Yeonak, My Destiny

A film depicting the life and sad love of Park Yeon, a musician in the Joseon Dynasty who created the 12 Yulgwan and Hwangjongcheok to establish standard melodies and improve musical instruments. This is the story of "Nangye Park Yeon", one of Korea's three major villains who helped King Sejong the Great in the early Joseon Dynasty to establish the foundation of the country through courtesy and music. Baek-ah, a gayageum master and gisaeng, shares a noble love with Park Yeon, but it is not smooth. Park Yeon repeatedly failed to produce the 12 Yulgwan and Hwangjongcheok, which are the standards for harmonious sound but completed and succeeded after several years.

Directed by Park Han-yeol, Yeonak, My Destiny leans on a strong ensemble — Jung Wook, Song Min-gyeong, Park Geun-soo — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2023.