#yeoning

Jung Il Woo

Before I watched the drama "Haechi", I had not even heard of Jung Il Woo. I didn't know he was a famous actor in Korea who's known for his comedic acting skills. That his best friends from childhood are Lee Min Ho and Kim Bum. That he went into social service for his mandatory military duty because he was diagnosed with cerebral aneurysm. That he's actually born into a wealthy family.

I only found out about all of those things because I saw him in "Haechi" and I became curious as to who he was.

At first, I thought he looked too cheerful and KPop-idol cute to be able to pull off the role of Yeoning, Lee Geum, the dark horse prince who became one of Joseon's greatest kings in history. His photo in the Haechi drama page of Kissasian showed a young man with hair falling into his chinky eyes, flawless skin and a bright smile. I remember thinking to myself that here was another K-idol with possibly mediocre acting talents being thrust into a lead role in a major network drama, just for his eye candy value. I was very much interested in the premise of Haechi, but I was afraid of being totally disappointed because of the acting. So I was very happy to be proven wrong.

Jung Il Woo, the actor that I saw in “Haechi”, turned out to be very good. I was very much surprised with the skill and depth of his acting. The drama spans the time from when Yeoning was just a prince whom nobody really considered as a possible heir to the throne, until the time he becomes king. It shows his transition from a young man who deliberately lives a self-destructive life and has very little sense of self-worth, to a leader so singleminded in his focus, charismatic and self-assured that he manages to win not only the loyalty of his people, but the respect and trust of his political adversaries. It’s not an easy role to play because the actor needs to convincingly radiate the gravitas and demeanor of a ruler who’s confident about his role, yet at the same time switch into an attitude of self-doubt or even bashfulness in private. The role requires the actor to convincingly portray a man who is both self-assured yet vulnerable. Decisive yet unsure.

I must say Jung Il Woo did that and very splendidly too. He manages to convey so much with so little. There were many scenes where his eyes just did all the acting, showing a world of complex emotions with just a slight widening, or a very slight shift in their expression. Sometimes he just uses his hands. A slight twitch, a tremble. Or the tone of his voice. That’s why his scenes with the actor playing Minister Min Jin Heon were my favorites. That actor is a true veteran of nuanced acting. They played wonderfully against each other, one talented actor to another.

Jung Il Woo has made me not only sympathize but love the character of Yeoning. To me, he was Yeoning. And what’s amazing is that his role as Yeoning is light years away from his roles in his earlier works.

I hope to see him in other projects in the future. From what I’ve found out, his earlier projects were either your typical romcom, fantasy historical dramas, or melodrama. I hope his next projects will allow him to play more complex characters where he can showcase and even hone further his already considerable acting skills. I hope he does more films because then, he would have more artistic freedom.

I'd like to think that even if both dramas were only remade based on limited historical data, there's still some semblance of truth in them. And it's just heartwarming to imagine that it was that love that gave Yi Geum the heart and the spirit to pursue his dreams of becoming a king worthy of his people.

In history, Prince Yeoning, Lee Geum, was said to be a favorite of his father.  It was said that King Sukjong was very proud of him and celebrated his marriage with much lavishness, something that was the subject of criticism against the king. Perhaps it’s not surprising that Sukjong loved and favored Yeoning among all his sons, despite the fact that his mother, Choi Suk-bin, was just an ordinary peasant girl.  It might have been precisely for this reason that Sukjong loved Yeoning very much, because being a peasant, it’s highly likely that the King made Choi Suk-bin his consort out of love than political alliances.  So Yeoning could very well have been borne out of his parents’ love. However, because Yeoning is the second prince and his mother being lowborn, the favors his father lavished on him was subject to examination and doubt among the nobles, especially those in the government.

In “Haechi”, this angle of Yeoning’s story was clearly portrayed in those few scenes he had with King Sukjong.  Since only the Crown Prince is allowed to live in the palace, Yeoning lives in a mansion somewhere in the capital, Hanyang. Hence, he seldom sees his father and practically lives his own life.  But despite the fact that they are not living on the same roof, it’s clear that Sukjong monitors his second son closely through others.  Everything he does, his escapades, his decadent lifestyle, is reported back to Sukjong.  

It’s a great tragedy of royal life in those times that princes who are not heirs apparent are more useless than lesser-ranking personages.  Noblemen had more value; they could serve in the government as ministers, or they could rule over their own jurisdiction (e.g. provinces, etc.).  On the other hand, these lesser princes are little more than symbols of the kingdom, pampered men who have very little value to the country in general.  They’re spares, kept in readiness just in case something happens to the crown prince. They’re not even allowed to involve themselves in government, because of fear that they might overthrow the king and usurp the throne.  Hence, their talents are often wasted.

This was Yeoning’s situation, and he was resigned to living a useless life, because not only was he just a second son, but his mother was lowborn. He had no value in terms of political alliances.  It was Yeoning’s great frustration, because he was a highly-gifted man, actually a prodigy. And it was also the frustration of King Sukjong, because he knew that of all his sons, Yeoning was the most intelligent and had the qualities of a king.  Yet Sukjong couldn’t very well depose his eldest son, Crown Prince Hwiso in favor of Yeoning, even with just cause, because the political ramifications of such a move would have been tremendous and Sukjong knew that.  

In the drama, the scenes between Sukjong and Yeoning are often tinged with great sadness and pain.  In those moments, Sukjong’s kingly façade breaks and all one sees is the heart of a father who loves his son very much and wishes the best for him.  Yet he remains a king, because he keeps Yeoning away from him, probably knowing this was the best way to protect his son from those who would want to harm him or use him for their own political agenda.  Yeoning, on the other hand, swings from a rebellious son to one who only wants to make his father proud.  

My heart especially broke in that scene when Sukjong told Yeoning that he was dying and asked him to try to show the world the kind of person that he knows his son to be.  Yeoning had walked away with tears in his eyes, calling the King “father” in his mind.  And then when Sukjong confronted Yeoning on his decision to have himself exiled because he’s not good for anything anyway, Sukjong was clearly crying as he watched his son walk away for the last time, asking Yeoning why he thinks he could not be king when in his father’s heart it should be him.  

A Tale of Two Princes

Once upon a time, in the kingdom of Joseon, there was a prince who lived a useless life.  Although born a prince, everyone said he could not become king, because his mother was only one of the king’s concubines.  They looked down on him and treated him with disdain despite his royal status.  Then one day, he became crown prince and decided that he would fight against the corruption in the kingdom and change the lives of his people.  

This is actually the brief summary of two sageuks that I’m watching this year.  The first one is “Kingdom”, which stars Ju Ji Hoon.  It is the fictional account of Crown Prince Lee Chang.  The drama shows his fight against the deeply entrenched corruption in the government, and the challenges he faces in order to protect his position and his people.  The second one is “Haechi” starring Jung Il Woo, which is a fictionalized (as opposed to “fictional”) story of King Yeongjo’s years as Prince Yeoning, Lee Geum, shortly before he becomes Crown Prince and eventually ascends the throne.   He, too, fights against the corruption in the government and does his best to change the lives of his people.

The difference between “Kingdom” and “Haechi”, however, is the fact that in the former, the manifestation of corruption and greed is in the form of zombies. The latter has no supernatural or fantastical elements. However, the effects of such corruption on the people is shown as just as horrifying: parents sell their own children and children murder their masters in cold blood. 

 I realized as I was watching both dramas that Lee Chang has so much in common with Lee Geum. Both are princes born from concubines. Ridiculed and looked down on by royals and nobles alike. Not even considered an option as an heir to the throne despite their superior talents and intellect. Yet against all odds, they both become the crown prince who will lead their people and save their country from destruction. 

Perhaps the fictional Lee Chang was based on the real Lee Geum. I can’t wait to see how both dramas turn out. For “Haechi”, I’ll find out in a couple of weeks. In any case, I already know the ultimate outcome because Lee Geum did eventually become King Yeongjo and ruled for 52 years. As for Lee Chang, I’d have to wait until 2020 for the second season to find out if he manages to defeat his enemies and finally end the zombie plague to ascend the throne, or if he becomes a zombie as well and sacrifices himself to save his people.

I love Queen Dowager Inwon!  I first got introduced to her in “Dong Yi”.  She became King Sukjong’s queen after Queen Inhyeon died and Jang Hee Bin had been deposed.  At first, I wasn’t sure if she was ally or foe to Dong Yi, but in the end, she turned out to be on Dong Yi’s side and protected her from those who would try to bring her down.  

In history, Queen Inwon was only a year older than King Gyeongjeong and seven years older than Prince Yeoning.  She was said to be very fond of her stepson, Prince Yeoning, and adopted him as her own son when he was about nine years old.  This effectively strengthened his claim to the throne.  It was even said that she protected him from being assassinated when he was just a crown prince.   However, I think in “Haechi” this bit of history was changed a bit.  Queen Inwon is a lot older in the drama and the adoption as well as the assassination attempt haven’t taken place, although there was a scene when she threatened one of the ministers opposing Yeoning that she would adopt him to stop them from questioning his right to inherit the throne.  In any case, what remains the same is her genuine affection for him.  

However, I think the drama has moved up the attempt to Yeoning’s life to when he’s already king and is presenting it in such a way that Cho Hong and Yeo Ji will become part of the Queen Dowager’s attempt to protect his life.  Through Heo Cho Hong, Yeoning’s former wineseller friend and now trusted handmaid, Queen Inwon has employed Cheon Yeo Ji as a court maid, with the express purpose of protecting Yeoning.  She sends Yeo Ji on secret errands, such as spying on the ministers, and allows her to watch over Yeoning without him knowing of her presence at all.

This twist in the plot only further strengthens my suspicion that the threat to Yeoning’s - now King Yeongjo - life will come in the form of the rebellion by Yi In Jwa, coupled with Prince Mil Poong and the Soron faction’s complicity in said attempt to overthrow him.  And that, in the process, Yeo Ji will sacrifice herself.  So many times now, Yeo Ji has said that she wants to protect Yeoning  whatever happens.  She was even willing to give up her freedom as a damo and live the restricted life of a court maid, if only she can be near him and watch over him.  

I just wish the drama would show how Yeo Ji ended up being trained as a court lady.  Was it because Queen Inwon was searching for someone close to Yeongjo whom she can trust and Cho Hong thought of Yeo Ji?  Or was it the other way around?  Did Yeo Ji secretly approach Cho Hong about her plan to enter the palace without Yeoning knowing, and the opportunity presented itself when Queen Inwon voiced her desire to look for a person she could trust to watch over her stepson?

Yeoning...Yeo Ji...Cho Hong...and that little thing called "Chemistry"

There's been a bit of comment about who is better suited to be Prince Yeoning's love interest in "Haechi". Apart from his principal wife, Lady Seo (who doesn't count because they were married as children for political purposes and Yeoning clearly doesn't feel anything for her), there are two important females in his life in the story. There is Heo Cho Hong, the wineseller who became his loyal friend and confidant as well as court lady. And then there is Cheon Yeo Ji, the female investigator of the Saheonbu who fights alongside him and is among the small circle of his most trusted friends.

Both women are of the peasant class. Both are confident and independent. Both are smart and outspoken. Both care for Yeoning, though Cho Hong is more aware of her feelings than Yeo Ji. For all intents and purposes, they are on equal footing and have the same chances in winning his heart, notwithstanding the fact that Yeoning is already married and probably already even has one or two consorts.

Yet Yeoning feels only friendship and camaraderie for Cho Hong, the woman who's been his drinking buddy and sort of partner in crime when he was still living the life of an irresponsible prince. On the other hand, he is attracted to Yeo Ji from the moment he first laid eyes on her. It didn't matter that in their next meeting, she kicked him in the balls and effectively belittled his capability to fight.

The drama shows more scenes of Cho Hong interacting with Yeoning on a personal level, whereas with Yeo Ji, their discussions center around the political battles they have to fight, the enemies they have to face. From the onset, Cho Hong looks at him with love shining in her eyes, while Yeo Ji treats him like a buddy, a comrade-in-arms, or her liege lord. She is oblivious to how he feels (and how she feels) until that point when he holds her hand to tell her about the duties of a court lady.

Therein, I think, lies the problem. Yeo Ji is supposed to be the woman he will fall for, yet the writer and director didn't put in enough scenes of them talking or interacting on a more personal level. There are also no scenes of Yeo Ji's growing awareness of Yeoning as a man, and her own awareness of herself as a woman when she's with him. Except I guess for that scene when she was dressed in a kimono and wanted Yeoning's affirmation if she did look like a woman, but it was a case of "blink it and you'll miss it". Other than that, there is little of that sexual tension that should characterize their interactions.

On the other hand, Yeoning's interactions with Cho Hong are characterized by personal conversations and banter on the part of Cho Hong. She is very much aware that he's a prince, but she interacts with him as a woman to a man she likes. In their case, it is Yeoning who's oblivious. Or perhaps he's aware of her feelings but cares for her too much as a friend so he doesn't touch upon it to avoid embarrassing her.

To me, it's not so much a lack of chemistry between Yeoning and Yeo Ji but more a case of lack of build up. The writer and director seemed to have employed the usual drama trope of girl being oblivious to guy's feelings then suddenly realizing she's in love with him when she's threatened with its loss.

His Majesty, King Yeongjo

In the last scene of the preview to Episode 22, His Majesty, King Yeongjo is shown wearing his armor and going out of the gates of the capital city.  He is about to meet the rebels who are marching into the capital, ready to defend his kingdom to the death if need be.  More than any other time, this is the moment when Yeongjo looks every inch the ruler of Joseon that he is.

If his father, King Sukjong, his older brother, King Gyeongjeong, and his younger brother Prince Yi Hwon, could see him now, they would weep out of pride and joy.  They had always known that Yi Geum was meant to be king, despite Geum’s own misgivings.  And his mother, Choi Suk-Bin, would probably be so proud of her son.  I doubt she ever imagined that she would be the consort of the King, much less bear him a son who will one day succeed him on the throne.

What’s beautiful about the way the story goes is how it shows Yi Geum’s growth.  When it started, he was a prince who deliberately led a self-destructive life and saw himself as unworthy.  And then he decided to fight for the throne, if only to spite those who looked down on him and to avenge Yi Hwon’s death.  Yet somewhere along the way, his motivations changed. He began to want to be king not just for his own sake, but for the sake of the people.  And he has decided to accept and embrace the pain and the loneliness that will go with the position.