Kingdom
Kingdom is a gripping historical thriller that combines the intense drama of a political conspiracy with the terrifying spread of a deadly zombie plague. Set in the Joseon era, the story follows Crown Prince Lee Chang (played by Ju Ji Hoon), who uncovers a mysterious illness plaguing the kingdom. As he investigates further, he discovers that the disease not only brings the dead back to life but also threatens to destroy the entire nation. Amidst the chaos, Lee Chang must face the ruthless and power-hungry Cho Hak Joo (played by Ryu Seung Ryong), a high-ranking official who seeks to control the throne. With the kingdom on the brink of collapse, Lee Chang teams up with Seo Bi (played by Bae Doo Na), a skilled physician who is determined to find a cure, and Young Shin (played by Kim Sung Kyu), a mysterious fighter with a dark past. As the zombie epidemic spreads rapidly, the characters find themselves in a deadly race against time, where survival is uncertain and trust is scarce. The intense battle scenes, combined with breathtaking cinematography, elevate Kingdom to a must-watch for fans of horror and historical dramas. With stellar performances from its lead actors and a plot that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, Kingdom stands out as a unique fusion of historical fiction and the zombie genre. The show’s exploration of loyalty, power struggles, and survival in the face of an unstoppable threat has captivated audiences worldwide.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 킹덤 (Kingdeom)
🌎 Also Known As: The Kingdom of the Gods
🎭 Genres: Action, Thriller, Historical, Horror, Fantasy
🏷 Tags: Zombie Outbreak, Political Intrigue, Power Struggle, Crown Prince, Plague, Survival
✍ Screenwriters: Kim Eun Hee
🎬 Directors: Kim Sung Hoon
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 6 (Season 1), 6 (Season 2)
🗓️ Aired: January 25, 2019 – March 13, 2020
📅 Airing Days: Friday (Netflix release)
📺 Original Network: Netflix
⏰ Duration: 45-55 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 18+ (Violence, Gore, Mature Themes)
Best Scenes
- Palace Zombie Outbreak – The scene where zombies overrun the palace is both terrifying and thrilling, with high-stakes action and a sense of impending doom.
- Lee Chang’s Fight Against the Horde – Crown Prince Lee Chang’s sword battle against a wave of zombies in the forest showcases intense choreography and builds suspense.
- Seo Bi’s Discovery of the Cure – Seo Bi’s crucial moment of uncovering the key to stopping the plague is a turning point in the story, filled with tension and relief.
- Final Battle at Sangju Fortress – The climactic battle at the fortress, where Lee Chang and his allies make a last stand against the undead, is visually stunning and emotionally charged.
- Cho Hak Joo’s Downfall – The moment when the scheming Cho Hak Joo faces his demise is a satisfying conclusion to his ruthless manipulation and power play.
Filming Locations
- Hwangmaesan Mountain – Many of the stunning outdoor scenes were filmed on this beautiful mountain, known for its lush landscapes and historical significance.
- Changdeokgung Palace – The historical palace serves as the backdrop for several key scenes, adding authenticity to the royal setting of the Joseon era.
- Gyeonggi Province – Several action scenes, including the intense forest chases, were filmed in Gyeonggi Province, known for its dense, cinematic forests.
- Mungyeong Saejae – This location, famous for its traditional architecture and beautiful scenery, was used for key battle sequences.
- Jangneung Tomb – The ancestral tomb provided a haunting atmosphere for some of the show’s eeriest moments.
Visual Design and Costumes
- Traditional Joseon-era Costumes – The stunning traditional costumes worn by Ju Ji Hoon, Ryu Seung Ryong, and Bae Doo Na enhance the historical authenticity of the drama.
- Zombie Makeup and Effects – The highly detailed zombie makeup and prosthetics bring a horrifying realism to the undead, making the zombies visually terrifying.
- Cinematography – The use of wide-angle shots of landscapes, combined with close-ups during action scenes, adds visual depth to both the horror and drama elements.
- Color Symbolism – The contrasting use of dark tones in zombie scenes and bright colors for the palace interiors emphasizes the stark difference between life at court and the deadly outbreak outside.
- Set Design – The intricate set designs, from royal chambers to impoverished villages, effectively reflect the social hierarchy and tension of the Joseon period.
Themes and Messages
- Power and Corruption – The series explores how power is corrupting, with characters like Cho Hak Joo manipulating the plague for political gain.
- Survival Against All Odds – Survival is a central theme, with characters constantly fighting to stay alive amidst the zombie outbreak and political conspiracies.
- Loyalty and Betrayal – Trust is tested, as Lee Chang must navigate betrayal from those close to him while trying to protect his kingdom.
- Class Struggles – The series highlights the vast divide between the ruling elite and commoners, with the plague affecting the lower classes disproportionately.
- Hope and Despair – The balance between hope for a cure and the despair of watching society collapse is a recurring theme, keeping viewers emotionally invested.
Interesting Facts
- First Korean Zombie Period Drama – Kingdom is the first Korean drama to blend the historical genre with zombies, making it unique and groundbreaking in the K-drama world.
- Global Popularity on Netflix – Released on Netflix, the series garnered international acclaim, becoming one of the most popular Korean dramas worldwide.
- Based on a Webcomic – The drama is adapted from the webcomic The Kingdom of the Gods, written by Kim Eun Hee, who also penned the show’s screenplay.
- Highly Anticipated Seasons – Due to its massive success, the show released a second season and a special episode titled Kingdom: Ashin of the North, focusing on a new character.
- Award-Winning Cinematography – Kingdom received accolades for its visually striking cinematography and set design, setting a new standard for K-dramas in the horror genre.
Awards
The K-drama Kingdom has garnered significant acclaim but hasn’t received a vast array of traditional awards. However, it has made a global impact and was praised for its innovative mix of historical drama and horror, particularly with the release of its special episode Kingdom: Ashin of the North.
Here are some notable recognitions:
-
Baeksang Arts Awards (2020):
- Kingdom was nominated for Best Drama and Best Actor (Ju Ji Hoon) for his role as Crown Prince Lee Chang, showcasing the series’ critical acclaim.
-
Asian Academy Creative Awards (2020):
- The show won Best Visual Effects for its stunning zombie scenes and Best Original Program by a Streamer/OTT (Netflix).
-
Seoul International Drama Awards (2020):
- Kingdom was nominated for Excellence in Korean Drama, reflecting its strong reception both locally and globally.
These recognitions underscore the drama’s success in blending genres and captivating a worldwide audience through platforms like Netflix.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There were no confirmed real-life romances between the cast members of Navillera during or after the filming. While the on-screen relationships, especially the heartwarming bond between Park In Hwan and Song Kang, captured viewers’ hearts, their interactions remained strictly professional off-screen. No reports or rumors of romantic relationships have emerged from the production of the drama.
