A time-crossed encounter in first teaser for Saimdang, Light’s Diary

by chickachunga

The first teaser is finally out for Saimdang, Light’s Diary, the highly anticipated drama comeback project for actress Lee Young-ae, whose last drama was MBC’s 2003 global smash success Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace). It’s only thirty seconds long, but it just might whet the appetite for now after a series of scheduling changes and a pushed premiere date.

Written by Park Eun-ryung (Saving Mrs. Go Bong-shil) and directed by PD Yoon Sang-ho (Bride of the Century), Saimdang, Light’s Diary is a fusion sageuk about a Korean art history lecturer named Seo Ji-yoon who stumbles upon the diary of Shin Saimdang, a brilliant Joseon-era poetess and artist. Lee Young-ae takes on both the roles of Seo Ji-yoon and Saimdang, traversing past and present as the modern-day historian delving into the secrets of a distinguished historical figure. Song Seung-heon (When a Man Loves) plays the “Joseon Gatsby” and Saimdang’s lover, Lee Gyeom.

The teaser sets the scene with a panoramic view of Bologna. Inside an old home, a mirror suddenly shatters before Seo Ji-yoon, and a seal on an old diary piques her curiosity. Hanbok-clad Lee Gyeom shouts Saimdang’s name, and we see that Seo Ji-yoon takes the form of Saimdang, and her path converges with that of Lee Gyeom’s. Lee Gyeom says, “Even if our paths are parallel and never cross, I will still go side by side with you.” We hear Saimdang say, “Please create a nation where people can dream.” The shattered mirror reveals a portrait of Saimdang, and Seo Ji-yoon gazes at it in awe, wondering to herself, “Why did you appear before me? Why?”

The teaser is fairly short, but it is nice to see Lee Young-ae back in action. I’m a bit wary of Song Seung-heon’s casting, and I’m not sure if I’m ready for another expensive, pre-produced fusion sageuk mess, but perhaps Saimdang will be the one that gets it right. I’ll be tuning in to find out!

Saimdang, Lights Diary will air as a Wednesday-Thursday drama on SBS, and premieres on January 25 after Legend of the Blue Sea ends its run.

Via Sports Chosun

RELATED POSTS

• Saimdang, Light’s Diary pushed back to next year
• Two more promo crumbs from buzz sageuk Saimdang, Light’s Diary
• SBS’s Saimdang, the Herstory to premiere in October
• Press conference and open set day for Saimdang, the Herstory
• Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon’s first stills for Saimdang
• Song Seung-heon considers Saimdang opposite Lee Young-ae
• Kam Woo-sung courted to be Lee Young-ae’s leading man
• Lee Young-ae eyes comeback with sageuk drama (not Dae Jang Geum 2)