iQiyi’s upcoming original K-drama “Jirisan” (also known as “Mount Jiri”, 지리산) is gearing up for its world premiere in the coming weekend! The 16-episode series stars Jun Ji Hyun and Joo Ji Hoon taking on the lead roles.
“Jirisan” is a mystery drama about the story that unfolds at Jiri Mountain National Park. The iconic Hallyu starlet takes on the role as the national park’s top ranger Seo Yi Kang, as she works together with rookie ranger Kang Hyun Joo (played by Joo Ji Hoon) to unravel the truth behind the mysterious incidents that took place in the mountain.
Ahead of the premier of “Jirisan” on iQiyi, let’s check out 5 fun facts that we compiled about the K-drama series here:
1. How the scriptwriter came up with the idea for “Jirisan”?
The drama was penned by Kim Eun Hee, the writer of many famous dramas such as “Signal”, “Ghost”, and ‘Kingdom” (in which both Joo Ji Hoon and Jun Ji Hyun starred in). Kim Eun Hee said, “I started thinking about the basic idea of ‘Jirisan’ several years ago. I started the planning process two years ago when I was personally going through a tough time. After doing a lot of projects with murder, I wanted to try something healing. I decided to set the drama on Mount Jiri with mountains and trees and nature, about rangers who save people’s lives.”
The prolific writer was also asked on why she chose national park rangers as the main characters. According to her, “When I first thought about what would happen if there was a disaster on a mountain, I vaguely thought that you would call 119 like in the city. But when I did some research, I found that when something happens on a mountain, national park rangers who know the topography and characteristics of the mountain really well become the mainstays of the search party. That’s how ‘rangers’ naturally became the main characters of my story.”
2. Jun Ji Hyun on her role as senior ranger Seo Yi Kang
Shifting away from her elegant, goddess-like image in her previous projects, Jun Ji Hyun showcases a tougher side to herself in “Jirisan”. Speaking of her role, Ji Hyun said, “Actually, I didn’t accept the role because I wished to play a strong woman, today’s women in general are stronger in character. I never thought I would play a park ranger, to me this is a brand-new experience.”
The 39-year-old also revealed that the shooting process wasn’t too tough for her. “I didn’t feel exceptionally tired or cold, I was very happy throughout the filming process. As I prepared well in mountaineering gear, there were not many difficulties,” she said, adding that the production process also helped in improving her physical health.
3. “Jirisan” is Jun Ji Hyun & Jun Ji Hyun’s first project together following her appearance on “Kingdom” season 2
For those who don’t know, the two stars met during the actress’ brief appearance at the end of the “Kingdom” season 2. In “Jirisan” the duo display a “senior-junior” relationship, where spending long hours together led to amazing transformations of their relationship.
Speaking of their time together in their first ever collaboration, Jun said, “It was a very good partnership, we were at ease.” Joo Ji Hoon commented, “I’ve been a fan of Jun Ji Hyun since I was young. I was fascinated on our first meeting. But when we met, she treated me so comfortably, and even though she must have had a tough time on set, she would go all out in her acting.”
4. Joo Ji Hoon dishes more on his on-screen chemistry with Jun Ji Hyun
According to the drama’s producers, the two main cast also displayed great teamwork throughout the filming process. Not only that, Joo Ji Hoon had nothing but praise for his co-star Jun Ji Hyun while spilling the beans on his on-screen chemistry with the actress.
“Jun Ji Hyun has great energy,” the 39-year-old actor revealed. “Even in situations that could be physically exhausting, she cheerfully led the atmosphere in a positive direction, and thanks to her, both the atmosphere on set and our chemistry were really great.”
5. BTS member Jin to sing the main soundtrack of the K-drama series
🗻Jirisan alert!
The main theme song for Jirisan will be sung by no other than #BTS #Jin!💜
We're excited to hear the song!#Jirisan ǀ Premieres 24 Oct on #tvNAsia🇸🇬🇲🇾🇮🇩#24hrExpress #GiannaJun #JunJiHyun #JuJiHoon #SungDongIl #OhJungSe #지리산 #전지현 #주지훈 #성동일 #오정세 pic.twitter.com/86tVhkXpAz— tvN (@tvN_Asia) October 1, 2021
ARMYs rejoice! “Worldwide Handsome” Jin lent his voice for the official soundtrack of the K-drama series. As revealed on channel tvN’s Twitter page, the OST performed by the idol will also serve as the main theme of the series.
Interestingly, this also marks the second time for Jin to participate in a K-drama soundtrack. He previously appeared in the OST for the 2016 period drama, “Hwarang”, where he joined his bandmate V (who also acted in the series) for the song “Even I Die, It’s You”.
Bonus: Introducing the people of Jirisan, the place where one meets the sky. The ranger team looks solid!
Watch the trailer here:
“Jirisan” will be debut on iQiyi on 23rd October 2022 (next Saturday).
Images by iQiyi/tvN.
