Jang Hyuk is about to act in another historical drama. It's not that fans are complaining. He looks good in a ponytail. But that is a lot of historical dramas in a row.

Is he really that fond of saeguks?

According to a recent interview in the Korean magazine Singles, its less a matter of preferring historical roles but more about choosing roles that he really likes.

And he keeps getting offered good historical ones.

When asked about his role as Chun Bong Sam in "God of Trade - Innkeeper 2015" he said it was the character that convinced him. And before that it was the characters in the drama "Shine Or Go Crazy" and the film "Empire of Lust."

"It might have been too much to star in three historical dramas in a row, but the original characters were interesting, so I did not want to decline them," said Jang.

His "God of Trade" character Chun Bong Sam starts as a peddler and rebuilds the ruined Cheon Family Inn, ultimately becoming the wealthiest merchant in Joseon. And he does it all while dealing with people in an ethical manner. That does sound interesting.

But even before 'Shine or Go Crazy" Jang was called the "King of the Saeguk" because he played his saeguk roles so well.

Jang played the slave hunter Lee Dae Gil in "Chuno: The Slave Hunters." Lee Dae Gil's noble family was ruined. After enduring a harsh life the character became a slave hunter.

In "Deep-Rooted Tree" he played Ddol Bok, a slave who finds a way into palace life because he wants revenge.

In the 2015 drama "Shine or Go Crazy," he played the cursed prince Wang So. A prophecy exiled the prince from the palace.

And in the same year that he played the real-life Prince Lee Bang Won in the film "Empire of Lust." Lee Bang Won helped his father overthrow the Goryeo Dynasty and found the Joseon dynasty, but he was passed over in the line of succession. So many actors have played the prince that every new portrayal offers a different slant on his motives.

At the film's press conference Jang explained his reasons for taking the role that so many other actors had played. It was hardly an original character but he hoped to shed new light on the real-life historical figure.

"When people think of Lee Bang Won, they picture a strong-willed, ambitious and rational figure," he said. "I tried to highlight the emotional side of the character and illustrate different aspects of him, in contrast to previous depictions."

Whether he is playing a fictional character or reinterpreting a real-life role, one reason Jang likes historical roles is the chance to ride horses. It's a hobby he enjoys in his spare time.

"God of Trade" will air in September.

Do you prefer Jang Hyuk in modern day or historical roles? Let us know.