Kim Se-jeong to play Joseon Queen turned high schooler in 'High School Queen'

Kim Se-jeong will simultaneously showcase the charisma of a Joseon Dynasty queen and the refreshing counterattacks of a 21st-century high schooler. The new series 'High School Queen,' which blends historical drama, school life, action, and fantasy, promises the birth of an all-time legendary 'refreshing character.'

On the 31st, production company Studio Dragon revealed the main casting lineup for the new drama 'High School Queen' (written by Lee Jung-tae, directed by Yoon Sung-sik). Kim Se-jeong, Bae Hyun Sung, and Jo Han-gyeol will join the project as full-scale production preparations begin.

'High School Queen' is based on a webtoon of the same name on Naver. It is a fantasy action drama where a Joseon Dynasty queen leaps across 400 years of time to awaken in the body of a high school girl suffering from school violence, embarking on a satisfying revenge against the villains.

Kim takes on the role of Kim Chung-ha, the greatest warrior and queen of the Joseon Dynasty.

Chung-ha is a character with outstanding martial arts skills and a strong spirit. After meeting her death amidst a power struggle in the royal palace, she opens her eyes 400 years later in the body of high schooler Kim Da-jin.

However, this new life is not peaceful. Upon discovering that Da-jin, the owner of the body she inhabits, is suffering from school violence, she uses the dignity of a Joseon queen and her warrior instincts to launch a full-scale 'true education' against the perpetrators.

For Kim, who has showcased everything from bright and bold characters to intense acting transformations in various works, 'High School Queen' is expected to be another significant challenge.

"Chung-ha is a character that encompasses all the diverse aspects of the characters I have played so far," Kim stated. "I am preparing for this role with both excitement and a sense of responsibility."

She continued, "It is a work where the joy provided by the episodes unfolding each time is immense. I will do my best to deliver great fun and emotion through the character of Chung-ha."

Bae Hyun Sung will play dual roles as Seong Won-ju, Chung-ha's bodyguard in the Joseon Dynasty, and Seong Si-woo, the ace of a modern-day kendo club. He will serve as a central axis of the drama, oscillating between loyalty toward the queen and the prickly charm of a modern student.

"The story itself, which blends action, romance, and fantasy, was very interesting and fun," Bae shared. "I will prepare hard so that I can greet you with a great work."

Jo Han-gyeol will take on the challenge of playing two roles: the Joseon King Lee Nyeong and the modern-day transfer student Lee Do-yun. Appearing as a character who seems bright on the surface but hides a secret story, he is expected to add tension to the drama between Kim Chung-ha and Seong Si-woo.

The directing duties are handled by Yoon Sung-sik, who has been recognized for both genre-specific fun and mainstream appeal through works such as 'Mr. Queen,' 'Bridal Mask,' and 'The Haunted Palace.'

In particular, the unique premise of a Joseon queen facing off against modern school violence promises new excitement, aligning with recent viewers' interest in revenge and fantasy genres. Expectations are high for the synergy created between the authority of a traditional historical drama, the fast pace of a modern school drama, and Kim's signature positive energy.

'High School Queen' is scheduled to be released in the second half of this year.