Park Seo-joon, Go Ara, Park Hyung-shik courted for historical drama
by girlfriday
My first thought with this casting news is, Wow, that’s a pretty cast, followed closely by, Please don’t be 50 episodes long. ‘Cause I want to be watching this drama if they get these actors to sign on. A new sageuk is in the works called Hwarang, about the young and beautiful Hwarang warriors of the Silla dynasty (Queen Seon-deok’s era), and offers are out to the young and beautiful Park Seo-joon (She Was Pretty), Go Ara (You’re All Surrounded), and Park Hyung-shik (High Society) to star.
The new drama comes from Oh Boy Pictures, the production company behind the Flower Boy dramas on tvN (Flower Boy Ramyun Shop, Shut Up: Flower Boy Band, Flower Boy Next Door). Sageuk seems like a departure for them, except when you consider the subject matter — the Hwarang were an elite group of highly educated young aristocratic warriors founded in the 6th century who were known for their beauty. Their name translates to: hwa = flower, rang = boy. So basically, the original flower boys.
It makes sense then, that the drama was originally called Hwarang: To the Beginning, if what they mean to do is go back to the origins of the flower boy. I wonder if that makes the series more like the youth-centered Sungkyunkwan Scandal than a conventional sageuk, though these days fusion is almost a given.
Park Hyung-shik has been offered the role of King Jinheung, who ruled Silla from 540 to 576 during the Three Kingdoms period. He took the throne at 15 and became one of Silla’s greatest kings, responsible for vastly expanding its territory and establishing the basis for the later unification of the kingdoms. Lady Mishil was one of his consorts, though nothing in the drama descriptions names her as a potential character in this story. Character descriptions weren’t provided for Park Seo-joon and Go Ara, and for now all three actors are unconfirmed.
Casting stories initially stated that the series was being shopped at KBS for a potential January premiere; but KBS denied that it was being considered for their schedule (which makes sense, since they’re already airing Murim School and Descended From the Sun). It seems like a lot is still up in the air with this production, but I hope it’ll find a broadcaster soon. What can I say — Flower Boy Warrior Legion sounds hot.
Hwarang is aiming to start shooting in December, for a January broadcast.
Via Osen, IS Plus, News1, Chosun
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Tags: Dark Hole, Go Ara, Hwarang, Park Hyung-shik, Park Seo-joon
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1 kira
November 2, 2015 at 1:05 AM
I like my sageuks to be more dramatic than comical so if it's the latter, I'll definitely skip it.
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2 nami
November 2, 2015 at 1:16 AM
Pros : Hyung Sik and Park Seo Joon in a sageuk together riding horses...where do I sign?
Silla period is interesting and not so often explored in dramaland...(it will remind me of Queen Seon Deok)
Hyung Sik has been offered the role of the king?? ha ha... He was born to play a king!!
Cons: unoriginal plot (Sunkyunkwan Scandal Silla version?), Go Ara as their leading lady (not a fan)
Make it come true!!
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3 TaruHaru
November 2, 2015 at 1:23 AM
OMAYGAHDDD!! Pak Seo Joon and Hyunshik!! I can't wait. I hope they accept this drama <3
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4 slim007
November 2, 2015 at 1:30 AM
Park seo joon and Go Ara? Sign me up for that,pity it's historical (not a die hard fan of historical korean drama except MTETS)
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5 fay17
November 2, 2015 at 1:33 AM
I love all three of them..so hope they confirm.Also the name hwarang looks interesting..if it's something vaguely similar to the original flower boy series..then maybe it would be less serious sageuk and more like sungkyunkwan scandal..fun and comedy.
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6 blubluskye
November 2, 2015 at 1:42 AM
This news made my day! PARK HYUNG SIK, PARK SEO JOON and GO ARA!
So much pretty and they all can act well..
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7 dkaoru
November 2, 2015 at 2:11 AM
Park Seo Joon in pretty historical costume and sword?!!! omg YES PLEASE!
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8 Sara
November 2, 2015 at 2:29 AM
Can we have Park Ha Sun as the leading lady?
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9 reza
November 2, 2015 at 2:38 AM
who is writer?
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10 lordseungri
November 2, 2015 at 3:05 AM
Three beautiful people who can act? Sign me up
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11 bleb
November 2, 2015 at 3:20 AM
sageuk again?? pass!
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12 Iris
November 2, 2015 at 3:30 AM
Sounds awesome! I hope they confirm
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13 soldian
November 2, 2015 at 3:33 AM
This is not the new Sageuk drama with Kang Ha Neul, right?
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14 kanz
November 2, 2015 at 3:37 AM
Funnily enough last week I thought to myself when will they create more Three Kingdoms sageuk (Shilla, Goryeo, Balhae) and now they create one! Sageuk fan in me is really happy! Please just confirm it, you three!
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15 Sogazelle
November 2, 2015 at 3:50 AM
I like the boys but I'm not a fan of Go Ara.
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16 fay17
November 2, 2015 at 3:52 AM
I do hope that the costumes are done in a smart way..because sageuk dramas always have been disaster in costume department lol.Current drama fairs better..I love the costumes done for each character especially dang sae,bang won,and moo hyul.Lately,yeon hee is looking pretty amazing too.Sorry for the rant about another drama lol.
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fay17
November 2, 2015 at 3:53 AM
Current drama six flying dragons* -_-
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mindy
November 3, 2015 at 4:55 PM
The costumes are disasters? But aren't sageuks known for their incredible attention for detail and authenticity in costume, props, etc.? I usually love sageuk costuming! It really puts me into the story.
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17 Mekko
November 2, 2015 at 4:24 AM
Not only is Park Seo Joon the hottest/ I love his acting regardless, FLOWER BOY SERIES AAAAAGH. Shut Up Boy Band especially was amazing, but I've enjoyed all of them sooooo much. Hoping this show ends up on cable, because one of the big three will dumb this production company down too much.
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18 vini
November 2, 2015 at 4:25 AM
I always think that Oh Boy series related to tvN. So it's strange to know an Oh Boy drama with unknown broadcaster.
And is Cyrano Dating Agency the drama also part of Oh Boy?
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Divers
November 2, 2015 at 12:57 PM
Yep, the show was originally called "Flower Boy Dating Agency " or "Flower Dating Agency: Cyrano."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dating_Agency:_Cyrano
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19 Sophia
November 2, 2015 at 4:32 AM
Park Seo Joon in a saeguk! ? Im assuming since it's involve flower boys he will be dress in hanbok? Finger cross for confirmation. ?
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20 PeepsLeAwesomePotato
November 2, 2015 at 4:40 AM
Wow, Hwarang is/was a real thing. There's even a martial art form called Hwarang-do that's still practised today. I actually want this show to happen!
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21 tapiocapearl
November 2, 2015 at 4:40 AM
Park Seo-joon should rest because this seems to start right when She Was Pretty ends (though, yes, keep him coming!).
Sageuks aren't really my thing, but PSJ will definitely have me watch this if he signs on. I too hope it won't be long. On one hand, more PSJ! On the other, no patience to keep up with long dramas.
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civilsecret
November 2, 2015 at 5:10 AM
historicals arent my thing either but i liked SK scandal so i hope this isnt like a 50 ep drama and also its fun and has its emotional moments. im all board with this casting particularly cause i love PSJ. your right he needs rest but its a good opportunity for him as well, so im torn between rest my bby and take the role lol. whatever he chooses i'll cheer him on.
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22 RIk
November 2, 2015 at 4:48 AM
stop historical dramas, soooo boring.................
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23 Wag-a-muffin
November 2, 2015 at 4:49 AM
Make it a Mishil pre-story and I'll watch it, just to find out how she became Mishil.
(But that doesn't look like what it's going to be.)
Side Question: Wasn't the Hwarang the military group that painted their faces before they went to battle to the death? (Or am I thinking of another word?)
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Kiara
November 2, 2015 at 6:24 AM
Yes it's the same. I was trying to explain it here somewhere.
http://www.dramabeans.com/2015/10/six-flying-dragons-episode-5/
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Laya
November 2, 2015 at 8:56 PM
If QSD is anything to go by... there are a couple of scenes I remember from there where the Hwarang ceremonially painted their faces (one scene as a group, and that scene with Alcheon alone) and it was emphasized that painting their faces = srs business.
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24 civilsecret
November 2, 2015 at 5:11 AM
ooo i would definitely watch this if its his cast also major PSJ fan as well. flower boy warriors, sign me up. hope to hear more about this drama and what will happen.
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25 Thaobae
November 2, 2015 at 5:34 AM
WOW! Just when I was dying because She Was Pretty is about to wrap up, I was hoping for another PSJ drama and he is already scouted for a new one :D WOHU! But yes, historical isn't my thing but for him I will definitely be watching ^^
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26 Rayon
November 2, 2015 at 6:22 AM
Park seo joon is on a roll, i guess. Project after project. Not a fan of go-ara, found her pretty bad in dramas that i have watched of her. Will wait for further details before deciding to watch or not.
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27 poliwag
November 2, 2015 at 6:24 AM
None of them have saeguk experience. Here's hoping Seojoon doesn't either overwork himself like what happened to poor Joowonie in Yongpal or end up carrying the drama.
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civilsecret
November 2, 2015 at 6:54 PM
i guess it will be a good learning experience for all of them. its a good opportunity. yeah i hope PSJ doesnt over work himself either
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28 Kiara
November 2, 2015 at 6:37 AM
What the heck is this? How are we supposed to take this cast seriously in a 3 kingdom era sageuk? If this is a straight up comedy then it might make sense.
They are casting a 23yr old to play the great king King Jinheung? He didn't established the Hwarangs until he was 43yrs old.
*Sigh*
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nami
November 2, 2015 at 8:25 AM
lol no need to blow a fuse... Firstly, I don't think it's supposed to be historically accurate in the first place, it's not a documentary. Moreover it looks like it will be a fusion sageuk, I expect this drama to entertain me, not to teach me korean history. Most sageuks don't even follow real history anyway...Most of the time, real historical facts are distorted ex :Empress Ki and even Queen Seon Deok to name a few.
King Jinheung had been young too (like everyone else), he acceded to the throne at the young age of 15 and from then ruled his kingdom for 36 years. The drama production can focus on his youth for example. Lastly, it's the same team that produced the 'Flower Boys' installments, I don't expect seriousness from them, more something light/fun.
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Kiara
November 2, 2015 at 8:39 AM
No need to lecture us on sageuks cause we all know that. They never said if it's a comedy so we all assuming here.
The Hwarangs didn't exist until he was an old man is my point.
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nami
November 2, 2015 at 9:09 AM
Firstly, I apologize if I offended you with my last post...Like I stated above, it's the same team that produced the flower boys series...I'm not expecting something deep from them, that's why I assume it will most likely be something light hearted. I think I understand your point, you don't like distortion of historical facts in dramas... I respect that. All I have to say is that if you don't like it, you can always skip it.
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Kiara
November 2, 2015 at 10:27 AM
Distorting historical facts happens in every sageuks even in the conventional sageuks. Sometimes they go overboard with it and sometimes you have those rare writers that have some sense of respect for the historical figures that are being portrayed in their drama.
I guess it depends. If they are going to twist it this much then they are better off going with a fictional rom com.
I love sageuks period. I prefer conventional sageuks because they are based more on historical facts and I find Korea's ancient history fascinating. But.. a good fusion, mystery, romance, supernatural, fantasy sageuk etc can be more entertaining.
Kiara
November 2, 2015 at 10:29 AM
BTW no need to apologize. We all have different opinions and you didn't insult me at all.
nami
November 2, 2015 at 1:16 PM
I understand your stance. I like historical dramas as well, though I honestly never put that much thought into it (accuracy) when I'm watching one but I can understand how it can be bothersome for an history goer/lover (still I'm interested to search for the real historical figures)
I read some of your comments on another topic (Six Flying Dragons recap) and you seem pretty knowledgeable in Korean history indeed. I'm watching this drama as well and I'm liking it so far (I started this drama for Kim Myung Min) so I hope it won't falter at the last minute...
"BTW no need to apologize."
That's a relief then...
Sera The Ms Temper
November 2, 2015 at 5:00 PM
Agreed Kiara.
I love Park Seo Joon and Park Hyung Shik, but not ready to see them in a sageuk esp to see PHS as a King. Comical or fushion sageuk will be OK.
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juniper
November 2, 2015 at 8:20 PM
lol Kiara. Imagine how cool this show could be if it were actually about the hwarang, instead of using them as a gimmick for Flower Boy Whatever. Even purely from an entertainment perspective, I think Kdrama is shooting itself in the foot by throwing history out the window.
As for the 23-yr-old Jinheung...I feel like the trend these days is to turn any and every historical figure into a flower boy. Just another example of how far sageuk has fallen :(
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Kiara
November 3, 2015 at 5:56 AM
That's the thing with Korea, they seems to follow trends. Once someone starts one others will follow and it's the same thing with dramas. I was hoping that some of the writers would at least follow great writers of the past that made historical dramas about their history.
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juniper
November 3, 2015 at 8:26 AM
Yes, you're totally right, it would be great if people would follow examples instead of trends. Imagine if more writers took Jung Ha-yeon's style to heart--the entire culture surrounding sageuk would change over night!
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Kiara
November 3, 2015 at 12:31 PM
I'm so sad at the thought that he might be the last one:(.
29 gaeinalee
November 2, 2015 at 6:58 AM
After re-watched Faith and read news about BBJX adaptation last week, I keep hoping and praying [very-very hard and solemnly] that Kdrama God will put all the 87-88 SK leading men in a colossal sageuk drama. Be it 20, 24, 36, 50 episodes or more, I definitely will watch it religiously as a memento before SK government ship them all to military barracks for 2 years.
Wouldn't it delightful to have LMH, TOP, JIW, SIG, JCW, KSH, JW, PSJ, etc in our small screen at the same time for a long series of drama, in their mane of glory? Ohh, I want, I want~! *resume praying*
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bbstl
November 2, 2015 at 9:23 AM
Good news, Park Seo Joon has already finished his military service.
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30 Kit_exol
November 2, 2015 at 8:02 AM
Park seo joon and Go Ara as lead roles♡
Plissssssss
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31 jadea
November 2, 2015 at 8:39 AM
All three in one drama? I'd definitely be down, especially if it's not a super serious sageuk.
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32 Elianne
November 2, 2015 at 8:45 AM
If this is anything like Sungkyunkwan Scandal, then SIGN ME UP! My last sageuk was Princess' Man and a Flower Boy Warrior Legion might just be the thing to reel me back in.
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33 coffeenlucia
November 2, 2015 at 9:27 AM
YAS. I love the cast, I love that it might be like Sungkyunkwan Scandal, and I love the producers.
:3 This is perfect. Now just sign on, please.
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mary
November 2, 2015 at 6:16 PM
Heehee I'm interested now too. It makes sense to have this cast from this team. :3
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34 emnemone
November 2, 2015 at 9:41 AM
I'm probably the only one but I always thought that Park Seo Joon, Park Hyung Shik and Seo Kang Joon has some very similar aspects in their looks and their "feel"...
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35 Mary A
November 2, 2015 at 10:32 AM
At least I'm not disappointed in casting. Let's see the story and writer/directer to decide it should be watched or not.
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36 Geenah
November 2, 2015 at 3:48 PM
I love Park Seo Joon, a great actor of his generation! I just don't feel Go Ara! Any other heroine candidate?
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37 MagMag
November 2, 2015 at 6:36 PM
Yay more Park Seo Joon!!!! If he is going to be a flower boy at least they won't slap facial hair on him ?
May be they can fight against vampires???
Just kidding?
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38 mirhyun
November 2, 2015 at 7:03 PM
Ara unnie fighting!!!
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39 Jayhee
November 2, 2015 at 7:47 PM
really wanna see park seo joon n hyungshik in a sageuk but go ara..nope..not a fan ...
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40 Laya
November 2, 2015 at 9:03 PM
A drama about Hwarang? I'm in! It's been a loooooooong time since QSD. O_O
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41 alice20
November 2, 2015 at 10:56 PM
This. sounds. AWESOME.
Can't wait! :D
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42 ZENITH
November 3, 2015 at 12:33 AM
PSJ ( eye candy )+ historical drama(dress pretty)+flower boy series (entertaining )... Ok I'm in...
Not so confident about Go ara.
Hope PSJ gets some rest dark circles don't suit that pretty face...
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43 jinjuviewer
November 3, 2015 at 12:49 AM
Though I'm going to be excited about this,
But ... I get a feeling that characters that many will love will die in this drama since this is a sageuk and warrior-themed
Someone will die or sacrifice his/her life to save others.
I'm afraid that this will happen.
I'm going to prepare many tissues.
I hope and pray that this drama will be more like SungKyunkwan Scandal or much comical and more light hearted one.
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44 mira
November 3, 2015 at 9:02 AM
Go Ara.... just no ><
I have a hard time standing the confused expression she wears all the time :(
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45 nana i was hoping s
November 3, 2015 at 9:28 AM
Park seo joon and park hyung shik . Bring it on . Heeeeeee love park seo joon so so so so much especially in witch romance . Aaaaaaaa . But why it has to be go ara . Well , i have nothing against go ara .... its just that ..... i was hoping for someone else . Hurrmmmmm .
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46 Bongsookie?
November 3, 2015 at 12:01 PM
Man I miss Go Ara since You're Surrounded! I really hope sheshe signs on!!!!
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47 Mrs. Oh
November 3, 2015 at 3:11 PM
Oh, happy day! I've been dying for a drama about hwarang!
Also, for those who are hoping this is going to be more dramatic, keep in mind that Go Ara is being cast. She is magical in comedy, but also a walking melodrama disaster. Keep it funny, Ara. Keep it funny.
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48 Shamane
November 4, 2015 at 6:25 AM
If both Park Seojoon and Park Hyungshik are in for the drama, then count me in too! I watched both their dramas one after another in recent months (ongoing for She was Pretty), and I am utterly in love with this 2 boys. They are both so charming and charismatic in their own ways. Definitely upcoming stars to look out for (like bigger and brighter than now)!
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49 Gidget
November 4, 2015 at 11:43 AM
A little ago I ran across a series of articles written around 1900 by a westerner who was living in Korea and compiling their history through both their written records and capturing what wasn't written through interviews. Here's one tid bit:
"According to Korean Tradition the marks of royalty are (1) the possession of thirty six teeth; (2) a very prominent nose; (3) prominent cheek bones; (4) long narrow eyes; (5) a white complexion; (6) greater length from hip to crown than from hip to heel; (7) ears so prominent that the man can see them without a looking-glass; (8) a prominent forehead; (9) arms so long that the fingers reach to the knee.
It is probable that this idea comes down from the days of Silla, for tradition tells us that when Nam-ha, the second king of Silla, died his son Yu-ri insisted that Suk-t’al-ha the prime minister become king, but Suk-t’al-ha insisted that Yuri become king. At last they settled the matter by agreeing that they would hunt up a man who had thirty-six teeth and make him king. Having searched a long time in vain it was at last discovered that Yu-ri himself was the possessor of the extra four teeth and he could no longer refuse. It is also true that the people of Kyŭng-sang Province, the site of ancient Silla, are to-day gifted with more prominent noses than the average Korean. They are the lineal descendants of the Silla people."
Soooo, can we have Lee Jun Ki as king please? He doesn't meet the weirder criteria, but is pretty darn close in everything else. And is it right to have a show about the origins of the flower boys without a bit of meta?
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50 Great cast and story, pls
November 8, 2015 at 9:53 PM
Haven't seen a sageuk yet. Never liked history and the plots announced never interest me. I love all the of these actors, Oh Boy, and the plot.
But I totally agree with you about keeping as many facts straight as possible. Historical fiction allows for some creativity but you can’t just write your own story.
I think they're going about it wrong if I understand the Hwarang as explained in the article. It sounds like they could have cast a handsome ahjussi: Yoon Sang Hyun, Gong Yoo, Lee Dong Wook, Hyun Bin (ok so only one of them is over 40 and not the most serious actor out of the group but it's the effort that counts)
AND then used these three, or just two (what is Go Ara supposed to do while the men are off fighting!) for the rest of the flower boy warriors. Correct timeline and attractiveness, together!
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