If you think zombies and Korean period dramas don't mix, watch Kingdom and you'll change your mind. This series seamlessly blends zombie horror with political schemes in the Joseon era, becoming one of Netflix's most talked-about hits.
With a TMDB score of 8.214/10, this series proves that smart storytelling and world-building can captivate audiences of all ages. Let's dive into why Kingdom is more than just a typical zombie series.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Set in the Joseon era, the king is gravely ill and strange rumors spread across the kingdom. Crown Prince Chang (played by Ju Ji-hoon) must embark on a journey to find the cause of a plague that turns people into bloodthirsty monsters. Meanwhile, powerful nobleman Jo Hak-ju (played by Ryu Seung-ryong) plots to seize power, forcing the prince to face both zombies and political schemes.
The series moves quickly, revealing mysteries gradually through the investigations of the prince and physician Seo-bi (played by Bae Doo-na), who helps uncover the source of the outbreak. The story is full of tension and twists that keep you engaged, without fear of spoilers as each season ends with cliffhangers.
Acting and Characters
One of the strongest points of Kingdom is the intense performances of the lead actors. Ju Ji-hoon perfectly portrays Crown Prince Chang, showing vulnerability, determination, and courage that develop over time. His emotional expressions through his eyes make viewers connect with the character's journey.
Ryu Seung-ryong as Jo Hak-ju is a villain who is both terrifying and charismatic. He creates a complex character who is not just evil but has understandable motives. Bae Doo-na as physician Seo-bi adds intelligence and determination to the story. Supporting actors like Kim Sang-ho (Moo-young) and Kim Sung-kyu (Young-shin) also do well, creating warm and endearing relationships.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
The direction by Kim Seong-hun (co-director in Season 1) and Park In-je (Season 2) is excellent, especially in creating the beautiful yet eerie atmosphere of the Joseon era. The series is rich in detail, from costumes and architecture to night scenes filled with zombies. The use of light and shadow effectively heightens tension.
The score by Noh Hyung-woo (Season 1) and Kim Jun-seok (Season 2) is another strength. The music blends traditional Korean instruments with orchestral sounds, creating emotions that are both majestic and spine-chilling. The main theme is particularly catchy and fits every key scene perfectly.
Editorial Analysis
What sets Kingdom apart from typical zombie series is its emphasis on social and political context equal to the horror. The series uses zombies as a metaphor for greed and injustice in the feudal system. The plague's spread reflects inequality and the failure of the ruling class.
Moreover, the storytelling cleverly raises philosophical questions, such as what true power is and how we maintain our humanity in crisis. The series does not shy away from criticizing the monarchy and nobility through complex characters, making viewers think beyond just the action scenes.
Another interesting point is the development of the protagonist, who is not a flawless hero. Prince Chang has mistakes and weaknesses, making him realistic and more sympathetic.
Verdict
Kingdom is a series that proves zombies can tell more than just horror stories. By seamlessly blending politics, history, and drama, it is perfect for period drama fans, zombie movie enthusiasts looking for something different, and anyone seeking a quality series that is both entertaining and meaningful. Guaranteed to hook you from the first episode.
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👍 Pros
- +Perfect blend of zombies and politics
- +Excellent performances from all lead actors
- +Beautiful cinematography and powerful music
- +Intense, multi-layered story that keeps you hooked
- +Exciting and creative zombie action scenes
👎 Cons
- −Some parts of Season 1 are a bit slow
- −Some characters have too little screen time, like female characters other than Seo-bi
Top Cast
FAQ
A total of 12 episodes, divided into Season 1 (6 episodes) and Season 2 (6 episodes).
It is only available on Netflix (requires subscription).
Netflix has not announced Season 3 yet, but a spin-off titled 'Kingdom: Ashin of the North' has been released, a film telling the story of the character Ashin.
Although it has zombies and bloodshed, the series focuses more on political plot, so people who don't like horror may still enjoy it. However, zombie scenes are quite brutal and may be unsettling.
