After the phenominal historical drama Queen Seon Deok was released, more of overseas fans fell in love with Korean history. It seems like another Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Gum) which was one of the first Korean drama to bring attention to Korean culture.
Queen Seon Deok was so popular that they had to filmed 12 more episodes that previously planned 50 episodes. While Princess Jamong Go that was aired the same period had to cut off 11 episodes; it was aired only 39 but was filmed 50 episodes altogether because Queen Seon Deok’s rating was so high (above 40%) and unbeatable.
Apart from true story-based (Queen Seon Deok of Silla was the first female ruler, reigned 634-647), another the reason why Queen Seon Deok was that famous was probably because of the drama’s distinctive characters. The storyline shows every aspect from all the characters that join together and drives this drama to be such addictive.
Because most of the characters existed, I see that Bidam was the invented ones (I couldn’t find anywhere that could explain the existance of Bidam-if anyone finds it please let me know). So, they tried to show the reasons why one character did this and why the other had to response like that.
Princess Deokman/Queen Seon Deok
by Lee Yo Won
With all the loss she experienced, living the dessert was the only place Deokman found peace. When coming to Silla and found the truth about herself, she began to force herself to endure all the torment causing by Lady Mishil who tried to get rid off her.
After the loss of her twin sister, Princess Chun Myung, she regained her courage and decided to success the throne after her King father. Determined with that, Deokman and Yushin’s path bacame parallel. She had to walk her way alone. Her later Queen status caused a lot of stress and drained her out (I think it was the reason why this actual poor queen died in young age). It turned her to be the kind of person who loved with fear, trust with doubt.
General Kim Yushin by Um Tae Wong
As he is half bood royal (from her mother, sister of King Jinpyeong) and the fact of being the great grandchild of Kaya’s last ruler), his responsibility is so high that he has to look over his personal feeling for the Queen.
However, Yushin was Seon Deok great helping hand and had always been honest to her although he had to accepted the arranged marriage Mishil organized in order to protect his Kaya people.
Bidam by Kim Nam Gil
Growning up with Munno, Bidam had always longed for affection. He never knew where he was from until one day he discovered the secret of his birth.
Having Mishil as a mother he could never announced to the world and having to help Deokman fighting against her. It was hard for Bidam to balance himself.
After Mishil passed away, he still didn’t want much but just to be with Deokman so that he offered her a secret contract showing that he didn’t have any desire in the throne.
However, misunderstandings caused by people around them, Bidam found the sad ending that even holding Deokman’s hand was impossible, not to mention telling his her he loved her.
Lady Mishil by Go Hyeon Jeong
For Mishil, nothing is more important than being powerful lady. She had always looked for being consort. However, Deokman lighted up her desire, she saw Deokman as a eternal threat. First she just wanted to kill Deokman for the evidence to excuse King Jinpyong of secretly having two baby twin girls (it was against the say) then she realized how Deokman could be that capable enemy to her.
She felt sorry for her son, Bidam because it was her who didn’t accept him as a son as first. So, she wouldn’t and didn’t admit she was his mother until she died as she felf sorry for her poor, longing for love son.
Mishil suicided herself with the hope that her people would survive from guilt. She passed on her power desire with her honest husband, Seol Won.
Princess Chun Myung by Park Ye Jin
Chun Myung faced all the torment caused by Mishil since she was born. Even being the one selected to be alived and remain her princess status, Chun Myung had hardship living in Mishil’s power cloud.
She had to pretend being weak and leave the palace after her husband was killed (under Mishil’s plan) just becaue she wanted to give birth to the last gift from her him aka their child safely. Being mother taught her to be strong to protect her son.
She previously planned for Deokman’s survival with the help of their dearest man, Kim Yushin to escape from Mishil’s chase. Sadly, she couldn’t be with her beloved twin sister, Deokman that long and didn’t live to hear Deokman called her “Onni” (elder sister).
Kim Chun Chu by Yoo Seung Ho
Growing up as a young prince who grew up in Chinese palace, Chun Chu thought his mother, Princess Chum Myung didn’t care for him. Returning back to Silla after his mother has passed away, he appeared to be aggressive and strange to other people.
As Chun Chu saw the throne as his goal, he solely planned and organized things around which one bacame the turning point. It was when he was talking of the “real blood” and used Mishil. This had turn Mishil to be the strong evil opponent and caused the big revolution. Finally, after he realized Mishil killed both his parents, he reconsiderated and cooperated with Deokman.
However, as hunger for power has always been the reason to cause political conflict, Chun Chu was aware that Bidam could somehow have influence with the throne he was looking forward. Therefore, he spoiled the misunderstanding and left Bidam poor suspend.
Places to visit according to this drama series
Cheomseungdae
Cheomseungdae (meaning star gazing-platform) is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia built under the reign of Queen Seon Deok. It is in Gyeongju, South Korea.
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Statue of Kim Yushin
Kim Yushin was the prominent general of Silla who led the unification of 3 kingdoms in Korean Peninsula. His famous battle was the ones against Baekje called Battle of Hwangsanbeol.
His statue is now in Namsan Park, Seoul South Korea.
Jingle Keera 