A legendary scholar from the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) is reborn as a charismatic detective through cable channel OCN's "Jeong Yak Yong". The eight-episode television mini-series is aimed at attracting crime film and drama fans with colorful characters and a traditional backdrop. "There are so many frightening things happening these days, and I wanted to portray them with traditional characters in a traditional backdrop", Kim Hong-sun, the director, said at a press conference Monday in central Seoul. Jeong (1762-1836) was a successful scholar and an avid believer of practical learning. He also worked as a royal commissioner and wrote numerous reports of cases he worked on during his term. The 45-minute-long episodes will show various cases, including theft, adultery and even murder, with handsome Park Jae Jeong playing the role of the smart and dynamic Jeong, the "Sherlock Holmes of the Joseon Kingdom". Edit Translation
- English
- Español
- magyar / magyar nyelv
- dansk
- Native Title: 조선추리활극 정약용
- Also Known As: Jeong Yak Yong , Joseon Choori Hakgeuk Jeong Yak Yong , Korean Mystery Detective, Jung Yak Yong
- Screenwriter: Yang Hee Seung
- Director: Kim Hong Seon
- Genres: Historical, Mystery
Cast & Credits
- Lee Young Eun Main Role
- Park Jae JungJung Yak YongMain Role
- Hong Seok CheonChul DooSupport Role
- Jang Dong MinJang YiSupport Role
- Jo Sang KiGak SooSupport Role
- Jung Chan WooPark Yi HanSupport Role
Reviews
Each episode deals with a different case, and there isn't really much of a multi-episode arc. It's fun to watch Joseon-era crime solving techniques. Now, whether or not those are true to the period, I don't know, but it was good, old fashion sleuthing. A couple of cases seemed similar, but they were different enough to be entertaining. One case, though, actually gave me nightmares the night I watched because the culprit was especially creepy and calculating.
There are also plenty of laughs, and a hint of romance in the drama. Not much, but it's there.
The cast was great. Everything was well acted. Creepers were creepy, entitled jerks acted like douchebags, and rarely did tears seemed forced.
The only song I remember (intro and outro) did start to get on my nerves around the 5th episode, though.
The drama present different types of crimes and the motives behind them, showing a humane and sympathetic sides when dealing with the criminals and not judging them blindly. Each episode would give away nuggets of wisdom and political advice. The most interesting part is that the crimes tackled are present day crimes handled in the Joseon era with the old ways and tools.
The topics presented in the mini drama varied. We see traumas, revenge, passion crimes, pedophiles, homosexuality, affairs, people's indifference, psychopaths, usury, theft, private loans, tax evasion, hostages, grudges, nobles tyranny, classes, gisaengs, compassion, obsession, divide and rule, poison, law vs. justice, bullying, parents covering up for their children's crimes, how evil can a person be, education purpose, violence, jealousy, drugs and many others.
It is hilarious to see them use English borrowed words as if they belonged to the era.
Acting is great by everyone. The cinematic effects and music fit perfectly. OCN after all.