“The Fatal Encounter” is focusing on the story of politically embattled King Jeongjo (nicknamed the King of Misfortune), his dedicated servant Sang-chaek, and nefarious courtiers and assassins.
As the year 1777 opens, King Jeongjo enters the second year of his reign, which is consistently under threat from the opposing Noron and Soron factions. To successfully defend his royal power, Jeongjo draws upon his stores of courage and relies heavily on his loyal servant Sang-chaek. In a shocking twist, Sang-chaek turns out to be an assassin who was sent into service in order to kill Jeongjo. After witnessing King Jeongjo’s capacity to justly rule the people, however, Sang-chaek comes clean about his true identity, and is banished from the court. As he leaves the palace, however, his eye catches sight of Sal-soo, the deadliest assassin in Joseon. Sang-chaek frantically returns to the court, only to find Sal-soo locked in combat with Jeongjo.
Hyeon Bin (“Secret Garden”, “My Name is Kim Sam-soon”) takes on his first acting role since completing his mandatory military service. He plays King Jeongjo, whose reign was fraught with political conflicts and threats upon his life. The actor prepared extensively for his first historical role and has drawn accolades for his dedication. Going into production almost Immediately upon being discharged from the army, he studied the arts of sword fighting, archery, and horseback riding for the role. Jeong Jae-yeong (“Welcome to Dongmakgol”), Jo Jeong-seok (“The Face Reader”), and Han Ji-min (“The Rooftop Prince”), a group of South Korea’s most treasured character actors, star alongside Hyeon Bin.
“The Fatal Encounter” : Inspired by Historical Events ”The Fatal Encounter” is based on the real-life assassination attempt on King Jeongjo (1752-1800) on the night of July 28th, 1777. On that fateful night, Jeongjo was unable to sleep and tried to soothe his mind by reading late into the night. When he suddenly heard a sound in the ceiling, he quickly called his servants to investigate. To their shock, they captured an assassin hiding in the eaves. That night’s assassination attempt became one of the most infamous in the 500-year history of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897).
The King of Misfortune – King Jeongjo (Hyeon Bin)
Jeongjo was the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. As a young man, he was forced to witness the slow death of his father Crown Prince Sado, who was effectively executed by being placed in a wooden
box by a royal decree from his grandfather King Yeongjo. After Jeongjo ascended the throne in
1776, he was caught in the fierce factional strife between the Noron and Soron power bases throughout his reign and continuously subject to threats to his life and palace intrigue. Despite these circumstances, Jeongjo remained in power for almost 24 years and is noted for having carried out significant and innovative reforms.
The King’s Shadow – Sang-chaek (Jeong Jae-yeong)
King Jeongjo’s trusty servant, Sang-chaek was hired at a young age to manage the king’s personal library. Since then, Sang-chaek has steadfastly been by Jeongjo’s side through many life-threatening situations. Although Sang-chaek was originally sent into palace service in order to get close enough to kill Jeongjo, after witnessing Jeongjo’s true heart, he changes his allegiance and decides to protect Jeongjo at all costs.
Deadliest Assassin in Joseon Dynasty – Sal-soo (Jo Jeong-seok)
Raised as a cold-blooded killer at a secret assassin society, Sal-soo is Joseon’s deadliest assassin. He eliminates his targets with ease and leaves no trace behind. Though at first he hesitates to take on task of assassinating King Jeongjo, Sal-soo strikes a deal with his master that would set him free from the secret assassin society.
Venomous Conspirator – Dowager Queen Jeongsun (Han Ji-min)
Dowager Queen Jeongsun is King Yeongjo’s second wife from the Noron faction and played a major role in influencing the execution of Crown Prince Sado, King Jeongjo’s father. She is one of the major co-conspirators in the assassination attempts against Jeongjo.
Hong Si-wan, Seoul