The Divine Korean Historic Action Drama-the Return of Iljimae

The other day I went to an Italian Supermarket. The cashier smiled at me and asked if I am Korean. I felt rather odd. In the past, people would say to me “Are you Chinese?” However, recently, most people ask me “Are you Korean?” The cashier explained to me that she likes to watch Korean Drama. Some Korean TV stations in US offer good programs, among them Korean Drama is the most popular one. Since majority of them have English sub-title, even if you don’t understand the language, you can still follow the story without trouble.

Ten years ago, I became a K-Drama fan. From the earlier hit “Winter Sonata” to the recent phenomenal “The Great Queen Seon Deok”, it is understandable why people from all over the world fall in love with Korean Drama. A good K-Drama has a superb script, realistic acting, breathtaking scenery, beautiful music, and unforgettable storyline. To this day, I have watched over hundred K-dramas. Among them “the Return of Iljimae” (Aired in 2009) remains my favorite K-drama of all time.

The story is about a man fighting against the selfish and corrupt government to save the ordinary peasants. (A hero we pretty much need in today’s world) Iljimae was abandoned by his birth father and adopted by a Chinese couple. He returns to Joseon (Korea) to find his birth family and realizes how unjust the world really is. He watched as his first love, Dal Yi, was wrongfully put to death. Iljimae then vows to help the commoners from the corrupt government officials.

The story came from a ManHa that was published over thirty-five years ago. Americans have superheroes like Superman and Spiderman. Koreans love Iljimae. Over the years, three major stars played the role of Iljimae in TV dramas, Zhang Dong Jian, Lee Junki, and Jung Il Woo. They each bring different quality to the character, and the one who captures my eyes is Jung Il Woo, a young and prominent rising star, who brings depth and lasting beauty to the role.

Below is a link to the title music "the Return of Iljimae" with some amazing clips from the drama. Hope you enjoy it!

For those who are interested in Korean Drama, please follow my review and characters analyses on “The Return of Iljimae” each week. It is an excellent drama too good to be missed.