As we wait for another season of the amazing Korean zombie series Kingdom on Netflix, we have been blessed with a special episode to find out more about the history of the resurrection plant – and the beauty of it? Kingdom: Ashin of the North stars one of our favorite Korean actresses of all time, Gianna Jun, as Ashin herself.
We were lucky enough to take part in a press con with the stars and creators of the beloved series, and here’s what Gianna had to say.
Photography by Kim Young-bae
In terms of the physique and the stamina that the character required, Ginna shares that she was actually already prepared before she even bagged the role of Ashin. “I tried to focus mostly on how to interpret the personal anguish and hurt into wanting to avenge the whole land,” she shares. However, she also admits that there was significant pressure involved since she joined the show a little later on. “My personality is one that does better under pressure,” she shares, “so I think I deliberately tried to feel that positive pressure in order to do better.” She adds, “I didn’t want to make it look like that I was just enjoying the ride that was already propelled by what was already a great show before I joined, so I tried to focus more on what I had to offer into the series.”
As for her favorite scenes in the special episode, Gianna points out that there are certain scenes that hint at how Ashin knows various secrets of the resurrection plant. “Every time I was shooting those scenes, I felt like I was really penetrating through the entire Kingdom series. As a fan myself, I really enjoyed shooting those scenes and I really got chills down my spine, so those are the most memorable for me.”
Photography by Kim Young-bae
Gianna also opened up as to why she loves Kingdom so much. “It is not a series that depends on one or two cast members,” she says. “It is based on an immaculate script, amazing direction, and fascinating art. I would say that Kingdom can be referred to as a comprehensive art in its own form. It’s truly an honor and it brings me great joy that something like Kingdom is created in Korea and is brought to the entire world.”
People who might be looking for a lot of action might come to find that this special episode isn’t exactly what they expected. However, Kingdom writer Kim Eun-hee hopes that they successfully convey the intention of what they wanted to create, the character that is Ashin, and how they depicted the lands and the backgrounds of the far northern lands. “I hope you will be generous as you watch our special episode,” she says.
Have you watched Kingdom: Ashin of the North yet? Tell us what you thought of it! Email me at angeline.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send me a direct message at When in Manila Angeline on Facebook. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad! Join our WhenInManila.com community on Viber, as well!
