Actors Lee Seung Gi, Lee JunkiJang Dong Gun played him in one film version in 1993, and Choi Su Jong played him in a modernized version in 1990. Even Super Junior star Choi Si Won gave him a cheeky nod in the recent fusion sageuk parody The Story of Hyang Dan (the brief reference comes at the end of the second episode). A brief internet search also brings up the 1976 film version Righteous Fighter Il Ji Mae, a 1978 Flying Il Ji Mae, a 1961 title The Chivalrous Robber Il Ji Mae, and several animated versions to boot.
So when it became known that both MBC and SBS were preparing drama series based on the folk legend, both starring young rising stars, both to broadcast in early 2008, well, it’s no wonder the comparisons are flying and speculation rampant over which version will, to borrow a figure of speech, reign supreme. Not to mention that both Iljimae series will have to battle it out with yet another historical figure based on another Robin Hood-y popular hero, Hong Gil Dong.
SONG OF THE DAY
Pia – “The Oracle.” To be honest, I don’t really like Pia — their brand of loud, energetic rock music is often too loud and discordant for me to enjoy, and reminds me of a lot of American rock bands I don’t particularly care for. But I do like this song. [ zShare download ]
Well, let’s compare:
Both have PDs with some drama experience at the helm: MBC’s will be produced by Group Eight and directed by Hwang In Roi, who directed Goong. SBS’s is produced by Green Snake Media and directed by Lee Yong Seok, who was behind Korea Secret Agency (aka Invincible Parachute Agent). MBC’s has cast singer Lee Seung Gi in the title role, while SBS has hot film and drama actor Lee Junki.
MBC touts an early advantage, having secured the copyright from now-deceased artist Go Woo Young, who apparently created a well-known multi-volume set of illustrated books (I hesitate to call them comic books) for Iljimae. SBS says they’ll work on their own without the benefit of the original work, but they must be feeling uneasy.
PD Hwang In Roi is already location scouting in China, since his MBC version of the series will be shot in various locations in Korea, China, and Japan. He plans to use a fresh and new concept while remaining faithful to the original story.
From the 1976 film versionI’d say Green Snake Media is the bigger name in dramas, producing hits like Lobbyist, Jumong, Unstoppable High Kick, All In. Group Eight did the two Goong series as well as Fantasy Couple, but I think Green Snake has the edge in terms of money and investment. I also give SBS the edge in casting, because while Lee Seung Gi is on the rise, he’s more noted for his singing, and his acting resume pales in comparison to Lee Junki’s, who is not only popular but has already distinguished himself as a solid actor. Lee Junki has appeared in several films, and has already been the lead actor in a drama series with the successful Time of Dog and Wolf. Judging from fan response, Lee Junki’s role is the more anticipated of the two.
This should prove fascinating even just as a study in storytelling and drama-making, to see both versions side by side like this. It’s not every day you get such a convenient way to do that — for instance, Hwang Jini may be the most recent example of two different takes on the same original story, but the differing formats (drama series and film) allow for significant disparities.
So, SBS has the edge in terms of production credits and lead actor. And MBC has the advantage in having licensed the original books and potentially airing first. Well, if anything, hopefully the outcome is a rise in quality in both series as a result of the direct competition.
Fanart depicting Lee Junki as Iljimae with his signature flower image
Choi Si Won as Iljimae in “The Story of Hyang Dan”
Iljimae’s own historical village__________
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I didn’t realize it was two different drama’s based on the same character. Honestly, of all places, I saw mention of Iljimae on Lee Seunggi’s wikipedia page… but noticed that the drama’s (sparse) information page listed Lee Junki in the title role.
I’m looking forward to seeing Lee Seunggi in another drama role =D
I’m rooting for Junki oppa cuz he’s prettiest.
As for Lee Jun Ki, I admit he’s popular and cute. But I wasn’t really pleased with his acting in TDWAD..everyone said he was excellent but he failed to capture my eye. Or maybe I just wasn’t interested in the drama after the first 6 eps (which I thought to be quite dull and boring..hence I chose to stop there)
i also like Seung Gi but i dont know how well he acts. he’s a great singer for sure.
And I choose not to take sides…..because I can’t. =P
I’ll just be greedy and pick both of them. I’m such the compromiser right?
I hope that you’ll consider doing recaps for either one, javabeans. May i ask which one will WITH S2 consider subbing? Lastly, IMO, Hong Gil Dong is the one that will reign supreme. Yay, KJH.
As for the PDs, I would prefer Hwang PD’s works than Lee PD’s especially after the really ‘horrible’ Korea Secret Agency.
And Green snakes’s large scale productions are also failing to impress much people lately.
and for lee jun ki, there is no doubt in his acting skill. he is the rising stars .. ^^
And if I have enough time to spare I’ll try the MBC version… But did you say this is gonna be aired at the same time than Hong Gil Dong? Oh my this is gonna be exciting!!!
Looking forward to all three dramas, Lee Jun Ki at the top ^^
Me…I personally hope (with all my heart) that Lee Junki’s Iljimae will be better. Because I’m a huge fan of him, that’s all the reason I’ll be needing to watch this drama. XD Hopefully it doesn’t get too angsty or serious for me, since I’m a trendy drama fan…….But I can’t miss Lee Junki!
This will be really interesting, having 2 dramas go head to head like this. Good luck!
i believe that may actually contribute to his heroic actions in the drama. if i want to watch something just romantic, there are a ton of other kdramas to see. i am hoping this one is another action pack drama from jun ki. i wouldn’t mind some romanctic part either.
plus i think jun ki is a very very solid actor and i can’t wait to watch this.
-Junki 4ever-
what about iljimae? is he fictional too?
But I don’t know, Lee Junki has more experience with screentime and whatnot (if that made any sense, hahaha).
Whoever it may be, I hope the drama turns out successful. =]
I wasn’t real into Lee junki before until I watched Time Between Dog & Wolf. Must say, awesome acting and great plot. I grew up watching Hong Kong movies, dramas and watched many police and detective dramas, but I did not find big similarities between TBDAW and HK Dramas. Not sure why some found similarities. The story went through very smoothly and the ending was real meaningful and must I say hopeful (no I’m not waiting for a sequel), but I felt real happy even though the story ended. Junki’s acting in there was spectacular. The stroke scenes were reallllly real, kinda scared me at some points.
I’m kinda depressed that Iljimae isn’t broadcasting in April, like originally decided. So it’s starting in May? or December? Realllly mixed up messages out there.
alright, going to mourn now.. =(((
jk jk, k hopefully this drama turns out good.
So. Definitely, the SBS version is looking hopeful. I think LJK was perfectly cast for the role.
But. I’m also kind of apprehensive about it. I haven’t watched a historical drama since Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in Palace?), because none of them caught my eye. Maybe this one will, but for me, it’s not sword action and old-fashioned romance that attracts me (in historical dramas, I mean), but rather humor and creativity.
Which I think the MBC version will have. I’ve heard that LSG’s character will be a clumsy, pure (morally, I mean), and lovable character. Now, THAT, to me, is more attractive than the typical perfect guy that LJK’s playing.
Also, give some credit to LSG. I’ve seen him in all the acting he’s done, and when he’s given a script and directions, he’s really GREAT at acting. Watch all his MVs. Watch him perform as a singer; he portrays emotions very well. I never teared at LJK’s acting, but I did tear up at LSG’s acting during the “Famouse Chil Princesses” drama, TWICE (at the train scene and when he’s running down the road–if you’ve watched the drama, you know what I mean). He was adorable in the Nonstop 5 sitcom AND the Chil Princesses drama.
And his new “huh-dang” character (from 1 Night 2 Days) fits his version of Il Ji Mae perfectly; he’s certainly not perfect, but that makes him just more lovable.
Finally, the PD of the MBC version cast Goong, also. I don’t know how many people remember this, but EVERYONE was pissed at him for casting a bunch of unknowns for Goong, especially Yoon Eun Hye, who had never acted before and was, like LSG (though LSG’s acted before, in a sitcom and a long-running drama, not to mention his own MVs), a singer. But as soon as the drama kicked off, everyone loved the cast!!!
Hopefully, the same thing will happen again; maybe the PD really has a golden eye for casting!! And just knowing LSG, and how much effort he puts into everything, I know he’ll give it his best, and overall, it sounds more creative and less angsty than LJK’s “must-revenge-my-parents’-death-by-being-a-flawless-perfect-guy-who-lives-a-double-life-that-copies-off-of-Batman” drama (that already looks like it’ll end up a grand tragedy)!
Oh, and one more thing; LSG takes kendo/kumdo!!! I take it myself, and I know that people say that 1 Dan in kendo is equal to 3 Dan in the other martial arts, just because so much more skill is required for kendo. So let’s not lose hope in LSG’s ability to cope with all the sword actions!!
i heard lee jun ki’s version came out alrdy, on the 21st May! BUT I CAN’T SEEM TO FIND IT. i know i’m really slow, but i never knew there were going to be two different versions.
personally i would root for junki cos i’m like a bigfan of his
but it’s alright. i’m really anticipating to watch the two!
he is better in looks. He is very flexible and awesome in fighting/taekwondo. He is an excellent actor as seen from time between dog and wolf where he had to play two roles, with two different personalities and he did very well in portraying his emotions and making the watchers cry along with him.
as for lee seung ki, his singing is awesome but we are talking about acting.
(but i think that mbc dramas look more promising because all the good dramas seem to come from there plus they got the original comic books.)
Well, talk about acting, Lee Jun KI did a great job. All the crying scenes were awsomely touching and it’s not exggerated at all, it feels real though. Well, for Lee Seung Ki, i didn’t watch his drama, but i suppposed that he’s quite good in acting too. But Jun ki VS Seung Ki, Lee Jun Ki obviously had the upper hand.
Well. I do feel that MBC does made alot of good dramas and i was pretty turned off when i saw it’s from SBS. But still, as the story moves along, it’s really awkardly interesting.
Guess that a better comparison will be made after 2 iljimae is out though.
And I think LJK did the greatest job in it! ^_____^
Tehehe.., and yeah, he is more attractive x] but I think the other isn’t that bad either! =) I recommend this movie SOO MUCH!
Lee Jun Ki a little after watching Iljimae. So I watched his another drama Time Between Dog and Wolf. O M G
I become Lee Jun Ki big fan after watching TBDAW. His acting skill is really great in that drama. And his manly style can attract me a lot. As I am not a K drama addict, I don’t know the other guy, Lee Seung Gi, But with photo comparison, Lee Jun Ki is more handsome. I don’t like people calling him as a pretty boy.
As he is a man, they should call him “A handsome and attractive man”. Right
Some reviewers have said that the 1993 version is better than the 2008 version.
Although I cannot say which version is better, because I couldn’t find the 1993 version with English subtitles, if anyone knows where I can buy the 1993 Iljimae with English subtitles, I would be grateful. And then I would at least be able to post a KNOWLEDGEABLE opinion about it.
For those of you who comprehend Korean language, you can download for free the complete 1993 Iljimae here at:
http://aja-aja.com/regular/iljimae-1993