Im Shi-wan, Yoon-ah headline new historical drama The King Loves
by girlfriday
Well, it’s about time that Im Shi-wan came back to dramaland. Not that I blame him for being extra careful; when you break out in a drama like Misaeng, creating some time and distance between Jang Geu-rae and your next TV character seems like a smart move. He’s signed on to star in the new sageuk The King Loves as the titular king who—what else—falls in love. Starring opposite him will be Girls’ Generation’s Yoon-ah (Prime Minister and I), whose other drama, tvN’s action thriller The K2, is due out this Friday.
The pre-produced drama will be set in Goryeo, and tells the story of an ambitious antihero king, and two fictional characters who will shape his destiny. Um… that sounds a lot like Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo without the time-travel. But you know what, despite being up to my eyeballs in Goryeo princes right now, I do wish I could see a drama do this the grand, sweeping way, and not the clunky, confusing way. Maybe The King Loves will get it right? Is it wrong that I wish Lee Jun-ki and IU could jump ship and do this one instead?
Im Shi-wan stars as Chungseon, the 26th king of Goryeo, though the story will begin when he’s the crown prince. He’s a strikingly beautiful young man, but that beauty and virtue on the outside hides a twisted thirst for conquest underneath. He’s described as having the wisdom of a snake, a shocking temperament, and an eloquence that makes him especially good at drawing people to his side.
The prince is described as Janus-like because of the wily ambition hidden behind his alluring charm, but he’s also a tormented man who’s lacking for affection. He’s a bundle of contradictions: sensitive, bewitching, capable, cruel, and greedy. The drama will portray his terrible rebellion, and “the beautiful but tragic love story” that involves his closest friend and the woman they both love.
Their love for her will drive the country to its destruction, in fact. Yoon-ah will play the beautiful woman San who is loved by two men, described as the Goryeo-era Scarlett O’Hara. She’s the only daughter of the wealthiest man in the nation—her father comes from the royal line and does anything if it means amassing more wealth. The third leg of the triangle is a man of royal descent named Ryn, described as elegant, refined, and upright in character. In one fell swoop, the heroine will “break down their strong bromance that’s as beautiful as a flower.” Well it couldn’t have been that strong if a girl’s going to break it down. Just sayin’.
Both actors have been confirmed, and the 100 percent pre-produced drama will begin shooting in November. It’s currently being considered at MBC for a 2017 broadcast.
Via IS Plus
RELATED POSTS
- Ji Chang-wook: “The K2 will be my last action drama”
- Yoon-ah reconsiders tvN bodyguard drama K2
- Im Shi-wan, L, Chae Soo-bin headline Chinese web drama Black Cat
- Im Shi-wan, Sol Kyung-gu pair up for undercover prison movie
- Yoon-ah, Yoo Hae-jin to join Hyun Bin in action thriller
- Crime movie One Line: Lee Jong-seok out, Im Shi-wan in?
- Im Shi-wan: “I had to take Misaeng”
- Yoon-ah as Nodame?
Tags: Im Shi-wan, The King Loves, Yoon-ah
Required fields are marked *
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
51 kae
September 21, 2016 at 4:00 AM
-Is it wrong that I wish Lee Jun-ki and IU could jump ship and do this one instead?- NOPE. I feel the same way. The editing and the crazy idea to have the 1st lead play 2nd lead up to now is throwing me off
Required fields are marked *
JiaYou
September 22, 2016 at 3:48 AM
Half agree on the NOPE part. LJK should have but with some other actress not IU. XD
Required fields are marked *
52 oppaslayer
September 21, 2016 at 5:13 AM
I tried watching her dramas before, but all it proved is that I can't really stand her. I've decided not to watch K2 even though the lure of JCW Abs is strong. Its just that my dislike of Yoonah is stronger and I can't get past it, so it's very distracting to watch any drama with her in it. Now its seems like I'm going to miss out Im Shi Wan's drama comeback too.
Required fields are marked *
Cecee
September 21, 2016 at 5:54 AM
lol I have a strong allergic reaction to a lot of actress/idols so I stay away from watching their dramas. It's a matter of preference and prejudice.
Simple if you don't like them then don't watch. Everyone has blinders on so I don't think people give fair assessments.
Required fields are marked *
oppaslayer
September 21, 2016 at 6:43 PM
Yep that's why I said I will pass up watching K2 and this drama too.
Required fields are marked *
53 sharreb
September 21, 2016 at 6:02 AM
Idols do get alot of criticism for taking on acting. Sometimes I thk we are all too opinionated and too critical. IU wasn't as bad as the antis make her out to be. While I wasn't a fan of her or Yoona as actress, they were not as horrible as it seems. True they aren't natural and if casted a real good actress it can make the character shine more. But no need name callings or saying she's anorexic. It's because of over critical netizens some entertainers who can't take it get depression. I'm still reeling from the shock of a C actor who committed suicide lately. Let's remember to treat a person as a human. No need to unnecessary bash. If you don't like them, don't watch.
Required fields are marked *
54 kih
September 21, 2016 at 6:18 AM
Its always funny seeing dumb delu irrelevant ifans giving arrogant, butthurt opinion in koreaboo style
Required fields are marked *
55 mary
September 21, 2016 at 7:04 AM
I hope she gets some rest between K2 and this. Can you imagine how hard it will be to jump straight from one heavy drama to another? :O
Since The King Loves is pre-produced, hopefully their schedule isn't as grueling as a liveshoot prod.
Required fields are marked *
56 rinoak
September 21, 2016 at 12:51 PM
"The drama will portray his terrible rebellion, and “the beautiful but tragic love story” that involves his closest friend and the woman they both love."
I was so in (Yoon-ah or not) before I read this. I can't take tragic bromances. (Although, as girlfriday says, it's not really a bromance if they let a girl break them up anyway. It should be stronger than that and last forever!)
Required fields are marked *
57 mmeuh
September 21, 2016 at 3:14 PM
I like Shi Wan and been waiting for his comeback, but the storyline sounds used and like a combined of trendy fusion sageuk these days. Even though the anti-hero sounds interesting and i want to see how Shi Wan plays it, but why it deems down to a bromance being broken by a woman? D: I just hate that. Yoona character must be more than just being beautiful or else it's going to be frustrating to watch this 'love triangle'.. I'm still neutral about Yoona, gotta wait how she does in the K2. some people ask why they cast her instead of other actresses, personally i think cause one she's popular and two very popular in China. and these days it's obvious how some Kdrama prod aims for the Chi market, if not more. They could care less about quality or good acting, as long as it sells. *sighs
Required fields are marked *
mary
September 22, 2016 at 12:40 AM
I want them to go all Scarlett O'Hara with her character and not just be there for the guys to fight over. That'd be an interesting show.
Though the description reminds me more of that novel... is it Wuthering Heights? Where the girl and the guy loved each other more but the girl married someone else so they became terrible people until the end.
Required fields are marked *
58 wackycashew
September 21, 2016 at 4:45 PM
Wow, would love to see Siwannie in a sageuk! Loved him in TMTETS!! ^^
Required fields are marked *
59 Duk Seon
September 25, 2016 at 1:46 PM
Sigh. Too many negative and doubting comments? I really like and love Yoona, and I won't mind her being in dramas, but I agree, this casting news made me think: "Yoona again?" I feel like it's too early. The K2 has just started and I'm fearing it may badly affect reception to The K2, but that's just me. I just hope her dramas do well and that she'll put on a strong performance. *fingers crossed*
Required fields are marked *
60 Unlike
November 7, 2016 at 6:51 PM
If Yoona is ONLY highly popular in China, I think she should just move there/ migrate and work in China..
Required fields are marked *
61 sadegh
January 6, 2017 at 11:36 PM
she is the best actress i ever seen ... i love all of her dramas.. yoona is so popular in middle east and china.. she won the best actres of asia awarsd this year,, she is queen of kdrama and kpop.. she is goddess of queens... i love her
Required fields are marked *
62 mae
May 3, 2017 at 7:51 AM
If you dont want yoona then dont watch her upcoming drama. If you dont want to support her then shut up. As a matter of fact, yoona is just doing her job, and making her fans happy. NOW... if you dont like her dont watch, as easy at that. ALSO if you HATE her ACTING then why dont you try acting? let see if you can act like her.
Required fields are marked *