JAZZHOLIC

ay_link May 22nd, 2008

Perhaps it’s because of Lee Junki (the man behind the mask above) that brings such great fortunes to this newest SBS drama, Iljimae. The drama premiered yesterday at 9:55pm Korea time starring Lee Junki (Time of Dog and Wolf), Han Hyo Joo (Spring Waltz, As much as heaven and earth), Park Shi Hoo (Perfect Neighbor), and Lee Young Ah (Golden Bride). Its pilot episode grabbed a solid #4 ratings Nationwide, 15.5% and a strong 17% for Seoul ratings yesterday. No wonder, by the 2nd episode, Iljimae’s ratings jumps up to #2 spot - 17.7% nationwide and 18.4% Seoul. Pretty impresive, no?

See the teaser in HD

There must be something about this drama that’s so intriguing, and yes, it could’ve been Lee Junki’s selling power, but also because of the story. For all I know, the fans have all been waiting for this one to be aired, and I, myself, after watching episode 1, am very intrigued indeed by the pace of this series. Junki is awesome as always, and all the other child actors are simply AMAZING. Seriously, how the heck do they train these awesome child actors?

Similar like Hong Gil Dong, which reminds most people about Robin Hood, Iljimae, to most Koreans, are just like it but only better because its story is not as ‘old’ as Hong Gil Dong. But, frankly, what is the story of Iljimae?

Well, this is based from what I’ve read so far:

“Iljimae” is the first complete version of a comic series by Go Yoo Yeong that had been published in a local sports newspaper from 1975 to 1977.
The story line is familiar to every child. A chivalrous bandit during the Joseon Dynasty robs corrupt government officials to feed the poor. Iljimae, the hero, leaves a wooden branch from a plum tree at the site of each robbery to take responsibility for the robberies and to protect others.
Indeed, the book has a timeless quality even though the original comic series was written 30 years ago. The dialogue, characters, and the author’s style creates stories that are more than a superficial story about a hero and his struggle with good and evil. The characters’ exaggerated personalities and the humor of their situations save the story from falling into a didactic tale of morality or commentary on social conflict.
This work is considered an excellent example of social parody. Go was a veteran Korean cartoonist who broke with social conventions in his story. He also is known for using characters and stories from ancient folk tales or novels as metaphors for contemporary Korean society.

The 8-volume comic book series of Iljimae can be purchased at local Korean bookshops for about 55,000 Won (about 55 bucks? O_O)

I’ve seen episode 1 last night, and was very interested right away. It’s a different feeling if you’re watching it without expectation, but I know from the start, if Lee Junki has agreed to do this one, there must be something really good about it. Why? Because looking at his track records, “King & Clown” was a box-office hit, and it was indeed such a box-office movie. Superb! So, I definitely stick around to this one in the next 10 weeks from now ;]

Iljimae photoshoot - from SBS site

1st teaser

2nd teaser

3rd teaser

4th teaser

• Iljimae , K-dramas
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