Director Jin Hyeok (Sisyphus: The Myth, The Legend of the Blue Sea, Doctor Stranger) and Uncle‘s writer Park Ji Sook reveal the backstory behind the inception of The Tale of Lady Ok.
The Tale of Lady Ok tells the story of Ok Tae Young (Im Ji Yeon), a woman whose name, status, and husband are all fake, and Cheon Seung Hwi (Choo Young Woo), a storyteller who risked his life to protect her.
As interest has been high since the casting phase for this unique story about a runaway slave living as a noblewoman, writer Park Ji Sook shared her inspiration for creating the K-drama. She said, “Initially, I looked for materials to weave a story of [inspired by] a real figure based on historical facts, but it was difficult to find records of women with dramatic narratives. It made me realize that many women who forged their own paths in the patriarchal order of Joseon, where Confucian values were deeply rooted were unable to leave any record of their existence. This led me to decide to create a fictional character whose story had not been documented.”
Regarding the imaginative narrative in The Tale of Lady Ok, director Jin Hyeok stated, “It is a fusion historical drama set in a fictional era of Joseon. The story follows Gu Deok, a slave born at the lowest rung of society, who, due to a twist of fate, rises to become the noblewoman Ok Tae Young. She risks exposure of her true identity to help those in need and protect her family.”
He also elaborated on the character, saying, “Among the historical dramas from Korea, there are many excellent works where female characters drive the narrative. Ok Tae Young’s charm lies in adding a touch of modernity and trendiness atop that traditional authenticity.”
The bold transformation of Im Ji Yeon into Gu Deok is sparking a great deal of anticipation among prospective viewers. Director Jin Hyeok expressed his enthusiasm for casting her, saying, “From the beginning, I was all-in to the point that I thought I’d have to scrap the drama if Im Ji Yeon didn’t take the role of the female lead. Gu Deok’s journey from rock bottom to the top requires expressing every emotion — gentleness, strength, joy, sorrow, wistfulness — and I couldn’t picture anyone but Im Ji Yeon for the role.”
Regarding Choo Young Woo, who plays Cheon Seung Hwi, director Jin Hyeok described him as “an actor with outstanding character-making skills.” He reflected on his strong first impression, saying, “I wanted to find a young and upcoming male actor with outstanding acting skills, and from his voice alone, I knew he was exactly who I wanted.”
Writer Park Ji Sook also praised the actor, noting, “The way Choo Young Woo expressed his various emotions with his acting that was not stereotyped was refreshing and uniquely charming.” She added, “All the actors who appeared in this work had such perfect synchronization with their characters that it gave me goosebumps.”
The Tale of Lady Ok will premiere on November 30. The K-drama will be available to stream on Netflix.
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