CHOI Min Sik and melodrama somehow seem like an unlikely pairing, which is why melodrama is more of a variation than a mainstream genre for him. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, Forbidden Dream adopts the typical genre conventions of a historical drama. However, director Hur Jin-ho portrays the relationship between King Sejong and Jang Yeong-sil as if it were a love affair that transcends their social status. In a situation where Joseon is subservient to China, the astronomical observatory invented by Yeong-sil becomes an innovative step towards the independence that Sejong dreams of. Sejong can’t help but notice him and Yeong-sil’s sincerity leads Sejong to care for him deeply. Yeong-sil, coming from a humble background, devotes everything to Sejong, who has the power to change his life. The love they give and receive truly resembles that of lovers. The story is inspired by a single line of historical records stating, “In the 24th year of King Sejong’s reign, there was an incident that Sejong’s carriage wheel broke while traveling to the Icheon Palace.” As the story unfolds, it unravels the intriguing connection between Sejong and Yeong-sil. (HUH Namwoong)