The blockbuster TV Drama from Korea
Monthly Screening Series

In an age when women were treated as if they were invisible, Hwang Jin Yi, the celebrated Korean courtesan-singer-poet of the 16th century, was larger than life. Her beauty, wit and intellect propelled her from obscurity into the company of Korea’s most powerful aristocrats. The defining romance of her life broke across Korea’s rigid class lines and was in turn shattered by tragedy. A symbol of art and individuality, the subject of countless novels, movies and operas, Hwang Jin Yi remains a powerful feminist figure in Korea to this day.

Directed by Kim Cheol-gyu (More Beautiful Than Flowers) and written by Yoon Sun-Ju (The Immortal Lee Soon Shin), the acclaimed KBS TV drama series Hwang Jin Yi retells the tumultuous life story of Korea’s most famous kisaeng (courtesan). Join The Korea Society on Wednesday, November 12—and on the second Wednesday of each month through February—as we screen selected episodes from this lavish and epic series. Top actress Ha Ji-won’s portrayal of Hwang Jin Yi made the series an instant television event when the series first aired in Korea in 2006, causing a nationwide rediscovery of the role kisaeng played in Korean history.

All screenings presented in Korean with English subtitles.

November 12, 2008 - February 11, 2009 | 6:30 PM

The Korea Society
950 Third Ave., 8th Floor
New York, NY 10022

Admission:
$5 Members / $10 Non-members

Order tickets online or by calling The Korea Society at (212) 759-7525, ext. 323.

PART 1: THE ZENITH OF A KISAENG

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 | 6:30 PM

Hwang Jin Yi’s intelligence, beauty and talent have made her the most famous kisaeng in Korea—every man desires her, every woman is jealous of her. But at the height of her fame, Hwang Jin Yi shows only contempt for the aristocracy that adores her. After the death of her first love, shevows to become as unfeeling as the cold moon, and adopts Myŏngwŏl (bright moon) as her courtesan name.

Part One will be introduced by David McCann, professor of Korean Literature at Harvard University. The screening will be followed by a discussion of Hwang Jin Yi and Chosun society with director Kim Cheol-gyu and David McCann.

PART 2: THE BIRTH OF A KISAENG

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 | 6:30 PM

Hwang Jin Yi's mother fears that her young daughter will follow in her footsteps and become a kisaeng: a singer, dancer and hostess who lives a life catering to the whims of the yangban elite. Determined that her daughter should become more than a mere plaything for men, she sends Hwang Jin Yi deep into the forest to be cared for by an old monk. But when Hwang Jin Yi slips away and glimpses the beauty of a kisaeng dance, she is drawn to her destiny.

Special Guest: Actress Jeon Mi-seon (the mother) will appear from Korea through an exclusive video conference to discuss the making of Hwang Jin Yi and answer audience questions.

PART 3: GRIEVANCE

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 | 6:30 PM

Hwang Jin Yi islearning dance from Yim Baek-moo, one of the best court dancers in the kingdom and a harsh and manipulative teacher. When Hwang Jin Yi's first love ends tragically, she sees Yim's scheming behind it. Jealousy and bitterness build between the two as they prepare for what turns out to be a fateful performance of the crane dance. 

Special Screening Guest Hwang Jin Yi writer Yoon Sun-ju
will join the audience by videoconference after the screening to talk about writing for the series and take questions.

PART 4: FINALE

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 | 6:30 PM

Having won the acclaim of King and court, Hwang Jin Yi is confidant that she will win the heart of the people by performing her elegant dances in the marketplace. The people turn out to be a much harder audience to impress than the nobility. Hwang Jin Yi wrestles with the question of whether her life's passion is really meaningful if it doesn't resonate with the people among who she was raised.

Co-sponsored by KBS.