"Athena" Cast Attends Press Conference

Jung Woo Sung, Soo Ae, Lee Ji Ah, Cha Seung Won, Choi Siwon, and Kim Min Jong attended the press conference for the upcoming espionage drama “Athena” on November 30 at the Sheraton Walker Hill Hotel in Seoul. 

“Athena” is one of the most anticipated dramas coming out this year.  It is the spin-off to the hugely popular drama “Iris”, which aired last year, and along with “Iris”, it is one of the most expensive Korean dramas ever filmed, with a budgeted cost of 20 billion won ($17 million U.S.).  This is due in part to the fact that the drama required shooting in many locations, including Italy, Singapore, Switzerland, New Zealand, China, Japan, and the United States. 

 
During the press conference, Lee Ji Ah, who plays special agent Han Jae Hee, stated that all her action scenes were shot on her own, without a body double.

“I have always worked out regularly and my stunt double is on set with an extra set of my clothes, but I wanted to do the [action] scenes myself,” Lee explained.

She added, “I was able to immerse myself into my role, even though I hit my head and got bruises all over my body, because shooting a drama in a different country like Italy which has such rich and deep history, is such a new experience.”

“Athena” will premiere on December 12 on KBS after the current Monday and Tuesday drama “Giant” finishes its run.