Kolorful Palette: Things I miss [Tree With Deep Roots]
by Fanderay
My excitement for upcoming drama Joseon Gunman made me realize that I miss having a sageuk in my life, so I decided to draw one of my favorites from the last few years. I originally only planned on watching the first few episodes to check out Song Joong-ki’s acting (which is fantastic) and never anticipated that I would get so sucked in. I think we all miss Song Joong-ki too (while he serves in the military) so it seemed fitting to draw him halfway through his term.
No one in my family watches Asian dramas of any kind, but somehow my brother and mother ended up marathoning this show with me while they were visiting. My brother then recommended it to some of his friends, and they ended up loving it too. For whatever reason, Tree With Deep Roots appeals to a wide demographic, and apparently works as a good drama intro for the uninitiated. I think that speaks to its quality.
For those who don’t know, the plot essentially surrounds a series of murders that occur while King Sejong prepares to release the Korean alphabet (hangul) to the public. It’s a lot more complicated than that, but I don’t want to spoil anything, and I wouldn’t know where to start anyways. I think what surprised me most about this show was the level of intrigue and suspense. I expected some action and a fair amount of plotting, but the writers did a fantastic job of creating something more intricate and compelling than I’m used to seeing on TV. I was also shocked by how much I ended up liking adult Sejong, but at the time I had no idea how awesome actor Han Seok-kyu is. I really need to start watching more Korean movies!
If you haven’t watched this drama, you really have nothing to lose because the worst case scenario is that you have to “endure” Song Joong-ki for a few episodes. Apparently he was advised not to take this role as young Sejong, but Joong-ki thought that taking on a small but challenging part was more worthwhile than taking on the lead role in a miniseries. It certainly is a challenging and complex role, but he showed us that he’s more than capable. The scene I drew above is from the second episode, when he finally works up the courage to confront his father. I loved this scene because he layers so many emotions, and even when he’s being defiant it’s easy to feel the fear he’s fighting so hard against.
This show clocks in at 24 episodes, which is pretty short by historical standards, and I can’t remember it dragging (which is usually my beef when it comes to sageuks). I may have to watch it again to see if it’s quite as good as I remember, but I still highly recommend it.
I actually have some old drawings from this drama that I may as well include too. Here you go!
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1 mary
June 15, 2014 at 12:33 PM
So beautiful! The story. The acting. Your paintings... and Pyung! T^T
//NOT SURE IF THIS IS SPOILER, BUT MARKING IT ANYWAY//
I think TWDR can appeal to guys because it has martial arts and murder investigations part. Plus, there isn't much sappy romance here so they won't get bored. (Pardon me for stereotyping you guys out there...) It's even set up like an RPG, with diff "fighters" of different styles that Ddol-bok has to fight or convince to join his side.
For kdrama fans, most of us are probably highly interested in Korean culture. TWDR gave an interesting look/twist into the creation of Hangul, even if the show took creative license with the story. With a great execution, it's no wonder a lot of us loved TWDR!
Also, in your 2nd painting, I think that's the first time I cried during TWDR. Yes, it's Shin Se Kyung who made me cry first! When she was desperately trying to talk so she could tell the caretaker from their old master's house that she's Dam... I was just both sad that she didn't see Ddol-bok and happy that she found one person who survived because she must've been blaming herself all those years for the carnage in the jail.
//END OF POSSIBLE SPOILERS//
Thanks for painting TWDR Fanderay! :))))
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2 Wag_a_Muffin
June 15, 2014 at 12:49 PM
I love this show! Thanks for sharing.
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3 Hwari
June 15, 2014 at 12:51 PM
I heart this drama so bad. I even watch the re-run on my tv last year and hope it will air again.
For me, the scene that I cried was when the fifth Prince was gone. It so powerful, sad etc etc. I'm not into Joongki but I know this is the drama that made he opt out from Running Man. But his acting is so awesome. Even the transition between the young to adult is done brilliantly.
I love the actors from the kids to the adult. And this drama got the best bromance ever. The bromance I say almost similar with Mandate of Heaven.
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4 ahsaem
June 15, 2014 at 1:24 PM
Whoa. You are extremely talented. ! :) love all your paintings.
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5 earthna
June 15, 2014 at 1:42 PM
Finally! Someone who loves this drama as much as I do! I originally watched this for Kibum since I'm a big Super Junior fan and I've missed him so much. Anyway, I didn't expect to be sucked in as well. I've always liked Joongki but this is the best I've seen him in especially that scene you drew. This drama made me love Jang Tae Yoo PD-nim so bad it's unhealthy. This drama is visually beautiful omg it's too much beauty for my eyes. Acting, writing, and directing were all very good. It's a must watch! Oh, and I've watched it for a second time just for the heck of it and I actually enjoyed it more since I can look back and realize, oh so that's why. Lol. Your drawings were amazing as always! Omg look at Pyung!!
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Kiara
June 15, 2014 at 5:10 PM
A lot of people loved this show :). One of my top 5 and so many fond memories. I'm missing Song Joong-ki a ton and I can't pass up anything with the amazing Han Seok-kyu in it. His, was the performance of that year imo.
If I'm not mistaken this was HeadsNo2's first drama recap :). It makes me sad that she hasn't been as lucky lately. Not to worry Heads, maybe Joseon Gunman will not disappoint you.
Fanderay, thanks for the beautiful art work and the blast from the past:) <3
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earthna30
June 15, 2014 at 6:55 PM
I guess it's just that people who loved this drama didn't really voice it out. Yeah, it's my 2nd all time fave drama! I remember reading Heads' recaps on this. And omg so Heads is doing Joseon Gunman?! Can't waitttt. As if I'm not impatient already. Haha
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Kiara
June 16, 2014 at 5:38 AM
I don't know who is going to recap JG. I know JB will be all over it :).
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Kiara
June 16, 2014 at 5:38 AM
err I think
6 browncoat_78
June 15, 2014 at 2:36 PM
My favorite Kdrama! Come for Song Joong Ki. Stay for Han Seok Gyu (my favorite Kdrama acting performance of all time). Forget Shin Se Kyung is in it. That's my motto. Thank you!
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7 jnewin
June 15, 2014 at 2:59 PM
<3 your artistic painting and mentioning about Trees with a Deep Roots.
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8 jnewin
June 15, 2014 at 3:00 PM
<3 your paintings
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9 kanz
June 15, 2014 at 4:06 PM
I also watch this drama for Song Joong Ki because I miss him so bad. I only watched it 4 months ago...
However unexpectedly my aunt also want to watch it together with me and we ended up marathon this drama. My aunt loves this drama so much.
I love Han Seok Kyu as King Sejong and Jang Hyuk as Kang Chae Yoon. Their dynamics is great!!
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10 bashful
June 15, 2014 at 4:58 PM
I agree - I miss watching a sageuk! I saw episode one of "Jung Do-jeon" and I really liked it but I think the subbers decided to pass that one on so only that one was subbed. :(
Ah well....can't wait for "The Joseon Gunman" to start.
BTW does anyone know what this year's sageuk from JBCT is?
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bashful
June 15, 2014 at 4:59 PM
That should say JTBC rather (makers of "Cruel Palace")
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Kiara
June 15, 2014 at 5:25 PM
I'm hoping writer Jung Ha-Yeon is working on another sageuk. He wrote Queen Insoo (2011-2012) followed by Cruel Palace (2013) both for JTBC.
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bashful
June 16, 2014 at 3:38 AM
Those two sageuks are probably the best ones I've seen. I loved TWDR (did not like last episode though) but I thought the other two were in a league on their own!
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Kiara
June 16, 2014 at 5:35 AM
When it comes to conventional/traditional sageuks, he is definitely the best.
11 danna
June 15, 2014 at 5:29 PM
I love that scene.... I think that scene or rather all the scenes of SJK in those first few Eps were breathtaking... I couldn't finish the show after he left for various reasons but I still get goosebumps when I watch that forest scene
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12 onewcondition
June 15, 2014 at 5:38 PM
You can actually see the emotions in his eyes in your drawing, which consistently never fails to amaze me! Thank you for also talking about the drama, I haven't seen it yet and wasn't sure if it was my cup of tea but I might now give it a go ^_^
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13 Chuck
June 15, 2014 at 6:32 PM
One of my favorite dramas, too. No surprise, since the writer was Kim Young-Hyun, writer of my all time favorite, Dae Jang Geum. And Queen Seon Duk, among others.
This was my first time seeing Han Seok Kyu, and I thought he was great.
This is my third favorite sageuk, after Dae Jang Geum and Chuno.
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Kiara
June 16, 2014 at 10:00 AM
I love Kim Young-Hyun and TWDR to me was her best work. I enjoyed her other sageuks but she can go over-board with the fan-service to keep the ratings up. Dae Jang Geum and Queen Seon Deok for examples.
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14 Cocoboo
June 15, 2014 at 6:42 PM
Great picture! The emotions in his eyes!
Tree with Deep Roots is one of my favoriteeeeeee dramas!
I wanted to watch it bcuz of Jang Hyuk and the story.
I hadn't seen much of Song Joong Ki's acting before, but he completely captured me in TWDR.
Really missing him now.
I'm super excited for Joseon Gunman too.
I haven't watched any sageuks this year, but I want JG to be the first one. =)
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15 LaLa
June 15, 2014 at 8:04 PM
Your artwork is so beautiful! And now I feel like watching this series again. :)
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16 Chandler
June 15, 2014 at 8:33 PM
Oh Song Joong-ki. I'm so glad you did this! I miss him so much! Please return sooon!!!
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17 korfan
June 16, 2014 at 12:14 AM
Ahhhh ....... Song Joong-ki! ....... He is missed very much indeed!
His acting is always fantastic. ....... Time and time again I've heard positive things about him in this drama and the whole drama as a whole.
Thanks Fanderay, for sharing these drawings with us.
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18 skez
June 16, 2014 at 5:42 AM
i love SJK but am not a fan of historical dramas and medical dramas thats why ive not watched this...thx for sharing tho
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19 monda
June 16, 2014 at 6:40 AM
Fanderay I wonder why you didn't mention Jang Hyuk at all... as for me I watch TWDR for Jang Hyuk and he is amazing as always. He's the one who made me cry.
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20 Jo
June 16, 2014 at 4:01 PM
oooh, this one was good.
That year and the year before were pretty good years, if my memory serves me well, for sageuks.
The Princess' Man, Chuno, Tree with Deep Roots. Mmm mm mm, so good. Now if we can wipe that Moon something something "sageuk" from memory and history...
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21 Fels
June 16, 2014 at 9:45 PM
Haven't watched the show yet but I miss sageuk drama too! Hopefully, joseon gunman will be good :")
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22 mangoate
June 18, 2014 at 3:14 AM
Am I the only one who watched it because of Jang Hyuk? After Chuno I was in need of another badass Jang Hyuk role and TWDR delivered that and some.
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