Late Joseon painters Kim Hong-do and Shin Yun-bok produced works of simple beauty. In contrast to the restrictions of Joseon (1392-1910) society, their detailed sketches are free-spirited and vividly patterned.

Anyone curious about the works and lives of these two painters can look forward to "Painter of the Wind", an upcoming 20-episode drama . Moon Geun-yeong, 21, plays Shin and Park Shin-yang, 40, plays her mentor, who later falls in love with her. Though in real life Shin (1758-early 19th century) and Kim (born in 1745) were both men, the historic drama adds a fictitious twist. Shin is a young lady whose father has died under suspicious circumstances, and she disguises herself as a man to solve the mystery.

She becomes a member of the dohwaseo, a government-based royal painting institute. Women were not allowed to paint during the Joseon Dynasty. With Kim's help, she investigates her father's death. In the series, Moon wears gat, a traditional cylindrical hat formerly worn by married gentlemen, and dopo, a gentleman's robe. The historic drama is based on an eponymous novel by Lee Jung-myung. The book about the two painters, published last year, was a best seller.

The drama is giving viewers a tantalizing glimpse into a set boasting detailed Joseon costumes, fine calligraphy and painstakingly created props.