Behind the White Tower

Behind the White Tower (Korean: 하얀 거탑; RR: Hayan Geotab; lit. White Tower) is a 2007 South Korean television series that aired on MBC from January 6 to March 11, 2007 on Saturdays and Sundays at 21:40 for 20 episodes.[1][2][3]

For the Japanese novel, film and television drama, see Shiroi Kyotō. For the Taiwanese drama, see The Hospital (TV series).

Behind the White Tower
Also known as
  • White Tower
  • Great White Tower
  • Inside the White Tower
GenreMedical drama
Based onShiroi Kyotō
by Toyoko Yamasaki
Written byLee Ki-won
Directed byAhn Pan-seok
Starring
Theme music composerCho Yoon-seung
Country of originSouth Korea
Original language(s)Korean
No. of episodes20
Production
Executive producer(s)Jo Joong-hyun
Producer(s)Park Chang-shik
Running time60 minutes
Production company(s)Kim Jong-hak Production
Release
Original networkMunhwa Broadcasting Corporation
Original releaseJanuary 6 (2007-01-06) –
March 11, 2007 (2007-03-11)
Chronology
Related shows
External links
Website

Based on renowned Japanese novelist Toyoko Yamasaki's representative work Shiroi Kyotō,[4][5] the drama brings viewers deep into the political inner workings of the medical field by taking a satirical look at malpractice and power plays at a university hospital,[6][7][8] and contrasting the paths and personalities of two doctors played by Kim Myung-min and Lee Sun-kyun.[9] The medical drama was a critical and ratings hit in South Korea, gaining praise for its acting (particularly by Kim), writing, direction, and its intelligent and uncompromising story without concessions to melodrama or romance.[10][11]

Plot

Brilliant and ambitious, assistant professor Jang Joon-hyuk (Kim Myung-min) is a rising star in the Myeongin University Hospital surgery department. His knowledge and expertise is undeniable, but his cavalier confidence and cold personality has earned him more than a few enemies, including the department head. While Jang's drive stems from a desire for success and advancement, fellow doctor Choi Do-young (Lee Sun-kyun) is committed to the well-being of his patients, leading to frequent clashes with the practices and personnel within the hospital. With the head of the surgery department retiring, Jang seems to be the clear successor until a new rival emerges in the form of Noh Min-guk (Cha In-pyo), who has the backing of the department head. Jang, however, is determined to win at all costs.[12]

Cast

Awards and nominations
YearAwardCategoryRecipientResult
2007
43rd Baeksang Arts Awards
Best TV DramaWhite TowerNominated
Best Director (TV)Ahn Pan-seokWon
Best Actor (TV)Kim Myung-minWon
Best New Actor (TV)Lee Sun-kyunNominated
20th Grimae Awards
Best ActorKim Myung-minWon
MBC Drama Awards
 Top Excellence Award, ActorKim Myung-min[20]Won
Golden Acting Award, Actor in a MiniseriesLee Sun-kyunWon
PD AwardKim Chang-wanWon
Popularity Award, ActorKim Myung-minNominated
Viewer's Favorite Drama of the YearWhite TowerNominated
2008
20th Producer's Awards of Korea
Best PerformerKim Myung-minWon

References
  1. Moon, Seok (March 20, 2007). <하얀거탑>이 남긴 것. Cine21 (in Korean). Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  2. Go, Gyeong-tae (March 20, 2007). <하얀거탑> 에세이 1. 기를 쓰며 살어리랏다. Cine21 (in Korean). Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  3. Jeong, Yi-hyeon (March 20, 2007). <하얀거탑> 에세이 2. 한순간도 당신을 미워하지 못했어. Cine21 (in Korean). Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  4. "Fresh Japanese Wave Threatens Korean Pop Culture". The Chosun Ilbo. March 26, 2007. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  5. Garcia, Cathy Rose A. (November 15, 2007). "Japanese Dramas Charm Korea". The Korea Times. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  6. Kim, Tae-jong (January 15, 2007). "Prescription for Melodramatized TV". The Korea Times via Hancinema. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  7. Cho, Chung-un (January 31, 2007). "Medical dramas thrill local TV audience". The Korea Herald via Hancinema. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  8. Lee, Jee-hoon (March 9, 2007). "Of Financial Institutions and Hospital Soaps". The Chosun Ilbo. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  9. Yang, Sung-hee (February 17, 2007). "Political drama isn't TV". Korea JoongAng Daily. Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  10. "TV Review: In the White Tower, all you need is power". Korea JoongAng Daily. February 13, 2007. Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  11. "Korea in the Grip of U.S. Soap Fever". The Chosun Ilbo. May 22, 2007. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  12. "Behind the White Tower". KBS World. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  13. Jeong, Jae-hyeok (March 20, 2007). <하얀거탑> 배우 인터뷰 1. 장준혁 역 김명민: 사람들은 장준혁에게 옹호가 아니라 공감하는 거다. Cine21 (in Korean). Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  14. "Kim Myung-min Still Haunted by White Tower Role". The Chosun Ilbo. March 16, 2007. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  15. Yang, Sung-hee (August 22, 2007). "Intensity and sense of purpose create the materials for a star". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved May 20, 2013.
  16. Sung, So-young (June 18, 2010). "Actor faces a new test: Faith". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved February 24, 2014.
  17. Jeong, Jae-hyeok (March 20, 2007). <하얀거탑> 배우 인터뷰 4. 최도영 역 이선균: 마음은 동적인데 겉으론 정적이고 너무 힘들더라. Cine21 (in Korean). Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  18. Jeong, Jae-hyeok (March 20, 2007). <하얀거탑> 배우 인터뷰 3. 이주완 역 이정길: 격이 있는, 바람직한 미니시리즈이다. Cine21 (in Korean). Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  19. Moon, Seok (March 20, 2007). <하얀거탑> 배우 인터뷰 2. 부원장 역 김창완: 안경 벗으니까 바로 악역이 되더라. Cine21 (in Korean). Retrieved March 13, 2014.
  20. Kim was unable to attend the awards ceremony as his son was sick.
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