By Cathy Rose A. Garcia

New actress Lee Ji-ah will star opposite hallyu star Bae Yong-joon in the upcoming MBC historical drama ''Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi'' (The Legend).

Lee will play a key role in the drama, as part of a love triangle involving the drama's lead characters played by Bae and actress Moon So-ri. ''Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi'' (The Legend) is about the life of the 19th king of Goguryeo and the characters of the Four Gods. Bae plays Dahm Deok, who will become the king, while Moon plays his first love Seo Gi-ha.

Lee has been described as having the beauty and charm of top actresses Shim Eun-ha and Go Hyun-jung. The 26-year-old actress is majoring in graphic art design and is reportedly fluent in English.

The drama is currently filming on location in Jeju island and will start airing on MBC June 25.

''The Legend" is one of the most anticipated dramas because of its storyline and big budget, which is reportedly around 43 billion won. It is also attracting a lot of attention since it is Bae's first drama since the Asia-wide hit ''Winter Sonata."

cathy@koreatimes.co.kr