Actress Ha Ji Won has finalized her decision to act in the KBS 2TV’s new drama ‘Hwang Jin-I’. The drama will be filmed under the direction of the producer Kim Cheol-gyu of the drama ‘Bravo Mom’, and the script will be written by Yoon Seon Joo of ‘Lee Soon Shin’. The leading role for Hwang Jin-I, Joseon’s most celebrated gisaeng, has created much speculation.

The drama ‘Hwang Jin-I’ will focus on Hwang Jin-I the well-rounded artist, emphasizing her talents in dance, sijo (Korean verse), music, and art, rather than her life as a gisaeng. Therefore, the role of Hwang Jin-I requires the actress to exhibit a countenance of an accomplished artist, and possess unprecedented beauty.

Ha Ji Won, who showed her charismatic image in the fusion drama ‘Damo’, was the first choice, but it was unclear whether she would be able to take on the role due to filming schedule conflicts with her upcoming movie. But, with the rescheduling of the airing schedule of ‘Hwang Jin-I' from Sept. to Oct. Ha Ji Won was able to appear in the drama. Her determination in putting on her best performance is evident in her advanced preparations through lessons in geomungo (traditional Korean instrument), calligraphy, and tightrope walking.

A movie version ‘Hwang Jin-I' is also being released around the same time, and the leading actress for this movie version will be Song Hye Gyo, a 24-year-old actress, who has been preparing intensely to take on the role of Hwang Jin-I.

Song Hye Gyo has been taking lessons on traditional etiquette, how to wear a hanbok, and also working on her figure. Her preparations are being applied in her daily routine in her daily practices to cultivate her every movement and carriage to fit harmoniously with wearing a hanbok. Song Hye Gyo has also been watching her diet, and is practicing walking with short steps.

She is also studying the original work of ‘Hwang Jin-I' to become fully acquainted with her character. This movie will be quite a transformation for Song Hye Gyo who has mostly taken on roles of an innocent and vulnerable woman.

The two actresses playing the same character in two versions of the same story will create an interesting acting competition, which is already attracting much attention.

Source: http://english.tour2korea.com/02Culture/Entertainment/news_read.asp?konum=subm1_1&kosm=m2_7