First teaser for SBS’s reimagining of Jang Ok-jung
by javabeans
The first teaser has been released for Jang Ok-jung, and gives us a peek into Kim Tae-hee’s take on the iconic historical figure and oft-dramatized villainess. As you can see from the photo compilation below, she’s been brought to life onscreen numerous times by many a well-known actress, the most recent examples being Lee So-yeon and Kim Hye-soo.
The teaser is of the sort that tends to drive me nuts, because it’s really all style and no substance. Do we get any idea of plot, or conflict, or character? Nope, just a tantalizing bit of grandiose music and pretty visuals to pique our interest but not really satisfy curiosity. There’s a quote that kicks off the preview, which comes from the Annals of King Sukjong, which describes the concubine-turned-queen consort thusly: “Jang heebin is a woman reincarnated from the beast that Sukjong struck dead in a former life.”
History remembers her as his downfall, and by all accounts she was quite a piece of work. (Though I’d like to point out that maybe the wishy-washy king was his own downfall, since he was the one who banished one wife, elevated another, then demoted her and brought back wife number 1, then had the other one executed. Not saying there weren’t extenuating circumstances in play, but you know. Just pointing out the facts here.)
Yoo Ah-in gets to play that king in this version, and I wonder if he’ll be able to tease out an interesting line of conflict in the character to make him sympathetic in the face of all that drama. I’m really, really uncertain about Kim Tae-hee’s portrayal of the lead, because I can see this role being her make-it-or-break-it moment: Either she steps it up to a new level and breathes new life into this familiar character, or she plays her with in her usual way — cute, charming, but kinda flat.
Jang Ok-jung, which is slated for 24 episodes, premieres on April 8 on SBS.
Via Osen
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1 verte
March 21, 2013 at 5:12 AM
Ooooohh.... thank you <3
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Lisa Purba
March 21, 2013 at 6:28 AM
I gotta say they seem really wanna stress out the age gap between King Sukjong and Jang Ok Jung for real, as is written in the history, that JOJ was older than the king.
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bd
March 21, 2013 at 11:42 PM
While I understand the age diff. due to historical accuracy, the producers exacerbated it by picking a lead actor, YAI, who looks younger than his years.
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Gabby
March 22, 2013 at 9:39 AM
Really? I think he looks about his age. And like Francesca said, having an age gap that's a bit noticeable is part of the story/history.
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bd
March 22, 2013 at 7:12 PM
YAI is still on the boyish-side of 26 years of age.
There are Korean actors of the same age (or younger) who look more mature.
Shaista Melora
March 27, 2013 at 3:47 AM
Yes he looks younger than his years but if you watch him in SKKS, you will see how his pornstache can make a HUGE different.
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2 Kakashi
March 21, 2013 at 5:21 AM
I hope this one is good!
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3 Bu Sun Kim
March 21, 2013 at 5:43 AM
Lol, the photo of all the past Jang Hee bin's is very amusing.
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4 anna
March 21, 2013 at 5:55 AM
King looks like he could be her little brother. idk if the chemistry will work, but I am curious.
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;bluebird;
March 21, 2013 at 6:57 AM
Yay! she's 6 years older than King Sukjong in drama & real life. I couldn't agree more with javabeans about KTH "make-it-or-break-it" shall wait and see!!
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5 Dewo
March 21, 2013 at 6:02 AM
Somebody helps me, naming all the actresses played Jang ok jung and the name of their drama, from no. 1 to 8. I only recognize 3 faces.
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ninsarama
March 21, 2013 at 9:28 AM
1. Jang Hee Bin; Kim Ji Mi
2. Femme Fatale: Jang Hee Bin; Nam Jung Im
3. Jang Hee Bin; Yoon Yeo Jung
4. Age of Women?: Jang Hee Bin; Lee Misook
5. Queen Inhyun; Jun In Hwa
6. Jang Hee Bin; Jung Sun Gyung
7. Jang Hee Bin; Kim Hye Soo
8. Dong Yi; Lee So Yeon
I had a hard time translating the 4th title, in Korean it's 여인열전 : 장희빈
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Berenice
March 21, 2013 at 11:05 AM
Thanks!
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danna
March 21, 2013 at 11:08 AM
damn, Yoon Yeo Jung and Lee Mi Sook would've made such deliciously evil Jang Hee Bin
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Bengbeng
March 21, 2013 at 11:43 AM
oh, you are wonderful! thanks ninsarama =)
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Norkys
March 21, 2013 at 12:59 PM
Women's History: Jang Heebin
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Dewo
March 21, 2013 at 3:59 PM
You're wonderful. Gomapseumnida. I watch Dong Yi and Queen In Hyun's man, also recognized Lee mi sook.
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bd
March 21, 2013 at 11:42 PM
Thanks!
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IamMarzie
March 22, 2013 at 2:11 AM
Dong - Yi is one of my all time favorite series. So I'm still thinking if I'll watch this.
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applepie
March 24, 2013 at 11:07 AM
Umm! same feeling!!
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6 CaroleMcDonnell
March 21, 2013 at 6:24 AM
Heroine she may be but she better be villainous...a "Queen of ambition" kinda. And gotta say, I LOVE a guy who rocks a regal hanbok.
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Annie
March 21, 2013 at 6:51 AM
The character sounds more like a Mary Sue to me. IIRC, that was one of the criticisms of Bu Bu Jing Xin.
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Ivoire
March 21, 2013 at 8:06 AM
Hi Annie, what does IIRC mean, please?
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lmk
March 21, 2013 at 8:14 AM
IIRC - if i recall correctly
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7 Lisa Purba
March 21, 2013 at 6:24 AM
He's aging backward! <3
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8 rayya
March 21, 2013 at 6:34 AM
cant wait till airiing...............i'm more excited,,,,!!!!<3
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9 welma
March 21, 2013 at 6:50 AM
Guh-ro!!!
So excited to see YAI in saguek again. Its where he shines the most. (A cameo by Song Joong-ki would be awesome).
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10 Mama J
March 21, 2013 at 6:57 AM
YAI = yay!!!!!!!
KTH. Hmmm. Vacuous, I can see. Villainous? no.
Please prove me wrong, DramaGods. I wanna watch my boy.
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11 snow_white
March 21, 2013 at 7:00 AM
hopefully it will be good.....I'm gonna give this a try for Jae Hee and Yoo Ah In ;)
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12 Fidelity
March 21, 2013 at 7:24 AM
I think you got the translation mixed up for the quote in the preview; it should be "Jang heebin is a woman reincarnated from the beast that _Sukjong struck dead_ in a former life", not the beast that struck Sukjong dead.
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Dominique
March 21, 2013 at 9:00 AM
Nice catch! The posted translation made no sense.
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Javabeans
March 21, 2013 at 9:15 AM
Whoops, typo. Thanks for that.
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13 lala
March 21, 2013 at 7:45 AM
I dont know but KTH looks sad in that photo..
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14 jasmin
March 21, 2013 at 8:19 AM
Sukjong even had a another wife before Queen Inhyun... So yeah... Inhyun was wife no. 2. :)
Anyways I'm still looking forward to this... though what the hell does fashion designer mean? I would understand if they would describe Jang Ok-jung as a Madame de Pompadour - so a fashionista of her time. But a fashion designer?? O.o
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15 Mommai
March 21, 2013 at 8:55 AM
My favorite Jang Heebins were when the Shinhwa guys were her on Shinhwa Broadcast :) I hope this drama turns out good as well!
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annie
March 21, 2013 at 6:59 PM
Shinhwa broadcast FTW! That was such a hilarious episode. Especially Eric <3
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16 cimori
March 21, 2013 at 9:34 AM
hope its good :)
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17 danna
March 21, 2013 at 11:14 AM
so so so pretty!...I'm not expecting too much from this show because it doesn't look like it'll be interesting in the usual sageuk way...I think it could make for a nice romance though I hope not like MTETS...I'm definitely loving all the actors except for our leading lady, though she is quite a treat for the eyes in that hanbok....can;t wait to see YAI and Hong Soo Hyun together, I think they'll be on fire together....also excited for Jae Hee's first real sageuk outing
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18 jennie
March 21, 2013 at 1:26 PM
just feeling super EXCITED about this drama
i want to it hurry up and come, the cast is amazing and great~!
always love KIM TAE HEE♥
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19 JustSayin'
March 21, 2013 at 2:21 PM
"Though I’d like to point out that maybe the wishy-washy king was his own downfall, since he was the one who banished one wife, elevated another, then demoted her and brought back wife number 1, then had the other one executed. Not saying there weren’t extenuating circumstances in play, but you know. Just pointing out the facts here."
Sounds like Henry VIII.
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lovegoody
March 21, 2013 at 4:36 PM
Exactly what I was thinking.
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KimYoonmi
March 21, 2013 at 7:13 PM
Henry VIII lusted for a son more than the women, Sukjong didn't need a son.
He lost the first wife, married a second, fell for a high official's daughter whom he made into a courtesan. He got rid of his second wife for the courtesan, the Queen came back and then the courtesan was demoted. Then he fell for the handmaid of the Queen (Water girl, who does laundry, BTW, too) once he fathered a son with her, he married a third wife, who became his third Queen and then took on yet another courtesan that came after the Water girl, but is mostly ignored because she mothered a daughter. (I think there is at least one other too) Or how Dong Yi lied to you.
Dude wasn't hurting for sons too much. Mostly his ministers and court were bickering that he couldn't get much control. I also have the impression they tried to use the women of the court in order to accomplish those goals.
Henry was sexually active and sturdy type... knew what he wanted. Sukjong I see as, "Women cause me so many problems.. leave me alone already..." and went to try to find solace from women that would listen instead of have a stake in controlling his kingdom. If it was played that way, I'll clap my hands together. In US politics, he's be called a flip flopper.
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Gabby
March 22, 2013 at 9:47 AM
Hm, I'd reckon Henry VIII was even worse - borderline psychopath the way he kept discarding his wives or lopping their heads off. And I don't criticize him for breaking with the Catholic Church, but the REASONS for why he did it and threw his whole kingdom into a disarray are so laughably narcissistic/egocentric. But that's the problem with kings, eh? They think everything revolves around them.
But yeah, neither of them are winning any Husband of the Year awards any time soon.
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20 hotsaranghae
March 21, 2013 at 5:06 PM
you're right....the teaser is just an excuse to show off how pretty Kim TaeHee looks......I really don't have high hopes for her acting, but then again even Song HyeGyo is giving the performance of her lifetime in That winter, the wind blows.....and I feel that KTH is someone who is hardworking and has always tried hard to improve, so I really hope things will go well with this drama for her....
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21 aX
March 21, 2013 at 5:27 PM
He's overrated, but that's just me.
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Hazel
March 22, 2013 at 9:58 AM
You mean YAI? ...I kinda agree. :X
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Lisa Purba
March 24, 2013 at 8:13 PM
IMHO he's underrated.
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22 rheina07
March 21, 2013 at 6:09 PM
Is thattt Yoo Ah In??????
My lovely Goro in SKKS?
Oh, I definitely miss him!
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23 Maricel
March 21, 2013 at 6:24 PM
I really like her, she looks so pretty. This drama is going to be beautiful, i love the colors and scenery...
Kim Tae Hee please do a great job, i've got high hopes in you!!!
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24 Tiff
March 21, 2013 at 10:07 PM
excitement! haha aww but doesnt that mean when this airs, TWTWB ends?? :(((( noooo my love!
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25 f
March 21, 2013 at 10:22 PM
kim tae hee cannot act.
she is so wooden, she puts a tree to shame
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bd
March 21, 2013 at 11:40 PM
While KTH was wooden in her earlier roles, she was not at all wooden in "My Princess"; however, sageuks tend to bring out the "wooden" in actresses.
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26 nova611
March 21, 2013 at 10:28 PM
whenever i see Jang-ok-Jung/Queen in Hyun
All i can think is QIHm ..Yoo In Na n his bf..haha
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27 Nia
March 22, 2013 at 2:03 AM
i don't really care if KTH will be all cheery in the early episodes...waiting for when the EVILNESS creeps in...haha~
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28 aly
March 22, 2013 at 6:44 AM
Why is yoo ah in so damn pretty! Adored him until that doc of him where he was pretty mean but his charm on screen and good looks just keep bringing me back. Darn it
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29 Rovi
March 23, 2013 at 8:31 PM
Actually, Queen Inhyeon was wife #2.
So it goes like this:
Wife/Queen #1 dies, King marries Wife/Queen #2, King meets Woman, Woman bears him a Son, King banishes Wife #2, elevated Woman to Queen #3, King meets another Woman and bears him another Son, King brings back Wife #2, King demotes Woman, Wife/Queen #2 dies, Woman gets executed, and King marries Wife/Queen # 4. XP
And actually, Kim Tae-hee is the eleventh to play Jang hee-bin, if you count "Queen Inhyeon's Man" as #10 and some other drama by JTBC or one of the Big 3 as #9 if I'm not mistaken...
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30 Ron
March 24, 2013 at 5:28 PM
King to Queen-4, Knight-1 to Pawn-2, Bishop-2 to Rook-2. The first Korean historical I watched I thought no one could act -- there were no expressions, no movement, just a bunch of people sitting around in colorful clothes. Sometimes sinister music would play.
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31 Shaista Melora
March 27, 2013 at 3:50 AM
I like that this drama seems to be an underdog for international viewers (while for Koreans it's one of the most anticipated dramas this Spring). It's better to keep my expectation low so I won't get severe disappointment.
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