Actors Bae In-hyuk, Kim Ji-eun, Jung Geon-joo, and Park Jae-chan have come together for 'Check-in Hanyang'. Can 'Check-in Hanyang' surpass 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal'?
On the morning of the 17th, a production presentation for Channel A's weekend drama 'Check-in Hanyang' was held at the Eliena Hotel in Gangnam, Seoul. Bae In-hyuk, Kim Ji-eun, Jung Geon-joo, Park Jae-chan, and director Myung Hyun-woo attended.
‘Check-in Hanyang’ is a historical drama that depicts the tumultuous youth romance of Joseon flower youths who join as interns at the luxurious inn Yongcheonru, which is more splendid than a palace.
Director Myung Hyun-woo explained, “It is set in the Joseon era. Four youths with their own purposes gather at the luxurious inn Yongcheonru, which is more splendid than a palace, leading to various conflicts.”
‘Check-in Hanyang’ has a storyline reminiscent of 'Sungkyunkwan Scandal' (2010), featuring elements like historical drama and cross-dressing. Director Myung emphasized, “The composition of three men and one woman dressed as a man is something seen in existing dramas, but this story takes place in a hotel, a symbol of capitalism, in a Joseon era where capitalism did not exist. It can be seen as a fictional world that did not previously exist.”
Regarding the casting of the actors, he stated, “Bae In-hyuk needs to play a central role in the work, and I thought he fits well because he has a deep and serious look in his eyes. Kim Ji-eun is doing a historical drama for the first time, and we were looking for someone who has never played a cross-dressing role, so it became a good opportunity. Jung Geon-joo has the physicality, being tall and broad-shouldered, and he has the qualities to capture the hearts of women. Park Jae-chan was unanimously cast through auditions by the production team.”
Bae In-hyuk plays the role of Prince Mu-young, Lee Eun, who joins Yongcheonru under the name Lee Eun-ho while hiding his identity. Bae In-hyuk said, “I’m happy to do a historical drama without getting hurt or bleeding,” which drew laughter.
Bae In-hyuk is appearing in his third historical drama. He said, “By chance, I ended up doing three consecutive works. ‘Shuroop’ is a historical drama, but I appeared briefly before going to the heavenly realm. Many people think ‘The Contract Marriage of Yeolnyeo Park’ is a historical drama, but it contains modern elements. I wanted to do a work that is historical from start to finish, which is why I joined ‘Check-in Hanyang’.”
He added, “Previously, I showed a calm and proper side, but in this work, I tried to incorporate a cute and clumsy side.”
Kim Ji-eun plays Hong Deok-soo, who lives as a cross-dressing woman for some reason. Kim Ji-eun described her character as “a character like a wildcat, who is bold and spirited.”
Kim Ji-eun is taking on her first historical drama challenge. She said, “I wanted to challenge myself in the historical drama genre. Of course, I had many worries, but I relied a lot on my senior colleagues. While doing the historical drama, I realized that there are many beautiful and good places in the country. Although the filming location was far, I thought it was nice and had fun filming.”
Regarding the cross-dressing character, she said, “When my seniors Park Min-young and Park Eun-bin played similar roles, they did so well that I naturally felt pressure. I thought about how to overcome that well and tried to make it a bit more fun,” adding, “I hope the viewers do not feel any sense of incongruity. I prepared a lot for that.”
Jung Geon-joo takes on the role of Cheon Jun-hwa, the heir of Yongcheonru, who creates a love triangle with Lee Eun and Hong Deok-soo. Jung Geon-joo explained, “He comes to Yongcheonru at the call of his father while studying abroad in Qing Dynasty. He is a friendly, generous, and playful character who grows by meeting friends.”
Jung Geon-joo mentioned, “It may seem similar to my previous work ‘Flower Scholar’s Love Story’, but it is a completely different drama. I didn’t pay attention to the fact that it is my second historical drama and focused on filming.”
Park Jae-chan plays Go Su-ra, a young MZ man in Hanyang who speaks his mind. Park Jae-chan explained, “He is a friend who enters Yongcheonru to succeed in a declining family. He is filled with ambition to succeed and did not know friendship, but he learns the value of friendship after meeting the four friends.”
Park Jae-chan, who is taking on his first historical drama, said, “I had worries and anxieties about the historical drama dialogue. When I talked to the director, he said since it’s MZ, I don’t have to speak in a historical tone too much, which relieved my burden.” He added, “When else would I get to wear such beautiful hanbok and film? It was different and fun to film in beautiful places while wearing beautiful hanbok. However, it was very hot since we filmed in the summer.”
Finally, director Myung Hyun-woo expressed, “I would be grateful if the viewers enjoy watching it. Unlike existing dramas set in the Joseon era, we are dealing with a Joseon where money and royal power coexist. Additionally, you will be able to see the romance, growth, and revenge of Haona and the four friends, so I think it will be enjoyable to watch.”
‘Check-in Hanyang’ will air on Saturday, the 21st, at 7:50 PM.
[Shin Young-eun, Star Today Reporter]
