Joo Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong, Bae Doo-na consider Netflix show Kingdom

71 September 14, 2017July 1, 2021

Joo Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong, Bae Doo-na consider Netflix show Kingdom

by tipsymocha

Joo Ji-hoon, Ryu Seung-ryong, Bae Doo-na

Now this is a lineup some dream casts are made of. There’s some exciting casting news for Kingdom, the newest show from Signal’s writer Kim Eun-hee, to follow the disappointing reports that Song Joong-ki (Descended From the Sun) has ultimately turned down his offer to star in the Netflix fusion sageuk. Joo Ji-hoon (Asura, Mask), Ryu Seung-ryong (Dorihwaga), and Bae Doo-na (Forest of Secrets) are all considering roles in the upcoming 8-episode Joseon action thriller, which is tentatively scheduled to start filming next month.

Kingdom will follow the crown prince of Joseon who starts investigating a mysterious plague that is devastating the populace. This ‘plague’ turns out to be a zombie outbreak, and our hero will fight to reveal what’s happening. If he does accept, Joo Ji-hoon will star as the crown prince of zombie-infested Joseon, and it will be interesting to see whether the political component mentioned in earlier reports will remain in the plot. Because I’ve found that the biggest conflicts in zombie apocalypse stories (aside from the obvious) are derived from how the people in power react to these sorts of catastrophes.

Bae Doo-na and Ryu Seung-ryong’s potential roles remain unspecified but I don’t even care because I know they’ll be brilliantly badass or evil, depending on what their characters are. I really hope things work out so that both actors can sign up, but Bae Doo-na’s participation is up in the air because she’s currently filming Drug King and it’ll be a tight schedule if she agrees to Kingdom, which plans to commence shoots pretty soon. If Ryu Seung-ryong signs on, it’ll be a pretty big coup for the Netflix show, since he hasn’t been in a drama since 2010’s Personal Taste. I can’t believe it’s been 7 years already.

I’m a pretty big fan of zombie stories in general, with some of my favorites including World War Z (the book), the early seasons of Walking Dead, and of course, Train to Busan. So I was ecstatic to hear that dramaland was trying its hand in the genre, and with the writing and directing talent behind the zombie action sageuk, I’m counting down the days ‘til I can binge-watch it on Netflix. Which is still a long ways away, sadly: Kingdom is planning on being released via the online streaming platform in late 2018.

Via TV Report, Ilgan Sports, Sports Donga, Osen

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1 sicarius

September 14, 2017 at 3:22 PM

Joseon Zombies. That is the only reason I will ever need to watch this show.

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SnarkyJellyfish

September 14, 2017 at 3:39 PM

+10000

Adding Bae Doo-na only makes that statement move from "reason to watch" to "need-now-gimme whyareyousoslowwww"

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sicarius

September 14, 2017 at 4:00 PM

It's not even that I love love love zombie themed things, I just really want to see zombies in the kingdom of Joseon. I think that's the best idea for a Zombie show ever. American Zombie movies are so boring in comparison to that premise.
(needs to watch FOS but even from random beanie posts I can tell she'll be a draw)

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SnarkyJellyfish

September 14, 2017 at 4:17 PM

Not a zombie fanatic myself but I highly recommend the show iZombie. It's one of the few non-drama shows I still watch regularly and it's a hoot. It has snark, shenanigans, and a diverse cast! (Plus it's from the people who created Veronica Mars, so the writing is tight).

But totally agree that most zombie movies today are no fun and I never could get into Walking Dead (JUST CALL A ZOMBIE A ZOMBIE). For me it's more like if you're not going to be horror-comedy, you need to be interesting in some other way other than "the end is nigh." Joseon setting definitely has that potential.

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sicarius

September 14, 2017 at 4:31 PM

The only zombie movie I can say I really like is Zombieland because it's basically a spoof/satire zombie movie and it's hilarious haha.
Still want to see Train to Busan though, just for a Zombie blockbuster NOT set in America.
And will put iZombie on the list. I have heard of it, and seen some random bits of it around the interwebs. Sounds like a good areoplane binge show or something. (Tis what I did with part of VM haha)

I GOT SO BORED WITH TWD I couldn't get past episode 3 ish...just- nothing happened!! haha.
"if you're not going to be horror-comedy, you need to be interesting in some other way other than "the end is nigh""<< YES. This. Absolutely. Joseon has that potential for sure.
Oh and I'm also slightly invested in it because @redfox and I were literally talking about how we needed a zombie sageuk show just days before the first news of this came out... hahaha

SnarkyJellyfish

September 14, 2017 at 5:10 PM

My fave zombie movie is Shaun of the Dead for similar reasons. Train to Busan is high in my to-watch list (it's right under Okja). That one again, I'm into it because there are high stakes with the train setting etc. and it's not just how to survive the zombie apocalypse. The setting creates interesting tension. It's a reason I liked Snowpiercer so much -- it gave the end of days a new spin.

sicarius

September 14, 2017 at 7:09 PM

Shaun of the Dead is the only one of the Cornetto Trilogy I haven't seen... but I have been told to watch it a lot! haha

YY

September 14, 2017 at 10:13 PM

I am Legend with Will Smith is my favourite zombie movie. It made me cry. World War Z doesn't even come close.

2 liar song

September 14, 2017 at 3:32 PM

If Bae Doo-na is in, I'M ALL IN!

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UmbrellaMan

September 14, 2017 at 4:53 PM

Seriously. Let's hope that Netflix treats this show of hers right!! Still pissed about Sense8...

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3 alua

September 14, 2017 at 4:00 PM

I could do without zombies (except Dawn of the Dead and The Woodsman and the Rain).

But is Bae Doona is in it, I'll watch.

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4 purplesheesh

September 14, 2017 at 4:06 PM

Yaaaay! My Bae is (hopefully) back on my netflix!!! ???

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5 gadis

September 14, 2017 at 4:06 PM

Please accept, please accept. I'm too happy and giddy right now. I'm definitely in.

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6 Lirauly Avila

September 14, 2017 at 4:15 PM

Isn't she going to film Sense 8 soon??? I want her in this project, but I don't know if she has the time though

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UmbrellaMan

September 14, 2017 at 4:56 PM

Sorry to burst that bubble. Netflix cancelled Sense8. But, there is a silver lining, they agreed to a TV movie to help wrap up the storyline set to be released next year.

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7 Rory

September 14, 2017 at 4:39 PM

Zombies are boring.

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8 fab

September 14, 2017 at 4:47 PM

Kim Eun-hee+netflix+cast=?

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9 Adal

September 14, 2017 at 4:51 PM

Too bad it's only on Netflix which means it's primarily for Western audiences which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Does anyone know if Netflix shows in Korea?

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UmbrellaMan

September 14, 2017 at 5:00 PM

It's available practically worldwide, including South Korea. Interestingly, Neflix's international market surpasses that of the US market.

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Adal

September 14, 2017 at 8:14 PM

Ah, I see. Then it must be a huge payoff for them to invest in the South Korean market since kdramas are loved all around the world.

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UmbrellaMan

September 14, 2017 at 9:35 PM

I would think so, especially now as the Hallyu wave seems to be growing even bigger!!

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10 kiara

September 14, 2017 at 5:17 PM

Don't like the pairing even though I love Bae Doo-na. She was great with Jo Seung-woo because they are at the same acting level.
The only one who does sageuk in his sleep is Ryu Seung-ryong.

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Sera The Ms Temper

September 14, 2017 at 7:03 PM

Agree.. I couldn't remember if Bae Doo-na ever did sageuk? I love Bae, but if she is busy and turns down this offer, I hope they will cast Han Ye-ri. I'm not excited about Joo Ji-hoon as well. Zombie thingy is not really my thing, but I'll watch it for casts.

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kiara

September 14, 2017 at 9:40 PM

I haven't seen her in a sageuk before. I think she is kind of like Jun Ji-hyun when it comes to sageuks. It's a genre they are probably avoiding and not comfortable with.

This might be more of a zombie action thriller than anything historical. She'd be great if she is available. A big movie with Song Kang-ho most likely will take longer to shoot but they started around May.

Joo Jin-hoon is not someone I'd want to watch in a sageuk but with director Kim Seong-hun at the helm I think he'd be fine.
It's too bad Song Joong-ki declined. He would've given us another fantastic performance like he did in TWDR.

Han Ye-ri would be great but I think she has an upcoming movie to shoot.

Ryu is my biggest draw. He is amazing in sageuks.

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fay17

September 14, 2017 at 10:10 PM

Judging by how signal went, won't be surprised if baedoona is actually paired with the older actor.
I love bae doona, my new favorite actress undoubtedly, but I'm not sure about JJH being paired up against her romantically. I would be glad if she joins the rest of the gang more as a team member, rather than a love interest.

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kiara

September 14, 2017 at 10:37 PM

Right, she'd work well with Ryu.
I don't think they have time for romance with only 8 eps. I hope it's more like Joseon X-files.

xhuizini

September 15, 2017 at 3:38 AM

Ooh, Han Ye-ri is nice too! I miss seeing her in saeguks T_T

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kiara

September 15, 2017 at 6:06 AM

Han Ye-ri and her duel wield swords is all kinds of awesome.

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fab

September 15, 2017 at 5:10 AM

Romantically? I don't think it's that kind of drama. God, I hope not.

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kiara

September 15, 2017 at 6:00 AM

No not romantically. More like "Forest of Secrets."

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11 PakalanaPikake

September 14, 2017 at 5:27 PM

Thanks for the progress report on KINGDOM. As if "Joseon zombies" from the initial report on July 4th were not exciting enough, the prospect of my favorite Sexy Bastard (TM) Ryu Seung-ryong in the cast makes my day. So is he going to be hunting zombies with Manchurian arrows?! Or fending them off with ramyun?

Seven years since PERSONAL TASTE??! RSR was absolutely terrific in it.

This is why I read DB:
http://www.dramabeans.com/2012/12/ryu-seung-ryong-sells-hot-and-spicy-ramyun/

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kiara

September 14, 2017 at 10:00 PM

Korean arrows > Manchurian arrows. Park Hae-il and Ryoo are both so talented and amazing in sageuks.
It's too bad Park Hae-il will not do dramas.

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PakalanaPikake

September 15, 2017 at 1:17 AM

I was thinking the Manchurian arrows with the two-pound heads that shatter trees would be worth the trade-off in extended range. Zombies can't bite you if their heads no longer exist, can they?

On the technical front, I agree with you that the high-velocity long-range Korean baby arrows shot with tongah (arrow guides) are a sniper's delight. But for pure obliterative force at closer range, I'd go for the Mongol weapon if I were up against targets who don't stay dead. ;-)

Ah, so that's why I haven't seen much of Park Hae-il.

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kiara

September 15, 2017 at 5:54 AM

Awesome comparison <3.
I was thinking speed and 2 for one Korean style but since these are not humans the Manchurian's heavyweight arrow head might be the better choice in dealing with the undead.

I rewatch that movie so many times I lost count. I cried like a baby when Park Hae-il won best actor and Ryu for best supporting actor that year.

Have you seen Ryu in "Miracle in Cell No. 7?" One of my favorite of his and it was a box-office hit too.

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PakalanaPikake

September 15, 2017 at 7:07 AM

Oops -- Manchurian arrows, not Mongol.

While watching WAR OF THE ARROWS, I found the technological aspects of the weapons so fascinating I read up on the subject. (Ditto for the turtle ships in RAGING CURRENTS.) It came in handy later when watching another sageuk in which someone cornered the market on water buffalo horn, and I knew immediately what that meant. (No buffalo horn = no raw material for bows = no way to conduct an invasion or defend the country.) It might have been HWAJUNG, but I don't recall off the top of my head.

I didn't realize the leads won Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor in the 2011 Blue Dragon Film Awards. They deserved it. And Moon Chae-won scored Best New Actress, too.

Another thing I really appreciated about the film was the fact that all the Manchu troops were speaking Manchurian, which had Korean subtitles. Hearing the different languages made it feel that much more authentic.

Thanks for the pointer to MIRACLE IN CELL NO. 7. Now that I know Ryu is in it, I'll have to take a gander. ;-)

kiara

September 15, 2017 at 8:20 AM

Yes! The language was impressive. "Cruel Palace" is the only sageuk drama that used Manchurian.
I'm glad Moon Chae-won is going back to Chungmuro for another sageuk.

Kim Myung-min was excellent in "Immortal Admiral Lee Soon-shin" the drama version of "The Admiral: Roaring Currents."
It's a 100+ episodes but it was worth it and it saved Kim Myung-min's career.

I learned so much about Korean history and tradition when sageuks are done well.
Sadly the more historical writers like Jung Ha-yeon are long gone. Chungmuro is my only hope for a good sageuk even when it's fictional like "War of the Arrows" it makes me want to pick up a history book and read or do more research. It helps me appreciate the hard work that went into making a sageuk this good.
Same goes with Lee Joon-ik's "The King and the Clown." So much research went into that and it paid off. I finally understood why Lee Jun-ki's character had to be more feminine and beautiful.
Going OT here sorry.

12 Dakchigo

September 14, 2017 at 5:43 PM

If you want period-themed zombies, you might want to check out Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress. It's a steampunk 12-episode anime, not a drama, though.

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13 songsong

September 14, 2017 at 5:46 PM

The positive of SJK dropping this is we get these three awesome actors!

Now I am excited to watch this!

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14 Diana Hansen

September 14, 2017 at 6:07 PM

i hate zombie shows but i love love joo ji hoon so if he signs on with bae doo na i am IN!

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15 Juliesean

September 14, 2017 at 6:44 PM

I'm not too keen on Joo Ji Hoon in the lead role. I should be thankful that no idol is headlining this. Lol. BDN and RSR would be a coup if they accept. Can't wait for this, especially with the awesome Signal writer. Does it means she's free to work on Season 2?

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16 astromantic

September 14, 2017 at 6:55 PM

I need Joo Ji-hoon in a drama again. It's been 84 years!!!!!!!

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17 bambi

September 14, 2017 at 6:56 PM

I'm a simple woman. I see Bae, I click, and I watch.

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18 HeadsNo2

September 14, 2017 at 7:16 PM

*GRABBY. HANDS.*
*LICKS SHOW TO CLAIM IT*

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mary

September 14, 2017 at 7:21 PM

LOL

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19 mary

September 14, 2017 at 7:24 PM

@tipsymocha I like how you qualified World War Z (the book) in your post XD

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20 Blazingflame

September 14, 2017 at 7:33 PM

Comment was deleted

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21 Blazingflame

September 14, 2017 at 7:42 PM

As much as I am excited about this, I am not sure how this will be received inNetflix.

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fay17

September 15, 2017 at 1:16 AM

Me too, I love the Netflix prints, but the waiting period for subtitles is a sheer torture. ??

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canxi

September 15, 2017 at 3:37 PM

Probably just fine. Saw the news floating around on non-drama sites and people were excited. It's just one season so nothing to worry about really. I think people will enjoy it even if they don't consume K-drama on the regular.

For example, Train to Busan was all the rage among my friends and acquaintances for a while.

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22 am1993

September 14, 2017 at 7:43 PM

I am still sadden that Song Joongki turned it down. I want to see you in another drama that let you explores your talents!! Actually, I just want to see you hahaha

But if Bae Doona is in, I am all in! Love love her in Sense8 and Forest of Secrets. She is truly talented and badass *_*

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Blazingflame

September 15, 2017 at 12:33 AM

I know, kind of knew sjk will pass this on. Sjk is one of hell of an actor. A bit disappointed that he turned this down.

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23 bbstl

September 14, 2017 at 8:26 PM

That cast: WOW!
That schedule: WHAT???

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24 YY

September 14, 2017 at 10:25 PM

Can they cast Jang Hyuk as the zombie slayer?

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bqk318

September 14, 2017 at 11:04 PM

Jang Hyuk was casted for a very very long weekend drama.

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PakalanaPikake

September 15, 2017 at 1:23 AM

In my dreams... That pesky space-time continuum thingie always gets in the way.

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25 bqk318

September 14, 2017 at 11:05 PM

But I can't pay for Netflix, I have to watch cam ver with poor quality..

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26 Mizminne

September 15, 2017 at 12:31 AM

I was really hoping for someone like Kag Ha Neul as the Crown Prince ...

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27 miselpo

September 15, 2017 at 12:47 AM

Ju Ji-hoon!!!❤
About time he's back in dramaland.

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28 Jinjoint

September 15, 2017 at 1:08 AM

Hopefully Bae Doona takes this! It's the same director as her movie Tunnel and perhaps being a breakout character on Sense8 means she has a decent relationship with Netflix despite them canceling the show. I'm really excited to see her in a sageuk and she obviously has great fighting skills and acting skills.

Joo Ji Hoon did well in his Joseon-era movie The Treacherous although parts of that story were really difficult to watch. He's been filming movies back to back for like a year and a half and is in the middle of one now so hopefully he won't be too tired to take this on. It would be such a great career move, especially if Bae Doona accepts.

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kiara

September 15, 2017 at 6:15 AM

I'd say Bae Doo-na is a Netflix darling. They bought the rights to her last drama "FoS" too so I'm not surprised that she is their first choice for this.

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29 yuyuu

September 15, 2017 at 3:24 AM

Okay, if this cast passes, I might actually consider watching this, even if I'm not a fan of zombies.

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30 nokcha

September 15, 2017 at 4:38 AM

My all time fav zombie shows are Biozombie and Mr. Vampire. I hope I can add Joseon zombie to this list!

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31 Miky

September 15, 2017 at 4:59 AM

I'm sad Song JoongKi passed this project but i'm ALL IN with this potential cast,please make this real!!!

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32 hjw

September 15, 2017 at 6:01 AM

B A E D O O N A !!

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33 Abbie

September 15, 2017 at 10:53 AM

I like all these actors and Netflix does produce quality content, so I'll be looking forward to this!

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34 beanmachine

September 15, 2017 at 2:52 PM

I'm not always into zombies, but fusion saeguk zombies? Hell yes. And Bae Doo-na? Even more hell yes. I'll watch her in absolutely anything

Late 2018 tho? C'mon Netflix, why must you tempt me like this

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35 canxi

September 15, 2017 at 3:40 PM

Nice!!! I really like all three and would be more than cool with this casting!! If anything, I think Joo Ji Hoon would be great for this role.

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36 Lilly

September 15, 2017 at 6:07 PM

I have been watching A LOT of Korean dramas and movies on Netflix.
This is GREAT!

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37 gaeinalee

September 15, 2017 at 7:30 PM

JJH, RSR and BDN act together?
- Cool! *excited*

Kingdom is planning on being released via the online streaming platform in late 2018.
- Darn! *deflated*

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38 ohmyaegyo

September 16, 2017 at 10:19 AM

lol I wasn't planning to watch this because Joong Ki and zombies don't sound like my cup of tea. But now, that it MAY have Bae Doo Na on it? I am definitely all for it!