Actor CHA Seung-won, who has had an explosive growth in popularity due to his appearance in a recent reality TV show, has confirmed that he is signing on for a new period film from director KANG Woo-suk. Based on real events, CHA will play KIM Jeong-ho, a famous geographer and cartographer.

KIM Jeong-ho had a deep interest in maps as a young man but he became even more passionate about creating an accurate map of the Korean peninsula when his father lost his life due to an inaccurate map. It is assumed that KIM Jeong-ho walked the entire length and breadth of the Korean peninsula in order to complete the Dae-dong-yeo-ji-do map, printed with wooden blocks, which was published in1861. However, shortly after presenting his new map in 1866, he was mysteriously found dead, which led to many questions. One prediction is that the map had revealed sensitive information critical to national defense. The pieces of the original map can still be found at Soongsil University and the Korea University.

This is not the first time CHA and KANG have worked together, although it is the first paring with CHA in a lead role of KANG as directed. Starting with Kick the Moon in 2001, CHA appeared in Jail Breakers (2002), My Teacher, Mr. Kim (2003), Ghost House (2004), and Blood Rain (2005), all of which were produced by KANG. KANG previously directed hit films such as the popular Two Cops series and Silmido (2003).  Other than CHA, actor YU Jun-sang has also been cast, and will play the role of the Korean regent of Joseon, Heungseon Daewongun. This is KANG’s first time directing a period film, and shooting is expected to commence this summer.