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Long hair, a serious expression, the look of a warrior: Ahn Bo-hyun has changed a lot. The historical drama « Sacred Jewel » («The Sacred Jewel» in French) reveals the first images of the actor as Baek Gyeol, a young commander entrusted with a mission on which the fate of an entire kingdom depends. An epic set to premiere in December.
1258: A Kingdom on the Brink of Collapse
The story takes place in 1258, during the Goryeo Dynasty. For nearly 30 years, Korea has been resisting Mongol invasions, and the kingdom is on the brink of defeat.
It is against this desperate backdrop that an expeditionary force is sent into battle in search of a sacred relic: the Pearl of Avalokiteshvara. According to legend, it possesses the divine power to protect the nation. Meanwhile, a princess will seek to save those who are risking their lives to bring it back.
Baek Gyeol, warrior and lover
Ahn Bo-hyun, who first came to the public's attention through « Itaewon Class », plays Baek Gyeol, the young commander tasked with escorting the precious pearl. A member of the royal guard, he leads a special mission alongside the warriors of the Yabyeolcho, an elite unit that actually existed during that period.
But Baek Gyeol isn't just setting out for his homeland. He is in love with the emperor's daughter—a feeling that adds a romantic dimension to this perilous quest.
The new photos show an unrecognizable Ahn Bo-hyun. With long hair and a carefully tailored outfit, the actor exudes impressive charisma. His pensive expression hints at a weight and an inner story that he rarely reveals.
The character is built on a contrast. On the outside, Baek Gyeol exudes the strength and restraint of a seasoned warrior. On the inside, he retains the purity and burning passion of a young man, as well as an unwavering devotion to the woman he loves.
It remains to be seen what choices he will make when his duty and his feelings come into conflict.
A Little-Known Chapter in Korean History
The Mongol invasions of Goryeo remain a period that has been little explored in TV dramas. Yet they left a lasting mark on Korean history, particularly through the fierce resistance of units such as the Yabyeolcho, which gave rise to the famous Sambyeolcho army.
This provides «Sacred Jewel» with a unique historical setting, somewhere between a war epic and a thwarted romance.
«Sacred Jewel» will air starting in December 2026 on jTBC and Prime Video.
