There's good news for anyone who enjoyed the historical drama "Tree With Deep Roots" and for anyone who is a fan of actor Yoo Ah In.
The actor is considering a role in the upcoming 50-episode saeguk "Six Flying Dragons," a prequel to the events that took place in 'Tree With Deep Roots." If he takes the role Yoo Ah In will play Prince Yi Bang Won, who becomes King Taejong of Joseon. The prince was the son of King Taejo, who founded the Joseon dynasty.
'Tree With Deep Roots" told the story of King Taejong's fifth son, Yi Do, who later became King Sejong. The original drama starred Jang Hyuk, Shin Se Kyung, Han Suk Kyu as King Sejong and Song Joong Ki as King Sejong when he was a young prince. The new drama will take the story back one generation.
It will be interesting to see Yoo Ah In's take on this very decisive king.
King Taejong is another controversial king, as exiled and executed many of his supporters, including killing quite a few family members to secure the throne. Whatever his motivation for those executions and banishments, he had no intention of relinquishing any of his power.
Yoo Ah In has appeared in three historical dramas so far. He played King Sukjong in "Jang Ok Jung," the scholar Moon Jae Shin in "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" and Heuksan in "Strongest Chil Woo." His last drama role was playing a piano prodigy in "Secret Love Affair."
Kim Myung Min is also considering a role in the drama. The actor, last seen in the legal drama "A New Leaf," is considering the role of Jung Do Yeon, a scholar who helped define policy for the new Joseon dynasty. But his theories about government did not always win approval from King Taejong. Jung Do Yeon proposed a government run by the ministers, while the prince believed in preserving the unchecked power of the monarchy.
A few "Tree With Deep Roots" actors may return to play younger versions of their original roles.
Filming will begin once casting wraps up in May. The SBS drama is scheduled to air in September, possibly following "Chaebol's Daughter," which is set to follow the 30-episode "Heard It Through The Grapevine."
Kim Young Hyun and Park Sang Yeon, who wrote the script for "Tree With Deep Roots" and "Queen Seonduk," are writing the screenplay for "Six Flying Dragons." "Tree With Deep Roots" director Shin Kyung Soo will direct the prequel.
