황진이

Hwang Jin-i(황진이, 黃眞伊) (1520c.-1560c.), also known by her kisaeng (기생, 妓生) name Myeongwol (명월, 明月), is the most legendary kisaeng of the Joseon Dynasty (조선 왕조, 朝鮮王朝) who lived during the reign of King Jungjong (중종, 中宗). She was noted for her exceptional beauty, charming quick wit, and extraordinary intellect. Her personal life has become almost myth-like, having inspired movies, a TV series, operas, and numerous novels. Due to her renowned assertive and independent nature, she has become a modern popular cultural icon of Korea.

Although not much is known of her childhood (nor are the precise dates of her birth and death), records indicate that she was the daughter of an aristocrat in Gaeseong (개성, 開城); accounts of her mother vary, but many suggest that she was the daughter of the blind kisaeng Hyeon Hak-Geum, who was renown for her talent in playing the gayageum (가야금, 伽倻琴).

As the daughter of a kisaeng, by law Hwang Jin-i also became a kisaeng. She received a typical kisaeng education, studying Chinese classics, law, philosophy, literature, and history along with a heavy concentration in the arts. Records state that she possessed a preternatural talent in playing the geomungo (거문고, 玄琴) and in composing sijo (시조, 時調), while also being a dance prodigy. Along with the aid of her remarkable beauty, she quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the most sought out kisaeng during her era. She was said to have carried on with various notables including Ji Jok-am and the renowned philosopher Seo Gyeong-deok.

I have been hesitating to watch the TV series Hwang Jin-i because I have been waiting for the movie to come out. Why? It's all about:

1. It's Song Hye Kyo
2. SHK's first time in historical drama
3. SHK has an "artistic bed scene" with her co-star I don't think there will be too much to see *cough* don't think someone will approve the bed scene if it's overboard *cough*. But we have all seen her "not-so-passionate-kiss" scene with all her co-stars in the past, even with *cough* you know who *cough*, so this will be something for a change
4. Famous scenery from North Korea

I don't want to be disappointed at the movie because of the precession that I had from the drama. Although the movie won't be out until Spring/Summer '07, but I know I have been worrying too much after I have seen these.





The TV series is more colorful and focus on the "arts", where the movie will be "melodramatic" and focus on the "tragic" life.

The TV series, itself, is good at the beginning with the scenery and the use of color. It goes downhill toward the end where it's focusing too much on the "love affairs" (as in all drama). I think Ha Ji Won (하지원, 河智苑), the female lead, did a good job in the drama. I was moved by her dance (esp the one where Bu Yong set her up during the sword dance). I do agree with the other viewers that all the actors/actresses did a fantastic job in the drama except for the "new comers". You can totally tell that "they are acting" when they are doing a scene with the "seniors". I would recommend it if you are interested, but I wouldn't say it's a must watch. BTW, the OST is .

最新消息，《黃真伊》5月闖康城。如果cyborg都入圍的話，兩個又可以愈工作於娛樂啦
Update (Mar 13, 2007): 黃真伊6月6號公影啦不知道我何時才可以欣賞到呢？