Hong Gil Dong (2008)

Synopsis

Based on a fictional book about a Robin Hood in Korea, Hong Gildong, this drama is very loosely based off of that book and the time it was set in.
Hong Gil Dong was the illegitimate son of a high ranked minister. A local monk took him under his wing and taught him martial arts. Hong Gil Dong was inspired to fight for the injustice in this society that divided people into nobles and ordinary citizens whereby the former enjoyed all the privileges due solely to their birth.
The heroine, Heo Yi Nok, had just returned to Korea from China with her grandfather. They made their living by putting on shows and selling their special brand of medicine in the marketplace.
Lee Chang Hwi had been told since he was young that he was the rightful heir to the throne which had been usurped by his half brother. He had also returned from his exile in China and was plotting to overthrow the emperor.
The three got entangled in love, hate, loyalty and betrayal and only one side can win.


My Rating
4.4 from 5 stars




KDrama Title: Hong Gil Dong
Genre: Comedy, romance, action, drama
Episodes: 24
Broadcast network: KBS2
Broadcast period: 2 Jan 2008 to 26 Mar 2008
Script Writers : Hong Jeong Eun, Hong Mi Ran (My Girl, Fantasy Couple, Delightful Girl Chunhyang)

Cast

Kang Ji Hwan as Hong Gil Dong

An illegitimate child born from a servant. His birth mother died as soon as she gave birth to him.

At the age of 3, he showed signs of being a genius by memorizing the Analects of Confucius & Book of Mencius without anyone teaching him. Because of that, he became the target of jealously and caution. He was treated as a black sheep in his home. His father neglects him, his stepmother treats him like a bug, and on top of that, he was also being tortured by others. His brother, In Hyung, recieved lots of love from his mother, Mrs. Kim, while Gil Dong grew up lonely without a shield.

Sung Yu Ri as Heo Yi Nok / Ryu Yi Nok

Her true identity is that she's the only daughter of Minister Ryu Geun Chan.

Without knowing her true identity & past, she grew up as the granddaughter of Heo No In, a physician and a crook. Without any reason, she always dresses like a guy, wearing her grandfather's clothes, just because guy clothes are comfortable.

Jang Geun Suk as Lee Chang Hwi

King Sun's only child. His brother, Kwang Whe, who is Choi Sook Bin's son, was already crowned prince and then became King. Chang Whe was sentenced to death. With his mother's sacrifice, he and court lady Noh were able to escape. To everyone, he is the dead prince.He and court lady Noh make a living as a merchant, while waiting to make a comeback. He lives each day waiting to take revenge.

Kim Ri Na as Seo Eun Hye

Minister Seo's only daughter. She is like an ice princess. She is smart and has a good education.

Because she's a girl, she knows that she can't accomplish anything and that she must go through an arranged marriage someday, which she really dislikes. She knows that Minister Hong's oldest son, In Hyung, likes her but she is more interested in that family's illegitimate son, Gil Dong.

Awards
2008 KBS Drama Awards: Best Couple Award (Sung Yu Ri and Kang Ji Hwan)
2008 KBS Drama Awards: Popularity Award (Jang Geun Suk)
2008 KBS Drama Awards: Popularity Award (Sung Yu Ri)
2008 KBS Drama Awards: Netizen Award (Kang Ji Hwan)
2008 44th Baeksang Arts Awards: Popularity Award (Kang Ji Hwan)
2008 44th Baeksang Arts Awards: Popularity Award (Sung Yu Ri)

Gallery