JTBC's upcoming historical drama Sacred Jewel is building excitement ahead of its premiere after revealing a script reading featuring its star-studded cast, led by Ahn Bo Hyun, Lee Sung Min, Claudia Kim, and Ha Yoon Kyung.
On November 5, the production team released photos and details from the drama's script reading, giving viewers an early look at the actors' chemistry before the series premieres on December 5.
The reading brought together director Jung Dae Yoon, writer Jung Hyun Min, and cast members including Ahn Bo Hyun, Lee Sung Min, Claudia Kim, Ha Yoon Kyung, Jung Jin Young, Hyun Bong Sik, Kim Do Hyun, Son Woo Hyun, Bae Jung Nam, and Ahn Do Gyu.
According to the production team, the actors showed strong teamwork as they brought their characters to life, offering an early glimpse of the action, emotions, and relationships that will shape the historical drama.
Ahn Bo Hyun, who takes on his first leading role in a historical drama, will play Baek Gyeol, a former royal guard who becomes the commander of a special escort mission.
During the script reading, he reportedly impressed the production team with his commanding presence and careful portrayal of the character.
Speaking about his preparation, Ahn Bo Hyun shared, "I've been practicing horseback riding. Since the drama includes a lot of action, I've been training even harder."
He added, "I've also spent a lot of time studying my voice, pronunciation, and tone to create a different feeling from the Yabyeolcho warriors."
Meanwhile, Lee Sung Min will portray Choi Gu, a veteran warrior who leads the Yabyeolcho, an elite military unit during the Goryeo Dynasty.
His character is an experienced fighter who carries the responsibility of protecting Baek Gyeol during their dangerous journey.
Lee Sung Min's powerful performance at the reading reportedly captured both the strength of a seasoned warrior and the emotional side of a man who deeply cares about his family.
The upcoming partnership between Ahn Bo Hyun and Lee Sung Min is expected to become one of the drama's major highlights.
Claudia Kim will take on the role of Princess Wang Hee, the emperor's youngest daughter.
Describing her character, the actress said, "She's a strong character unlike those typically seen in historical dramas."
She also shared that she has been thinking carefully about how to show the princess's different sides as the story develops.
Ha Yoon Kyung, meanwhile, will play Geol Seung, a lively and resourceful woman who becomes a guide for the escort team.
The actress described her character as "a rainbow-like character," explaining that she has also been working hard to learn the Gangwon Province dialect for the role.
With the four lead actors bringing different personalities and acting styles to the story, their interactions are expected to add both emotional depth and energy to the series.
Set during the Goryeo Dynasty, Sacred Jewel follows a group of warriors on a dangerous mission to recover a sacred relic believed to be the country's last hope.
The historical drama will combine large-scale action, romance, and personal growth as its characters face challenges that could change the kingdom's future.
A production representative expressed confidence in the upcoming series, highlighting the cast's performances and the drama's ambitious scale.
With its ensemble cast showing promising chemistry at the script reading, Sacred Jewel is preparing to bring an action-packed historical story to viewers.
Sacred Jewel is scheduled to premiere on JTBC on December 5, 2026.
