The charismatic actor, Song Seung Heon, was back in Singapore on after two years for a press conference and public meet & greet on 7 Jan to promote upcoming Korean historical drama, Saimdang.
Song Seung Heon plays Lee Gyeom, the first love of Shin Saimdang (played by veteran actress Lee Young Ae). Saimdang marks the comeback of both Song Seung Heon and Lee Young Ae on small screen after 4 years since ‘When A Man Falls in Love’ for the former and 13 years since ‘Jewel in the Palace’ for the latter.
Song Seung Heon shared an anecdote that happened on the first day on set for Saimdang: he felt jittery – like when he first made his acting debut – acting alongside Lee Young Ae. Their first take had many NG scenes that made Song question his co-star – he asked Lee, “What’s wrong with us? Is our condition bad today?”
Turns out that he was not the only one feeling nervous! Lee confessed that she could not remember her lines because she was feeling nervous too, causing them to break out into laughter.
It has been over 10 years since Lee Young Ae appeared on small screen, and Song Seung Heon mentioned that being able to act alongside Lee Young Ae was out of his imagination and expectations due to her seniority. He added, “Lee Young Ae is someone that is loved by many people in Korea and Asia, not only me. I am honoured to have the opportunity to work with her.”
Song describes his character, Lee Gyeom, as one that can be portrayed with “freedom” compared to Lee’s character, Saimdang, that is more challenging to portray because Shin Saimdang is an actual historical figure.
Song also pointed out that people have a misconception that a historical man has to act in a certain way. Therefore, he took the chance to work closely with his producer to discuss about how they can get rid of this misconception.
Song Seung Heon added that fans and viewers can look forward to the love story between Lee Gyeom and Saimdang, as well as how beautiful Korea was during the Choseon Dynasty.
About Saimdang
An intertwined journey of Jiyun (Starring Lee Young-ae), a university lecturer of Korean art in the present, and Shin Saimdang herself in the past comes alive in this brand new series. After Jiyun stumbles upon the diary of historical figure Shin Saimdang, she becomes intrigued by a mysterious portrait that she finds inside of it. Looking to discover the history behind the picture, she takes it upon herself to locate the real portrait and through this, Saimdang’s love and life story awakens.
The 30-episode historical romance drama will premiere on Oh!K TV Asia (Singtel TV Ch 525/611) coming 26 January with double episodes bring broadcasted at the same time as Korea. Following episodes will be broadcasted every Wednesday and Thursday 9pm (same-time telecast as Korea) on Oh!K TV Asia and Singtel Cast (Hallyu Pack).
Big thank you to Oh!K TV Asia and SingTel TV for extending the media invites for us to cover the event.