Ahn Bo-hyun Leads First Historical Drama in JTBC's 'Sacred Jewel'

Actor Ahn Bo-hyun is taking on his first lead role in a historical drama since his debut. The first stills of Ahn as a young general in Korea's Goryeo Dynasty were released on Oct. 27.

The production team behind the JTBC drama "Sacred Jewel" (Sinui Guseul) shared the images. In the photos, Ahn wears his hair long and loose and is dressed in traditional Goryeo-era clothing. His thoughtful expression and calm gaze hint at his character's personality.

"Sacred Jewel" is set to premiere in December. The story takes place in 1258 in Goryeo, the Korean kingdom that had been at war with the Mongols for more than 30 years. With defeat looming, an escort unit sets out to find the Gwaneum Boju, a sacred relic believed to protect the nation. The drama follows that unit's journey and a princess who tries to save them.

Ahn plays Baek Gyeol, the commander of the unit's special forces. Baek is a young general who rose through the ranks of the Gyeollyonggun, the royal guard, and is in love with the emperor's daughter. After he is ordered to bring back the relic, which is said to hold the hopes of the people, he heads to the battlefield with warriors from the Yabyeolcho.

Baek rarely shows his emotions. He also has a strong sense of duty and a pure side. Ahn is set to portray the inner conflict Baek faces during the search for the relic, along with his feelings for the princess.

The role is a change of pace for Ahn. He has mostly appeared in contemporary dramas, and reportedly trained in martial arts to prepare for scenes involving a bow and sword.

Most recently, he starred in "Flex x Cop" as Jin Yi-soo, a third-generation heir to a family-run conglomerate, known in Korea as a chaebol, who works as a detective on a violent crimes team. That role let him show off playful comedy and action.

Now he is trading the police badge for a bow and sword. "Sacred Jewel" will also stream outside Korea on Amazon Prime Video, giving global viewers a chance to see Ahn in a very different kind of story.