dangermousie | You can't have too many angsty Robin Hoods

As I am sure some of you are aware, the other drama currently in production by producers of Hanadan has just started airing: Iljimae starring Jung Il Woo and Yoon Jin Seo. While the name and the very very general outline of the story is the same as earlier this year's drama Iljimae with Lee Jun Ki, this one is very different in look, tone, and story (in fact, the story is very different). Much less comic-booky, much more tradtional and angsty. I confess that so far, I like it much better. Why?

1. The visuals are gorgeous. Not that LJK's version wasn't pretty, it was (I have yet to see a badly lensed Korean drama). But the muted rich tones of this drama, the look, is just gorgeous. One thing Group 8 knows how to do is art design and cinematography.

2. There will be no stupid and unresolved love triangle/quadrangle/whatever. Iljimae has one OTP, the end. No OTP interlopers, either.

3. Ever wonder how cool LJK's Iljimae would have been if the protagonist was the angsty half-illegitimate half-brother? Wonder no more!

4.

Iljimae, a hero who appears when the world needs justice. / actor Jung Il-woo
Although he is a handsome man with delicate features, he also has a strong sense of justice and chivalry. His first love dies tragically and after living an aimless life due to his broken heart, he meets Wol-hee, who is very similar to his first love. He became a legendary hero in the kingdom but his destiny is one of loneliness and heartbreak, making him a lonely and melancholy hero.

Wol-hee, the woman whom Iljimae loves for his entire life. / actress Yoon Jin-seo
Iljimae loves her for his entire life and she loves him back unconditionally.
She was ahead of her times and displayed a strong, charismatic personality and a burning defiance against evil people. She took control of her destiny but in Iljimae’s presence, she would turn into a shy woman.

Koo Ja-myung, Underneath his charismatic demeanor he has a sad past / actor Kim Min-jong
He is a state investigator who is a sharp thinker. He rises through the ranks in the government as he distinguishes himself as a capable investigator.
He falls in love with Baek-mae, Iljimae’s mother, at first sight and continues to love her for his entire life. He tries to commit suicide when he becomes ridden with guilt for helping Iljimae escape from prison, compromising his principles because Iljimae is the son of Baek-mae.

Iljimae’s mother, a tragic figure who lives with a sad fate. Baek-mae / actress Jung Hye-young
She was sexually violated by her master, a noble, and after she became pregnant, her baby was taken away from her before she could even give him a warm motherly hug. Then she was banished from the noble’s household and for most of her life, she yearned to be reunited with her son Iljimae. She throws away the jewelry that her master gave her to buy her silence and becomes a court lady in the palace. Though she is from the servant class, she learned how to read and write by watching the privileged children learn the alphabet. She writes poetry. She has inner beauty as well as beautiful looks. That is why Koo Ja-myung became attracted to her and pledged his undying love to her. Though she sets strict limits on what she will tolerate in a relationship or friendship, she has a warm heart but keeps that side of her under wraps most of the time.

5. It is so very pretty!