This Saturday is the premiere of tvN drama Hwayugi (A Korean Odyssey) and my optimism remains high even as excitement is tempered by the sad news overwhelming K-ent this week with the passing of a much loved male idol. The drama has released official posters, held the press conference, and dropped the long preview so I was surprised to see this batch of individual character posters arriving at the 11th hour. It’s actually really creative and lots of fun to parse, from the poses, attire, and backdrop of Lee Seung Gi, Oh Yeon Seo, Cha Seung Won, Lee Hong Ki, and Jang Gwang to the very revealing portrait in the same frame that reveals their drama character’s fantasy identities. Lee Seung Gi has much to live up to as the larger than life arrogant and devious Monkey King, but I think Cha Seung Won will give him a run for the money in expressiveness as the Bull Demon King who just wants to be rid of this mortal coil and finally become a god. Continue reading →