Power and Beauty - KBS's 'Hwangjin-i' - Monthly Screening Series

The blockbuster TV Drama from Korea
Monthly Screening Series
November 2008 – February 2009 at The Korea Society

In an age when women were treated as if they were invisible, "Hwangjin-i", 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, "Hwangjin-i" remains a powerful feminist figure in Korea to this day.

Directed by Kim Cheol-gyoo ("More Beautiful Than a Flower") and written by Yoon Sson-Joo ("Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-shin "), the acclaimed KBS TV drama series "Hwangjin-i" 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 "Hwangjin-i" 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.

Part One: The Zenith of a Kisaeng
Wednesday, November 12, 20008 at 6:30 PM

"Hwangjin-i"'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, "Hwangjin-i" shows only contempt for the aristocracy that adores her. After the death of her first love, she vows 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 "Hwangjin-i" and Chosun society with director Kim Cheol-gyoo and David McCann.

Parts Two, Three and Four continue through February:
"Hwangjin-i" at The Korea Society
November 2008 – February 2009

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 – 6:30 PM
The Zenith of a Kisaeng

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 – 6:30 PM
The Birth of a Kisaeng

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 – 6:30 PM
Grievance

Wednesday, February 11, 2009 – 6:30 PM
Finale

All screenings presented in Korean with English subtitles.
Tickets: $15 for opening night, $10 for each additional day of the series
($10 and $5 for members, respectively).
Questions? Please call The Korea Society at (212) 759-7525, ext. 323.