Lee Hyun Wook has shared his thoughts on his foray into epic historical drama with Sword & Silence, a project that marks his first experience in this genre in his acting career.
The production is directed by Kim Yeong Jo, who was responsible for Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, and narrates how the small kingdom of Silla managed to prevail over the more powerful kingdoms of Goguryeo and Baekje, as well as the Chinese Tang dynasty, to achieve the unification of the Three Kingdoms.
Who does Lee Hyun Wook play in Sword & Silence?
In the series, Lee Hyun Wook brings to life Kim Pom Min, a character who eventually becomes King Munmu, the thirtieth ruler of Silla. This monarch achieves the unification of the Three Kingdoms thanks to exceptional strategic skills and outstanding combat abilities.
Described as proud and firm-willed, Kim Pom Min maintains constant clashes with his father, Kim Chun Chu (played by Kim Kang Woo), due to the latter's diplomatic policies, which are based on yielding to other kingdoms. However, as he goes through countless trials and tribulations amidst the turbulent period of the Three Kingdoms, the character begins to transform gradually.
According to the character synopsis, Kim Pom Min inherits the vision his father had for Silla, while also developing the flexibility necessary to rule. In this way, he grows into a complete monarch who ascends the throne as the thirtieth king of Silla and undertakes the mission of ending the Three Kingdoms period, which was marked by 600 years of war.
Why Lee Hyun Wook chose this project
Explaining the reasons that led him to accept the role, Lee Hyun Wook stated: "While working on historical dramas, I have come to fully appreciate the appeal of period pieces. An epic historical drama is a genre I hadn't experienced before, so I wanted to challenge myself."
The actor added: "With such talented senior and junior actors, plus a great production team involved, there was no reason for me to turn it down."
How Lee Hyun Wook approached the role of Kim Pom Min
Given that Kim Pom Min is a character who faces numerous difficulties amidst the turmoil surrounding the unification of the Three Kingdoms, Lee Hyun Wook explained that he approached the role with special care.
"Kim Pom Min is a cool-headed person who carries many internal conflicts and gains many revelations through them. I wanted to portray his internal struggles delicately," the actor commented.
Lee Hyun Wook also detailed the creative process behind his character's evolution: "I spent a lot of time thinking about how to best portray his transformation and growth. I felt that he shouldn't seem too carefree or too serious, so representing Kim Pom Min's younger years was the most challenging part. It would be an honor if I manage to resemble the character even a little bit."
The main appeal of Sword & Silence
Finally, the actor highlighted what he considers to be the series' strong point: "The power struggles that unfold as ambition, greed, human relationships, and the ties between kingdoms intertwine are what viewers should look forward to in Sword & Silence. Since these tensions are what trigger all the conflicts and battles, it will be fascinating to see how they develop."
Sword & Silence premiere date
Sword & Silence is scheduled to premiere on November 14 at 9:20 p.m. Korean time.
Frequently asked questions about Sword & Silence
What role does Lee Hyun Wook play in Sword & Silence?
Lee Hyun Wook plays Kim Pom Min, a character who eventually becomes King Munmu, the thirtieth monarch of Silla, achieving the unification of the Three Kingdoms.
What is Sword & Silence about?
The series narrates how the small kingdom of Silla managed to overcome the more powerful kingdoms of Goguryeo and Baekje, as well as the Chinese Tang dynasty, to achieve the unification of the Three Kingdoms after 600 years of war.
Who directs Sword & Silence?
The series is directed by Kim Yeong Jo, who also directed Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth.
Who plays Kim Pom Min’s father in the series?
Kim Kang Woo plays Kim Chun Chu, Kim Pom Min's father, with whom the protagonist maintains constant disagreements due to his diplomatic policies.
When does Sword & Silence premiere?
Sword & Silence is scheduled to premiere on November 14 at 9:20 p.m. Korean time.
Is this Lee Hyun Wook’s first epic historical drama?
Yes, according to his own statements, Sword & Silence represents the first time Lee Hyun Wook has participated in the epic historical drama genre.
