KARA fans may want to be on the look out for lead vocalist Han Seung Yeon this week in the latest episodes of the drama "Jang Ok Jung."
Although the singer's character was seen in one of the earliest episodes, she has not appeared again, as the story played up the rivalry between Queen Inhyun and royal concubine Jang Ok Jung. But that is not unlike the true story of the historical character that she plays.
Maid Choi, also known as Sookbin Choi, was a woman who quietly began her court life as a palace maid but then went on to shape history. Although much has been written about the tragic rivalry between Queen Inhyun and Jang Ok Jung, in the end it was Sookbin Choi whose child inherited the throne.
After attracting King Sukjong's attention, Sookbin Choi became a royal concubine and the mother of King Yeongjo.
Sookbin Choi also helped seal the destiny of Jang Ok Jung. Whether you believe Jang Ok Jung was an evil villain, responsible for killing Queen Inhyun or just a palace concubine trying to defend herself against court intrigue, Sookbin Choi helps decide her future. Although Sookbin Choi was initially grateful to Jang Ok Jung for an act of kindness, she turns against her, taking Queen Inhyun's side.
This week, Sookbin Choi will appear at a ceremony in the drama. She will smile at the king and the competition for his attention will intensify.
A representative for the drama's production company said that with Sookbin Choi's appearance, things are going to heat up in the palace. "The women of the palace will start to fight more fiercely, bringing more fun to the drama of the story."
When Han Seung Yeon was cast in this part, the drama's producer Bu Sung Cheol did not even know she was a member of the popular girl group.
"I thought she looked just like how I imagined Sookbin to be," said Bu.
She would not be the first idol to make a successful transition from singing to acting and it is not Han's first role. She had a cameo as a child actress in the 1997 drama, "Star in My Heart."
She also contributed her singing talents to the OSTs for two popular dramas. She recorded the song, "Because of Love" for the soundtrack of "Warrior Baek Dong Soo" and the song "Super Star" for the drama "Mary Stayed Out All Night."
Those who watched her work on set say the actress has been working hard to disprove the notion that she was cast because she was an idol. She wants to be taken seriously. It will be interesting to see how her character shapes the plot and how she portrays the character.
