King Munmu the Great

At the end of the Three Kingdoms period, the Korean Peninsula is torn apart by conflicts between Silla, Goguryeo, and Baekje, while the powerful Tang Dynasty also seeks to assert its influence. At the heart of this turbulent era is Kim Beop-min (Lee Hyun-wook), the future King Munmu of Silla.

As the heir to King Taejong Muyeol, who laid the foundations for unification, he pursued his father’s ambition with the support of the legendary general Kim Yu-sin. Wars, alliances, and power struggles then shaped the fate of the various kingdoms. After helping bring about the downfall of its rivals, however, Silla had to face a new adversary: its former ally, the Tang Dynasty.

Having become king, Munmu thus waged a final battle to preserve his kingdom’s independence and complete the unification of the peninsula. Great King Munmu chronicles this pivotal period in Korean history through the ambitions, sacrifices, and battles of those who shaped the fate of Silla.

The Characters

At the heart of this epic, Lee Hyun-wook plays Kim Pom-min, the eldest son of Kim Chun-chu and nephew of Kim Yu-sin. A formidable strategist—proud and at times cold—he is willing to humble himself if it serves his people. In a world ravaged by war, he will become the king who leads Silla toward unification.

Opposite him, Jang Hyuk takes on the role of the legendary Yeon Gaesomun, military leader of Goguryeo. Terrifying, brilliant and ruthless, he leads his kingdom to victory while plunging his subjects into the shadows of a dictatorial regime.

Kim Kang-woo is Kim Chun-chu, future king of Silla and father of Kim Pom-min. Beneath his eloquence and confident smile lie ambition and doubts. An unrivalled diplomat, he always walks a delicate line between political survival and legitimacy.

Park Sung-woong is Kim Yu-sin, Silla's military icon. A respected commander, he is the man who, sword in hand, changes the fate of the kingdom. Despite the harshness of the times, he remains attentive to the suffering of the people and stands as a pillar for Kim Chun-chu and Kim Pom-min. Park Sung-woong had already played Kim Yu-shin in the historic MBC drama Gye Baek in 2011. Taking on the character again 15 years later, expectations are high as to how the now more experienced actor will reinterpret this iconic hero.

At court, Jung Woong-in plays Kim Jin-ju, a formidable tactician and key rival to the father-son duo. Realistic, sometimes calculating or disturbing, he represents that gray area of political conflict where survival takes precedence over ideals.

Finally, Cho Seong-ha plays Go Geon-mu, Goguryeo hero turned king. Exhausted by war, he seeks peace to preserve his people, but ultimately falls victim to a military coup preceding the assassination of Yeon Gaesomun.

Carried by a solid cast and a story rich in political tension, Munmu promises to be one of the most eagerly awaited sageuk of 2026. More information to follow shortly.