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How did a small kingdom come to dominate the entire Korean Peninsula? That is the central question of « Sword & Silence » (formerly «The Great King Munmu"), a major historical epic set to premiere on November 14. The new images reveal the trio of men who changed the course of Korea's history, portrayed by Lee Hyun-wook, Kim Kang-woo, and Park Sung-woong.
The True Story of an Unlikely Unification
In the 7th century, the Korean Peninsula was divided among three kingdoms: Goguryeo in the north, Baekje in the southwest, and Silla in the southeast. At that time, Silla was the weakest of the three. Yet it was Silla that would ultimately prevail, subduing its two rivals and then standing up to the powerful Chinese Tang dynasty.
A major chapter in Korean history, which the series aims to bring to life through three real-life historical figures. At the helm is Kim Yeong-jo, director of «Hwarang,» who is already well-versed in the world of Silla.
Kim Chun-chu, the Diplomat King
Kim Kang-woo plays Kim Chun-chu, the future King Taejong Muyeol, the 29th ruler of Silla. As the grandson of a deposed king, he must contend with hostility from the aristocracy of his own kingdom.
His strength lies not in the sword, but in politics. A shrewd strategist and skilled diplomat, he relies on alliances and negotiations to pave the way for unification.
Kim Yu-shin, the Loyal General
Alongside him, Park Sung-woong plays Kim Yu-shin, one of the most famous generals in Korean history. A descendant of the royal line of Gaya, an ancient kingdom absorbed by Silla, he, too, is viewed with suspicion by some members of the nobility.
The two men are bound together by both blood and trust: Kim Chun-chu married Kim Yu-shin’s younger sister. Their partnership is based on a perfect division of roles. Diplomacy falls to the king, while the general takes charge of the battlefield and the suppression of internal revolts.
Kim Pop-min, the heir who must prove himself
Yet it is Kim Pop-min, played by Lee Hyun-wook, who seems to play the central role. As the eldest son of Kim Chun-chu, he honed his political acumen at court and his courage in battle alongside his uncle, Kim Yu-shin.
At first, the young man despises his father’s cautious diplomacy, which he considers cowardly. This father-son conflict is set to drive much of the story, before the two men find themselves united by a common goal: restoring peace by unifying the Three Kingdoms.
As history buffs know, Kim Pop-min would go on to become King Munmu, the ruler who would complete the unification of the peninsula.
«Sword & Silence» will air starting November 14, 2026, at 9:20 p.m. (Korean time). An international streaming platform is still to be announced.
