Lee Min Woo, Jung Tae Woo, and Seol Min Seok Shine on Knowing Bros

Actors Lee Min-woo and Jung Tae-woo, alongside historian Seol Min-seok, appeared on JTBC’s Knowing Bros in April 2026 for a special episode centered on King Danjong of Joseon. The appearance follows a surge of public interest in the historical figure, referred to as Danjong Syndrome, which was sparked by the film Wangsa-nam, also known as The King’s Warden.

The episode brought together individuals with deep professional ties to the portrayal and study of King Danjong. Lee Min-woo, who debuted 46 years ago, previously played the role in the drama 500 Years of Joseon Dynasty – Deep Rooted Tree. Jung Tae-woo, described as the original Danjong, portrayed the king in the productions Han Myung-hoe and The King and the Queen.

Analysis of Park Ji-hoon’s Portrayal

During the broadcast, Lee Min-woo and Jung Tae-woo discussed the performance of actor Park Ji-hoon, who plays Danjong in The King’s Warden. The veteran actors offered high praise for Park’s dedication to the role, specifically highlighting his physical transformation.

The two actors noted that Park Ji-hoon’s ability to maintain a 15kg weight loss for the production was particularly impressive. They provided an analysis of his acting skills, acknowledging the effort required to sustain such a rigorous physical change for the character.

Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes and Historical Context

Lee Min-woo shared personal anecdotes from his time portraying the monarch, including a lighthearted revelation regarding the perceived cost-effectiveness of being a king. He also disclosed behind-the-scenes struggles involving food that had a sour smell, which caused him headaches during production.

Historian Seol Min-seok complemented the actors’ experiences by delivering a special lecture on King Danjong to the hosts. He linked the current commercial success of The King’s Warden to the historical narrative of the Joseon Dynasty.

Seol Min-seok commented on the historical irony of the film’s popularity, suggesting that King Sejo, who usurped the throne from Danjong, would likely feel miserable in the afterlife. He attributed this to the karma that led to the premature deaths of Sejo’s own two sons.

Seol Min-seok’s Academic Background

The episode also touched upon Seol Min-seok’s personal history. He revealed that he is a graduate of a theater and film department. When asked about his educational choices, Seol stated that even if he were to go back in time, he would still choose to major in that field.

The special episode aimed to blend entertainment with historical education, leveraging the chemistry between the actors who lived the role of Danjong and the historian who studies his legacy, all while capitalizing on the cultural momentum generated by the recent film release.