Kingdom
"2019"
#Kingdom (Drama)
▲ Drama Poster (source: Netflix)
The Korean series Kingdom aired its first season on January 25, 2019. Its second season came out on March 13, 2020, and a special episode called Kingdom: Ashin of the North was released on July 23, 2021.
#Background
The drama Kingdom is a unique genre that combines a historical setting in the Joseon Dynasty with a zombie thriller. In the story, Joseon experiences a period marked by political conspiracies, famine, and widespread epidemics. Amid the power struggles and the people's suffering, a supernatural crisis in the form of a bizarre pandemic emerges, driving the plot forward.
▲ Movie Poster (source: Netflix)
#Movie Storyline
▲ Drama still cut (source: Netflix)
The king suddenly falls ill, and the royal courts try to hide this fact by sending Crown Prince Lee Chang (played by Ju Ji-hoon) far away from the palace. However, the crown prince sets out to uncover the truth behind his father's illness and the strange epidemic spreading across the country.
During his quest to uncover the truth behind his father's mysterious illness, Crown Prince Lee Chang discovers that the epidemic is not just a disease but a zombie plague that reanimates the dead. Determined to save his country and its people, he embarks on a desperate fight for survival. Along the way, he faces political conspiracy and authority struggles within the royal court, where ambitious courtiers seek to seize control, adding another layer of conflict to his already risky journey.
#The Set
In the drama Kingdom, Changdeokgung (창덕궁) Palace serves as a background entangled with the authority of the Joseon royal family and political conspiracies. Changdeokgung's secretive atmosphere contributed to the dramatic portrayal of the political conflicts and epidemic crisis in the Kingdom. In particular, the tranquil pond and summerhouse (정자) scenes in the rear garden of Changdeokgung heightened the tension in the drama.
▲ Drama still cut (source: Netflix)
#About "Changdeokgung"
Changdeokgung, also known as Donggyeol or the East Palace, was built in 1405 (during King Taejong’s fifth year of reign) and was located east of Gyeongbokgung. After Gyeongbokgung was burned down during the Imjin War in 1592, Changdeokgung became the main hub of royal power. It served as the Joseon Dynasty’s law palace (legal center) and housed the majority of its kings.
World Heritage Site: In 1997, Changdeokgung was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site to recognize its unique blend of traditional Korean architecture and natural landscape.
Rather than following a very traditionally strict and symmetrical layout like Gyeongbukgung, Changdeokgung distinguishes itself by having been constructed more organically with the natural landscape in mind. The Huwon (rain garden) is particularly notable, as its gardens were created with as little disturbance to nature as possible.
Central Areas:
Donhwamun: Changdeokgung’s main entrance. It is currently the oldest surviving form of a main entrance from a Joseon palace.
Injeongjeon: Changdeokgung’s central hall. Injeongjeon was notably featured in the movie Gwanghae in the scenes where the king holds court and in scenes set in the royal palace.
Nakseonjae: A private hall used by descendents of the royal family. It is characterized as having a quiet atmosphere, and a rustic beauty.
Huwon (Secret Garden): The royal family gardens are at the back of Changdeokgung Palace. Numerous ponds, pavilions, and trees provide a place to relax against the background of nature.
Gwanghae uses various places in Changdeokgung to depict the political intrigue and tension the Joseon royal family was steeped in.
Injeongjeon: Key scenes were filmed at this location to show the king's and his courtiers' national government affairs.
Huwon (Secret Garden): The gardens supported the king’s most anguished moments. Conversely, it was also featured in a scene where Ha Sun is in a moment of quiet reflection.
#Watching
▲[YouTube] 킹덤(Kingdom) Teaser