Breaking News: Yuri and Shin Dong Wook cast in new drama “Dae Jang Geum is Watching”

Big news! Yuri and Shin Dong Wook have just signed on for a new drama, working title “Dae Jang Geum Is Watching.” Set in modern times, the drama will follow the descendants of the 2003 drama, “Jewel in the Palace.”

For those of you who missed it, “Jewel in the Palace” was the story of Dae Jang Geum, the first female physician to the king in the Joseon dynasty. It was a huge hit at the time and is still considered by many to be one of the best kdramas of all time. (BTW, weren’t we promised a sequel? Whatever happened to that???)

Shin Dong Wook will play Han San He, a salesman and foodie. (I’m intrigued by the strong emphasis on the foodie part. Why a foodie?) While Yuri’s role is Bong Soon Ah, a green newbie at the same company as Han San Hae. Reports promise a sweet and subtle romance between them.

Shin Dong Wook has been a hot topic since his return to dramaland last year. In 2010 he announced his diagnosis with CRPS(Complex Regional Pain Syndrome,) a nervous system problem which causes intense localized pain. At the time, Dong Wook was forced to retire due to the pain, but last year he was able to make a tentative comeback with a side role in the drama “Lookout.” It must have gone well for him, since he is taking on a new role. This drama will be his first leading role since 2006’s “Falling from the Stars.” (Does anyone remember that drama? I sure didn’t.)

Joining Yuri and Shin Dong Wook is PD Sun Hye Yoon, one of the PD’s behind the hilarious reality tv show “We Got Married.” When discussing her inspiration, PD Sun explained that she got the idea for the drama after looking at a poster for “Jewel in the Palace.” Seeing it caused her to wonder how our actions today affect future generations.