March 13. That’s the date that the second season of the zombie apocalypse “Kingdom” will make its premier. Few would deny it’s drawing power: an amazing cast, led by Ju Ji-hoon, and a unique storyline that includes the undead set in Korea’s Joseon era.
Before everyone gets ready to tuck into the new episodes, let’s take a look at some of the series’ stars and the work that led them to this point in their careers.
“Kingdom” Character: Crown Prince Lee Chang.
Where You’ve Seen Him: “The Item,””The Lucifer,” “Mask,” “Medical Top Team,” “Five Fingers,” “Princess Hours.”
Background: Before he started acting, Ju Ji-hoon was a student at Tongwon College and a successful model for brands such as Levi’s and Calvin Klein. His first big role was in “Princess Hours” (pictured above) opposite “Coffee Prince” star Yoon Eun-hye and Song Ji-hyo of “Running Man.” In what could have been a career ender in Korea, Ju pleaded guilty to recreational drug use in 2009. But he accepted his punishment and made amends. It was three years before he acted again in the 2012 theatrical release “I Am the King” and the episodic series “Five Fingers,” opposite Ji Chang-Wook.
“Kingdom” Character: Seo-bi.
Where You’ve Seen Her: She has acted in K-dramas like “Matrimonial Chaos” (pictured above with co-star Cha Tae-Hyun) and “Master of Study.” But Bae Doon-na is also a movie star, having acted in Bong Joon-ho’s “The Host,” Park Chan-wook’s “Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance” and the Hollywood films “Cloud Atlas” and “Jupiter Ascending” (helmed by the Wachowskis of “The Matrix” fame).
Background: Born and raised in Seoul, some might say she followed her mother (Kim Hwa-young) into acting. But Bae has been quoted as saying that it had the opposite effect. She was in awe of her mother’s talent — as well as her mom’s colleagues — and feared she didn’t have the skills to follow suit. Like Ju Ji-hoon, she entered the entertainment industry by trying her hand at modeling first. Interestingly enough, she won a role in “Parasite” director Bong Joon-ho’s 2000 film, “Barking Dogs Never Bite,” because she didn’t care about appearing “pretty” on screen. The part called for the actress to appear without makeup and she had no issues with that.
Kim Hye-jun
“Kingdom” Character: Queen Cho.
Where You’ve Seen Her: “Matrimonial Chaos,” “Just Between Lovers,” “Into the World Again,” “Dr. Romantic” and Episode 463 of “Running Man.”
Background: Just 24, Kim Hye-jun has earned the reputation for being a skilled actress. Already the winner of acting accolades — including Best New Actress honors at the 2019 Blue Dragon Film Awards — she plays a pivotal role in the new season of “Kingdom” as the young queen going through an important transformation.
“Kingdom” Character: It’s a secret!
Where You’ve Seen Her: “My Love from the Star,” “Legend of the Blue Sea” (opposite Lee Min-ho) and the films “My Sassy Girl,” “Il Mare” and “The Thieves” (which included her “My Love from the Star” co-star Kim Soo-hyun).
Background: Born Wang Ji-hyun, the actress also is known by her western name of Gianna Jun. With her beauty and height (5-foot 8-inches tall), she was a natural when she started her career as a teenage model. Primarily a film actress, Jun found international stardom as the female lead in “My Love from the Star.” Her much-touted appearance in this second season of “Kingdom” will be in the finale and is her first in a sageuk. Her role is cloaked in secrecy. She reportedly filmed her scenes separately.
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