If you were missing a 50-episode saeguk to plan your week around, help is on the way. A new historical drama from MBC will feature plenty of addicting court intrigue and forbidden romance. Cha Seung Won has signed on to play Prince Gwanghae and Lee Yeon Hee will play his half-sister Princess Jung Myong in the new drama "Hwajung" or "Splendid Politics."
It won't be the first drama or film to feature the character of Prince Gwanghae. Seo In Guk plays him in "The King's Face." Ji Sung, Lee Byung Hun and Lee Sang Yoon also portrayed him. And he is not always portrayed as a villain.
In "The King's Face" he is seen compassionately, as a young man struggling to survive in an unpredictable court. In the new drama, "Hwajung" or "Splendid Politics" Prince Gwanghae is not portrayed as sympathetic a character. Because he is second in line for the throne he kills the heir apparent, his half-brother, Prince Yeong Chang.
Also, this saeguk will not focus on the story of Prince Gwanghae. It will dwell on the fate of his half-sister, the princess. Although Princess Jung Myong survives the death of her brother, Prince Gwanghae banishes her from the castle with her mother Queen Inmok. The princess has to live her life like a commoner. It's not all bad being a commoner because it gives her a chance to fall in love with the character played by Seo Kang Joon.
But even living away from the throne does not guarantee her safety. One of the prince's nephews wants to take the throne from Prince Gwanghae and even after he succeeds he sees the princess as a threat to his position. Kim Jae Won of "Scandal" plays the man who would become King Injo. He is determined to destroy her.
Before taking up princely robes, Cha Seung Won appeared in the police thriller drama "You're All Surrounded" and played a transgender homicide detective in the film "Man on High Heels." He also appears in a "Three Meals a Day" spin-off set in a small fishing village.
Lee Yeon Hee starred in two dramas in 2013, "Gu Family Book" and "Miss Korea," as well as the film "Marriage Blue." She also has a role in "Detective K: Secret of the Lost Island."
Lee Sung Min, who played Manager Oh in the hit cable show "Misaeng," is also cast in this drama. He will play Lee Duk Hyung, a politician that eventually becomes prime minister.
Kim Yi Young, who wrote "Horse Doctor," "Yi Sam" and "Dong Yi" will write the script for "Hwajung."
Kim Sang Ho, who directed "Can You Hear My Heart?" and "Arang and the Magistrate" is the drama's director. The drama follows "Shine or Go Crazy" in April.
