Presentation
Korean Title: 깅덤
Aired in: 2019/2020 (6+6 episodes)
Channel: Netflix
Grade: 10/10
Actors: Ju Ji Hoon and Bae Doo Na
For more…
Ju Ji Hoon:
– Goong: Princess Hours
– Hyena
– Item
– Along with the Gods (movie)
Bae Doo Na:
– Stranger 1&2
– Matrimonial Chaos
– Cloud Atlas (US movie)
– Sense8 (US series)
Zombies/Horror:
– Zombie Detective
– Sweet Home
– Train to Busan (movie)
– Peninsula (movie)
Analysis
Synopsis
Set in the Joseon dynasty, Crown Prince Lee Chang is charged to put an end to an alleged plague that has broken out in the kingdom. Very quickly, he discovers that the situation is worse than a simple disease, as all inhabitants are little by little turning into zombies. Lee Chang will do everything in his power to put an end to this outbreak and find a cure.
My Opinion (No Spoilers)
I am not going to give too much information because I think this Netflix drama has a lot of twists and turns that are better seen on screen than told. I can only say how crazy it was and how much I enjoyed watching this horror drama, that has a rather unexpected theme: Zombies.
I was very pleased with the idea to set such a plot during the historical period in South Korea, because this creates a whole lot more difficulties in terms of fight, defense and survival. I loved how the zombies are so different from any other kinds I have seen in different American series. All characters are also very well portrayed – Ju Ji Hoon and Bae Doo Na are amazing in their respective roles.
Moreover, this drama gets its originality from the fact that it is not only centered on zombies, but it also perfectly combines suspense and thrill with palace drama. Indeed, the Queen and her father (a high-ranked magistrate) try to take over the throne in the midst of chaos. This kind of intrigue is very common in Sageuk (historical dramas) and I was amazed by how properly both genres were mixed.
Very quickly explained: Season 1 presents characters, the storyline and the zombies. It finishes with a breathtaking cliffhanger, that only makes you want to keep watching. Season 2 accelerates the fight against zombies and also leaves you breathless at the end. I can’t wait to watch Season 3!
I highly recommend you watch that drama – it only has 6 episodes per season – that will make you scream and gasp for air, give you chills down your spine and stress you out so much, as if you were yourself a character of the story (cc the opening scenes in the infirmary).
P.S.: Best cameo of the very famous Jun Ji Hyun at the end of season 2, it was so unexpected and at the same time I am so eager to see her in the next season!
P.S.2: Almost nobody watches drama in my family, yet all of them saw this one, just to tell you how good it is!
Once Upon a Drama 