My quick rating - 8,5/10. I can confidently say this series is worth every bit of the praise it receives. I recently finished watching Seasons 1 and 2, along with the special feature-length episode, Kingdom: Ashin of the North, which serves as a powerful prequel that expands on the series’ lore. My first thought upon finishing was, “Bring on Season 3!” Unfortunately, the likelihood of another season seems slim, but that doesn’t take away from the brilliance of what’s already available. Set during the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, Kingdom effortlessly combines historical drama with the undead horror genre. The story begins with rumors surrounding the ailing King and a mysterious plague that is spreading through the kingdom. Crown Prince Lee Chang, played with commanding intensity by Ju Ji-hoon, embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth about the disease. What he discovers is a horrifying epidemic that transforms the dead into ravenous, fast-moving monsters. In contrast to traditional zombie tropes like those in The Walking Dead, the zombies in this show are relentless, forcing the living to adapt quickly and utilize primitive tools, mainly those used in farming, to survive. The series’ production value is outstanding. From the stunning landscapes and atmospheric sets to the intricate costume design, Kingdom creates an immersive world that feels both authentic and larger-than-life. Every scene is beautifully shot, whether it’s a quiet moment of political intrigue in the royal palace or a chaotic, heart-pounding sequence of survival against a horde of zombies. One of the most remarkable aspects is its layered storytelling. Beneath the surface of thrilling action and gore lies a sharp commentary on the deeply hierarchical structure of Korean society. The show cleverly portrays the plague as a metaphorical disease consuming the nation, originating with the King himself, who serves as the series’ patient zero. The way the ruling class and commoners approach the outbreak reflects the rigid class divides and moral decay of the era. The acting is superb across the board. Ju Ji-hoon delivers an outstanding performance as the Crown Prince, and Bae Doona is equally captivating as Seo-bi, a determined physician trying to find a cure. The special, Ashin of the North, offers a fascinating look at the origins of the plague through the tragic story of Ashin, played brilliantly by Jun Ji-hyun. Her journey of vengeance and survival adds a darker, more personal dimension to the narrative. It’s a slow burn compared to the main series, but it pays off with a haunting exploration of revenge and despair.
The whole series also excels in its depiction of action and horror. The zombies are not just a mindless threat but a terrifying force of nature that adds urgency and unpredictability to every episode. The gore is satisfyingly brutal, and the choreography of the fight scenes is both creative and intense. Despite its many strengths, there is an undercurrent of disappointment knowing that a third season may never come to fruition, likely due to financial disputes. Nevertheless, Kingdom stands as a masterpiece of its genre. It’s a testament to how historical settings can be seamlessly combined with supernatural horror to create something truly unique. For anyone who hasn’t seen it yet, I recommend watching it before Netflix decides to pull it, though its popularity suggests that might take some time. Thanks to finally getting glasses, I was able to fully appreciate the subtitles, and I’m glad I did because this series is worth the effort. This is an unforgettable experience, and even if it ends here, it has left an indelible mark on the zombie and historical drama genres.
Netflix is the only game in town for streaming this, so to speak.
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