''The King of Legend'' (; literally ''King Geunchogo'') is a 2010 South Korean historical drama based on King

Geunchogo of Baekje Geunchogo of Baekje, Chogo II of Baekje (324–375, r. 346–375) was the 13th king of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea.Il-yeon: ''Samguk Yusa: Legends and History of the Three Kingdoms of Ancient Korea'', translated by Tae-Hung Ha an ...

. Besides historical information from

Samguk Sagi ''Samguk Sagi'' (, ''History of the Three Kingdoms'') is a historical record of the Three Kingdoms of Korea: Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla. The ''Samguk Sagi'' is written in Classical Chinese, the written language of the literati of ancient Korea, ...

and

Samguk Yusa ''Samguk yusa'' () or ''Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms'' is a collection of legends, folktales and historical accounts relating to the Three Kingdoms of Korea (Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla), as well as to other periods and states before, duri ...

, it was also inspired by a novel written by Lee Munyeol, a renowned Korean writer. The drama aired on

KBS1 The Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) () is the national broadcaster of South Korea. Founded in February 1927, it is one of the leading South Korean television and radio broadcasters. KBS operates seven radio networks, ten television channels, a ...

Korea Korea ( ko, 한국, or , ) is a peninsular region in East Asia. Since 1945, it has been divided at or near the 38th parallel, with North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) comprising its northern half and South Korea (Republic o ...

, and internationally through

KBS World KBS World is the Korean Broadcasting System's international broadcasting service. It consists of KBS World Radio, KBS World television channel and KBS Korea. History The foreign-language radio broadcast from KBS (before its restructure into a ...

Synopsis

The drama tells the story of a warrior King of

Baekje Baekje or Paekche (, ) was a Korean kingdom located in southwestern Korea from 18 BC to 660 AD. It was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, together with Goguryeo and Silla. Baekje was founded by Onjo, the third son of Goguryeo's founder Jum ...

. Under his reign, the kingdom experienced its glory days, with military conquests that saw him controlling most of the

Korean peninsula Korea ( ko, 한국, or , ) is a peninsular region in East Asia. Since 1945, it has been divided at or near the 38th parallel, with North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) comprising its northern half and South Korea (Republic o ...

and a subsequent enhancement of Baekje's political power that was the greatest height of Baekje's power. The initial video references 2010 Seoul at the site of Pungnaptoseong then flashes back 1,700 years to Hanseong, Baekje ("Bakchi" as referred to in the English subtitles) in which the subject declares to make a new kingdom on that land near the West Sea. Yeogu, the ousted Prince, is banished to a life of selling salt to suppress any fears that he, being the second son, could attempt to take over the throne. The film about Yeogu’s return to the kingdom displays many epic war scenes with

Goguryeo Goguryeo (37 BC–668 AD) ( ) also called Goryeo (), was a Korean kingdom located in the northern and central parts of the Korean Peninsula and the southern and central parts of Northeast China. At its peak of power, Goguryeo controlled most ...

, who feels the kingdom was stolen from him and deceives Baekje. This King is not Gwanggaeto but Baekje's King Geunchogo, who seized and ruled a Chinese region at least 60 years ahead of Gwanggaeto.
The King of Legend (KBS official website,English)

Cast

Kam Woo-sung Kam Woo-sung (born October 1, 1970) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his portrayal of a court jester serving a despotic king in the hit period film ''The King and the Clown''. Career Kam Woo-sung majored in Oriental painting at the ...

as Prince Buyeo Gu (Later as 13th Eoraha of Baekje,

) * Kim Ji-soo as Buyeo Hwa *

Lee Jong-won Lee Jong-won (born September 25, 1969) is a South Korean actor. Filmography Television series * ''Love Is Blue'' (SBS, 1994) * ''The Last Match'' (MBC, 1994) * ''Partner'' (MBC, 1994) * ''Our Sunny Days of Youth'' (KBS2, 1995) * ''The Sce ...

as King Sayu or

Gogugwon of Goguryeo King Gogugwon of Goguryeo (?–371, r. 331–371) was the 16th king of Goguryeo, the northernmost of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. He was the son of King Micheon and Lady Ju. Goguryeo faced devastation by the Murong Xianbei people who attacked G ...

(16th king of Goguryeo) * Lee Ji-hoon as Hae Gun (Jwapyeong Hae Nyeong's Son) *

Ahn Jae-mo Ahn Jae-mo (born September 20, 1979) is a South Korean actor and singer. Ahn is best known for playing gangster-turned-politician Kim Du-han in ''Rustic Period'' (2002). He has appeared in other period dramas such as ''Tears of the Dragon'' ...

as Jin Seung (Jwapyeong Jin Jeong's Son) *

Lee Se-eun Lee Se-eun (born August 31, 1980) is a South Korean actress. Lee made her acting debut in 1999, then began gaining popularity after starring in the horror film '' Bunshinsaba'' (2004). She appears in both television and film, notably '' Coma'' ...

as Wi Hongran (Wi Birang's sister) * Yoon Seung-won as King Biryu of Baekje (Geunchogo's father, 11th Eoraha of Baekje) *

Seo In-seok Seo In-seok (born February 22, 1949) is a South Korean actor. Seo made his acting debut in 1976, and among his notable television series are the historical dramas '' Emperor Wang Gun'' (2000) and ''Jeong Do-jeon Jeong Dojeon ( Korean: 정도� ...

as Heukganggong Sahul (King Biryu's father) *

Choi Myung-gil Choi Myung-gil (born November 11, 1962) is a South Korean actress. Choi received several Best Actress awards for her portrayal of a proprietress who rents out her comic book shop as an overnight shelter in the 1994 film ''Rosy Life'' (also know ...

as Haebi Hae Sosul (Biryu's 1st queen; Also known as Wanwoldang, Buyeo Chan's mother) * Kim Do-yeon as Jinbi Jin Saha (Biryu's 2nd queen; also known as Sosukdang, Buyeo Gu's mother) * Lee Jong-soo as Buyeo Chan (Crown Prince of Baekje) * Lee Byung-wook as Buyeo Hwi (Wisagun Army Division Commander) * Kim Tae-hoon as Buyeo San *

Han Jin-hee Han Jin-hee (born March 14, 1949) is a South Korean actor. He made his acting debut in 1969 and has remained active in television and film. In 1990 he served as president of the TV Broadcasting Actors Association. Filmography Film *''My Littl ...

as King Gye (known as Buyeo Jun, son of 10th Eoraha of Baekje, King Bunseo, head of Wiryegung faction. Later proclaimed as the 12th Eoraha of Baekje) * Ahn Shin-woo as Buyeo Min *

Choi Ji-na Choi Ji-na (born May 17, 1975) is a South Korean actress. She made her acting debut in 1995, and became best known as a supporting actress in television dramas, notably ''My Rosy Life'' (2005), ''A Happy Woman'' (2008), and ''My Too Perfect So ...

as Seok Rahae (Buyeo Min's wife) * Hwang Dong-Joo as Buyeo Mun * Kim bo-mi as So-Haebi (Buyeo jun's wife) *

Jung Woong-in Jung Woong-in (; born January 20, 1971) is a South Korean actor. Filmography Film * ''Drive'' (TBA) as Na Jin-soo * '' Seoul Vibe'' (Netflix Film/ 2022) as Chief Prosecutor * ''Child for Children'' (2022) as Seung-won * '' The Prison' ...

as Wi Birang (Leader of Danbeomhoe; grandson of King Mayeo of Former

Dongbuyeo Eastern Buyeo, also rendered as Dongbuyeo or Eastern Fuyu, was an ancient kingdom that developed from Northern Buyeo (Northern Fuyu), until it was conquered by Goguryeo. According to the ''Samguk Sagi'', it was established when the Buyeo king ...

(East Buyeo) Kingdom) *

Kang Sung-jin Kang Sung-jin (born January 13, 1971) is a South Korean actor. Kang acted in the lead role in ''The Humanist'' (2001), ''APT'' (2006), ''Mission Possible: Kidnapping Granny K'' (2007) and '' Life Is Cool'' (2008). Personal His niece is actress ...

as Payun (Buyeo Gu's men) * Kim Hyo-won as Jwapyeong Jin Jeong (Leader of the Jin Clan) * Kim Gi-bok as Jwapyeong Hae Nyeong (Leader of Hae Clan) * Kim Hyeong-il as Jin Godo (Wisagun Division General) * Jung Ui-Kap as Bu Gantae (Leader of Malgal Tribe) *

Kim Eung-soo Kim Eung-soo (; born February 12, 1961) is a South Korean actor. Kim lived in Japan for seven years, where he studied filmmaking at the Japan Institute of the Moving Image The , formerly known as the Yokohama Broadcasting Technical School, is a ...

as Jobul (Prime Minister of Goguryeo) * Jeon Byung-ok as General Ko Naja (Goguyreo Army Commander) * Park Chul-ho as Ko Chisu (Goguryeo Army General) * Won Seok-Yeon as Sou (Goguryeo Minister) * Kim Joo-young as

Onjo Onjo (?–28, r. 18 BC – AD 28) was the founding monarch of Baekje (백제, 百濟), one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. According to the ''Samguk Sagi'' (삼국사기, 三國史記), he founded the royal family of Baekje. Background There ...

(1st Eoraha of Baekje) *

Lee Deok-hwa Lee Deok-hwa (born May 8, 1952) is a South Korean actor. Career Lee Deok-hwa studied theater and film at Dongguk University, and made his acting debut in 1972. He and his father, movie star Lee Ye-chun starred together in the 1975 horror film '' ...

as King

Dongmyeongseong of Goguryeo Chumo (Hangul: 추모, Hanja: 鄒牟), posthumously Chumo the Holy (Hangul: 추모성왕, Hanja: 鄒牟聖王), was the founding monarch of the kingdom of Goguryeo, and was worshipped as a god-king by the people of Goguryeo and Goryeo. ''Chumo ...

(Go Jumong, 1st king of Goguryeo) *

Jung Ae-ri Jung Ae-ri (; born August 11, 1960) is a South Korean actress. Career Jung Ae-ri made her acting debut after she was chosen at the KBS talent audition in 1978. In 1980, she moved to another network, MBC. She rose to stardom in the 1985 drama ...

Soseono Soseono (66/7 – 6 BCE) or Yeon Soseono () was the second wife of King Dongmyeong and a key figure in the establishment of both Goguryeo and Baekje. She was the mother of Biryu and Onjo, whom they were her sons from her first marriage with Wut ...

(King Dongmyeongseong's 2nd consort, later founder of Baekje) * Park Jung-woo as

Yuri Yuri may refer to: People and fictional characters Given name *Yuri (Slavic name), the Slavic masculine form of the given name George, including a list of people with the given name Yuri, Yury, etc. *Yuri (Japanese name), also Yūri, feminine Jap ...

(later known as 2nd king of Goguryeo) *

Han Jung-soo Han Jung-soo (born November 20, 1973) is a South Korean actor. He is best known for his roles in the television series ''The Slave Hunters'' and ''Prosecutor Princess''. Filmography Television series Film Television show Theater Referen ...

as Bok Gugeom (Buyeo Gu's men. Later known as Mok Nageumja) * Uhm Kyung-wan as Naman * Jeon Gwang-jin as Sagi (Son of the late Dalsol Sa Chungseon) *

Hahm Eun-jung Hahm Eun-jung (born December 12, 1988), known professionally as Eunjung and also Elsie, is a South Korean singer and actress. In 1995, she won ''Little Miss Korea'' competition at the age of seven and debuted as a child actress in the same year ...

as Jin Ai (Jin Godo's daughter) * Qri as Princess Buyeo Jin * Lee In as Ajikai *

Park Geon-il Park Geon-il (born November 5, 1987) is a South Korean actor, singer and model. He is the lead vocalist of Supernova. He is known for his lead roles in ''Koisuru Maison: Rainbow Rose'', ''One Fine Week'' and ''Lonely Enough To Love''. Career P ...

as Soekkop (later known as Geungusu, 14th Eoraha of Baekje) * Jung Hong-chae as Dugo (jamwa General, appointed as one of the Generals in the Baekje Army, and later known as Mok Gohae)

Production notes

* Ungniha River (욱리하; 郁里河), mentioned in the drama is now known as Hangang River (한강;漢江) in Seoul. * Hansan (한산,閑山) is also one of the former names of

Seoul Seoul (; ; ), officially known as the Seoul Special City, is the capital and largest metropolis of South Korea.Before 1972, Seoul was the ''de jure'' capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) as stated iArticle 103 ...

,after Wiryeseong (위례성; 慰禮城-Baekje era),Hanyang (한양; 漢陽,-Goryeo era),Hanseong (한성; 漢城,-Joseon era),and Gyeongseong (경성; 京城,Japanese colonial era). * The Seven-Branched Sword (칠지도, 七支刀, Chiljido in Korean), (七支刀, 七枝刀, shichishitō or nanatsusaya no tachi in Japanese) marks the friendly relationship between the Baekje Kingdom and Japan, during his reign. * The title of the Kings in this drama differs, as Kings of Baekje were known as 'Eoraha', while Goguryeo is known as 'Taewang' (태왕,太王). *When he reclaimed the throne of Baekje upon the death of King Gye in 346, it marks the end of the alternating kingship of two lines, and sealed the permanent ascendancy of the descendants of 5th Eoraha, King Chogo over those of 8th Eoraha, King Goi. It was reflected in his reign name,Geunchogo. The ascendancy lasted until the 31st and last the Eoraha of Baekje, King Uija when he surrendered when Baekje was conquered by Silla-Tang forces in 660. * King Sayu, or Gogugwon of Goguryeo would be later killed by Geunchogo's son, Crown Prince Geungusu (later as 14th Eoraha of Baekje) when the Baekje Army captured Goguryeo's capital of Nampyeongyangseong (South Pyeongyang Fortress;present-day

Pyongyang Pyongyang (, , ) is the capital and largest city of North Korea, where it is known as the "Capital of the Revolution". Pyongyang is located on the Taedong River about upstream from its mouth on the Yellow Sea. According to the 2008 populatio ...

North Korea North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a country in East Asia. It constitutes the northern half of the Korea, Korean Peninsula and shares borders with China and Russia to the north, at the Yalu River, Y ...

References

External links

* * * * {{DEFAULTSORT:King of Legend, The Korean Broadcasting System television dramas 2010 South Korean television series debuts 2011 South Korean television series endings Television series by KBS Media Korean-language television shows Television series set in Baekje Television shows based on South Korean novels South Korean historical television series