Tears of the Dragon () is a South Korean historical drama television series. It aired on KBS1 from November 24, 1996 to May 31, 1998 for 159 episodes. The series spans from the foundation of Joseon to the reign of King Sejong. It's considered one of the best historical dramas in South Korea, reaching a viewership rating of 49%. It is also the first series based on historical researches on Prime Minister Jeong Do-jeon.
Plot The series portrays the life of Yi Bang-won (posthumously known as "Taejong"), the third king of Joseon and fifth son of its founder. It depicts him as being committed to the stability of the kingdom, a commitment that translates into affection and devotion towards his father and his heir (originally Taejong's first-born son, Yi Je), although these feelings are not reciprocated due to anger about the various assassinations and executions carried out by Taejong. The anger culminates in the retired Taejo's efforts to remove his son by backing the Jo Sa-wi rebellion and personally shooting an arrow at him during a reconciliation meeting. Taejong grows to become perpetually suspicious of those around him (especially his in-laws), resulting in purges, a typical example being his execution of his wife's influence-peddling-but-loyal oldest brothers and naively-innocent youngest brothers. In disgusted response, his crown prince rejects the throne to become a playboy and his second-born son, Yi Bo, joins the Buddhist priesthood, deferring the position to the third-born son, Yi Do.
Sources The series is based on the long-running newspaper novel 세종대왕 (Sejong the Great) by Park Chong-hwa, serialised in Chosun Ilbo, which ran for 2456 episodes from 1969 to 1977.
Cast Kim Mu-saeng as Yi Seong-gye/King Taejo, first ruler of Joseon Han Young-sook as Queen Sinui, Taejo's first wife Kim Young-ran as Queen Sindeok, Taejo's second wife Tae Min-young as Yi Bang-gwa/King Jeongjong, second ruler of Joseon Yoo Dong-geun as Yi Bang-won/King Taejong, third ruler of Joseon Choi Myung-gil as Queen Wongyeong, Taejong's wife Kim Hye-ri as Royal Noble Consort Hyo, Taejong's concubine Lee Min-woo as Grand Prince Yangnyeong, Taejong's first son Ahn Jae-mo as Grand Prince Chungnyeong/King Sejong, fourth ruler of Joseon Im Seo-yeon as Queen Soheon, Sejong's wife Kim Heung-gi as Jeong Do-jeon
Awards and nominations YearAwardCategoryRecipientResult1997KBS Drama AwardsGrand Prize (Daesang)Yoo Dong-geunTop Excellence in Acting Awards, Best ActorKim Mu-saengTop Excellence in Acting Awards, Best ActressChoi Myung-gilBest Supporting ActorBest New ActressSong Yoon-ahBest Young ActorKim Min-woo199834th Baeksang Arts AwardsBest TV ActorYoo Dong-geunTechnical Award, Costume Department
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