Pronounced:
ju-mong
Starring:
Song Il-Guk ('Hae Shin/ Emperor of Sea', 'Terms of Endearment', 'Bodyguard'), Han Hye-Jin ('Be Strong, Geum-Soon', 'You Are a Star', 'Age of Heroes'), Kim Seung-Su ('You Are a Star', 'One Million Roses'), Jeon Gwang-Ryeol ('Hur Jun', 'Trap of Youth', 'Jang Hui Bin'), Oh Yeon-Su ('Second Proposal', 'Snowman', 'Farewell Sadness')
Directed by:
Lee Ju-Hwan ('Mermaid Lady', 'Mr. Duke'); Kim Geun-Hong ('Sea of Sisters', 'Spring Smile')
Produced by:
Jeong Woon-Hyeon ('Romance', 'Shin Don', 'Attic Cat', 'Tell Me You Love Me')
Written by:
Choi Wan-Gyu ('All In', 'General Hospital', 'Hur Jun', 'Love Story in Harvard'); Jeong Hyeong-Su ('Damo', 'Sang Do/ Way of Commerce')
Episodes:
81
Genre:
Historical Drama

Synopsis

The story begins in 108 BC, during a time when Gojoseon (Old Joseon) finally succumbs to defeat after a long battle with the Han nation, a time when the remnants of an old empire must face their fate as a people without a nation and without voice, a time that calls for the rising of a people's hero.

It is during this calamitous time that a love blossoms and leads to the birth of Jumong (Song Il-Guk), who will be Buyeo's prince. He is soon persecuted by the greedy faction within the palace headed by the Queen (Gyeon Mi-Ri), who is consumed by jealousy, and the power-hungry royal advisor to the King (Lee Jae-Yong). Yet, through his trials and tribulations, and with the love of three women, the once weak and careless Jumong transforms into a hero and, as recorded in history, becomes the founding monarch of the kingdom of Goguryeo (2nd century BC - 688 AD). But a hero is not one without sacrifices, and this story details such losses, through the tears of Jumong's mother Lady Yoohwa (Oh Yeon-Su), as well the merchant girl Soseono (Han Hye-Jin), who is incessantly pursued by Jumong's greatest adversary and half-brother, Prince Daeso (Kim Seung-Su)...

Review

Combining talents from makers of 'Hur Jun', 'Damo' and 'Mermaid Lady', with some of Korea's hottest stars, the result is no surprise. As the #1 rated drama in Korea, 'Jumong' is on its way to break the records previously set by top dramas of all time. In fact, it reached the 40% viewership mark faster than 'Dae Jang Geum' during its broadcast in Korea. Ratings aside, the drama is classic storytelling at its best.

Through his journey from an arrogant but naive young prince, the development of his inner passion for his king and his people, the physical and intellectual growth through his mentorship with Haemosu (Hur Jun-Ho), Yeontabal (Kim Byeong-Gi), Mopalmo (Lee Gye-In), and King Geum-Wa (Jeong Gwang-Ryeol), the legendary hero and founding king of Goguryeo is brought alive. The conflict of good and evil within oneself and a nation is splendidly told, with equally stunning visuals, from the costumes to the set, as well as the linguistic and historic brilliance. This drama will inspire you to pay closer attention to the fascinating early history of the Korean people. The acting is top-notch, with the best crew in the business behind the camera, and the story is unforgettable. The drama was extended from the original 60 episodes to 81 episodes due to its popularity, and some viewers may find the story beginning to drag a bit after the first 50 or so, but this is a must-see of 2006 that will surely entertain everyone in your family!

JuMong It's being shown here in the Philippines by GMA the story is very nice I like it alot my mom too. We have watched it several times and still watching it on GMA hehehehehe.

Jumong is good! im also watching it here in the philippines at gma!!!

it's a bit old but it's really good!

It's worth to watch! And good review. But I wanna watch it with our native subtitles. It'll last at least next two months.

Wow...e'thing is so cool!!!

* It just amazes me how great actors Song Il Gook (Jumong) and Oh Yoon Su (Lady Yoohwa) are. That they made us believe they are a mother & son tandem when in fact in real life both are of the same age both born in 1971.

** That I am now a Bae Soo Bin (who played Sayoung, Soseono’s right hand)! Behind the long hair, I can see that he looks absolutely handsome! Haha! Talk about scourging pictures in yahoo Korea and finding nothing. In the middle part of the series, there came a time when after Soseono’s business clan came back from travels and fights, I’m like “Omg where is Sayoung? Is he okay? I hope that cutie aint dead…”

** So Ji Ho (played Yesoya) also gave out a better acting than her lackluster performance in “Princess Hours” At least this time she was not too solid and stoic in scenes. She did pretty well here.

** Wu xia series (ancient) like these, I only start watching when I know that everyone else already does, it is not easy to finish 81 episodes you know which is longer than Jewel in the Palace” (72 episodes).

Jumong is one of the best KDramas I have watched. It got me glued from ep 1 down to the very last. Fascinating production design, great action and endearing scenes of love and friendship -- these are the key strengths of this drama. Jumong is a must for all KDrama fanatics.

It's starting aired in my country now. Love to watch it.

Jumong was a nice series, maybe the only korean drama aired in Philippines that
was always talked about by many tricycle, jeepney and bus drivers. I even heard
them saying got to go home early to watch Jumong. Lol!