Kam Woo-sung, Jang Dong-yoon, Park Sung-hoon
Fantasy-action sageuk drama Joseon Exorcist is about fighting against the forces of evil that want to use the greed of man to take over a nation. Recently, it was announced that Kam Woo-sung (The Wind Blows), Jang Dong-yoon (Search), and Park Sung-hoon (Memorials) will be playing the main trio, as father and his two sons.
Set in the early Joseon era, this drama begins with King Taejong (a.k.a. Yi Bang-won, ruthless fifth son of the first king of Joseon), played by Kam Woo-sung. As he’s surveying his northern territories, he comes across a strange entity that wishes to rule over man. Although this evil Western spirit is sealed away after its encounter with King Taejong, it revives its strength and is reborn through the teeming greed it finds in Joseon.
After the confusion caused by the evil spirit, King Taejong and his two sons, Prince Chung-nyung and Prince Yang-nyung, must face some difficult decisions. In order to re-seal the reborn evil spirit, the aged King Taejong decides to take up his sword once more. In his youth, when he was acquiring power, he didn’t seem to mind getting blood on his hands to achieve his objectives. He places great pride in the fact that he helped found the Joseon nation with his father King Taejo (a.k.a. Yi Seong-gye). However deep inside, he feels guilty for having to murder a great number of his family members.
Kam Woo-sung said of Joseon Exorcist: “I’m always excited and happy to work with an outstanding production crew and great actors. Because it’s been ten years since I’ve worked in a sageuk, those feelings are amplified.” He added, “I will work with the team with one heart and one determination to create a drama that will give viewers joy and energy. Therefore, please look forward to it.”
Jang Dong-yoon plays the scholarly Prince Chung-nyung. He goes from living in the land of imagination and books to confronting the dangerous reality of the evil spirit. In order to protect his loved ones, he decides to join the fight despite his innocence and ignorance of the bloodthirstier world. Regarding his casting, Jang Dong-yoon said: “I am excited and honored to be working with a great director, writer, and my senior actors. Although it’s not an easy role, I view it as one that will help me to grow and mature.”
Park Sung-hoon plays the Crown Prince Yang-nyung, who holds a grudge in his heart against his father. In order to protect his loved one, he decides to enter into a dangerous contract with the evil spirit. He is King Taejong’s firstborn son, and as such, he’s arrogant but holds a deep fear that he will never live up to his father’s expectations. Although he tried to live according to King Taejong’s wishes, he goes astray. His incompetency and King Taejong’s stance on primogeniture succession lead Prince Yang-nyung to anxiety about losing anything he has and greed to keep all of his power and possessions.
When Park Sung-hoon was asked why he chose this project, he said, “I have a firm belief in Director Shin Kyung-soo, and I was drawn by Writer Park Kye-ok’s addictive script.” He added, “I am honored to be working with senior actors that I’ve admired for a long time. I will enter filming with a ready-to-learn mindset . I will try my best to create a high quality drama, so please look forward to it.”
SBS drama Joseon Exorcist, directed by Shin Kyung-soo (Nokdu Flower, Six Flying Dragons) and written by Park Gye-ok (Doctor Prisoner), will air in 2024.