Mirror of the Witch

Mirror of the Witch 마녀보감 is a 2016 Korean fantasy drama starring Yoon Shi Yoon and Kim Sae Ron. He is 29 while she is a veteran child actress who is still in her mid-teens at merely 15. 

I remember Yoon Shi Yoon from the mega-hit k-drama Baker Kim Tak Goo and Kim Sae Ron as the little girl alongside Won Bin in k-movie The Man From Nowhere. Despite their proven acting prowess, I am a bit skeptical at any hint of romance between the two as much as I don't want to be that person complaining about the age gap. Though I have to admit, the stills are alluring enough to sway me to the dark side.

The story begins with a queen unable to have a baby who she seeks the help of a shaman to help her conceive. Unfortunately, one of the twins Princess Seo Ri (Kim Sae Ron) is born with a heart as cold as ice and she lives in seclusion until a chance encounter with Heo Joon (Yoon Shi Yoon), a man of illegitimate birth, because it wouldn't be a k-drama otherwise. 

The premise is so wonderfully fantastical, mashing up Disney's Frozen into a historical drama. The series premieres May 13 on JTBC (available on Viki).

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 kdrama listing. 

Source: StarDailyNews

Hwarang: The Beginning

Hwarang 화랑: 더 비기닝 translates literally to Flower Knights and it will center around the warriors of the Kingdom of Silla who are as skilled as they are beautiful. Sounds cheesy, I know, but just look at the styling and makeup, so much kitsch but who cares when there's a load of eye candy to make up for it.

Is this the historical version of Boys over Flowers? The series stars Park Seo Joon, Park Hyung Shik, Go Ara and a number of flower boys to complete the cast. 

After the volcanic success of Descendants of the Sun, Hwarang follows its footsteps as an entirely pre-produced drama and it is set for a simultaneous premiere in Korea and China some time in December.

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 k-drama listing. 

Source: Naver

The Flower in Prison

Place a legal drama in a historical setting and we have MBC's latest weekend drama premiering Apr 2016 called The Flower in Prison 옥중화. It centers around Ok Nyeo, a genius born and raised in prison who grows up to fight injustice through her knowledge of the law. 

Jin Se Yeon and Go Soo star as the leads in this 50-episode sageuk. I like them both but prison and lawyers already set a tone that is too serious for my taste. On the other hand, I have seen enough k-dramas to know that the caste system depicted on TV leaves the commoners with practically no rights so I am a bit curious to see how they will tackle the subject matter. Watch on Viki.

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 kdrama listing. 

Source: NaverBlog

Saimdang, the Herstory

Saimdang, the Herstory 사임당 is a 30-episode k-drama about Shin Saimdang, a renowned Korean poet. Lee Young Ae returns to the small screen after the longest hiatus since the smashing success of Jewel in the Palace more than a decade ago.

Lee plays a modern day teacher who discovers Shin Saimdang's diary and travels back in time to uncover pieces of Saimdang's life. Song Seung Heon plays her love interest as a man of equal talent for the arts. 

The character stills are tastefully done though their solemn expressions exude a feeling of unstated melancholy. I'm guessing this has to be a melodrama? Nevertheless, it is Lee Young Ae's highly anticipated comeback and it seems fitting to have chosen a traditional historical drama, minus the time-travel that is.

The series premieres Oct 2016 on SBS. For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 kdrama listing. 

Source: GetitK

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo coming soon

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo 보보경심: 려 is the 2016 k-drama adaptation of the popular c-novel by Tong Hua, which made waves across Asia due to the 2011 Chinese drama starring Nicky Wu and Liu Shi Shi.

Beneath the political power plays and time-travel is a captivating story about love where reigning k-pop idol IU takes the lead as the charming and intelligent heroine with Lee Joon Ki as her valiant prince. 

Lee Joon Ki's delicate features earned him the nickname minam aka beautiful man and there's more handsomeness to go around with Kang Haneul and a string of pretty boys joining the mix to complete the remaining princes of Goryeo. It is literally a feast for the eyes, but Scarlet Heart carries a great story requiring great acting so I really hope the cast delivers.

Kim Kyu-tae who is also behind the success of That Winter, the Wind Blows takes the helm as PD and the drama will be produced in its entirety prior to airing. Given the record-breaking success of another pre-produced drama called Descendants of the Sun as well as the craziness around Korea's live-shoot system, I say amen to that.

Scarlet Heart: Ryeo is slated for a simultaneous release in Korea and China on Aug 29, 2016. I have no clue whether the k-version can ever come close to the former but naysayer or not, I simply cannot wait!

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 kdrama listing. 

Source: EntMSN, Naver, Xinwen83133

The Royal Gambler (Jackpot)

I am counting down to the series premiere of Jackpot 대박 next Monday March 28. Jang Geun Suk headlines in his first lead role in a Korean historical drama. I am neither a diehard fan nor an anti so I'm admittedly just really excited because of the plot. Besides, fan or not, I recognize an undeniably delectable cast when I see one, which is always a plus.

Jackpot is touted as the successor to All In, period drama style. Dae Gil (Jang Geun Suk) is a commoner who shares the same bloodline as the prince (Yeo Jin Goo) but his wretched fate relegates him to life as a gambler.

While I usually watch historical c-dramas for the martial arts, k-dramas tend to have a different appeal with an illegitimate son, cursed birth, abandoned prince or all of the above at its disposal guaranteeing a gut-wrenching story that frankly makes a highly-addictive watch.

Dae Gil is one man fighting against a giant and it is those miserable odds that allow the viewers to sympathize and empathize with the tragic hero's journey to overcome destiny. The problem is that Yeo Jin Goo's character is the future king of Joseon, which does not bode well for Jang Geun Suk. Watch on Viki.

For synopsis, cast and ratings, see 2016 kdrama listing.

Source: Chosun, Chosun2, Stoo