KBS Revives Historical Drama Masterpiece Jang Hyuk, Lee Hyun-wook, Jo Sung-ha All Out

A powerhouse in historical dramas, “Munmu on KBS, will feature South Korean representative actors Lee Hyun-wook, Jang Hyuk, Kim Kang-woo, Park Sung-woong, Jung Woong-in, and Jo Sung-ha as part of its plot. Premiering in 2026 on KBS 2TV, the historical drama ‘Munmu’ tells the story of the great unification of the tiny nation of Silla, which triumphed over formidable foes like Goguryeo, Baekje, and even the Tang Dynasty to unite the Three Kingdoms. The show’s directors and writers are Kim Young-jo and Koo Sung-jun, while the show’s producers are KeyEast and Monster Union. Korean screenwriter Kim Ri-heon, winner of the 2021 KBS script contest’s miniseries category, and director Kim Young-jo, known for his work on “Woman of 9.9 Billion,” “Hwarang,” “Jang Yeong-sil,” and “Jingbirok,” have teamed up to create a drama about the epic, lonely, and desperate journeys of leaders who give their lives for a single triumph in the Korean War. Lee Hyun-wook plays Kim Beop-min, Kim Chun-chu’s oldest son and Kim Yu-sin’s maternal nephew. Kim Beop-min is arrogant and brave, yet he is also a cool competitor who will suffer for his nation. After blood, sorrow, and despair on the battlefield, he becomes a monarch who unites. After establishing his reputation in “The Bride of Black” and “Mine,” and lately winning praise for his depiction of Yi Bang-won in “Wonkyung,” which transcends age and circumstance, Lee Hyun-wook is excited to play his next character in “Moonmu.” Jang Hyuk plays Goguryeo’s war deity and brutal dictator Yeon Gaesomun. Yeon Gaesomun’s great leadership and excellent planning led Goguryeo to triumph, but his dictatorship puts a shadow over its future. Jang Hyuk, who has starred in “Family,” “Bad Papa,” “Wok of Love,” and “Voice,” as well as historical dramas including “My Country,” “Deep-Rooted Tree,” and “The Slave Hunters,” returns to KBS’s historical drama series after four years on “Red Heart.” Everyone is watching his chemistry with Lee Hyun-wook. Kim Kang-woo plays Silla’s first true bone king and Kim Beop-min’s father, Kim Chun-chu. Kim Chun-chu’s eloquence and charming smile conceal his ambition and misery. Even when balancing survival and justice, he is a master of pragmatic diplomacy and strategy who always gets what he wants. In dramas like “Tyrant,” “The Spy Gone North,” and “Wonderful World,” and films like “Breakthrough,” “The Prince,” and “Memories of Tomorrow,” Kim Kang-woo is expected to bring his charm to “Moonmu.” Kim Yu-sin the Silla army is played by Park Sung-woong. Kim Yu-sin, a great general, turned Silla’s fate with one swordstroke during its darkest moment. Despite strict military discipline, he first addresses the people’s pain and becomes Silla’s strongest shield and faithful supporter with Kim Chun-chu and his son Kim Beop-min. Park Sung-woong, who has appeared in dramas like “Bullshit,” “National Referendum,” and “Man to Man,” and films like “The Great Battle” and “New World,” is credited with bringing his personal mark to the project. Jung Woong-in plays ruthless realism Kim Jin-ju, a Silla court power broker.

His worldly understanding makes him Kim Chun-chu and Kim Beop-min’s worst antagonist following Bidam’s coup and death. Kim Jin-ju’s survival plan may appear cruel and cowardly, far from patriotism or justice, but that’s what makes him fascinating and sympathetic. After starring in “Let’s Grab a Girl,” “Chief of Staff,” and “Prison Playbook,” Jung Woong-in’s “Moonmu” performance is awaited. Jo Sung-ha plays Go Geon-mu, a Goguryeo war hero who won several battles. Go Geon-mu was a kind ruler who eschewed conflict and sought peace to help his people after taking the throne. However, a coup killed him before Yeon Gaesomun’s assassination. Jo Sung-ha, who has starred in dramas like “The Mantis: A Murderer’s Outing,” “The Beguiled,” “Arthdal Chronicles,” and “The Royal Family,” as well as films like “The Suspect” and “The Yellow Sea,” plans to showcase his acting skills in “Moonmu.” KBS 2TV’s new historical drama ‘Munmu’ is predicted to reignite the ‘historical drama fever’ in 2026 with its ageless subject matter and top-notch cast.