Before its launch on September 24, the lead stars and director of The Empire held an online media presentation.
Attended by Kim Sun Ah, Ahn Jae Wook and director Yoo Hyun-ki; they share drama insights and preparations.
The Empire deals with the scandalous life of an aristocratic family. They hide their revolting and shocking lives through their established fame and privilege.
At the story’s center is Han Hye-ryul, portrayed by Kim Sun Ah. She is the head of the special division of the Central Prosecutors’ Office and the antagonist of the Ham family that has inherited massive riches and high ground. Unable to free herself from the rein of the household she belongs to, she begins to draw trump cards in an attempt to escape and realize her own desires.
Next, Ahn Jae Wook plays Na Geun-woo, a law school professor married to Hye-ryul. He seems to be living a perfect life but in reality, he is just a pawn on the chess board. The public, unaware of his private life, loves him, and he begins a thorough disguise to hide her true identity.
When a corpse is discovered at the law school campus, the private lives of these individuals are at risk of being revealed.
Director Yoo relays the drama explores a family in a different tone. The script was also written by current lawyers. Thus, he stresses how the focus on legal cartel is what sets apart The Empire from other legal dramas.
Marking her comeback drama after three years, Kim Sun Ah conveys excitement and worry. She remarks the script is the reason for her decision to break her acting hiatus.
“It was my first time working as a prosecutor. It was refreshing to have the whole family involved in affairs of law. So, as the episodes passed, I was curious about what was going to happen next.”
Showing fondness for her character, she emphasized expressing Han Hye-ryul’s human side. She also adorably quips how the project made her read the script so many times.
“The legal terminology was difficult. I read and memorized it over and over again. I read the script a lot. I don’t think I ever studied this much, even in school.”
Ahn Jae-wook, who is a law school professor and played Na Geun-woo, Han Hye-ryul’s husband, revealed that he and Kim Sun Ah have been friends for over 20 years. Interestingly, it was the first time for them to collaborate.
“We’ve known each other for a long time, but this is the first time we’ve met in a work. While acting together, I was swayed by strange emotions as I looked at her eyes. Something that proves her unrivaled presence.”
To launch on September 24, The Empire will stream on JTBC. International fans can watch it on Viu.
Source: JTBC News
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