LAND OF NEW MOVIES

Throw away any preconceptions you may have about Korean period dramas 'cause imagination runs wild in KBS's outrageous new drama Hong Gil Dong! Touted as Korea's first ever small-screen fusion period comedy, this quintessential drama puts a major comical spin on one of the most notorious fictional characters in Korean history - Hong Gil Dong, Korea's own Robin Hood. Kang Ji Hwan (Capital Scandal) stars as Hong Gil Dong opposite Sung Yu Ri (The Snow Queen) who plays his romantic counterpart. Jam-packed with hours and hours of spectacular martial arts scenes and wire action combined with witty, funny episodes, the drama breaks through the stereotypes of its genre, meshing in modern day culture into the plot. (Look for Hong Gil Dong's perm hairdo and cool sunglasses, and also disco lights and techo music setting up the mood in a geisha brothel.) Moreover, the drama features plenty of outrageous parodies and an unusual parade of characters from famous Korean folk tales like Sim Chung and Choon Hyang.

Born the illegitimate child of a nobleman, Gil Dong (Kang Ji Hwan) was bullied and ostracized throughout his childhood. Always in deep resentment, Gil Dong grows up to be the town's menace, wreaking havoc everywhere he goes. But with the help of a monk who sees more in Gil Dong, the once lowlife troublemaker transforms into a man of greatness fighting against social injustice by stealing from the wealthy and distributing to the poor. Meanwhile, Chang Hui (Jang Geun Suk) who was betrayed by his own brother, the current King of Joseon, carefully plans to take over the throne. While heading back to Joseon from China, he runs into Yi Nok (Sung Yu Ri), and later develop feelings for her. Young and carefree, Yi Nok, who was raised by her grandfather in China, befriends Gil Dong and Chang Hui. Both Yi Nok and Gil Dong help Chang Hui to see the light in what makes a true king.~yesasia~