MBC, a prominent terrestrial broadcasting station in Korea, is gearing up to kick off 2024 with “Knight Flower,” aiming to continue its recent success following the historical drama “My Dearest” after a period of subdued performance. “Knight Flower,” adapted from the webtoon of the same name, features Lee Hanee in the lead role, known for her role in the movie “Extreme Job.” Directed by PD Jang Tae-yoo, renowned for “Deep Rooted Tree” and “My Love from the Star,” the drama promises an exciting venture.
The ‘Knight Flowers’ will be broadcast on MBC starting from January 12, 2024. The airing time is every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM. It’s a 12-episode series streaming on Wavve and Coupang Play, and available internationally for streaming on KOCOWA+.
Official Trailer of Knight Flower
synopsis of Knight Flower
At night, Yeohwa, a widow of 15 years, scales walls to embark on an unspeakable mission. Suho, a perfect man desired by nearly every woman within the town, breaks boundaries to join her risky adventure. This comical action drama is inspired by a historic event.
The atmosphere and overall composition hinted in the teaser is a remicent of K-drama series “Mr. Queen.” Relying solely on the comical action of the widow’s double life felt a bit lackluster, but it seems the story will dive into the former king’s assassination case. The teaser’s atmosphere and overall composition evoke strong parallels to the K-drama series “Mr. Queen
casting of Knight Flower
Lee Ha-nee as Jo Yeohwa
The eldest daughter-in-law of Jwauijeong, a minister of the Joseon dynasty. She married into one of the most prestigious families in Joseon but became a widow on her wedding night, and now she has been widowed for 15 years. During the day, she presents herself as a demure widow under the strict surveillance of her stern mother-in-law, aiming to become the most esteemed wife of the time, known as the “Yeolnyeo Gate.” Yet, by night, she dons a mask and crosses boundaries to aid those in need. However, one fateful night, when she encounters Suho, her dual life faces imminent danger.
Lee Hanee stands out as one of the top actresses in Korea’s comedy-action genre. Even from the teaser, her charisma shines through effortlessly, like a fish in water.
Lee Jong-won as Park suho
As the Capital Garrison commander, he embodies unyielding principles, marked by his impressive appearance and top scores in the Imperial Examination. Revered as the most sought-after groom in town, his inflexibility is unmatched. In the pursuit of resolving a case, he inadvertently assists Yeohwa, who dons a mask in the fighting arena. Yet, because of Yeohwa’s precarious double life, cracks begin to appear in this man’s rigid existence.
Lee Jong-won, a model-turned-actor born in 1994, has had minimal roles in the past, making it challenging to assess his capabilities. However, the male lead, Lee Jong-won, might be the primary weak point in “Knight Flower.”
The 11-year age gap between him and his co-star Lee Hanee, along with their relatively short careers, could create an awkward dynamic. While the original webtoon depicts them as a couple with a 24-year age difference, the shift from the webtoon’s portrayal to live-action is hard to overlook. His role, which leans towards a somewhat rigid character, masks any apparent lack of acting skills but also limits the chance to showcase his full potential.
Kim Sang-jung as Seok Ji-sung
The Jwauijeong, praised as the greatest statesman since the establishment of Joseon and also Yeohwa’s father-in-law, adeptly manages national affairs. However, fifteen years ago, he faced a sharp confrontation with the former king while advocating for past slaves to have opportunities in the civil service examination.
Lee Ki-woo as Park Yun-hak
He is the Left Buseungji of the Royal Secretariat and Suho’s older brother. Outwardly mild-mannered, he carries a sense of duty to change this corrupt world. Alongside King Yi So, he is covertly investigating the assassination case involving the former king.
Yun Sa-bong as Jang So-woon
The head of the Hwayeon business group and the interim leader of Woonjong Street, now known as Jong-ro. Seven years ago, she faced peril at the hands of Kang Pil-jik but was rescued by Yeohwa. Since then, she has been an unwavering supporter, assisting Yeohwa who even contributed her mother’s heirloom to advance the prosperity of the business group.
Heo Jung-do as Yi so
Appearing as a powerless and incompetent king who delegates all political matters to Seok Ji-sung, he tenaciously seeks the truth behind the former king’s assassination fifteen years ago. He harbors a hope of creating a nation where all people, regardless of social status, have opportunities based on their abilities.
Jo Jae-yoon as Kang Pil-jik
The head of a business group on Woonjong Street, managing a paper shop and an inn. Originating from a lower-class background, he holds a murky birth story. Fifteen years ago, he was implicated in the downfall of the Naegumwi military unit’s leader and has been entangled in various corrupt activities.
production crew of Knight Flower
Jang Tae-yoo, Choi Jung-yeon, and Lee Chang-woo share the directorial duties for this series. Director Jang Tae-yoo boasts a strong portfolio, having helmed renowned works like “War of Money,” “The Painter of the Wind,” “Deep Rooted Tree,” and “My Love from the Star.” The anticipation for “Knight Flower” doesn’t solely hinge on Lee Hanee’s expected performance in the lead role; it’s also greatly fueled by Director Jang Tae-yoo’s involvement.
With an abundance of experience in directing various historical drama series, particularly notable successes like “Deep Rooted Tree” and “My Love from the Star,” he achieved both critical acclaim and popularity.
behind the scenes of Knight Flower
- It is a rare pre-produced drama for a terrestrial broadcasting network.
- The original webtoon “Knight Flower” started serialization on August 13, 2023, and is currently ongoing, with over 100 episodes released.
- It’s a unique case where the original webtoon and the drama were planned simultaneously. It’s said that the webtoon’s serialization began after the completion of filming for the drama.
- After the preceding series “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract,” MBC has arranged yet another historical series based on a webtoon. Furthermore, there’s been a consecutive production of historical drama series set in the Joseon dynasty, commencing with “My Dearest,” followed by “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract,” and now continuing with “Knight Flower.”
Where to watch? https://www.kocowa.com/
What’s the latest in the world of K-dramas? https://triviaaboutkorea.com/boyhood-coupang-play-and-coupang/
