Post by junnerikissa on Jan 9, 2008 2:52:47 GMT -5
Iljimae is one of those folk-legend heroes, a real-life Robin Hood kinda guy dating back to the Chosun era who’s an ever-popular source of dramatic material.
Jang Dong Gun played him in one film version in 1993, and Choi Su Jong played him in a modernized version in 1990. Even Super Junior star Choi Si Won gave him a cheeky nod in the recent fusion sageuk parody The Story of Hyang Dan (the brief reference comes at the end of the second episode). A brief internet search also brings up the 1976 film version Righteous Fighter Il Ji Mae, a 1978 Flying Il Ji Mae, a 1961 title The Chivalrous Robber Il Ji Mae, and several animated versions to boot.
So when it became known that both MBC and SBS were preparing drama series based on the folk legend, both starring young rising stars, both to broadcast in early 2008, well, it’s no wonder the comparisons are flying and speculation rampant over which version will, to borrow a figure of speech, reign supreme. Not to mention that both Iljimae series will have to battle it out with yet another historical figure based on another Robin Hood-y popular hero, Hong Gil Dong.
Well, let’s compare:
Both series have experienced, successful PDs at the helm: MBC’s will be produced by Group Eight and directed by Hwang In Roi, who directed Goong. SBS’s is produced by Green Snake Media and directed by Lee Yong Seok, who was behind Korea Secret Agency (aka Invisible Parachute Agent). MBC’s has cast singer Lee Seung Gi in the title role, while SBS has hot film and drama actor Lee Junki.
MBC touts an early advantage, having secured the copyright from now-deceased artist Go Woo Young, who apparently created a well-known multi-volume set of illustrated books (I hesitate to call them comic books) for Iljimae. SBS says they’ll work on their own without the benefit of the original work, but they must be feeling uneasy.
PD Hwang In Roi is already location scouting in China, since his MBC version of the series will be shot in various locations in Korea, China, and Japan. He plans to use a fresh and new concept while remaining faithful to the original story.
1976 fILM vERISON
Choi Si Won as Iljimae in “The Story of Hyang Dan”
