The upcoming historical film, "The King's Wrath" not only offers Han Ji Min a chance to play Hyun Bin's grandmother. It offers her a chance to play his deadliest political enemy.
Han Ji Min has signed on to be the queen dowager, Queen Jeongun, a role that will place her in direct opposition to Hyun Bin's character King Jeongjo.
Han Ji Min knows her way around that particular Joseon dynasty palace as she previously played Lady Seong, King Jeongjo's concubine, in the drama "Yi San: Wind of the Palace." This time around she will play King Jeongjo's step-grandmother, a woman who is only seven years older than the young king. The real-life Queen Jeongun was a powerful opponent of the king's political views.
It will be Han Ji Min's first role in two years since she appeared in the film "Detective K: Secret of the Virtuous Widow." Besides her work in period dramas, she is also known for her roles in "Cain and Abel, "Padam Padam" and the comedy "Rooftop Prince."
King Jeongjo is Hyun Bin's first role since returning from military duty and he is currently studying martial arts and horseback riding for the part. Hyun Bin is well known for his work in the dramas "My Lovely Kim Sam Soon," "Secret Garden" and "Worlds Within."
"The King's Wrath" focuses on the story of the Joseon dynasty ruler and the two men who plot to kill but also protect him. King Jeongjo's rule was threatened by endless political intrigues. His reign began with a dare. His grandfather sentenced his father, the Crown Prince, to death and King Jeongjo's rule began by his reminding everyone that he was that Crown Prince's son. King Jeongjo worked to restore the honor of his father's name. When he named his mother Queen Dowager, because she was widow of the crown prince, this threatened the position held by Queen Jeongun.
Actors Jung Jae Young and Jo Jung Suk will also appear in the film. They play assassins who plan to kill the king and pretend to be bodyguards to get closer to him. But one of them has a change of heart.
Actress Jung Eun Cha also appears in the movie as the first love of one of the assassins. She is known for her roles in the film "Nobody's Daughter Hae Won" and the drama "My Bittersweet Life."
Lee Jae Kyu, who directed the dramas "The King 2 Hearts," "Damo" and "Beethoven Virus" will direct. It will be his first film. Filming begins in September.
