Young and fresh are the right words to use when referring to "Hong Gil Dong". This new take on the traditional historical drama presents the most unlikely mix of global pop culture references to ever hit TV screens.From Hong Kong action stunts to Bollywood belly dancing to a touch of Shakespearean stage humor, this drama gives the classic story of one of Korea's most popular heroes, Hong Gil-dong, a radical makeover. The original Hong Gil-dong, upon which this drama is based, was a heroic character from an old Korean novel written in the Joseon Dynasty. A Korean Robin Hood, the original Hong was depicted as a model hero. Morally upright, intelligent and driven by a desire to right the wrongs of a nation, Hongand his band of thieves stole from the rich and gave to the poor. - But the new Hong Gil-dong, skillfully played by actor Kang Ji-hwan, 30, breaks all stereotypes! |