Kingdom: How a period K-Drama became the quintessential Korean apocalypse series

The Korean drama Kingdom, starring Ju Ji-hoon and Bae Doona, broke traditional zombie tropes by setting its narrative in the Joseon period. This unique historical drama is perfect blend of horror, survival, and political intrigue.

In Short

• Kingdom has established itself as one of the best apocalyptic, zombie dramas
• It features features Ju Ji-hoon and Bae Doona in the lead roles
• Kingdom is streaming on Netflix

The Korean drama, Kingdom, which stars Ju Ji-hoon and Bae Doona, has firmly established itself as a defining apocalyptic series in Korean television. Released in 2019 on Netflix, Kingdom managed to break free from traditional zombie tropes, placing its narrative against the backdrop of Korea's Joseon period.

The unique blend of period drama with horror, survival, and political intrigue quickly garnered global acclaim, making Kingdom a pivotal example of Korean storytelling in a genre often dominated by Western franchises. As anticipation builds for Hellbound Season 2, revisiting Kingdom illuminates why this series became a mainstay in Korean apocalyptic drama.

A Riveting Storyline

Kingdom, written by Kim Eun-hee and directed by Kim Seong-hun, transports viewers to the 15th-century Joseon era, a period marked by rigid class structures, palace intrigue, and mysticism. The story centres around Crown Prince Lee Chang (played by Ju Ji-hoon), who becomes entangled in a web of deceit when he suspects something is wrong with his ailing father, the king.

Discovering a mysterious plague that turns people into flesh-hungry creatures, Lee Chang finds himself in a desperate struggle to save his kingdom from a terrifying outbreak while battling corruption within the court.

What sets Kingdom apart from conventional zombie dramas is its rich, multi-layered narrative. The series is not only a horror thriller, but also a social and political critique that highlights class divisions and greed.

The undead in Kingdom reflect the hunger and desperation of the country’s poor, who are often neglected by the ruling class. This dual storyline of palace politics and apocalyptic horror lends the show a haunting depth, creating a drama that is equally engaging on both human and supernatural levels.

Masterful Direction and Cinematography

Director Kim Seong-hun’s vision shines throughout Kingdom, as he captures both the eerie beauty and brutality of the zombie apocalypse within a historical setting. The series boasts a cinematic quality, with sweeping shots of the Korean landscape juxtaposed with intense close-ups that build suspense and convey the characters' desperation. Each frame is meticulously crafted to convey both the grand scale of the kingdom and the intimate horror of the epidemic.

The cinematography, led by Lee Hyung-deok, complements the direction beautifully, capturing the stark beauty of Joseon-era Korea. The use of wide-angle shots and dark lighting heightens the tension, contrasting the serene, ancient Korean landscapes with the bloody, chaotic scenes of the undead attacking villages.

The night-time sequences, in particular, are hauntingly atmospheric, with a chilling interplay of light and shadow that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. By setting the horror against the historical backdrop, Kingdom effectively blurs the line between the ancient and the monstrous, bringing a fresh visual appeal to the genre.

Stellar Performances by the Cast

Ju Ji-hoon delivers a powerful performance as Crown Prince Lee Chang, portraying him as both a determined leader and a compassionate figure. His portrayal captures the prince’s inner turmoil as he wrestles with the duties of his royal position while also facing life-threatening dangers.

Bae Doona, who plays Seo-bi, a dedicated physician, brings strength and resilience to her role. Her character's bravery and intelligence contribute significantly to the storyline, offering a grounding, humane perspective amid the chaos.

Kingdom's Lasting Impact

In many ways, Kingdom paved the way for other Korean apocalyptic dramas to blend horror with deeper societal themes, much like Hellbound.

The show's success demonstrates the versatility of Korean drama and its ability to reinterpret familiar genres with fresh cultural perspectives. As Hellbound prepares for its second season, Kingdom remains a touchstone for fans and a testament to how Korean dramas can reshape global perceptions of apocalyptic storytelling.

With its masterful direction, haunting music, stunning cinematography, and rich narrative, Kingdom continues to stand as an iconic example of Korean horror drama at its finest.