH photo.
ARANG. PLEASE COME FASTER.
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34 jandoe
July 20, 2012 at 4:31 PM
SO EXCITED. Trailer had me squealing like nobody's business!
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35 Cam
July 20, 2012 at 5:17 PM
Woah! It's DEFINITELY intere-e-e-e-esting!! XD
Lord....our time is really fast! Yoo Seung Ho is growing up as 19 years old now. Oo, I am looking forward to this drama! @__@
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36 sesuatu
July 20, 2012 at 8:42 PM
why i keep seeing park shi hoo whenever i see lee jun ki on the teaser of this drama?
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37 malta
July 20, 2012 at 9:01 PM
Not sure how I feel about Yoo Seung Ho's hair, but his expression for the portrait is stellar. All the portraits are GORGEOUS as are the costumes, especially the Great Jade Emperor's costume. The outer layer of fabric is so beautiful.
I've got to admit, I excited! Hurry up Olympics! :)
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38 malta
July 20, 2012 at 9:08 PM
Yoo Seung Ho's expression = "I got this."
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39 yukiii0691
July 20, 2012 at 9:19 PM
Wuaaa a glimpse of yoo seung ho at last, lovely as ever*squeal.
I'm so sad that the premiere push to 15 august, really can't wait to see all of them. I really need my LJK and YSH weekly dose >.<
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40 hawoojinruinedme
July 21, 2012 at 12:48 AM
DAMN. TO SAY I'M EXCITED IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.
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41 E_Kun
July 21, 2012 at 2:41 AM
The more I see the more excited I get!!!!
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42 rhiaa
July 21, 2012 at 5:01 AM
Inordinately excited for this! Seems fun, and I never eschew fun! :D
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43 Llamaesque
July 21, 2012 at 7:09 AM
So...are they playing tug of war in costume? Or are Kdramas so low budget that the principal actors required to move heavy set pieces into place?
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~Feather~
July 22, 2012 at 7:24 AM
that's what I was wondering, as well. (>.<)
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44 foolmoon
July 22, 2012 at 9:18 AM
Just don't let me down, show!
I love how the stills give us the quirky vibe of this drama.
A right mixture of mystery, humor, and romance will never hurt nobody right?
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45 ravens_nest
July 23, 2012 at 1:56 AM
Ugh, I love it!!! I'm really hoping for high fantasy from this and Faith. Because I have a long and vested love for Sci-Fi/Fantasy, I've been itching for a full on fantasy KDrama for a long time now.
The recent time travel shows have had fantasy devices (some utilized better than others) but the core stories were rom-coms/romances/melos. Even Gumiho had just one fleshed out otherworldly character with only the occasional supernatural quirk.
Seeing the updates for Arang--all these supernatural characters with fleshed out rules/laws/cultures of their own--is really giving me hope.
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46 nasus
July 29, 2012 at 1:05 AM
2012 is the year of fantasy dramas!
my heart trembles in fear as these dramas approach their ends. so hard to predict the finals, whether they're gonna be bitter or blissful ones.
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47 Bdx
September 18, 2017 at 11:17 AM
I am 5 years late for this drama (and 6 years late for WBDS), but I wouldn't have noticed it if you didn't mention it. The King of the Underworld is Samo?! OMG!! I'm screaming right now! Not only do we have Yeo Un, but we have him treating Samo like a younger brother? Mwuahahaha this is so awesome!
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