Kim Ha-neul says 'Road No. 1' once-in-a-decade drama

Kim Ha-neul poses during a photo session of a press conference for MBC TV series "Road No. 1" held at Sangmyung University in Seoul, South Korea on June 18, 2010. [Chae Ki-won/10Asia]

The prospect of having to wear shabby clothes and a grubby face in upcoming war drama "Road No. 1" did little to daunt actress Kim Ha-neul who thinks its script is one that comes along "once-in-a-decade."The 32-year-old actress made the remark during a press conference held at Sangmyung University in Seoul on Friday as she responded to reporters' questions about how she decided to take on a role in the 20-part TV series set in times of the Korean War."I had strong belief in the director and upon reading all 20 episodes of the show, I could see how solid it was, to the extent that I wondered whether I would get to see such a script in the next 10 years," Kim said."I knew I would be wearing less make-up but I was also attracted to the character because of what a strong and confident woman she is...... I figured I could look much more beautiful if I did a good job of portraying her character," Kim explained.In the series, Kim plays Soo-yeon, an aspiring doctor studying to enter medical school. She starts treating wounded soldiers with the breakout of the war.Kim is joined by Hallyu star So Ji-sub for the role of Jang-woo, her life-long lover who is believed to be dead after fighting with a punitive force to make money to support Soo-yeon's dream, returns alive.Former boy band G.O.D member-turned-actor Yoon Kye-sang plays Tae-ho, an elite general who steps into Soo-yeon's life as she recovers from the pain of losing her past lover.The series has been garnering much hype ahead of its airing on June 23 due to its star-studded cast and blockbuster scale -- it was produced on a 13 billion won budget over six months after three years of planning.It was also sold to major Japanese media group Hakuhodo Media Partners, according to its producer Logos Films in mid-April, although they had finished shooting only 60 percent of filming was complete.Directors Lee Jang-soo, of drama "Stairway to Heaven" fame, teamed with Kim Jin-min to film "Road No. 1."Logos is set on selling the show to other regions throughout the world which took part in the war such as the Americas and Europe.Reporter : Jessica Kim jesskim@Photographer : Chae ki-won ten@<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>