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Fans of grand historical epics will have a new event to look forward to this fall. " Munmu ", a drama about the unification of the Three Kingdoms of Korea by the Kingdom of Silla, has just released the first stills of Lee Hyun-wook, Jang Hyuk, Kim Kang-woo, and Park Sung-woong portraying major historical figures.
Scheduled to air in November, the drama will be directed by Kim Yeong-jo, who previously directed Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth. This time, the director tackles a particularly turbulent period in Korean history: the time when the relatively small kingdom of Silla managed to prevail over Goguryeo, Baekje, and the powerful Tang Dynasty.
At the center of this story is Kim Pom-min, the future King Munmu, played by Lee Hyun-wook.
Lee Hyun-wook as the future King Munmu opposite Jang Hyuk
Lee Hyun-wook performs Kim Pom-min, the eldest son of Kim Chun-chu and nephew of Kim Yu-sin. Proud, fearless, and particularly cold-blooded when it comes to strategy, he is described as a man capable of accepting humiliation if it serves his people and his kingdom.
Amid wars and political strife, Kim Pom-min will gradually have to shoulder the burden of power until he becomes the ruler who completes the unification of the Three Kingdoms. The first images show Lee Hyun-wook portraying a man already weighed down by his responsibilities. His expression reveals both his determination to protect Silla and the inner conflicts he will have to face.
Facing him, Jang Hyuk will play Yeon Gaesomun, a powerful military leader of Goguryeo. An exceptional warrior from a family that had wielded significant military influence for several generations, he established himself as a war hero before becoming a political leader feared for his authoritarianism.
After taking control of Goguryeo, his attention turns to Silla. In the character’s first scenes, his almost serene smile contrasts with a much more menacing gaze, foreshadowing one of the drama’s main power struggles.
Kim Kang-woo and Park Sung-woong round out an impressive cast
Kim Kang-woo He, meanwhile, will take on the role of Kim Chun-chu, the father of Kim Pom-min and the future king of Silla.
As a descendant of King Jinji, who had been deposed, Kim Chun-chu found himself in a delicate position within the aristocracy. Yet he would rise to prominence thanks to his diplomatic skills and political strategy. A pragmatist, he prioritizes the survival of Silla above all else, even if it means making decisions that might cause division.
Finally, Park Sung-woong will play Kim Yu-sin, one of Silla’s greatest military leaders. Described as approachable and easygoing in everyday life, he was a completely different person on the battlefield, where he became a general wholly devoted to his kingdom.
His loyalty will also be crucial to the story, as he will stand by his brother-in-law Kim Chun-chu and his nephew Kim Pom-min as they face various crises.
The production clearly focuses on this clash between several strong historical figures. The team from Munmu He also highlighted the anticipation already generated by the presence of Lee Hyun-wook, Jang Hyuk, Kim Kang-woo, and Park Sung-woong, noting that their initial transformations already offer a glimpse into the scope of the story to come.
Amid wars, diplomacy, political ambitions, and the struggle for survival of a kingdom surrounded by more powerful nations, «Munmu» is shaping up to be one of the historical dramas to watch later this year.
The series is scheduled for broadcast in November 2026.
