Lee Hyun Wook is stepping into the biggest role of his career. The actor has opened up about taking on his first epic historical drama with “Sword & Silence,” where he plays Kim Pom Min — the future King Munmu, the 30th ruler of Silla who unified the Three Kingdoms.
Lee Hyun Wook in “Sword & Silence” (Credits: Soompi)
Why He Took the Challenge
“Sword & Silence,” directed by Kim Yeong Jo of “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth,” tells the story of how the small kingdom of Silla overcame the more powerful Goguryeo and Baekje — as well as China’s Tang dynasty — to unify the Three Kingdoms.
Lee Hyun Wook admitted the genre was entirely new territory for him. “While working on historical dramas, I’ve come to fully appreciate the appeal of period pieces. An epic historical drama is a genre I haven’t experienced before, so I wanted to challenge myself,” he shared. “With such great senior and junior actors and production staff involved, there was no reason for me to turn it down.”
A Proud Prince Who Becomes a King
Kim Pom Min is a proud, strong-willed figure who clashes with his father Kim Chun Chu (played by Kim Kang Woo) over the latter’s diplomatic policies of bowing to other kingdoms. Through countless trials amid the turbulent Three Kingdoms period, the young prince gradually transforms — inheriting his father’s vision for Silla’s future while developing the flexibility needed to rule. With exceptional strategic skills and outstanding combat abilities, he ascends the throne and sets out to end 600 years of warfare.
Lee Hyun Wook approached the character with care, calling him “a coolheaded person who carries many inner conflicts and gains many realizations through them.” He added, “I felt that he shouldn’t come across as too lighthearted or too serious, so portraying Kim Pom Min’s younger years was the most challenging part.”
What to Watch For
When asked what viewers should look forward to, the actor pointed to the intrigue: “The power struggles that unfold as ambition, greed, human relationships, and relations between kingdoms become intertwined. Since these tensions spark all the conflicts and battles, it will be fascinating to watch how they unfold.”
“Sword & Silence” premieres November 14 at 9:20 p.m. KST.
Also Read: Sword & Silence Sets November 14 Premiere as Lee Hyun Wook, Kim Kang Woo, Park Sung Woong Unveil New Stills and Jang Ki Yong and Oh Jung Se Confirmed for MBC Office Drama “Law of the Line” Airing First Half of 2027
Source: Soompi — read the full story there.