[Dispatch=Reporter Lee Ah-jin] "We've included thrilling horror and brilliant action!" (Nam Joo-hyuk)

Actors Nam Joo-hyuk, Noh Yun-seo, and Cho Seung-woo have come together for an occult historical drama. Nam Joo-hyuk and Noh Yun-seo set out to find a ghost that is disturbing the palace. Cho Seung-woo plays the king and gives orders to protect the palace.

The way they track ghosts is special. Noh Yun-seo finds traces by hearing the sounds of ghosts. Nam Joo-hyuk enters the world of ghosts and directly confronts them.

The action is as intense as the abilities. They throw themselves into danger to survive in a burning ghost world, and struggle not to be bewitched by ghosts. It will deliver thrills to cool off the peak of midsummer heat.

The Netflix original series 'Donggoong' held a production presentation on the 8th at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. Director Choi Jung-gyu, Nam Joo-hyuk, Noh Yun-seo, Cho Seung-woo, and others attended.

'Donggoong' is a dark fantasy genre. It depicts a story of a man with divine power and a court lady with secrets unraveling a curse that dwells in the palace. The two are summoned by the king and chase after a pond ghost that targets the king's bloodline.

Nam Joo-hyuk plays the man Gu-cheon. Gu-cheon has the ability to cross between the world of ghosts and the real world. After losing his mother in childhood, he has lived with a closed heart. He is wary of people and awkward at expressing emotions.

It is his first work since discharge from military service. Nam Joo-hyuk said, "When I read the script, mysterious incidents inside the palace unfolded like flowing water in my head. The desire to burn my entire body and complete the character of Gu-cheon ignited," revealing his reason for choosing the work.

He truly didn't spare his body. He went into water even in the dead of winter and hot summer. Nam Joo-hyuk recalled, "In the dead of winter, it wasn't easy to go in. Still, I didn't give up and went in for the completeness of the scene."

He also shows intense historical drama action. Nam Joo-hyuk said, "I prepared carefully by attending action school," and added, "In particular, the action scenes with thirteen court ladies remain memorable. You'll be able to see action scenes unlike anything you've seen before."

Noh Yun-seo takes on the role of court lady Saeng-gang. She is a person who can hear the sounds of ghosts. While monitoring Gu-cheon under the king's orders, she also helps with his work. When Gu-cheon crosses into the world of ghosts, she lends her strength in the real world.

Noh Yun-seo challenged the occult genre for the first time. She said, "It was interesting because there were many stories that stimulate imagination," and added, "I also liked Saeng-gang's active and progressive personality. I really wanted to act in it."

Historical drama is also her first challenge. She said, "At first it was difficult to implement expressions and vocal delivery suited for historical drama," but added, "I carefully researched vocal delivery and posture befitting the elegance of a court lady."

Cho Seung-woo plays the role of the king. He said, "It was impressive that only the word 'king' was written instead of a character name in the script," and added, "I chose the work because I felt that various genres—occult, action, and fantasy—blended together subtly and well."

He focused on expressing anguish. He said, "The king is a lonely figure," and emphasized, "Even as the last remaining youngest son faces the danger of being lost, he must care for all matters both inside and outside the palace. I tried to express that complex state of mind."

The key point to watch is the friction romance between Gu-cheon and Saeng-gang. The two initially don't understand each other's upbringing and personalities. However, as they unravel the curse together, they gradually grow closer.

Noh Yun-seo pointed out, "Dangerous moments keep unfolding where one is needed without the other," and added, "Through that process, they come to feel each other's necessity acutely. I think it would be nice if you watched with curiosity about how their relationship concludes in the end."

The worldbuilding direction is also noteworthy. Director Choi wanted to clearly contrast the world of ghosts with the real world. He explained, "We shot the same location divided between winter and summer. We built two sets even for the same space."

Care was also put into ghost design. Director Choi said, "Various forms of ghosts and ghouls appear," and added, "We considered designs that preserve the characteristics of existing folklore while being universally accessible."

The actors named Kkeokmuk-sari as the most memorable ghoul. Noh Yun-seo laughed and said, "Unlike other ghouls, it's cute and has a twist charm. I boldly predict it will become a beloved mascot worldwide."

Finally, Cho Seung-woo said, "There is a pond in the work," and added with confidence, "It looks calm to the eye, but the eye of a typhoon is hidden within. You'll be able to feel tremendous thrills."

Noh Yun-seo added, "It was an honor to work not only with senior actors Cho Seung-woo and Nam Joo-hyuk, but also with senior actors renowned for their acting," and said, "I hope you look forward to the actors' performances."

Nam Joo-hyuk said, "There were reactions that people were so scared after seeing the trailer that they couldn't watch it," and requested, "Since it's persuasive horror, there's no need to worry too much. There are brilliant things to see after that, so please watch to the end."

'Donggoong' will be released on the 17th.

<Photo=Photographer Lee Ho-jun>