This drama is an excellent production. It is a saeguk about three individuals that are thrown into chaos with the painful and heartbreaking history of a life changing revolution in Korea in the late 1800’s. Although there is continuous reference and chronological sequence of the Donghak Peasant Movement revolt of 1894, this drama is all about the people and the reasons that drive these individuals to make life changing decisions that will forever alter their path through life. The three main characters (Baek Yi Kang played by Jo Jung Suk, Baek Yi Hyun played by Yoon Shi Yoon, and Song Ja In played by Han Ye Ri) are caught up into the tumultuous, tragic, heartbreaking, and life changing events of the revolt of the Korean peasants and followers of the Donghak religion and its pantheistic ideology that instill a profound desire to change the inhumane treatment of the lower class by the noblemen and royalty, and eventually, fight the Japanese takeover of Joseon. That is the setting behind our main characters that, although they are fictional, their story could’ve well been one of the many real life stories during that period in Korean history. This is the story of three individuals that went through a radical change effected by these poignant and tragic developments in an effort to create an egalitarian society in Korean. This drama has a stellar cast and every character was brilliantly portrayed by actors that brought about a wide range of emotions, from profound love and great camaraderie down to their most vicious and horrendous nature and disposition. The drama depicts many historical events with accuracy which truly leaves the viewer deeply emotionally invested. Even if the viewer is not a fan of the many tragic events and loss of life that happens when a country is engulfed in war, the characters are a real force of nature that will leave deep impressions on one’s mind. Enjoy it!
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