SNL Korea’s Jang Jin to direct new science-fiction drama City of Stars

by tineybeanie

Writer-director Jang Jin (We Are Brothers, High Heel) has been a huge name in the Korean theater and movie industry since the early nineties. He has explored nearly every genre from political comedies to family melodramas, but one thing remains consistent in his record — his thoughtful presentation of human issues that challenge societal norms.

Although he works primarily behind the scenes, Director Jang can also be seen on television if you watch comedy program SNL Korea where he serves as both a cast member and creative director (and anchor of Weekend Update), JTBC’s Crime Scene, or old reruns of Korea’s Got Talent where he was a judge. Recently, he announced that he will be making his first foray into dramas by taking the helm of big-budget science-fiction drama City of Stars.

An inside source reports that Director Jang has been planning for his drama debut as a director for a long time. City of Stars is about a friendship between astronauts, which is conflicted by differing patriotic loyalties, and there may also be a romantic subplot. Rumors say that certain top stars are eyeing the project because it’s shaping up to become the next blockbuster drama and also because of Director Jang, though there is no official casting news to date.

In the description for the upcoming drama, two starry-eyed boys dream of exploring space since childhood. As adults, they are selected to be potential astronaut candidates for a special mission to obtain a steady supply of Helium-3. Set in a future world where the earth’s natural fuels have almost dried up, finding this alternative energy source becomes a matter of planetary importance, and nations engage in covert battles to ensure their own survival.

As a longtime sci-fi/fantasy fan, I’m intrigued by the premise. We’ve had aliens in dramaland, and even alien-vampires, but I don’t think there has ever been a Korean show where the main topic has been interstellar travel. I wonder if Director Jang will go for a Star Wars/Star Trek-type feel or focus the international intrigue on Earth before the astronauts go on their mission. Either way, I can’t wait!

Casting for City of Stars will begin early next year, and the project is currently being shopped at major broadcasters.

Via Chosun Sports

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