Gyebaek (Gye-baek) 2011

In 660, Baekje was invaded by a force of 50,000 from Silla, supported by 144,000 Tang soldiers. General Gyebaek, with only 5,000 troops under his command, met them in the battlefield of Hwangsanbeol. Before entering the battlefield, Gyebaek reportedly killed his wife and children to prevent the thought of them influencing his actions or causing him to falter in battle.

His forces won four initial battles, causing severe casualties to Silla forces. However, in the end, exhausted and surrounded, Gyebaek's army was outnumbered and overwhelmed. Baekje's forces were annihilated in battle along with their leader, Gyebaek. Baekje was destroyed after 678 years of rule, shortly after Gyebaek's defeat and death at Hwangsanbeol.

Director: Kim Geun-hong

Stars: Lee Seo-Jin, Ahn, Kil-Kang, Choi Jong-hwan, Hoon Yoon Da, Cha In-Pyo

JDramaMama's Rating: A+

I love this drama so much! It is one that I look at from time to time. Lee Seo-Jin is one of my favorite Korean actors and he outdid himself in this one as the brave general that fought to the death for his country, Baekje. He inspired 5,000 men to fight armies of almost 200,000 combined forces, knowing sure death was awaiting them. Such was the loyalty and admiration his men had for him. Cha In-Pyo gave a wonderful performance as General Moo-Jin, Gyebaek's father and the king's loyal servant. The costumes are outstanding, the action scenes thrilling and the OST beautiful. The lasting memory of this drama is at the end when the great general, fatally wounded, is laying amongst his dead troops surrounded by his enemies. Truly an awesome drama based on Korean history.

#historical #KDrama #drama #action