Actor Lim Byeong-ki has published a poetry collection titled 'A Thousand Years of Longing' that encapsulates his 50-year life in historical dramas.
The poetry collection is divided into four parts: Part 1 'History Flows Even in Hardship', Part 2 'The Actor Meets History', Part 3 'The Actor Who Became a Legend', and Part 4 'The Actor Living Outside the Stage'.
Notable works include 'The Truth of the Blood-Red Land' and 'The Sound of the Siren'. 'The Truth of the Blood-Red Land' is based on an incident where the actor was actually injured by a fire arrow during the filming of KBS 'Taejo Wang Geon', blurring the lines between history and acting while depicting the scene of life and death.
Additionally, 'The Sound of the Siren' poetically captures the anxiety, reflection, and prayers of life intertwined with the sound and lights of an ambulance during filming.
Lim Byeong-ki stated, “I wanted to leave behind moments I wanted to record someday, feelings I couldn't fully express in words, in poetry,” and added, “This poetry collection is not just my story but a record of the artists who lived through the same era with me.”
He continued, “Historical dramas are living history, and I have felt countless times on stage that the lives of my ancestors have shaped who I am today. I hope those precious experiences continue.”
'A Thousand Years of Longing' contains not only the records of an actor but also the emotions of the intense moments of acting and the historical figures they 'brought to life'.
It is regarded as a vivid literary testimony showing how the existence of an actor crosses the boundaries of art and life through the ages.
Regarding this poetry collection, director Kim Jong-seon, who directed KBS 'Taejo Wang Geon' and 'Dae Jo Yeong', commented, “It is a record of passion that does not fade even after filming is over, and a precious piece of literature that testifies to an era of authentic historical dramas.”
Actor Choi Soo-jong recommended it, saying, “I hope it reaches those who dream of being an actor and those who remember the true weight of historical dramas with warm comfort and resonance, and that this tradition continues.”
