‘Bulgasal: Immortal Souls’ Director Reveals Why the Upcoming Kdrama is Different from ‘Goblin’
"Bulgasal: Immortal Souls" cast and crew shared their thoughts regarding the upcoming Kdrama, including being compared to the mega-hit series "Goblin."
Lead stars Lee Jin Wook, Lee Joon, Kwon Nara, Gong Seung Yeon, Park Myung Shin, Jung Jin Young, UP10TION's Kim Woo Seok, and director Jang Young Woo were present at the recently held press conference on December 15.
'Bulgasal: Immortal Souls' Focuses on Traditional Visuals Instead of CGI Effects
PD Jang Young Woo, the genius behind the comedy series 'Entourage," began the press briefing and explained the bits and pieces and technicalities in tvN's supernatural fantasy Kdrama.
He said that the team focuses on highlighting the past and present by capturing the historical beauty of Korea despite having a "limited production budget."
Moreover, he made sure that viewers will witness the "rich and emotional" narrative of "Bulgasal: Immortal Souls" with a visual story highlighting a "sad but beautiful tale."
As for the visuals, PD Jang Young Woo explained why the team put much effort into acting and using costumes, makeup, art instead of the CGI effects, especially with mosnters and ghosts.
Moreover, the director explained that they wanted to "shed light on the creatures' story and hidden narrative."
'Bulgasal: Immortal Souls' Director Responds to Comparison to Gong Yoo's 'Goblin'
tvN produced a ton of notable Kdramas-from action, rom-com, supernatural; you name it.--it also includes the blockbuster hit "Goblin," starring Gong Yoo and Kim Go Eun.
The 2015 rom-com fantasy series focuses on the journey of a goblin named Kim Shin and his destined romance with Ji Eun Tak.
When asked what set "Bulgasal: Immortal Souls" apart from "Goblin," first the director says that he is "thankful" being compared to such remarkable work of screenwriter Kim Eun Sook and director Lee Eung Bok whom he had a chance to work with.
Interestingly, he explained that the upcoming Kdrama focuses on family and Korean history through its folklore, while the 2016 series highlights romance between the main characters.
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"The creatures in 'Bulgasal' are based on Korean folklore. The purpose was to add emphasis to that Korean emotion. If I had to name a difference, 'Goblin' was more of a romantic series. In 'Bulgasal,' there are many adjustments to familial bonds."
Lee Jin Wook and Kwon Nara's new drama follows the story of Dan Hwal, a former military officer under the Joseon Dynasty.
However, he met his unfortunate fate and turned into a mythical creature known as the "bulgasal" and cursed with immortality.
Unfortunately, the catch here is being an immortal needs to feed off human blood.
Meanwhile, Kwon Nara's role, Min Sang Woon, used to be an immortal but transformed as a human after experiencing a traumatic event in her life. It also prompted her to change her identity and plan on having her revenge.
"Bulgasal: Immortal Souls" release date is slated on December 18 every Saturday and Sunday at 9 pm K.S.T on JTBC and Netflix.
