The closer MBC gets to dropping its next epic sageuk Splendid Politics (Hwajung), the more I’m having fond memory flashbacks to Queen Seondeok, one of MBC’s biggest hit sageuks (and buzziest) in the last decade. Dae Jang Geum aired over a decade ago in 2003, Yi San was a hit but a bit too staid, Dong Yi got the ratings and I still don’t know why, Gyebaek and Horse Doctor put everyone to sleep, and the most recent Empress Ki boiled down to the Ha Ji Won show with a side of young hottie in Ji Chang Wook.
QSD was pretty all-over-the-pace with the acting and writing but in hindsight it definitely deserved the ratings and buzz, it was actually fun with Go Hyung Jung hamming it up as the villain Mishil plus breakout star Kim Nam Gil as crazy swoony Bidam. I’m hoping Cha Seung Won‘s anti-hero royal Gwanghaegun is as well-written as his charismatic acting deserves, not to mention the cast is packed with so many talented actors there is a good chance for a breakout performance to add a second layer of excitement. Check out the latest drama stills and preview for Splendid Politics, premiering next week after Shine or Go Crazy.
The first drama poster for Splendid Politics eschews any of the beautiful leads and instead places a historical map of Joseon dynasty on full display with the bloody red words “Hwajung” (Splendid Politics) splashed over it. Very evocative, sell the story and not the actors or characters.
Second preview for Splendid Politics:
I hope Splendid Politics has as good a theme song as QSD did with “Araro” by IU. It was soaring and sweeping and so very Korean in feel. It was also credited with putting then very young IU on the map after she contributed both “Araro” and the softer ballad “Wind Flower” to the drama. In rewatching old QSD MVs to get myself psyched for Splendid Politics, in addition to Kim Nam Gil’s breakout role, there were sooooo many faces in the drama who have all become leads o their own including Yoo Seung Ho, Shin Se Kyung, Park Eun Bin, and Joo Sang Wook. Makes me wonder what will happen in the the course of Splendid Politic’s 50 episode long run, both in breakout roles and the drama script getting rewritten based on audience feedback. Best part of QSD remains the history alternating madness of making Deokman in love with Bidam, forever an epic epic twist that would make Shilla historians spit up blood.
Queen Seondeok MV “Araro” by IU:
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Lol i enjoyed the twist in QSD. Didn't think it would actually happen but it did...but well they gave him a spendid send off too. Agreed that QSD had amazing OST. I still have it in rotation. Also hoping for a good story for Cha Seong Won...he is due for a good role in drama after striking gold in variety.
kekeke, I particularly like the way ockoala put it, "Best part of QSD remains the history alternating madness of making Deokman in love with Bidam, forever an epic epic twist that would make Shilla historians spit up blood."
I will pass it cuz lee yeon hee (dont get me wrong, but i think lee yeon hee is not really made for saeguk ). but because Chajumma and Jung wong in, i will give try
Best part of QSD was the romance with Bidam? Are you one of THOSE people? :))
I miss Bidam
its a 50 episode drama. Hope its not loaded with tons of fillers to kill time as with Empress Ki where almost 20 episodes were redundant. With Cha Seong Won in the lead hope it will turn out to be at the level of Queen Seondeok,one with a strong storyline.
Seems both writers and directors, have lost the art of making Korean historical dramas. All these fusion sageuks have killed the epicness and grandness of the Korean historical. Seriously, the draggy Dong Yi was the last, seriously buzzy sageuk. Don't get me wrong Empress Ki was okay, but it was more of a favorite among international fans and shippers of the love triangle. It lacked a cohesive story, for what was an intriguing time period.
Personally, I find Joseon politics boring, but there is a way to do it that keeps one's interest. Horse Doctor was one of the most boring dramas I have ever attempted to watch. The ending Shine or Go Crazy was pretty meh, neither the romance or the politics was interesting imo.
Queen Seon Deok, the good old days of K-Drama.
While every one was crazy with Bidam, I was all for Uhm force. The Queen and her loyal general. Swoony.
Amen! He may not have been the most exciting bad boy but I was on the Uhm force so when they made her go for psycho Bidam.......nice guys are always better than bad boys who need converting....