Lee Young-ae returns to the tube
Group 8, the production company of the series, said Wednesday that Lee recently confirmed her appearance in the series which centers on the story of Shin Saimdang, who graces the 50,000 won banknote.
A calligraphist, painter and mother of scholar Yulgok of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), Shin is one of the best known female historical figures of her time.
In the series, the 44-year-old actress plays the double role of Shin and a college instructor living in modern Korea who majored in the history of Korean art.
The college instructor happens to find a journal of Shin’s. She begins delving into the mystery of Shin’s paintings.
The drama will shuttle between the past and the present to show two women living in different ages.
Lee has been away from the screen after her career reached its apex in the mid-2000s.
She appeared in the period drama series “Dae Jang Geum” in 2004, which became a hit in many Asian countries, and her next project in 2005, “Sympathy for Lady Vengeance,” also became an instant hit.
Although “Dae Jang Geum” brought Lee global fame and made her the first Korean Wave female superstar, she’s been a stay-at-home mother for her twins in recent years.
Shooting for “Saimdang: The Herstory” will begin in June and the series will be airing in the first half of next year.
With the news of Lee joining the series, Group 8 said it has received inquires from Japanese and Chinese broadcasters.
“We’re reviewing airing the series in Korea and China at the same time,” said an official of Group 8.
BY SUNG SO-YOUNG
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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