South Korean actress Seo Ye-Ji, who starred as Shim Soon-Duk in KBS2's "Moorim School," will be part of the cast of "Hwarang: The Beginning," an upcoming period drama directed by PD Yoon Sung-Sik. The 26-year-old actress will join previously announced stars Park Seo Joon, Go Ara and Park Hyung-Sik.
Seo is up to play the role of a Shilla Dynasty princess, Sookmyung, who is the daughter of Queen Jiso (Kim Ji-Su), AsianWiki has learned. The actress will begin filming her scenes starting mid-July.
"Seo Ye Ji has been confirmed to appear on 'Hwarang: The Beginning'," the actress's agency told TV Daily on July 11, Monday, according to All K-pop. "In order to properly portray the role of Princess Sookmyung, Seo Ye Ji will take lessons in dance and horseback riding until the filming starts. She will join the filming in the middle of July."
The upcoming 20-episode drama, which also stars Choi Min-Ho, Do Ji-Han, Jo Yoon Woo, and Kim Taehyung, kicked off filming on March 31. With an intended release in the latter half of this year, "Hwarang: The Beginning" depicts the story of an elite group of young aristocratic warriors, Flower Knights, who grows through passion and love amid their stay in the Kingdom of Silla.
"She was Pretty" actor Seo Joon plays a young man of low birth, Moo Myung aka Sun Woo Rang, who eventually turns into a legendary dog-bird Hwarang warrior. ZE:A's Hyung Sik, on the other hand, will play the 24th ruler of Silla named Sam Maek Jong, otherwise known as King Jinheung.
"Reply 1994" actress Go Ara plays the half-noble woman, A-Ro, who is the love interest of the two male leads. The series is based on a script written by Park Eun Young.
"Hwarang: The Beginning" is expected to air in December, though exact details are not yet final. It was reported previously that officials from KBS's drama department are still in discussion regarding whether it will be a Monday-Tuesday drama or Wednesday-Thursday.
Nonetheless, the show's producers reportedly intend to simultaneously broadcast "Hwarang: The Beginning" in South Korea and mainland China. Check out the teaser below: