Choi Soo-jong returns to historical drama ‘Sageuk King’ after 10 years

Choi Soo-jong is considered the representative actor of domestic historical dramas, so much so that there is a joke that he is after King Gojong and King Sunjong. Choi Soo-jong returns to a historical drama after 10 years. It is through KBS public broadcasting's 50th anniversary special project 'Goryeo Khitan War' (working title).

'Goryeo-Khitan War' tells the story of Emperor Hyeonjong of Goryeo, who united Goryeo with tolerant leadership and led the war against the Khitans to victory, and Gang Gam-chan, his political mentor and commander-in-chief of the Goryeo army. Choi Soo-jong plays the role of General Kang Gam-chan and gives a passionate performance. Gang Gam-chan was a 70-year-old civil servant, but he was a hero who gained the trust of King Hyeonjong, the 8th king of Goryeo, and led the victory in the Battle of Gwiju, a battle where the fate of the country depended.

Choi Soo-jong played Crown Prince Sado and Cheoljong in the ‘500 Years of the Joseon Dynasty’ series in the early days of his debut. However, Choi Soo-jong's acting was so sloppy that he later called it 'awesome acting'.

Choi Soo-jong began to be recognized as the ‘king of historical dramas’ starting with ‘Taejo Wang Geon’. ‘Taejo Wang Geon’ is a historical drama that aired with 200 episodes from April 2000 to February 2002. At the time, the public reacted to the news that Choi Soo-jong took on the role of Wang Geon, the protagonist of 'Taejo Wang Geon', saying, 'It doesn't suit him.' However, Choi Soo-jong drew praise for his colorful portrayal of the strong yet gentle King Taejo. Transformed into the image of a dignified and stately king.

Afterwards, Choi Soo-jong played the role of Jang Bo-go in 'God of the Sea' (2004-2005), the role of Dae Jo-yeong in 'Dae Jo-yeong' (2006-2007), and the role of Kim Chun-chu in 'The Great King's Dream' (2012-2013). They have played the role of kings and leaders throughout the ages, including Balhae, Silla, Goryeo, and Joseon.

Choi Soo-jong's appearance in 'Goryeo Khitan War' attracts even more attention as he returns to a historical drama after 10 years. As Choi Soo-jong has led numerous epic dramas such as 'The Great King's Dream', 'Daejoyeong', 'Sea God', and 'Taejo Wang Geon' to box office success, his performance is expected to be high. In addition, Choi Soo-jong is appearing in an 'orthodox historical drama' rather than a fusion historical drama, which is common these days, so interesting developments based on historical facts are expected.

The 'Goryeo War Khitan' side vividly conveys the spectacular and intense large-scale battlefield to the home theater, informs the history of Korea to viewers around the world through content that captures the true image of Goryeo, and shows the origin of 'KOREA'. He said he had a plan.

Actor Choi Soo-jong is considered the king of historical drama kings. While there are many short-lived dramas, attention is being paid to whether long-running historical dramas can once again become a hit with dignified acting.

Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia reporter bella@tenasia.co.kr