Han Hyo Joo To Play A Talented Gisaeng

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Han Hyo Joo
Hae Eo Hwa

Han Hyo Joo has chosen her film next role. She signed on to play a gisaeng or courtesan in Park Heung Sik's 2015 film "Hae Eo Hwa."

Not a lot is known about the plot of the film except that it is set during the Joseon Dynasty, which lasted from 1392 to 1910. Gisaeng first appeared in Korea during the Goryeo Dynasty and by the time of the Joseon Dynasty their role was considered controversial. Many scholars wanted to banish them.

Han Hyo Joo plays a courtesan who becomes famous for both her beauty and artistic talent.

Legally considered slaves, these entertainers were often accomplished in the fine arts and poetry. In some ways gisaeng had more freedom than women in traditional Joseon-era society, but their careers were short and they were totally dependent on the kindness of their patrons. Even so, some gisaeng achieved considerable political influence because of their interactions with government officials.

The actress is having a busy year. She is currently filming Yi Soo in the film "Beauty Inside." She's the woman who is loved by a character played by 20 different actors. The movie is set to air in 2015. She also appeared as a musical muse in the folk music film "C'est Si Bon" and made her Japanese film debut in the film "Miracle: Devil Claus' Love and Magic."

Han Hyo Joo is best known for her role in the 2009 drama "Brilliant Legacy," which co-starred Lee Seung Gi, Bae Soo Bin and Moon Chae Won and had ratings as high as 47.1 percent. She followed that role with one in the 2011 drama "Dong Yi." She also appeared in the Japanese-Korean telecinema co-production "Heaven's Postman" with JYJ singer and actor Kim Jaejoong. She won Best Actress awards at the Blue Dragon Film Awards and Buil Film Awards for her role as a rookie detective in the film "Cold Eyes," which co-starred Jung Woo Sung and Sol Kyung Gu. She played Lee Byung Hun's queen in the 2012 hit film "Masquerade."

Park Heung Sik, who will direct "Hae Eo Hwa," is the director of the 2001 film "I Wish I Had A Wife," the 2004 film "My Mother, The Mermaid" and the 2014 film "Memories of the Sword," which starred Jeon Do Yeon and Lee Byung Hun.

Lotte Entertainment will finance and distribute "HaeEo Hwa." The film is expected to start shooting in 2015, once casting is complete.

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