South Korea has gained major recognition in the entertainment industry in recent years. In 2019, Parasite became the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture at the Oscars. Then in 2021, Squid Game became a massive hit, surpassing Bridgerton as Netflix’s most-watched series debut.
However, Netflix had already begun building its fanbase for Korean dramas before Parasite’s big win at the 2020 Oscars, starting with the zombie-themed series Kingdom. Released in 2019, Kingdom stars Bae Doona, Ju Ji-hoon, and Kim Sang-ho as they battle a zombie outbreak and a political power struggle in 17th-century Korea.
Though it wasn’t the first period piece to include zombies, it was one of the first from Korea. More than that, Kingdom successfully mixes political drama with gruesome zombie horror, making it one of the top Korean shows on Netflix.
‘Kingdom’ Is Netflix’s First Korean Original Series
Korean dramas have become extremely popular on Netflix. In 2022, co-CEO Ted Sarandos mentioned that over 60% of Netflix users watched at least one K-drama. The viewership for Korean content has increased sixfold since 2018.
The world is also eagerly waiting for the second season of the global hit Squid Game, all of which has happened in the last few years. Although Netflix had previously offered Korean films and shows, it wasn’t until 2019 that they began producing original Korean content.
Kingdom was the first Netflix original series from South Korea. This horror and political drama mix received glowing reviews, quickly rising to become one of the top shows of the year thanks to its excellent writing, stunning visuals, and talented cast.
The show features many well-known actors familiar to fans of K-dramas and Netflix shows alike. One of the main characters, Seo Bi, is played by Bae Doona, who is also known for her role in Netflix’s Sense8 series and the recent Rebel Moon films. Kim Sang-ho, another lead in the show, can be seen in the final season of Sweet Home.
What Is Kingdom About?
One of the main attractions of Kingdom is its historical setting, as it’s rare to find a zombie story that isn’t set in modern times.
Although historical zombie tales have been done before, like in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, set in Regency-era England, or the 2018 film Overlord, which is set during WWII, Kingdom stands out with its unique Korean backdrop. The series takes place 400 years ago, offering viewers a view into Korean history, which is something Western audiences don’t often see.
Kingdom treats its historical context seriously, using it to enhance the zombie storyline rather than for comedic effect. Ju Ji-hoon plays Lee Chang, the only son of the King of Joseon, which would later become Korea, through a concubine.
Despite Lee Chang’s many supporters, the Queen Consort is pregnant, and if she gives birth to a boy, he would have a stronger claim to the throne. The Queen Consort and her allies will stop at nothing to make sure her child takes the throne, instead of Lee Chang.
Kingdom Combines Politics and Zombies in a Historical Setting
The political storyline in Kingdom is well-written and intricate, earning praise for its strong characters and strategic power plays. The politics in Kingdom are on par with well-received shows like Shōgun, known for its complex characters and political maneuvers.
But for fans of zombie thrillers, there’s still plenty of excitement. The Queen Consort’s political schemes are what trigger the zombie outbreak, blending the horror and political plots seamlessly.
The zombies in Kingdom are fast and relentless, similar to those in 28 Days Later, resulting in plenty of intense chase scenes throughout the show.
When the characters face off against the zombies directly, the show doesn’t hold back on the gore. From a horde of zombies tearing apart victims to zombies being shot with arrows, Kingdom delivers just as much horror as it does political intrigue.
Ultimately, Kingdom offers something for every viewer. K-drama fans will recognize familiar faces and enjoy the classic storytelling elements. Those who love political dramas will appreciate the sharp social commentary. And for fans of zombie horror, the show delivers enough scares and suspense to rival any classic zombie movie.
Kingdom is available for streaming on Netflix in the U.S.
