Joining a string of fluffed-out fantasies like KBS` smash-hit "Boys Over Flowers" and MBC`s "Cinderella Man," SBS` "Brilliant Legacy" treats weekend audiences to its take on the classic tale of a poor girl and her Prince Charming.
Devastated by her father`s death and abandoned by a wicked stepmother, for a moment, it looks like the destitute heroine of the new Saturday and Sunday night series is fated to a Cinderella-esque destiny. That is, until, she suddenly inherits a legacy from the grandmother of her future Prince Charming. Not to mention, the prince of this tale is far from genteel.
Role reversal gives SBS` new series a refreshing levity that suits modern day society, where helpless heroines are no longer helpless and princes need to be rescued every now and then.
Played by singer and actor Lee Seung-gi, the hero of "Brilliant Legacy" is the spoiled grandson of a well-to-do family who finds himself cut off from his fortune. He is left to fend for himself while his future love interest inherits his legacy.
"I am very nervous," said actor Lee at a press conference held on Tuesday. "This is the first time I am playing the lead, so, to be honest, I feel pressure."
"I play a character ... who initially believes that if he has money then he has everything," he added.
Having already risen to fame on the small screen through "1 Night 2 Days," a segment from the KBS reality-variety show "Happy Sunday," the 22-year-old actor will be starring opposite fellow MBC "Nonstop 5" cast member Han Hyo-joo.
"Though we are the same age ... I thought, `Wow, it would be wonderful to work with Hyo-joo,`" said Lee.
"You`re telling the truth, right?" Joked co-star Han, who added, "My first impression of Seung-gi was that he was a very comfortable person."
Actress Han, who starred in the hit SBS series "Iljimae" (2008), is taking on the role of the spunky heroine, who, according to her, has a "courageous disposition."
In the preview screening to the series, Han`s heroine punches Lee`s hero in the face, hinting at future displays of pluck and audacity. And with the ball in the heroine`s court, it will be interesting to see how she and her hero reach their fairytale ending.
"Brilliant Legacy" airs tomorrow night at 10 p.m. on SBS.
By Jean Oh

(oh_jean@heraldcorp.com)