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As you know, multi-faceted artistes brimming with a multitude of talents are always much appreciated and admired by yours truly.

As such, it thrills me to be told by Friend B a couple of minutes ago that V has Kim Nam Gil's manager on her contact list.

Korea is next on my list. That is, after my impending trip! =)


Who Is Kim Nam Gil?



(From a previous post)
Queen Seon Deok is a historical epic that illustrates the history of Shilla before its unification with Baekje and Goguryeo to form modern-day South Korea. It has won numerous awards and accolades in Korea, securing 49% of viewership.

A central figure is Bidam whom Mishil, the King's primary consort, had abandoned at birth. Mishil spends her life plotting to be Queen. Her ambition is fuelled by her husband Sejong and lover, General Seolwon. (It was common for aristocrats to have multiple partners for political reasons.) Her brother, Misaeng and sons, Hajong and Bojong join the foray.

Bidam had been taken away to safety at birth by Munno, the leader of the Hwarangs, which enlists elite warriors from noble families. His swordsmanship, thus, is second to none in the nation.

His puerile mannerisms and naivete are soon decimated when he crosses paths with an abandoned princess, Deokman. Their journey to the palace is fraught with numerous challenges. Eventually, he discovers his identity.

Bearing an inferiority complex that stems from an identity crisis and faced with the dilemma of opposing his mother for the sake of his devotion to Deokman, Bidam causes his own downfall when he fails to trust Deokman and leads a rebellion against her after Mishil's death.

Upon realizing his folly, he makes a fatal return to the palace. He slays numerous guards along the way with a sole fixation - to meet Deokman face to face. With each battalion obliterated, he pushes on by quantifying the proximity to his goal - "70 paces to Deokman", "50 paces", etc. He inches towards her but is outnumbered eventually. As the final blade is fatally plunged into his wounded institution, he mutters, "Deokman" with his last breath.

Kim Nam Gil has portrayed Bidam to perfection. His myriad of expressions and acting chops have propelled him to the top echelon of Korean entertainment. Consistently voted as Korea's Sexiest Man and winning numerous awards based on his portrayal of Bidam, Kim Nam Gil charms on screen and in various advertisements.

The magnitude of Queen Seon Deok's success can and will only be understood if one plows through its 62 episodes. Bidam's metamorphosis and insecurity are common traits that viewers identify with and so, are compelled to be strung along the series. It is more than a drama. Viewers alike walk away with lessons in life.

That is why fans of Queen Seon Deok have difficulty 'getting over' the series once it draws to a close. Its quality is nonpareil.

Here is my favourite clip depicting Bidam's transitory stages in adulthood. Have the tissue box in hand. You'll probably need it. =)