Director And Yeo Jin Goo Rave About Upcoming Drama "The Crowned Clown"

Dec 29, 2018

Director Kim Hee Won shared her thoughts on “The Crowned Clown.”

“The Crowned Clown” is about a king who brings a clown who looks identical to him into the palace in order to avoid those who want him killed.

This upcoming tvN drama is director Kim Hee Won’s newest work after the 2017 MBC drama “Money Flower,” where she was praised for her directing.

About the reason why she chose “The Crowned Clown,” Kim Hee Won began, “While working on ‘Money Flower,’ I received a lot of recommendations for sageuk [Korean historical drama] from people around me. Sageuk is a difficult genre, so I was hesitating when I received an offer for this drama. The characters who are trying to grow and the drama’s sentiment of dreaming of a better world matched well with my outlook on dramas. I chose this with the thought that if I had to overcome sageuk, then it would have to be with this drama.”

On filming the drama, she said, “I’m filming happily because I can comfortably focus on just directing. It’s a set made up of the best staff, technicians, and actors. I’m satisfied with the process and the results.”

“The Crowned Clown” is a remake of the film “Gwanghae: The Man Who Became King” which achieved 10 million moviegoers. “I considered the original work a lot while preparing for the drama, but I tried to completely erase it when filming began,” said Kim Hee Won. “This is a drama that stays true to the motive of the original work, but tells the emotion and character of the writer and I. That’s how much we’re paying attention to conveying our own color.”

She continued, “I’m working hard to increase the fun of watching [the drama]. I’m trying my best to enrich the world of the drama with a dynamic sequence like the clown’s performance, the expanse of nature, beauty of the palace and hanbok, and elaborate sets. The camera director, lighting director, art team, and the whole staff is made up of the best technicians so I’m able to materialize the look I want to my heart’s desire.”

The drama boasts of a talented cast including Yeo Jin Goo, Lee Se Young, Kim Sang Kyung, Jung Hye Young, Jang Gwang, Kwon Hae Hyo, and Jang Young Nam.

On the casting, director Kim Hee Won explained, “I always have one rule for casting, that it has to be an actor who viewers want to see and who the staff wants to work with. Thankfully, I was able to cast every single person I really wanted to work with. As a director, I’m working so confidently and happily.”

Yeo Jin Goo will portray both the king and the clown which is his first attempt at playing two characters in a drama. With a thumbs up, Kim Hee Won said, “Yeo Jin Goo is showing amazing acting skills to the point that makes me forget that he’s 22 years old [by Korean reckoning]. I’m touched by how he’s continuing to move forward as the lead despite his many responsibilities and assignments.”

In an interview, Yeo Jin Goo also shared his thoughts on portraying a king and a clown in “The Crowned Clown.”

“The fun, strong story that was different from the original work was impressive, and I joined thinking that I could show viewers something new while portraying two characters,’ said the actor. “I think that the chance to play two characters is a very rare opportunity for an actor. I’m so happy that I can portray two charming characters.”

Kim Hee Won concluded, “I think that this is a strong sageuk drama. I think that this winter will pass by quickly when you get lost in the lively story and the thoughts of the characters in these situations. I feel burdened because my previous drama received an overwhelming amount of love and at the same time, feel responsible that I need to do better. If there are no viewers, the people who make dramas become insignificant. I always thank you and will do my best to create a drama that warms your heart during this cold winter.”