Actors Lee Young-ae and Song Seung-heon will play a couple in the upcoming SBS drama “Saimdang, the Herstory,” Group 8, its production company, said Monday. 

The filming of the show began Monday. The production is expected to be completed in the first half of 2016.

The new drama marks Lee’s return to the small screen after an 11-year absence. It also ends a three-year absence for Song.

“Saimdang, the Herstory” is a reinterpreted tale of the life of a renowned female artist from 16th century Korea. Lee will play the dual role of a contemporary university instructor and a genius Joseon-era painter-poet named Saimdang.

Song will play the role of Lee Gyeom, who harbors an unwavering love for his childhood sweetheart, Saimdang. His relationship with her crosses into the realm of artistic empathy.

Producer Yun Sang-ho of period dramas “The Legend” (2007) and “Tamna the Island” (2009) will take the megaphone, with the script written by Park Eun-ryung.

By Lim Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)