Long before they became household names in Korean entertainment, four leading actors started side by side in one of South Korea's most controversial films — The Frozen Flower.

The historical erotic drama, which was released in 2008, is loosely based on the life of King Gongmin of the Goryeo Dynasty (1330–1374).

The plot revolves around a love triangle between the king and his queen and the king's military commander, Hong Rim.

In a last-ditch effort to produce an heir, the king has Hong Rim — who also happens to be his secret lover — sleep with the queen.

What starts as an obligation becomes a forbidden romance that spirals into tragedy.

Despite its provocative themes, The Frozen Flower was a box-office hit, selling more than 3 million tickets and ranking among the top 10 most-attended Korean films of the year.

The film is also notable for having launched the careers of now-famous actors.

One of them is now known best for lead roles in Descendants of the Sun, Vincenzo, and Reborn Rich: Song Joong Ki.

Song's screen debut was in The Frozen Flower, playing a soldier named No Tak — a minor role but a critical moment for the then-rising actor.

"I can never forget acting for the first time in front of Jo In Sung sunbaenim, Joo Jin Mo sunbaenim and Director Yoo Ha," Song said in an interview with Max Movie. "My part was not big, but I was super-happy when the director would give me lines."

Another actor who made his debut in the new film is Jung Sung Il, who shot to fame recently after his role in the Netflix thriller The Glory.

In The Frozen Flower, Jung appears as a royal guard in a short appearance that kick-starts his acting career.
One of Korea's most prominent young actors, Yeo Jin Goo, played a young version of the same role in the film.

He played a young Hong Rim at age 11, displaying wisdom far beyond his years, qualities that would later define his career, including as the male lead in Hotel Del Luna.

Rounding out the group is Park Sung Hoon, who also appeared in The Glory alongside Jung.

His film debut was in The Frozen Flower as a member of the Gunryong Corps, one of his earliest credited roles after debuting in 2006.

Although each actor had a minor role in the film, their performances were stepping stones to the fame they would later find.

The Frozen Flower is a contentious yet significant film in Korean cinema — not just for its daring narrative but for helping to carve the careers of these future stars.