‘Jirisan’, the highly anticipated drama starring Gianna Jun Ji Hyun and Ju Ji Hoon held a global press conference online in Korea on 13 October 2021, with attendance from press and media in Asia.
The press conference was attended by writer Kim Eun Hee, Director of Photography, Choi Sang Mook, actors Gianna Jun, Ju Ji Hoon, Oh Jung Se and Cho Han Cheul. Writer Kim Eun Hee, who also wrote the drama ‘Kingdom’ and ‘Signal’ wanted to write about mountaineers originally but became fascinated with mountain rangers, who respect the mountain and it’s elements and are committed to rescuing those injured in the mountain.
Jirisan, an action packed 16 episodes drama, stars veterans like Sung Dong Il, Oh Jung Se, Cho Han Cheul, Gianna Jun and Ju Ji Hoon.
The familiar and friendly atmosphere between writer Kim Eun Hee and actors Jun Ji Hyun and Ju Ji Hoon were evident in their bantering during the press conference. Both had worked with her previously including the recent drama ‘Kingdom’. He said he has been a fan of Gianna Jun since ‘My Sassy Girl’ and it was a pleasure to work with her, resulting in good vibes and chemistry in their first ever collaboration.
Asked about memorable scenes while shooting, Gianna Jun laughingly said that Oh Jung Se made her laughed just by being himself. So there were many NG scenes even though they were serious settings. On the other hand, Oh Jung Se remarked that carrying Gianna Jun on his back down the mountain was doubly difficult as she was taller than him.
The filming took 10 months and saw the drama through the 4 seasons and made Cho Han Cheul appreciate the hard work of the staff filming in the challenging weather and terrain.
When would it be a good time to climb Jirisan? Gianna Jun and Cho Han Cheul recommended summer while the Ju Ji Hoon and Oh Jung Se feel that all the seasons have their own merit. (My friend who climbed Jirisan in the summer said it was too hot. So maybe spring or autumn?)
Gianna Jun looks absolutely stunning and confident in her cropped hair and cropped top. Helps to have long legs too. ^^
In Jirisan, Kang Hyun Jo (Ju Ji Hoon), a junior and rookie mountain ranger, partners Seo Yi Kang, an experienced mountain ranger (Gianna Jun), who is called ‘ Mountain Ghost God’ for knowing the Jirisan terrain well..
The drama centers around the mysteries surrounding people who climb Jirisan for various reasons and the rangers who rescue those trapped in the mountain.
In the drama, Kang Hyun Jo (Ju Ji Hoon) begins to have visions of deaths occurring on the mountain after an incident in the mountain. From the trailer and tagline in the posters, it suggests there may be mysterious murders taking place inside Jirisan.
Whatever it is, expect lots of action and adrenaline pumping scenes in the drama.
The main cast of ‘Jirisan’.
Jirisan will air exclusively on iQIYI on 23 October 2021, same time as Korea on tvN. There is a free and paid membership on iQIYI, though you will watch it a little later (with advertisements) than paid members.
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