Set to air as a follow-up to 'Buried Hearts', the new SBS drama 'Gwigung' (written by Yoon Soo-jung, directed by Yoon Sung-sik) is a fantasy romantic comedy about a shaman named Yeori, who rejects her fate as a medium, and the Imugi (a mythical creature) named Kang-cheol, who is trapped in the body of her first love, Yoon-gap. The story unfolds as they confront a vengeful spirit while their bodies and souls become intricately intertwined. Yoon Sung-sik, known for his successful dramas like 'Mr. Queen', 'The Great King Sejong', 'Gaksital', and 'Dae Jo Yeong', teams up with writer Yoon Soo-jung, who penned 'The King's Face' and 'Bold and Beautiful'. The cast includes Yoo Seung-jae, Kim Ji-yeon, Kim Ji-hoon, and special guest Kim Young-kwang, generating high expectations.
The first script reading photos of 'Gwigung' have caught the public's attention. The reading session featured director Yoon Sung-sik and writer Yoon Soo-jung, along with cast members Yoo Seung-jae (playing Yoon-gap/Kang-cheol), Kim Ji-yeon (playing Yeori), Kim Ji-hoon (playing Lee-seong), Gil Hae-yeon (playing Neobdeok), Kim In-kwon (playing Kim Eung-soon), Son Byung-ho (playing Kim Bong-in), Han Soo-yeon (playing the Queen Dowager), Han So-eun (playing the Queen), Shin Seul-ki (playing Choi In-seon), Lee Won-jong (playing the monk Gaseop), and Jo Han-gyeol (playing Bibi), who all showcased fantastic chemistry from their very first meeting.
In particular, Yoo Seung-jae, who plays the character Yoon-gap, the first love of Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon) and the Imugi 'Kang-cheol', captivated the audience with his dual role performance. He effortlessly portrayed the charming and gentle nature of the scholar, as well as the divine arrogance and cunning of the Imugi, showcasing a remarkable range of abilities. His unique portrayal of an Imugi possessing a human body has heightened interest in his fantasy rom-com character.
Meanwhile, Kim Ji-yeon, playing the shaman Yeori, brought her character to life with her delicate expressions and dialogue delivery. She perfectly captured the complex emotions surrounding her first love Yoon-gap and the Imugi possessing him, while also embodying a strong, independent character who rejects her fate as a medium. As a healer with a pure soul sought after by the Imugi, her performance has raised expectations for her role as a rising female lead in 2025.
Most notably, Yoo Seung-jae and Kim Ji-yeon displayed impeccable chemistry, from their comedic banter to their sweet and mysterious romance that shakes the human realm. Their unique relationship, filled with twists and turns, has piqued curiosity about the distinct charm of their Imugi and shaman romance. Additionally, the tension between them as they navigate their first love and complicated fate adds an intriguing layer to the story.
On another note, Kim Ji-hoon, portraying the reformed monarch 'Lee-seong', exuded a commanding charisma. He depicted a strong leadership battling political intrigue for the sake of the nation and its people, while also showcasing a father's love as he protects his family from the royal family's long-held secrets. His dynamic with Yoo Seung-jae's character, who has turned from a loyal subject to a rebellious Imugi, adds humor, while the peculiar collaboration between the Imugi, the shaman, and the king against the vengeful spirit raises further intrigue.
In addition, the talented cast, including Gil Hae-yeon, Kim In-kwon, Son Byung-ho, Han Soo-yeon, Han So-eun, Shin Seul-ki, Lee Won-jong, and Jo Han-gyeol, delivered impressive performances and engaging dialogue, quickly immersing the audience in the narrative. All the actors present at the reading brought the vibrant charm of the fantasy rom-com and the chilling palace intrigue to life, maximizing the appeal of the genre.
The production team of 'Gwigung' stated, "It was a script reading session where the tight script and the seamless teamwork of the actors shone brightly." They added, "We are looking forward to the exceptional synergy created by the talented cast, including Yoo Seung-jae, Kim Ji-yeon, Kim Ji-hoon, Gil Hae-yeon, Kim In-kwon, Son Byung-ho, Han Soo-yeon, Han So-eun, Shin Seul-ki, Lee Won-jong, and Jo Han-gyeol. This spring, we ask for your interest in the unprecedented K-fantasy rom-com 'Gwigung' featuring Imugi Yoo Seung-jae and the 'Imugi Pick' shaman Kim Ji-yeon."
'Gwigung' is set to premiere in April as a follow-up to the currently airing 'Buried Hearts'.
[SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae]
(SBS Star)