It started it all on 1977, October 18, for what would become a 16 year run (with a pause in between), and a total of 652 episodes. Some of the biggest stars, the most important writers and producers of today made their debut there, or established themselves through the franchise. 전설의 고향 (Hometown of Legends) was more than a simple way to cool off the summer heat with the usual dose of horror, it was a bonafide cultural phenomenon. After the late 1990s version ended with (deserved) complaints of silly CG and corny storytelling, horror almost disappeared from Korean TV for close to a decade, until now. The new version of Hometown of Legends continues KBS' experiments with sageuk, which saw the elegant, low-key political struggles of 대왕세종 (Sejong the Great) open the dances, and the “Zorro in Joseon” b-movie extravaganza that is 최강칠우 (Strongest Chil Woo) give some energy to a dying genre.

But Hometown of Legends didn't just bank on its traditional appeal, or the constantly changing sageuk landscape, as its cast and crew proves. Not only promising youngsters like Park Min-Young (photo), Park Ha-Seon or Kim Ha-Eun, but also established stars like Lee Min-Woo, Ahn Jae-Mo and Jae Hee, and sageuk veterans like Choi Su-Jong and Lee Deok-Hwa. Directed by Kwak Jung-Hwan of 한성별곡 正 (Conspiracy in the Court), trailer for the first installment to air on August 6 on KBS2, 구미호 (Fox with Nine Tails), is finally out. You can find it below the break.