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One month before it aired, the entire team behind « Sacred Jewel » («The Sacred Jewel» in French) gathered around the table. JTBC reveals photos from the first script reading for its historical drama, which stars Ahn Bo-hyun, Lee Sung-min, Claudia Kim and Ha Yoon-kyung. A chance to get to know a top-notch creative team and go behind the scenes to see how the actors prepare.
A team with a long history of success
Behind the camera is director Jung Dae-yoon, known for «She Was Pretty,» «W,» and, most notably, «Reborn Rich.» Lee Sung-min made a lasting impression in that series, making this new project a wonderful reunion between the director and the actor.
The screenplay was written by Jung Hyun-min, a specialist in historical and political epics. His credits include «Jeong Do-jeon,» «The Nokdu Flower,» and «Assembly.».
Ahn Bo-hyun is learning to ride a horse
Ahn Bo-hyun plays Baek Gyeol, the young commander tasked with escorting the Pearl of Avalokiteshvara. This is his first leading role in a historical drama, and he is taking his preparation very seriously.
The actor explains that he has been practicing horseback riding—all the more diligently because the series features many action scenes. He has also worked extensively on his voice, pronunciation, and tone to give his character a very different feel from that of the Yabyeolcho warriors.
Lee Sung-min, warrior and family man
Lee Sung-min plays Choi Gu, the leader of the Yabyeolcho, a veteran tasked with protecting Baek Gyeol. Along the way, we discover a new side to the character: in addition to being a formidable warrior, he is expected to show a tender side as a family man.
Claudia Kim, a princess far from the clichés
Claudia Kim plays Wang Hee, the emperor’s youngest daughter and Princess Gyeonghwa, a woman who will overcome her past wounds to grow as a person. The actress describes her as a strong character—the kind rarely seen in traditional historical dramas—and reflects on the best way to portray her many facets.
Finally, Ha Yoon-kyung rounds out the quartet in the role of Geol Seung, the former tavern owner who became the expedition's guide.
A large supporting cast
Rounding out the cast are Jung Jin-young (Baek Cha-seung), Hyun Bong-sik (Mu Saeng), Kim Do-hyun (Jap Son), Son Woo-hyun (Han Dam), Bae Jung-nam (Adoeulchi), and Ahn Do-gyu (Hong Bong-yi).
«Sacred Jewel» will air starting Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 10:40 p.m. (Korean time)—which is 2:40 p.m. in France—on JTBC, as part of the Saturday and Sunday lineup, and will be available internationally on Prime Video.
