Chinese-Korean Joint Drama Announced: “The Age of Heroes”

In a positive turn of events, China and South Korea recently began talks to bring home the remains of famous Korean freedom fighter Ahn Jung Geun.  As part of negotiations, a Chinese-Korean joint drama based on his impressive and tragic life has also been announced.  The drama is called “The Age of Heroes” (working title) and will focus on his life as a military special forces operative.  Directing is the PD from famous kdramas “Iris” and “Criminal Minds.”

The Story of Ahn Jung Geun

Commonly considered by Koreans to be a symbol of resistance during their darkest hours, Ahn Jung Geun lived from 1879 until his execution on March 26, 1910.   During his lifetime, Japanese rule crept over the peninsula of Korea suppressing Korean lives and culture. But although the people longed for freedom, they shut their mouths and bore the oppression.  Amidst the silence, Ahn Jung Geun emerged.

On Oct. 26, 1909, an otherwise ordinary day, Japanese statesmen Maquis Ito Hirobumi arrived at a train station in Harbin, Manchuria.  It was a routine day with meetings planned later with Russian officials.  Suddenly, Ahn Jung Geun erupted before them, an automatic pistol firing shot after shot into the the stateman’s chest.  Ito Hirobumi died where he fell, but the shots continued and four members of the Japanese delegation fell hit.  Gun emptied, Ahn Jung Geun stood defiantly, without attempting to flee.

Trials lasted for years afterwards.  Ahn Jung Geun later proclaimed himself to be a general of the Korean army, and therefore a prisoner of war, rather than a murder convict.  But ultimately the Japanese courts did not permit him prisoner of war status, and he was executed March 26, 1910.  Perhaps in an attempt to prevent further rebellion by Koreans, his remains were buried in an unknown grave in China.

Koreans today remember Ahn Jung Geun as a solitary hero.  His statue stands above downtown Seoul, in the previous location of a Japanese Shinto shrine.  (Further Reading: Korea Times.)

The Drama

“The Age of Heroes” plans to focus on the life of Ahn Jung Geun as a military special forces operative (the role he insisted he held.)  It will tell the assasination story from the view that he was simply completing a military mission.

Talks have already begun with a top Korean Star to take the role of Ahn Jung Geun.  Although, no name has been release as yet.  However, the majority of the casting has already been completed, with an astounding cast of nearly 400 actors set to begin.

“The Age of Heroes” is planned to be 24 episodes long and entirely pre-produced with an impressive budget of 30 billion won.  Filming will begin by the end of the year with locations in South Korea, China, and North Korea.

“The Age of Heroes” is planned to air some time in 2019.

[Souces: Viva100, Joins News, YTN, TenAsia, Korea Times]