Time-traveling from Joseon to Seoul in Lady Durian

by solstices

We finally get a glimpse into what this perplexing title is all about, though I have to admit I’m still left scratching my head. Billed as a time-slip fantasy melo, TV Chosun’s upcoming drama Lady Durian (previously Durian Fairy) merges Joseon-era melancholy with modern-day opulence.

Love ft. Marriage and Divorce veteran Park Joo-mi stars as our hanbok-clad heroine, who pensively wonders, “Are you living well, born in a better place?” The dull shadows of her room reflect her dismal emotional state — though she’s an aristocratic yangban lady, it seems as if her marriage either never came to fruition or ended in tragedy.

Meanwhile, over in the present time, Choi Myung-gil (Red Shoes) is dressed to the nines at an extravagant dinner event. Flanked by sharply-dressed men as she walks through a crowd of starstruck guests, she’s the picture of regal elegance.

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Since the drama’s synopsis describes not one, but two time-traveling Joseon ladies, it’s safe to say that Choi Myung-gil’s character also comes from the past. Remember those men who were accompanying her? They’re the very people whom our two leads will get entangled: Kim Min-joon (Was it Love?), Jeon No-min (Law Cafe), and Ji Young-san (Love ft. Marriage and Divorce 3).

There’s certainly lots of drama in store — we see a lost Park Joo-mi wander through a sprawling mansion, coming face-to-face with a confused Han Da-gam (The All-Round Wife). Then the teaser cuts to Yoon Hae-young (Love ft. Marriage and Divorce 2), locked in a passionate kiss with a man.

So, why and how did our leading ladies fast-forward to the future? Will their love be able to transcend time? And where does the durian fruit fit into all this? It may not be clear yet — but with intertwined fates, beautiful sets, and numerous makjang veterans attached to this project, we’ll be in for an entertaining ride.

Directed by Shin Woo-chul (Melting Me Softly) and written by Im Sung-han (Love ft. Marriage and Divorce), Lady Durian is slated for a June premiere.

Park Joo-mi in Lady Durian
Choi Myung-gil in Lady Durian