Jumong (Prince Of The Legend) 2006

A tale of a hero who is born into a troubled and fragmented country and rises to become a prince who will unite the land. Starring Song Il Gook and Han Hye Jin, Jumong is one of Korea's most popular and well-made historical dramas. In 37 BC, a boy named Jumong is born in the small independent state of Buyeo, at a time when Korea is torn by the conflict between ancient kingdom Gojoseon and Han Chinese forces. The son of a rebel leader, Jumong is taken in by King Geum Wa and raised as his son. Coming of age in these chaotic circumstances, he soon finds himself an unlikely prince and is forced to compete with his brother and rival Dae So for the title of Crown Prince. On his way to fulfilling his destiny to become the first king and founder of Goguryeo, Jumong will have to choose between the love of two very different women—the wise, beautiful So Seo No and the innocent, charming servant girl Bu Yeong. This drama brings the legendary figure Jumong to life in rich, riveting detail.

Directors: Lee Joo-Hwan, Kim Keun-Hong

Stars: Song Il-Kook, Han Hye-Jin, Kim Seung-Su, Jeon Kwang-Leol

JDramaMama's Rating: B

This is a beautiful period piece, although it was hard to suffer through 81 episodes! I suppose Korean writers feel the story isn't worth telling unless it's almost 100 episodes. In any event, it's a wonderful story of a child born out of wedlock to a rebel leader and the woman who loved and cherished him her entire life, long after he'd been killed. The offspring of their union is Jumong, who would become the founder of the Joseon Kingdom. Song II Kook is great in his role as Jumong, the master archer and future king.

#historical #KDrama