Yi San Episode 1
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Yisan Starring Lee Seo Jin, Han Ji Min, and Park Eun Hye
A stunning historical epic chronicling the life of one of Korea's greatest rulers, Yi San easily beat out all other competitors to win an average rating of 26.4% (and a high of 35.3%) over the length of its entire 77 episodes. A sweeping, high-budget epic, Yi san tells the story of King Jeongjo, or Yi San, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, revered in Korean history for his championing of democratic rights for the common man, and for his bureaucratic reform.
Lee Seo Jin stars in a compelling performance as a king whose natural leadership ability and charismatic presence allow him to become one of Korea's most popular kings and unite the land during one of the most tumultuous times in the Joseon Era. The story begins when Yi San, a young boy, manages to save his father's life when his father is suspected of treason by the current King, his grandfather. Protecting his father with the help of two friends, Song Yeon and Dae Su, Yi San cannot protect his two friends when their lives are put in danger by a later attempt on his own succession. After helping Yi San prove his innocence in an accusation of treason, Seong Song Yeon's life is threatened, and she is forced to flee the capital with Dae Su. Yi San and Song Yeon do not meet again until years later when she returns to the palace as a damo with the art department. Han Ji Min of Capital Scandal and Cain and Abel turns in a graceful, luminous performance as the childhood friend with whom the Crown Prince falls in love. The drama traces Yi San's path through his rise to power, his assumption of the throne, and the constant intrigues and obstacles which he surmounts.
Also known as Yi San - King Jeong Jo, Lee San, Wind of the Palace, and Isan. Visit our friends at Drama Wiki and Hancinema for additional information about this drama.
Cast
Lee Seo Jin as
Yi San and King Jeong Jo
Han Ji Min as
Seong Song Yeon
Park Eun Hye as
Queen Hyo Eui
Lee Jong Soo as
Park Dae Su
Lee Soon Jae as
King Yeong Jo
Kyun Mi Ri as
Lady Hye Kyeong (Yi San's mother)
Kim Yeo Jin as
Queen Jeong Sun (Yeong Jo's wife)
Sung Hyun Ah as
Princess Hwa Wan (Yeong Jo's daughter)
Jo Yeon Woo as
Jeong Hu Kyeom (Hwa Wan's adopted son)
Song Chang Ui as
Jung Yak Yong
Han Sang Jin as
Hong Guk Young (Jeong Jo's right hand man)
Drama Information
Native Name: 이산
# of Episodes: 77
Network: MBC
Year: 2007
Director: Lee Byung Hoon
Type: Korean drama
Genre:
Historical,
Melodrama
Tags:
melodrama,
historical,
romance,
classic,
blockbuster,
politics,
Lee Seo Jin,
saga,
epic,
Park Eun Hye,
costume,
Han Ji Min,
Lee San
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I love the characters.. Even the young versions of them.. ('',) Just a side note.. In episode 42 from 21:44 til around 22:30.. Hong Gook Young and the Crown Prince were talking as if they were lovers.. :) anybody else see that? I was almost waiting for them to kiss and hug..
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I just want to say that not as many good quality historical dramas are coming out any more (or they focus more on the love story more than the reign of the king) and like others said don't let the length deter you. You learn to love every character and feel their emotions through obstacles and triumphs. I just want to put in a plug here for the drama Dong Yi which I believe tells the story of Yi San's grandfather and the acting their is superb as well and the two stories go along very well. Hope you enjoyed this as much as I did :)
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I invested 77 hours of my life and many sleepless nights on this drama. The acting is superb (loved the child actors!) and I got caught up in the fascinating historical setting and relationships. A lot of insight here about human nature and the love story between the leads is among my top picks in Kdramas. Ladies, get ready to swoon every time Lee Seo Jin smiles--those dimples! He's so attractive. I didn't give Yi San a full 5 stars because some parts were too tragic (not bittersweet; just bitter). Heart-wrenching scenes are a standard in historical Korean dramas, but I was so invested in this...I found myself completely choked up during several scenes. The angst! My overall recommendation: This drama is worthwhile. It will entertain you, but more importantly this drama will move you on an emotional level.
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Don't let the length of this drama dissuade you from watching. The time line of events and character development, follows a more fluid pace than what you would see in most drama's 16 to 20 episodes long. This drama takes you along the many trials Yi San has to endure to solidfy his place as one of Korea's Enlighted rulers. The championing of human rights, especially those of women and the underclass was ground breaking considering the times. You cant help but put yourself in his seat as he undergoes trial after trial meant to undermine his rule in effect making him stronger in the process. The romance between the two leads was compelling, although not central to the overall perfomance of this drama. On the whole, time well spent, I would watch it again.
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What a beautifuly written historical drama. The music score for this drama ranks with that of Jewel in the Palace. Leave a post if anyone knows how I minght buy a copy of it as I live in Richmond, Va
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I've lived with this drama for many weeks now and I am sad to see it come to a close. Apart from the beautiful love story and memorable music score, it has embodied for me the Joseon experience. Of all the HKdrama's that I have watched none have been this detailed in showing the customs and traditions of Palace life let alone the political science practiced during these times. King Jeongjo "Yi San" was a visionary, reformist and innovator whose goal was to end hunger, discrimination and worry amongst his people. Dong Yi would have been proud to know that her great grandson turned out so enlightened. It is also not surprising that the SungKyunKwan Scandel took place during Yi Sans reign. Most prominently, he drew his strength from a woman who not only protected him but gave his life meaning. Choooonah, I am in your debt. I will definitely be watching this again.
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A great Korean historical drama that captured my attention. All 77 episodes showed important features of business life - political management, economics, trade agreements, engineering, innovation, entrepreneurship, conflict resolutions, etc. It also shows how focus on the right goals will lead one to the right results and the greed and thirst for power aren't good motivators in life. There were funny episodes whenever the king travels outside the palace incognito. The love story of the king san and concubine sung is also a great watch. Hats off on the character of king san's queen as she unselfishly serve the king by finding the right concubine. This drama allowed me to tour a part of Korean history and developed in me a deep respect for their culture.
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