Hwang Jin-i (TV series)

Hwang Jin-i (황진이) is a popular, award-winning Korean drama broadcast on KBS. The series was based on the life and loves of Hwang Jin-i, a 16th-century kisaeng. Internationally popular, it was broadcast in South Korea in late 2006, in the Republic of China (Taiwan) in 2007, and in Japan beginning in April 2008. The series was inspired by a renewed interest in kisaeng in South Korea during 2006, and its success drove the entertainment industry to produce more kisaeng-related materials. Lead actress, Ha Ji-won won KBS' "Best Actress" award for her role in the series.

Story

The series is based on the life of Hwang Jin-i, the great Joseon-era poet, musician and dancer. The difficulties that Hwang experienced due to her social class are a focus of the series. Hwang's first love ends tragically after Kim Eun-ho's parents refuse to accept the relationship due to class differences. As the illegitimate daughter of a kisaeng and a nobleman, Jin-i belongs to a lower class than Eun-ho.

Cast

• Ha Ji-won - Hwang Jin-i
• Wang Bit Na - Bu-yong
• Yoo Tae-jun - Byuk Kye-soo
• Jang Geun-suk - Kim Eun-ho

Background

The shooting schedule for Hwang Jin-i was particularly arduous for a television series, sometimes going on for seven days without break. In addition to such popular younger actors as Ha Ji-won, Wang Bit Na and Jang Geun-suk, the series featured many noted veteran Korean actors, including Kim Young-ae and Kim Bo-yon. The costumes, dances and music in the series were noted for their flamboyance and sensuality. The program's popularity inspired a boom in interest in kisaengs in South Korea. The Hankook Ilbo reported that dramas, cartoons, musicals and films were produced following the success of Hwang Jin-i.

References

Bibliography

• Hwang Jini TV Series (2006). www.asiandb.com. Retrieved on 2008-06-16..
• Hwang Jin-i. www.koreanwiz.org. Retrieved on 2008-06-16..
• KBS TV Drama "Hwangjinyi" to Air in Japan. kbs.co.kr. Retrieved on 2008-06-16..
• "Koreans embrace gisaeng; TV show seizes on cultural craze". Chicago Tribune, .
• Yu, Sook 송혜교의 고고함 vs 하지원의 열정, '황진이'의 두 모습. Hankook Ilbo. Retrieved on 2008-06-16..
• 요염한 기생 '황진이'로 변신한 하지원: 드라마 '황진이' 포스터 촬영현장 하지원 인터뷰. Chosun Ilbo. Retrieved on 2008-06-16..

External links

• KBS Official Site