Hong Jong-hyun and Goryeo and preproduced *much reminding of ML heartache*
But seriously can't wait for Im Shi-wan's comeback. I know already that I will be tuning in. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this show will be good.

I too appreciate him more after his role in ML, hopefully this will be better produced and he'll continue to do well. From what I've read about the novel the main romance is actually between him and Yoona, I'm looking forward to it.

This sounds great. But is anyone else just a little bit...a LOT bit... worried that this is way more drama than this young cast can handle? Im Shi Wan was very good in Misaeng, sure, but he didn't carry it - not even close. And his character wasn't supposed to be particularly emotive or passionate, etc... Point is, I never felt like he was asked to do a whole lot for long stretches. Sure, he had moments, but it wasn't sustained because the great Lee Sung Min was there to carry the heavy baggage, plus he had a great cast of other young actors with him. OH, and fantastic writing and directing.

I don't really think he can hold his own if the writing and directing are not just perfect - he's not Lee Joon-gi, able to rise above the mud.

And Hong Jong Hyun, I think similarly. I mean, maybe he will surprise me based on some of his final scenes in MLSHR? I don't know. Fingers crossed, because I like all these kids, I just don't know if they are ready for this.

Park Hwan Hee seems to be going places. Good for her! It pays to act in the right drama. She was a rookie actress who starred in DOTS, and she's gotten more parts since then in UF and JI. Wishing her the best as she builds up her career.

Goryeo-era Scarlett O'Hara? Including Scarlett's bitchiness and everything?!

Unlikely, especially given that it's Yoona in the role, but one can hope...

That Nam Da Reum has been in a lot of product lately. I was really impress about him in entourage.

LOL, girlfriday!

I actually started to think better of Hong Jong-hyun as an actor the minute he went full evil in Moon Lovers, so maybe he’ll continue to improve and get away from the bland roles he’s done up until then. You know what, I’ll just be happy if he gets a new stylist who doesn’t give him wet rat Goryeo hair.

I enjoyed his portrayal of the devious Wang-Yo, and welcome another turn in a sageuk. In fact, I'm overjoyed at the prospect of a gat-free mane of glory this time around. I can dream, can't I? ;-)

That said, playing second fiddle sounds like an excellent strategy for HJH to gain more experience, and this time he won't be the baddie we all loved to hate in MOON LOVERS. In addition to his badassery on the way to the Sageuk Cliff, he conveyed believable pathos after it finally set in that Mommy Dearest didn't give a rat's derriere about him other than as a tool in her quest for power.

I also liked HJH playing evil characte in Moon Lovers.

Planning to watch this for Siwan. And I love NDR!! ^^

Hong Jong Hyun did shine in dark roles. hopefully his second time around in a preproduced drama would fare better narratively and has better production

Agree with you on Hong Jong Hyun. I watched him in 'we got married' and while watching i was thinking, with that stone attitude he can't be an actor, he must be a model ?. Some more, I don't remember watching him in any drama. Only after ML I see him as an actor, a good one?

Isn't it funny how everyone is slamming Yoona and making assumptions on the story without having read the book?

In the book Wan, Rin and San are childhood friends and even when Wan becomes king for the first time (the book follows the history quite closely and Wan was actually king twice). They stick together and support him. It isn't until San and Rin develop feelings for each other that jealously steps in. However, Wan is not jealous of Rin because he has San but because they share he cannot be part. Wan loves Rin and San equally. It is a love that goes beyond friendship because they are his family. If had to entrust his whole life to someone, it would be San and Rin. It is not a love triangle in a conventional sense since San does not need to decide (her decision is clear from the start.) or is put between to men. However, the friendship breaks when Wan feels betrayed by both of them, Rin and San.

Regarding San: she dresses as boy to save young women from being sold. She is interested in politics and stuff like democracy. She is quite forward thinking but gets herself often into trouble. However, she is kind and cares for the people around her. Sometimes a bit stuck up and bitchy.

And knowing Yoona work ethic which praised by many of her co-actors, she will work her butt of. If you cannot stand her, don't watch it or watch only cuts of it. But don't bitch about bad she is, when you have not even seen her.
None of the co-actors she has worked with needed to talk highly of her, but they did.

sageuk

Yes, I approve. I just hope they are liberal w/the guyliner, cause dang, it made his eyes so pretty in 'Scarlet Heart'. :is shallow: :don't judge me: