When actor Hyun Bin was discharged from the Marines last December, he tearfully told fans that he was grateful for the experience, but he was eager to return to acting. He took a two-month break then went on fan meetings in Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Guangzhou. After considering a few roles, he decided to challenge himself by signing on to a leading role in the movie, "King's Wrath."
In this film, Hyun Bin will play the charismatic King Jungjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon dynasty. King Jungjo lived such an extraordinary life that he has often been portrayed in dramas. When the king was young he had to watch his father die by his grandfather's orders. Nor was his own rule peaceful. He had to be vigilant, finding ways to protect his power from the conflict between the rival Noron and Soron clans. And yet, despite having to devote so much energy to staying in power, the king conceived such innovative reforms that he is considered one of Korea's most visionary rulers. The title of the movie refers both to the King's anger and to the scales that sprout the opposite way on a dragon, scales that you dare not touch.
King Jungjo will be the first historical role Hyun Bin has attempted. He is best known for his portrayal of restaurant owner Hyun Jin Heon in the drama hit "My Name is Kim Sam Soon," a drama production director, Jung Ji Oh in "Worlds Within," and spangled CEO Kim Joo Won in the popular "Secret Garden." He also appeared as Hoon, a man-on-the-run in the film, "Late Autumn."
Acting in a historical drama can be difficult for even an experienced actor. For such dramas to be believable, the actor must learn to speak in a historically accurate way and not to slip into modern mannerisms. Wearing the heavy cumbersome costumes can also be difficult, especially if the drama is shot during warmer weather. And actors who don't make the grade face criticism. For example, actress Moon Chae Won, who previously won acting awards, was criticized for not getting the speech right when she played Lee Se Ryung in "The Princess' Man."
However, Hyun's fans are sure he has the skills to tackle such a weighty role.
The movie will be directed by Lee Jae Gyu who produced the dramas "Damo," Beethoven's Virus" and "The King 2 Hearts." It will be the director's big screen debut.
The movie will be released in 2014.
