Lee Jun-ki in talks to take Bu Bu Jing Xin remake drama

by javabeans

According to latest reports, Lee Jun-ki (Scholar Who Walks the Night) is considering taking on the remake of the popular Chinese drama Bu Bu Jing Xin, retitled Moon Lovers, with his management confirming that he has received the offer. All the usual caveats apply, about how the discussions are positive but not yet finalized, etc.

In the original series, the present-day heroine traveled back in time to land in the Qing dynasty, leading to romantic entanglements with several Qing princes. The K-drama remake will take place during the early Goryeo era (mid to late 10th century), but while the historical background will be entirely different, I think we can expect many of the same narratives and themes to play out in the new version. With a K-drama twist, of course, which probably means we’ll have more angsty love triangles, a coup attempt or twenty, and star-crossed everything. (I dunno about you, but I think Fate could stand to go on holiday. Who needs destiny to screw you over when we’re so very capable of doing that ourselves?)

If he signs on, Lee Jun-ki would play Goryeo’s fourth king, Gwangjong, born Wang So, who was fourth son to King Taejo. Historically remembered as a harsh ruler, the drama character is described as so cold-blooded that he’s called an untamed wolf. Coincidentally, that’s the same character recently played by Jang Hyuk in MBC’s fantasy historical drama Shine or Go Crazy — reimagined history is all the rage these days, as we know.

In any case, it seems perfectly obvious to have Lee Jun-ki doing a time-traveling fantasy costume drama adaptation — not necessarily obvious in a bad sense, though I wouldn’t mind Lee Jun-ki stepping outside his (beautifully garbed) sageuk wheelhouse for something completely different. But he’s so great in historical projects so I get the interest; even when the dramas themselves aren’t great, he’s always reliably solid in them (Joseon Gunman, Scholar Who Walks the Night).

Kang Haneul (Misaeng) was previously reported as a potential casting, and that is still the case, with no final word just yet. Neither do we have any hint of who they may cast for the time-slipping heroine. Who’s got a wish list already up and running? I’m sad that Moon Chae-won’s already booked, as is Han Chae-ah.

Moon Lovers will be directed by It’s Okay, It’s Love’s PD Kim Kyu-tae, and is aiming to air early next year.

Via IS Plus

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