Jo Yoon Hee Plays A Joseon-era Gisaeng

Her last role was playing Kim Soo Hyun's first love and the reason he decided to become a producer in the drama "Producer."

In her new film 'The Joseon Magician" Jo Yoon Hee plays Bo Eum, a blind gisaeng. Gisaengs were the Korean equivalent of geishas or courtesans. Despite their narrow role in society gisaengs often had a broader education in the arts than most women during the Joseon era. They were well versed in poetry, dance, music, politics and other cultural arts, which they used to entertain noblemen and royalty. Bo Eum's life may be restricted by her visual disability but her particular gifts are well appreciated. She is  prized for her wit  and her exceptional acupuncture skills.

Playing a gifted woman living in Joseon era was not as difficult for Jo Yoon Hee as learning how to think and move like a blind person.

In an interview with the Korean media outlet TV Daily, Jo Yoon Hee spoke about the challenges that she faced in accurately portraying someone with a visual impairment.

"To act as if I were blind, I visited schools for the blind and practiced using video footage," said Jo. "I tried my best to put my own personality into the role which is what the producer asked me to."

Bo Eum is also the devoted sister of Hwan Hee, the Joseon Magician of the film's title, played by Yoo Seung Ho.

Go Ara plays Princess Cheong Myong. She's traveling to meet her intended husband, a Chinese prince, when she meets Yoo Seung Ho, a magician. After she falls in love with him, she has to decide whether to continue on to her arranged marriage or run away with him.

The film also stars Kawk Do Won, Lee Kyung Young, Park Chul Min, Sogn Byung Ho and Jo Dal Hwan. The film is expected to premiere in December.

Jo Yoon Hee is best known for her roles in the dramas "My Husband Got A Family," "Scandal: A Shocking and Wrongful Incident," "The King's Face" and "Nine: Nine Time Travels." She also recently appeared in the film "The Con Artists."