The Korean drama, Kingdom, starring Joo Ji-hoon and Bae Doona, has firmly established itself as a defining apocalypse series in Korean television. Released in 2019 on Netflix, Kingdom managed to break free from traditional zombie tropes, and set its story against the backdrop of Korea’s Joseon period.

The unique blend of period drama with horror, survival and political intrigue quickly won global acclaim, making Kingdom an important example of Korean storytelling in a genre often dominated by Western franchises. As anticipation grows for Hellbound season 2, a revisit to Kingdom shines a light on why the series became a mainstay in Korean apocalypse drama.

an interesting story

Kingdom, written by Kim Yoon-hee and directed by Kim Seong-hun, takes audiences to the 15th century Joseon era, a period marked by rigid class structures, palace intrigue and mysticism. The story focuses on Crown Prince Lee Chang (played by Joo Ji-hoon), who is caught in a web of deception when he suspects something is wrong with his ailing father, the King.

Discovering a mysterious plague that transforms people into flesh-hungry creatures, Li Chang finds himself in a desperate struggle to save his kingdom from a terrible outbreak while fighting corruption within the court.

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

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

Skillful direction and cinematography

Director Kim Seong-hun’s vision shines throughout Empire, as he captures both the eerie beauty and brutality of a zombie apocalypse in a historical setting. The series has a cinematic quality, combining intense close-ups with wide shots of the Korean landscape that create suspense and convey the characters’ desperation. Each frame has been carefully crafted to convey both the grand scale of the state and the intimate horror of the pandemic.

The cinematography, led by Lee Heung-deok, complements the direction beautifully, capturing the amazing 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 dead villages.

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

Great performance by the artists

Joo Ji-hoon gives a powerful performance as Crown Prince Lee Chang, portraying him as both a firm leader and a compassionate man. His portrayal reflects the prince’s inner turmoil as he struggles with the duties of his royal position while also facing life-threatening threats.

Bae Doona, who plays Seo-bi, a dedicated therapist, brings strength and resilience to her role. His character’s bravery and intelligence contribute significantly to the story, offering a grounded, human perspective amidst the chaos.

lasting influence of the state

In many ways, Kingdom paved the way for other Korean apocalyptic dramas mixing horror with darker social themes, like Hellbound.

The show’s success reflects Korean drama’s versatility and ability to reinterpret familiar genres with a refreshing cultural perspective. As Hellbound prepares for its second season, Kingdom remains a touchstone for fans and proof of how Korean dramas can reshape global perceptions of post-apocalyptic storytelling.

With its excellent direction, captivating music, stunning cinematography, and rich narrative, Kingdom remains an iconic example of Korean horror drama at its finest.