Kingdom (2019) is a South Korean historical horror series that mixes political drama with a terrifying zombie outbreak. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, the show explores power struggles, survival, and a mysterious epidemic. With exciting action, beautiful visuals, and a complex story, Kingdom stands out as a fresh take on both the zombie genre and historical drama.
Plot Summary:
Set in the late 16th century, Kingdom follows Crown Prince Lee Chang (played by Ju Ji-hoon). After his father, the king, falls ill, the prince is left to fight for his throne. As he investigates the cause of his father’s condition, he uncovers something far worse: a deadly zombie outbreak.
As the disease spreads rapidly across the kingdom, the prince teams up with Seo-bi (played by Bae Doo-na), a skilled physician, and Mu-yeong (played by Kim Sang-ho), a loyal guard, to fight for survival. Together, they must navigate the political chaos, deal with the growing zombie threat, and protect the future of the kingdom.
Key Themes:
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Political Intrigue: The series focuses heavily on the political landscape of the Joseon Dynasty. Crown Prince Lee Chang must navigate a court full of intrigue, betrayal, and assassination attempts as he tries to uncover the truth behind his father’s condition.
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Survival: The characters face constant life-or-death situations. As the zombie epidemic spreads, the struggle to survive becomes more intense. The film highlights how fear, desperation, and trust can shift relationships, testing the characters’ limits.
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Morality and Power: The show explores the corrupting influence of power. Some of the nobility in the story are shown to sacrifice morality and humanity in the pursuit of power, making them just as dangerous—if not more so—than the zombies.
Visuals and Atmosphere:
One of Kingdom‘s standout features is its visually stunning cinematography. The series masterfully blends the historical setting of the Joseon Dynasty with the grotesque horror of a zombie apocalypse. The mix of lush, traditional Korean landscapes with the chilling, undead horror creates an eerie and tense atmosphere. The practical effects and makeup used for the zombies are both terrifying and impressive.
Cast:
- Ju Ji-hoon stars as Crown Prince Lee Chang, the brave but conflicted leader who is forced to rise above political intrigue and fight for survival.
- Bae Doo-na portrays Seo-bi, a dedicated physician who is crucial to uncovering the mystery behind the outbreak and providing medical aid to the survivors.
- Kim Sang-ho plays Mu-yeong, a loyal guard who becomes one of the prince’s closest allies in the fight against both human enemies and the undead.
Conclusion:
Kingdom (2019) is a unique blend of historical drama and horror that takes the zombie genre to a new level. With complex characters, a rich historical backdrop, and intense action sequences, it is a must-watch for fans of both horror and period dramas. The series is not just about zombies; it’s about the fight for survival, the corrupting nature of power, and the hope for redemption in the darkest times.
