Kingdom, the South Korean horror-thriller series created by Kim Eun-hee and directed by Kim Seong-hun, redefined both historical drama and zombie fiction when it premiered on Netflix in 2019. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, the show merges political intrigue with a terrifying undead plague, offering a fresh take on two well-worn genres. What sets Kingdom apart is not just its visceral horror but its meticulous attention to historical detail, layered storytelling, and sharp social commentary.
Production and Historical Authenticity
Adapted from Kim Eun-hee’s webcomic The Kingdom of the Gods, the series underwent extensive development to ensure historical accuracy while delivering gripping horror. Shot on location across Korea, Kingdom features:
- Authentic Joseon-era sets, including reconstructed palace interiors and rural villages.
- Period-accurate costumes, from the silk robes of nobility to the rugged garments of peasants.
- Practical effects for zombies, blending traditional makeup with modern techniques for a uniquely grotesque aesthetic.
The production, backed by Studio Dragon and AStory, benefited from Netflix’s budget, allowing for cinematic scope without sacrificing cultural authenticity.
Plot and Themes
At its core, Kingdom is a survival story wrapped in political conspiracy. The narrative follows Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon), who investigates his father’s mysterious illness only to uncover a plague that reanimates the dead. As the infection spreads, the prince must navigate court treachery while protecting his people from both the undead and the living.
Key Story Arcs
- Season 1 (2019): Introduces the outbreak in Dongnae, revealing its origins in a forbidden resurrection plant. The season ends with a harrowing cliffhanger as the plague escalates.
- Season 2 (2020): Expands the crisis, deepening political machinations and introducing new threats. The finale provides resolution while setting up future conflicts.
- Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021): A special episode exploring the backstory of Ashin (Gianna Jun), a pivotal figure in the plague’s origins.
Themes of class struggle, corruption, and survival permeate the series. The aristocracy’s indifference to the suffering of peasants mirrors real historical tensions, grounding the supernatural horror in tangible social critique.
Cast and Performances
The ensemble cast delivers powerful performances, anchoring the fantastical elements in human drama:
- Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Lee Chang: A reluctant leader torn between duty and survival. His evolution from sheltered royalty to hardened survivor is compelling.
- Ryu Seung-ryong as Cho Hak-ju: The scheming Chief State Councilor, embodying ruthless political ambition.
- Bae Doona as Seo-bi: A physician whose intelligence and compassion make her a moral compass.
- Kim Sang-ho as Moo-yeong: The prince’s loyal bodyguard, providing both muscle and emotional weight.
Action and Horror
Kingdom excels in blending historical martial arts with zombie horror. Fight scenes emphasize:
- Joseon-era swordplay: Quick, precise strikes rather than exaggerated flourishes.
- Tactical combat against zombies: Humans must outthink rather than overpower their foes.
- Claustrophobic set pieces: Narrow corridors and dense forests amplify tension.
Unlike Western zombie media, where firearms dominate, Kingdom forces its characters to rely on blades, arrows, and ingenuity, making survival feel earned.
Critical Reception and Impact
The series garnered widespread acclaim for:
- Revitalizing the zombie genre with a historical setting.
- Strong character development, particularly for its female leads.
- Visually stunning cinematography, balancing beauty and brutality.
It holds high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes (93%) and IMDb (8.4/10), with critics praising its narrative depth and fresh perspective.
Legacy and Influence
Kingdom played a pivotal role in Netflix’s expansion into Korean content, paving the way for global hits like Squid Game. It demonstrated that historical fiction could merge seamlessly with horror, appealing to both domestic and international audiences.
Beyond entertainment, the series sparked renewed interest in Joseon-era history and costume design, with academic discussions on its portrayal of class dynamics and feudal politics.
Where to Watch
Kingdom (Seasons 1–2) and the special episode Ashin of the North are available exclusively on Netflix.
Kingdom is more than a zombie show, it’s a masterclass in genre fusion, combining historical drama, political thriller, and horror into a cohesive, gripping narrative. Its success lies in respecting its setting while delivering relentless tension, proving that the undead can feel terrifyingly new in the right hands.
For fans of horror, history, or just exceptional storytelling, Kingdom remains essential viewing.
Watch the trailer:
