Lee Jin Wook seems likely to be cast when filming any k-drama adaptations of Alexandre Dumas novels. Last year he played a prince in a k-drama adaptation of the Dumas novel "The Three Musketeers," which was then set in Joseon-era Korea.
And he recently landed a leading role in the drama "Goodbye Mr. Black," which is based on a 1980s manhwa. The manhwa drew inspiration from the 1844 Dumas novel "The Count of Monte Cristo."
Only this time the Dumas-inspired drama will be set in modern-day Korea, with possibly some scenes shot in England and Australia.
That's because the Hwang Mi Na manhwa is set in the present. Lee's character Cha Ji Won, is a Navy SEAL who is cruelly betrayed by his friend. Accused of treason, Cha is exiled to Australia. His life is destroyed and all he can think about is revenge. He acquires a new identity and returns to England to exact that revenge and search for his lost love.
In the original novel, the plot to seek revenge hurts not only the guilty but also the innocent. Seeking justice often results in heaping injustice on the innocent. And that is generally the message in all revenge k-dramas. Is the pleasure of revenge will be worth the pain it causes others? Cha Ji Won will also have to decide how badly he wants justice.
And he is not the only one involved in his plot. Cha returns home with a fake wife, Swan, played by Moon Chae Won. Both Cha and tough girl Swan have become cynical because life has treated them so poorly. Although they pretend to marry for cynical reasons, their interactions help them regain a positive view of humanity.
Lee Jin Wook was last seen in the dramas "The Time I Loved You, 7,000 Days" and "Nine: Nine Time Travels." Moon Chae Won was last seen on the small screen in "The Good Doctor" with Joo Won. She also appeared in the film "Love Forecast" with Lee Seung Gi.
Lee Chang Min, who directed "Midas" and "Birth of a Beauty," will direct the drama. Moon Hee Jung, who wrote the dramas "I hear Your Voice" and "Missing You," will write the screenplay. The Wednesday - Thursday drama will air after "The Village - Achiaria," starring Moon Geun Young."
