 The blockbuster TV Drama from Korea
Monthly Screening Series
Through February 2009 at The Korea Society
In an age when women were treated as if they were invisible, Hwang Jin Yi, the celebrated Korean courtesan-singer-poet of the 16th century, was larger than life. Her beauty, wit and intellect propelled her from obscurity into the company of Korea’s most powerful aristocrats. The defining romance of her life broke across Korea’s rigid class lines and was in turn shattered by tragedy. A symbol of art and individuality, the subject of countless novels, movies and operas, Hwang Jin Yi remains a powerful feminist figure in Korea to this day.
Directed by Kim Cheol-gyu (More Beautiful Than Flowers) and written by Yoon Sun-Ju (The Immortal Lee Soon Shin), the acclaimed KBS TV drama series Hwang Jin Yi retells the tumultuous life story of Korea’s most famous kisaeng (courtesan). Join The Korea Society on Wednesday, November 12—and on the second Wednesday of each month through February—as we screen selected episodes from this lavish and epic series. Top actress Ha Ji-won’s portrayal of Hwang Jin Yi made the series an instant television event when the series first aired in Korea in 2006, causing a nationwide rediscovery of the role kisaeng played in Korean history.
Hwang Jin Yi is
learning dance from Yim Baek-moo, one of the best court dancers in the
kingdom and a harsh and manipulative teacher. When Hwang Jin Yi's first
love ends tragically, she sees Yim's scheming behind it. Jealousy and
bitterness build between the two as they prepare for what turns out to
be a fateful performance of the crane dance.
Special Screening Guest
Hwang Jin Yi writer Yoon Sun-ju
will join the audience by video
conference after the screening to talk about writing for the series and
take questions.
Hwang Jin Yi at The Korea Society will continue through
February, 11 when we screen the final installment, Finale, at 6:30 PM.
Read more for the full schedule and photos from the series.
All screenings presented in Korean with English subtitles.
Tickets: $5 for members, $10 for non-members
Order tickets online or by calling The Korea Society at (212) 759-7525, ext. 323.
Co-sponsored by KBS
Hwang Jin Yi at The Korea Society
November 2008 – February 2009
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 – 6:30 PM
The Zenith of a Kisaeng
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 – 6:30 PM
The Birth of a Kisaeng
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 – 6:30 PM
Grievance
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 – 6:30 PM
Finale
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 Series Director Kim Cheol-gyu
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at 6:30 PM
Hwang Jin Yi’s intelligence, beauty and talent have made her the most famous kisaeng
in Korea—every man desires her, every woman is jealous of her. But at
the height of her fame, Hwang Jin Yi shows only contempt for the
aristocracy that adores her. After the death of her first love, she
vows to become as unfeeling as the cold moon, and adopts Myŏngwŏl (bright moon) as her courtesan name.
Part One will be introduced by David McCann, professor of Korean Literature at Harvard University. The screening will be followed by a discussion of Hwang Jin Yi and Chosun society with director Kim Cheol-gyu (right photo) and David McCann.
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Part Two: The Birth of a Kisaeng
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 6:30 PM
Hwang Jin Yi's
mother fears that her young daughter will follow in her footsteps and become a
kisaeng: a singer, dancer and hostess who lives a life catering to the
whims of the yangban elite. Determined that her daughter should become
more than a mere plaything for men, she sends Hwang Jin Yi deep into the forest
to be cared for by an old monk. But when Hwang Jin Yi slips away and glimpses
the beauty of a kisaeng dance, she is drawn to her destiny.
Special Guest:
Actress Jeon
Mi-seon (the mother) will appear from Korea through an exclusive video
conference to discuss the making of Hwang Jin Yi and answer audience questions
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