[Limelight] Tragic Fate and Hope Expressed While Walking the Middle Path

Drama 'Kingdom' Lee Chang role Ju Ji-hoon

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jong-gil] In Netflix drama 'Kingdom' Season 2, Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) faces the threat of being bitten by the Saengsayeok (zombies). He struggles to push back while gripping his sword. The Saengsayeok is wearing a Gonryongpo (dragon robe). It is Lee Chang's father (Yoon Se-woong). As a bloodthirsty monster, he does not recognize his son's desperate pleas. Even in death, he is used by Yeonguijeong Jo Hak-ju (Ryu Seung-ryong). Lee Chang, with tears welling up, recalls his father's request amidst the bloody chaos.

"Abamama, this is your son Chang."

The emotions conveyed through his voice cannot be simple. Lee Chang left the palace and witnessed the starvation of countless people. This tragedy occurred as his father fell to a puppet king and the corruption of greedy officials reached its peak. In this situation, Ju Ji-hoon prioritized expressing his longing for his father. Instead, he maintained a calm tone without showing much emotion, fearing that other feelings like pain, fear, or despair might be compromised.

"If I had boldly expressed longing, I thought I might appear weak. Also, other emotions might not have been strengthened. So I prioritized moderation. Rather than swinging through a wide range of emotions, I focused on a smooth flow."

The scale of emotions, which could be diminished if leaning too much to one side, was entrusted to the production team's skills. He continuously communicated with director Park In-je, cinematographer Kim Jung-won, and others, checking not only the blocking but also the lighting brightness. He also spoke almost daily with writer Kim Eun-hee to clearly understand the emotions written in the script.

"It was quite tricky to express the emotions written in the script. Especially the process from when my father turned into a Saengsayeok at Mungyeong Saejae, to beheading Ahn Hyun Daegam (Heo Jun-ho), and delivering a long speech in front of the soldiers. Various emotions come out in each scene. I couldn't miss a single word in the stage directions written in the script. I tried to lay them out smoothly and connect them gently."

The challenge Ju Ji-hoon pointed to was the reckoning of the mistakes of loved ones. Each is dramatic, making it easy for emotions to overflow excessively. He did not stick to Lee Chang's existing personality and image. Instead, he focused on conveying a face weighed down by tragic fate and the driving force for a new beginning.

"I thought the story could be conveyed without acting emotionally. So I only slightly highlighted his humanity. I wanted Lee Chang's face to be a mirror for viewers to reflect on themselves. Above all, empathy is important in a drama."

Detailed expressions also stand out in the dynamic energy-filled battle scenes. No action delivers a sense of thrill. This is because Ju Ji-hoon thought of the Saengsayeok not as villains but as people infected by a plague and acted accordingly. This aligns with the ending where Lee Chang abandons the throne and develops into an active leader. The worry and tension that the Saengsayeok could attack the people anytime and anywhere lead to awakening and growth.

Ju Ji-hoon's caution against complacency, mediocrity, and impatience carries significant implications today. All citizens are suffering due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). He said, "I don't want to compare 'Kingdom' with the current situation," but added, "I hope people find hope in the ever-growing Lee Chang."

"I am also going through anxious days. Even common masks have become hard to get. My parents' health worries me the most. Sometimes, practicing 'social distancing' feels unreal. I support the medical staff fighting battles everywhere and pray for the COVID-19 situation to calm down. I hope Lee Chang becomes a breath of fresh air for those exhausted by tension and desolation. Although he is a fictional character, he holds the dreams and hopes we desire. Isn't it the possibility that we can overcome the current situation and leap forward?"