And so it begins.|Jul. 24, 2021|South Korea|92 Min.|TV-MA
Genre: Drama;Fantasy;Thriller
Description: The South Korean web series “Kingdom” on Netflix concluded with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager for more. A special spin-off episode, “Kingdom: Ashin of the North,” also ends on an ambiguous note, shedding light on the events that ignited the chaos in the main series while fueling anticipation for further developments.
Set in ancient Korea, “Kingdom” intertwines a power struggle for the throne with a terrifying zombie outbreak. The series spans two seasons (2019-2020), depicting a kingdom whose ruler has turned into a zombie, leaving a malevolent nobleman and his daughter, the king’s second wife, in control. The king’s first-born son ventures into the countryside to uncover the truth, only to confront a rapidly spreading pandemic of the undead. The show blends sharp political commentary with thrilling action, exploring how oppressive rulers can dehumanize and impoverish their people, turning them into monsters. With high production values, compelling characters, and heart-pounding zombie sequences, “Kingdom” captivated audiences worldwide.
The spin-off episode, “Kingdom: Ashin of the North,” delves into the origins of the zombie outbreak, revealing the role of a mysterious plant in resurrecting the dead. It also introduces Ashin, a pivotal character portrayed by renowned Korean actress Jun Ji-hyun. The episode primarily focuses on a territorial conflict between the Joseon kingdom and rival factions of a tribe, one of which seeks to invade Joseon. Jun Ji-hyun’s younger counterpart, played by Kim Shi Ah, takes center stage in the early portions, setting the stage for Ashin’s later appearance. This installment features a mostly new cast, enriching the narrative and expanding the lore of the “Kingdom” universe.
Cast director: Kim Seong-hun
Cast actor: Jun Ji-hyun, Park Byung-eun, Kim Si-a, Kim Roi-ha, Koo Kyo-hwan, Jung Suk-won, Ji Hyun-jun, Kwon Bum-taek
Original name: 킹덤: 아신전