Kingdom

Kingdom is a gripping zombie thriller set during Korea's Joseon dynasty, a period rife with corruption and famine. The story follows Crown Prince Chang, portrayed by Ju Ji-hoon, who embarks on a perilous journey to uncover a sinister conspiracy after rumors of the king's death and a mysterious plague start to spread. The infected are cursed with immortality and an insatiable hunger for human flesh, forcing the prince to fight not only external threats but political intrigue to save his kingdom. Notably, the series stands out as one of the first to merge historical drama with the zombie genre, garnering international acclaim. Behind the scenes, Ju Ji-hoon underwent intense physical training and stunt work to portray the action-packed sequences authentically. Additionally, the production team meticulously recreated the Joseon-era settings employing detailed costumes and sets, enhancing the show's immersive atmosphere.

Main Cast of Kingdom

Ju Ji-hoon's portrayal of Crown Prince Chang in the TV series 'Kingdom' is a compelling blend of vulnerability and determination, showcasing his ability to embody complex characters grappling with both political intrigue and supernatural threats. Unlike his earlier roles, such as the heroic Gwanghae in 'Arang and the Magistrate' or the intense villain in 'Mask,' his performance in 'Kingdom' strikes a balance between youthful naivety and the burdens of leadership. A trivia fact: Ju Ji-hoon underwent extensive sword-fighting and horseback riding training to authentically perform as a royal figure in the Joseon era setting of 'Kingdom.'

Ryu Seung-ryong delivers a captivating performance as Cho Hak-ju in the TV series 'Kingdom,' embodying the complex and ruthless power struggles within the Joseon dynasty. His portrayal stands out for its nuanced blend of ambition, vulnerability, and strategic cunning, distinguishing it from his more traditionally heroic or comedic roles in films like 'Miracle in Cell No. 7' and 'The Admiral: Roaring Currents.' A trivia fact about Ryu Seung-ryong is that he holds the record for the highest-grossing Korean film of all time with 'Extreme Job.'

Bae Doona played a pivotal role in the TV series 'Kingdom,' where she portrayed the character Seo-bi, a physician navigating a zombie-infested Joseon era. Her performance was widely praised for its depth and intensity, bringing a compelling mix of resilience and vulnerability that stood out in the horror-thriller genre. What made her portrayal unique was her ability to humanize a character caught in extraordinary circumstances, combining strong emotional expression with physical agility in action scenes. A lesser-known fact about Bae Doona's involvement in 'Kingdom' is that she insisted on doing many of her own stunts, which added authenticity to the gripping chase sequences and fight scenes, showcasing her dedication to the role and the series' immersive atmosphere.

Kim Sang-ho plays the character Cho Beom-pal in the TV series 'Kingdom.' In this role, he portrays a pragmatic and seasoned ally navigating the political intrigue and zombie outbreak engulfing Joseon-era Korea. This performance stands out in his career by showcasing his ability to blend gravitas with subtle humor within a high-stakes, genre-blending narrative. Compared to his earlier or more well-known work, often grounded in contemporary settings or comedic roles, 'Kingdom' allowed Kim Sang-ho to demonstrate versatility by taking on a complex character in a historical thriller context, further broadening his acting range and earning critical acclaim for his nuanced portrayal.

Kim Sung-kyu played a pivotal role in the TV series 'Kingdom,' where his intense and nuanced performance garnered widespread acclaim. What made his portrayal unique was his ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions, adding depth to his character amidst the show's intense narrative. A lesser-known fact is that Kim Sung-kyu spent several weeks studying traditional Korean martial arts to authentically perform the fight scenes, showcasing his commitment to the role and enhancing the show's realism.

Jun Suk-ho plays a supporting role in the TV series 'Kingdom,' a historical thriller set in the Joseon period. His character contributes to the intense and suspenseful atmosphere of the show, which blends political intrigue with supernatural horror. This role stands out from his earlier work as it situates him within a high-profile, globally recognized Netflix production, differing from his previous appearances mainly in domestic films and dramas. Jun Suk-ho's performance in 'Kingdom' showcases his versatility, adapting to a genre that combines historical drama with zombie horror—highlighting a fresh facet in his acting career compared to his more conventional roles in past projects.

Crew of Kingdom