Tree with Deep Roots

This drama is the story of King Sejong and his ambition to create a simpler alphabet then the Chinese system which requires knowledge of hundreds of characters. He created Hangul which is the Korean alphabet which was far more basic and simpler to learn and thus giving access to reading to lots more people. The drama shows a compassionate king who believed that knowledge is power and struggled for a long time to create a simplified alphabet. The problem is that there are many factions who wish to stop him developing a system of educating the masses including even those closest to him. An enjoyable interesting period drama with twists and turns which is worth a watch.

It's about the king who did methodically create the Korean alphabet in the 1400's. In this story the opposition to his intent is fierce. In fact, his alphabet remained controversial for several centuries. The first few episodes of the series are simple-minded and the dialogue seems silly. I almost stopped watching. The story soon gets more compelling and the dialogue more natural. Although some in the +main cast+ are given noticeably little to say but just have to try to look attentive; good humored; worried or sorrowful; wary or alarmed; or wise. The story is suspenseful and exciting. The martial arts scenes are creative and fun, as is the soundtrack. The discussions are interesting about whether +the people+ should be trusted with the power they might gain (over their government) from reading and writing. The mayhem that is the conclusion came about two episodes too late in my opinion and also didn't give me the satisfaction I would have preferred. It has faults but I recommend it as well worth watching. 7 + 1/2 stars.

Only giving this kdrama an 8 cause I absolutely love Lee Soo Hyuk! This kdrama was quite slow but he was fantastic in it, the music was good, and it had a lot of potential. Just not a favorite. Only watched it for my guy;)

one of Koreean series who could be a seductive surprise. because it is different. because it use the romanticism in admirable way as part of a large web of fight for power, idealism, secrets, conspiracies and the truth as step by step hard way. a film noir and a subtle parable about profound chance dimensions of society. a story who gives not spectacular events or nice dramas but questions. who seems be just a historical crime film about the price of freedom and the manner to use the power. so, more a film, a great trip in the heart of history, using classic tools with great impact.

I would have given this a ten but it is a bit dry and long winded running at 24 episodes. Again Lee Soo Hyuk turns in an excellent performance (the only reason I watched it). He had not acted much before this, I think only Ipanema Boy, White Christmas and Vampire Idol? Maybe Vampire Idol came later.

In any event, in everything I have seen he turned in a bad performance only once and that was White Christmas (still manages 50 out of 10 on the hotness scale). He dies beautifully at the end of this drama which manages to tell the story of the development of the Korean alphabet where previously the Chinese alphabet was used? They make this part of an action drama with martial artsesque fight scenes and an entertaining story of kidnap and rivalry.