Tag Archives: 2014

[Interview] SSTV – Ji Chang Wook goes from question mark to exclamation mark in “Empress Ki”

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“There will never be such an emperor ever again.”  An emperor has everything one can ask for on earth, but will there ever be another emperor like Ta Hwan? His life was a question mark during his time as a prince. In front of El Temur, he fell on his knees begging for mercy; he even demanded for persimmons while being sent to exile. Neither could he shoot arrows properly, such that he had to start learning from the soldier Seung Nyang the right way to handle the bow. The new image of an emperor shown by Ta Hwan received instant reactions from the public after the show went on air. Despite receiving applause and praises, Ji Chang Wook found the drama “Empress Ki” to be a burden. In “Empress Ki”, Ji Chang Wook was a question mark.       Continue reading →

[Interview] Ji Chang Wook reveals the difficulties of filming Empress Ki with Seoul News

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“Empress Ki”, which aired its final episode on the 29th last month, continuously raked in viewership ratings of more than 20%, and its popularity is testament to its success. However, it was not able to break free from its label as a historically distorted story packaged as a “faction sageuk”.  “Empress Ki” owes its mass popularity to Ha Ji Won, who plays the titular character, and Ji Chang Wook (27 years old) who plays the Yuan emperor Ta Hwan. From the vulnerability of a young prince and a man deeply in love to the insanity of a violent emperor, these dramatic character changes and the undulating emotions were excellently portrayed and he has earned praises for his widening range of acting. Having acted in dramas such as “Smile Donghae” and musicals, he has deeply etched his name in the minds of the public through “Empress Ki”.        

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[Screencap] 20140518 MBC Section TV

HD retouched screencaps of Chang Wookie’s appearance on MBC Section TV after the conclusion of Empress Ki. Click on the thumbnails for a larger view. Enjoy!

[Eng Sub] Northcape’s “Empress Ki” CF featuring Ji Chang Wook and Ha Ji Won

Promoted as an “epilogue” to the drama, the Northcape CF tells the reunion of the royal couple 650 years in the future.

Although this is merely a CF and has nothing to do with the drama supposedly, fans can always dream otherwise…

 

Click on CC/captions for subtitles.
Translated by Gabby.

[Magazine] Ceci, February 2014 Issue – Vibrant red light, Ji Chang Wook

Note: Lines in bold are questions from the interviewer. Anything in brackets with a * are additional comments from me. 

50-episode drama “Empress Ki” is approaching its halfway mark. Response has been very warm recently.

When I think back on how worried and vexed I was in the beginning, it seems like a lot of time has since passed. It’s fortunate that the audience like “Empress Ki” and I’m thankful for that. Although the weather is cold, the atmosphere at the set is very warm thanks to everyone.

Ta Hwan is a 3-dimensional character with emotional highs and lows.

Recently, there have been many nicknames such as Jealous Ta Hwan, Childish Ta Hwan and Serious Ta Hwan. The position of an emperor is such a lonely and tiring one. Because he is powerless, he lives surrounded by jealousy and evil scheming. He displays immature and foolish behaviour because he is vulnerable. He hasn’t been loved, doesn’t know how to love and has no idea what love is. Isn’t he very pitiful? Continue reading →