Mun Chong-hyok, aka. Eric, left, and Koo Hye-sun will star in "Chil-woo,'' a TV drama about a Joseon hero that begins airing on KBS June 9. / Courtesy of KBS

By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter

The Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) is bringing the courageous life of a mysterious, yet heroic assassin to television screens through its new drama ``Choigang Chil-woo'' June 9.

Along with exciting martial arts scenes, the drama will mainly depict the everyday lives of commoners who lived during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).

Mun Chong-hyok, also known as Eric from the pop band Shinhwa, will act the part of the assassin leading a double life, while actress Ku Hye-sun will be the heroine.

``We had a hard time shooting the drama because of the martial arts scenes, but it was all worth it. This is my first period piece and we worked on creating a Korean hero, instead of those that we already know from comic books and movies,'' Mun said at the press conference for the drama Wednesday.

The main character Chil-woo is an official working at Euigeumbu, today's equivalent of a courthouse. The rather shy and ignorant Chil-woo leads a quiet life, turning a blind eye whenever his fellow officials receive bribes and carry out other dark deeds. But when his stepfather and sister die right before his eyes, the nonchalant Chil-woo vows revenge. Living as a hopeless courthouse official during the daytime, Chil-woo starts his journey as an assassin helping powerless people who are in need of a hero.

``People tend to search for a hero when they are in trouble, and Chil-woo is one of them. He'll be helping ordinary people, instead of royal families like other (dramas),'' said Park Man-young, the producer of ``Chil-woo.''

``Choigang Chil-woo'' aims for the first ``traditional martial arts historical drama,'' but it faces competition even before airing. The Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) started airing their historical drama ``Iljimae'' last month and has already gained popularity among drama fans with its dramatic and realistic action scenes. While ``Iljimae'' is going for an authentic action drama, ``Choigang Chil-woo'' will present comical and heartwarming tales of the Joseon people who lived here 400 years ago.

``All of the plots and characters are based on books and scripts that were written during the Joseon Kingdom. Of course, we think the fighting scenes are important, but our hero will be more down to earth,'' Park added. With many expectations and intense competition, ``Choigang Chil-woo'' will air at 9:55 p.m. June 9 on KBS.

sanghee@koreatimes.co.kr