Actor Ahn Bo-hyun has transformed into a young warrior of the Goryeo Dynasty.
Scheduled to premiere in December, JTBC’s new Saturday-Sunday drama ‘Divine Bead’ (written by Jung Hyun-min, directed by Jung Dae-yoon) is set in 1258 AD, a time when Goryeo’s defeat seemed certain after 30 years of war with the Mongols. The story depicts the life-or-death struggle of an escort team that leaps into the battlefield to find the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva bead, a sacred national treasure carrying the prayers of the people, alongside a princess trying to save them.
In the series, Ahn Bo-hyun plays Baek-gyeol, a special operations commander and escort of the sacred treasure, which is often referred to as Goryeo’s version of the Holy Grail. A former member of the Gyeongryonggun (the royal elite guard), Baek-gyeol possesses the noble bearing and skills of a warrior at a young age. Though he harbors a pure love for the emperor’s daughter, he embarks on a perilous journey with the Sambyeolcho warriors after being tasked with escorting the bead.
Released on the 27th, the first still cuts show Ahn Bo-hyun perfectly transformed into the Goryeo warrior Baek-gyeol, sporting long, flowing hair and neat attire. His striking facial features, deep gaze, and thoughtful expression create a heavy, profound atmosphere. His tidy yet sorrowful appearance heightens curiosity about the story Baek-gyeol holds and the destiny he is set to face.
Above all, Baek-gyeol is a character who combines unwavering dignity—rarely showing his inner thoughts—with fiery passion. The fortitude of a warrior sworn to protect his country coexists with the youthful innocence he shows before love. Attention is focused on what choices this character with contrasting charms will make before the destinies of war and love.
Through this project, Ahn Bo-hyun takes on his first-ever lead role in a historical drama since his debut. He is set to infuse an ancient Goryeo character with a charm distinct from the intense impressions he previously displayed in modern dramas. In particular, he reportedly poured great effort into martial arts training to skillfully handle bows and swords as Baek-gyeol. Expectations are rising for the unique color Ahn Bo-hyun will bring to Baek-gyeol, spanning both body-risking action and delicate emotional acting.
‘Divine Bead’ is a collaborative project between director Jung Dae-yoon—who showcased sensory directing in ‘Reborn Rich’, ‘W’, and ‘She Was Pretty’—and writer Jung Hyun-min, who displayed solid writing in ‘Jeong Do-jeon’, ‘The Nokdu Flower’, and ‘Assembly’. Trustworthy actors including Ahn Bo-hyun, Lee Sung-min, Lee Soo-hyun, Ha Yoon-kyung, and Yoon Kyun-sang have also joined the cast, further raising anticipation.
