Sohn Ye-jin up for historical film opposite Lee Jung-jae

by girlfriday

I hope this casting sticks, because Sohn Ye-jin (Shark) and Lee Jung-jae (Big Match) pairing up for a sweeping sageuk would make my day. Sohn Ye-jin has been offered the leading role in the historical film Princess Deokhye, about the tumultuous life of the last princess of Joseon. Lee Jung-jae is being courted to play the hero, and Sohn Ye-jin is now considering headlining as the titular princess.

The project is the latest outing from director Heo Jin-ho of Dangerous Liaisons, Happiness, One Fine Spring Day, and Christmas in August. It tells the life story of Princess Deokhye, daughter of King Gojong, who reigned at the turn of the 20th century during the Japanese occupation. Her father attempted to keep her safe by having her secretly engaged, but due to the king’s sudden death, she was forced to relocate to Japan when she was only thirteen, and was then married off to a Japanese nobleman at the age of nineteen.

Her eventful life story — filled with tragedy, mental illness, and isolation at a time of political upheaval — has been retold in many forms, including plays and novels. Apparently the casting decision will depend heavily on whether or not the film will cast one or two actresses to play Deokhye. She lived a long life, so producers are considering the option to cast a twentysomething actress and a veteran to play her in different stages.

It seems that going with Sohn Ye-jin would mean they’d stick to one actress for the length of the film (with the exception of a child actress for the early scenes). That seems like the smarter move to me, and a way for them to secure high-profile stars, but obviously it depends far more on the story they want to tell.

Princess Deokhye plans to enter shoots in early 2015.

Via Star News

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