J U M O N G

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 07:09:05 GMT

[41 Romantic Princess (Wu Zun, Angela Zhang)]
[45 Song Ji Hyo (Jumong)]
[24 FIR (Faye)]
[29 Rebuild: Evangelion Trailer]
[09 fate/stay night]
[07 Naruto, Cherry Boom, Eureka7, etc]
over here @ tofumilk

THEY.

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:11:16 GMT

[10] ANYBAND: junsu (4 gifs)
[01] ANYBAND
[06] JUMONG
[03] BIGBANG: Always MV (3 gifs)
[03] DBSK (1 gifs)
[01] SUPER JUNIOR

more @ twinees

i was browsing through and didnt really see any icons, so i did some :D

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 09:05:00 GMT

Look what's coming out on April 24, 2007.
I want~ but it's going to be costly trying to own all four volumes >>;

→ Jumong (Vol.1 of 4) (MBC TV Drama) (US Version)
US$69.99
Publisher: YA Entertainment
Other Information: 7 DVDs (20 episodes)

Filming end.

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 07:30:36 GMT

This is way ahead for me ... but Jumong's already finished filming and they're all heading as a crew to vacation ;_; They definitely need it.

Party pix in celebration of the end.
Han Hye Jin was getting quite emotional~

News and politics

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 00:30:49 GMT

Thought this was interesting, courtesy of twitchfilm

"Registering an impressive average audience rating of 40.7%, Jumong, the MBC-TV historical drama, is thought to have taken in over 45 billion won (US $49 million) in advertising and broadcast rights in the nine months it has aired. The drama's 81st and final episode will air on March 6. Named for the founder of the Koguryo Kingdom (37 BC - 668 AD) in Manchuria and the northern part of the Korean peninsula, the show, initially projected to run for 70 episodes, was extended due to its spectacular success. Each episode carries as many as 32 prime-time advertisements. So far, eight countries have coughed up US $8 million for the right to broadcast the drama locally, including Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines. Marketers shell out 300 million won to lease the show's name for use on alcoholic beverages, men’s cosmetics, and even a brand of rice.

"Meanwhile, the drama has upset Chinese authorities and Internet users, who accuse the show of being chauvinistic and anti-Chinese and charge them with following in the footsteps of Japanese attempts to rewrite history. Jumong, one of four recent television dramas set in the Koguryo Kingdom, depicts the founding myth of the ancient kingdom. The interest in Koguryo-based dramas is tied to a territorial dispute which arose two years ago between Korea and China, and some Chinese scholars have been trying to incorporate the history of the ancient kingdom into that of their own country. The Chinese government denied access to shoot some of the important battle scenes in their country to producers of Yongaesomun by SBS and KBS' Taejoyong and the Chinese Communist Party's information department recently imposed a press embargo on Taewangsasingi, all three dramas set in the Koguryo Kingdom."

[Original Source: The Korea Times, Chosun Ilbo, The Hankyoreh]

I'm always amused that people have to get so uptight in regards to what's depicted in television and movies. They're for entertainment value primarily, and even if there are some artistic licenses being taken or opinions expressed over historical aspects, it's only from a handful of induviduals. I don't understand why China has to start pointing fingers in this case and making it seem that there's a political agenda underneath. Seems they're also doing what they accuse Korea and Japan of, therefore it's a never ending cycle. I've seen this done by so many countries, including last year when Korea got all riled up over views in a Japanese manga, and personally I think it's sad. It's just a TV story, for goodness sake; can't we just enjoy it? o_o

Jumong jewelry

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 20:30:07 GMT

YesAsia sells some lovely looking jewelry with designs inspired by Jumong (link here) and I was wondering if anyone has purchased anything? It's a tad expensive, but there are one or two things I wouldn't mind getting - depending on the quality; I don't want to spend that kind of money on "costume" pieces, you know?

Cast sharing

Sat, 24 Feb 2007 23:20:00 GMT

One of the biggest reasons for my interest in seeing Jumong was because many of the fine actors I loved in Emperor of the Sea were also casted in it. So just for the heck of it, I decided to make a list (with pictures). Perhaps anyone familiar with both titles and farther along than I can point out others, if any?

Of course the obvious one and everyone's favorite, Song Il-Gook (송일국) who starred as Jumong (주몽) and Yeom-moon (염문), who eventually became the historical Yeom-jang (염장)

Bae Soo-Bin (배수빈) starred as the ambitious and deceitful Lord Kim Yang (김양) in EotS and became my favorite person in this series as beautifully quiet Sayong (사용)

Yeo Ho-Min (여호민) was actually my favorite in EotS portraying the loyal pirate warrior Baek-kyung (백경) and again he befriends Song's character, this time as Oi (오이). In an interview I read, Yeo laughed about how many times he worked alongside both Song and Bae, likening them now to his older brothers ♥

Lee Jae-Yong (이재용) plays two men who seem to always look out for their own best interests, but still remain loyal, Royal Military Advisor Budeukbul (부득불) and Master Jo Jang-gil (조장길)

I was surprised to see Choi Woon-Gyo (최운교) appear in Jumong as King Keumwa's General Heukchi (흑치). He'd been in EotS as Master Jo's escort warrior, the ex-gladiator Doo-man (두만). I've found no images of Heukchi, so I snagged a screen capture of Choi as Doo-man

There are, of course, a lot of the same stuntmen and extras, but these are the primary actors that I've noted. Anyhow, enjoy!

How great is he? _

Sat, 24 Feb 2007 14:25:10 GMT

Song Il-gook Voted TV Performer of the Year

The Broadcasting Producer Association of Korea announced Thursday that it had chosen Song Il-gook of “Jumong” as the best TV actor of the year for the 19th Korean Broadcasting Producers Award.

The Award has categories for the best producer, best program, best performer, experimental spirit, and best production. Last year the best TV performer award was shared by actor Kim Myung-min of “Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-shin” and actress Kim Sun-ah of “My Name is Kim Sam-soon.”

The award ceremony will be held at the KBS TV Public Hall on February 23rd and aired on February 28th at 4:30 p.m. on KBS 2TV.

-KBS Global

Introductions all around

Sat, 24 Feb 2007 00:23:00 GMT

Hello to everyone! I was slightly surprised to find this community, and even though it seems rather quiet here, I decided to join. I don't usually watch TV dramas, since they're expensive to purchase and take a lot of time to sit through, but I've been addicted to the historical epics since falling in love with 불멸의 이순신 (The Immortal Lee Soon-Shin) in 2005! So far my favorite is 해신 (Emperor of the Sea), however my first history-based Kdrama was 야인시대 (Rustic Period), about freedom fighter Kim Du-Han, whom actor Song Il-Gook is a descendant of. I'm seeing a theme there. XD

Thankfully AZN Network has started airing Jumong this week, so after nearly a year's wait and anticipation, I'm able to watch the series! Because this journal seems like it could use some activity, I thought maybe we could discuss each episode as it airs on AZN - for those of you who are also watching it on cable, and of course those who have already seen it. So I'll start with a week in review. Please forgive any shoddy spellings or poor descriptions as I've only seen each previous episode once, and it's always difficult to keep up with everything at the start. Also, please know that spoilers abound!

Episode 1 Synopsis

It is the reign of the great Chinese Han empire in 108 B.C. during the dwindling time of the Gojoseon, descendants of ancient Choseon, who have been fighting against the oppression for many years. The Han round up thousands of migrants to condemn as criminals or slaves, and the remaining hope for the Gojoseon people is the Tameul Army, freedom fighters led by the infamous hero Hae Mosu, who has set up base near Puyeo.

During a gladiator fight before the the Han Imperial family inside the chief city, Hyeonto, a bloody battle erupts as one of the exhibitors reveals himself as Hae Mosu, come with his warriors to free migrant prisoners and kill the Han overlords. His "opponent" in the ring is none other than the Crown Prince Keumwa of Puyeo, the two sharing ideals and a close friendship. With a minor success, the rebels flee back to Puyeo, the Crown Prince suffering an injury.

Keumwa's heroic deeds are unknown to his royal family, headed by the sickly King, Haepuru, and guided by the devious Royal Military Advisor, Budeukbul, as he continues to play the demure son. Despite his injury, he asks to be the one to return the Han Emperor's summons for a gathering of the Nobles back in Hyeonto. Once there, Keumwa is disheartened to find a childhood friend, taken as a migrant slave, working as an Army official for Han. But his spirits are lifted as he sees the beautiful Lady Yuhwa of Habaek Village. During their council with the Han regent, they are given a warning not to help Hae Mosu and are forced to watch as the Han's brutal elite warriors, the Iron Army, massacre migrant escapees from the previous assassination. Yuhwa displays great strength as she defies the Han regarding the devastation; she's imprisoned, but released thanks to Keumwa, who is by now totally smitten with her.

Keumwa uses the Han's threat against Puyeo as a springboard to hasten their make of new iron weapons, which he supplies to the Tameul Army. Unfortunately he is discovered in his attempts by Budeukbul, who informs the King of what his son has been doing. Keumwa pleads with his father to join Hae Mosu, and he finally agrees to meet with the rebel hero. However, the Tameul Army has just taken up arms against the Han, unwittingly going against the Iron Army itself. Many escape the assault, but Hae Mosu is hit and falls unconscious into the river.

With both Keumwa and the Iron Army looking for his whereabouts, Hae Mosu is rescued by Lady Yuhwa, who nurses him back to health outside her village. Not quite certain who the hurt stranger is, the Lady devises to use him against her father's efforts to marry her off by saying he's her sweetheart. With much bad luck, the Iron Army gets to the village where news of the stranger has already reached the Lord's ears. After hearing of the threat - and that Yuhwa has indeed grown fond of the man she saved, her longtime idol - Hae Mosu flees in an attempt to spare the Habaek people ...

Episode 2 Synopsis

To no avail. Having gotten wind of his rescue, the Iron Army wipes out the Habaek Village, taking Lady Yuhwa to be executed in public at Hyeonto. Keumwa discovers this, and rescues the Lady, taking her back to Puyeo.

Hae Mosu, however, has found new refuge with the travelling business caravan of Lord Yeontabal. Over lunch, he learns that the Habaek Village was destroyed regardless, and of Yuhwa's capture. Since Yeontabal is going to Hyeonto anyway, Hae Mosu (giving his name as Lee Keung-sung) stays with them as a laborer, hoping to rescue the Lady. During their trip, Yeontabal's wife gives birth to a daughter, Soseono, but the happy event is darkened by a bandit attack. Hae Mosu saves the newborn, and shows his skills as a swordsman - which leads to Yeontabal realizing his true identity.

Once in Hyeonto, Yeontabal decides to sell Hae Mosu to the government, but at the last minute his conscience gets the better of him and he lets the rebel leader go his own way. That way is returning to Puyeo and the Tameul when Hae Mosu learns that Yuhwa was presumed dead after escaping.
Although, once in Puyeo, he is pleasantly surprised to find out that Keumwa had rescued her, and the King was willing to support their uprising.

Unfortunately the King's shaman, Lady Yeo Mieul, does not see everything right with the fate of Puyeo. The coming of the three-legged crow before the Puyeo sun suggests to her that Hae Mosu would usurp all power and threaten their kingdom. And the Crown Prince's wife, Wonhu, does not appreciate Keumwa's fondness for Yuhwa, who has gone to volunteer at the Tameul Army's base to be closer to Hae Mosu. Keumwa himself feels upset about not being the one to win Yuhwa's affections, even though he tells Mieul that he would die for Hae Mosu and wouldn't fight him over a woman.

Oblivious to the unease in Puyeo, Hae Mosu has dedicated himself to training the new troops that Puyeo and the neighboring villages have sent. He does find that he cannot ignore Yuhwa's presence, nor the connection they seem to share, and many times offers his guilts and regrets. Yuhwa holds no grudge against the man of her dreams, instead trusts in him to take revenge for the migrants and Habaek Village - she's just happy to be near him. And then one night, Hae Mosu offers her a ring and says that after the war, he would like to marry her.

Back in the palace of Puyeo, Mieul and Budeukbul decide that they can no longer watch as Hae Mosu drags Puyeo down with him, and they manage to sway King into believing it, too. Therefore, they devise a trap and alert the Iron Army. At first it seems as if Keumwa would lead the Tameul Army in Hae Mosu's stead, but Budeukbul manages to hold him back long enough to spur Mosu forward - and right into their trap.

Captured and tortured, a blinded Hae Mosu is displayed in crucifixion in the public square, which is where Lady Yuhwa finds him. The Crown Prince comes to retrieve her, and in tears she tells him that she is with child.

Episode 3 Synopsis

Learning of his father's betrayal, Keumwa swears to protect Yuhwa and her child, and rescue Hae Mosu. While in transport to Hyeonto, the Crown Prince and remaining Tameul Army manages to save him, but during their escape blind Hae Mosu is unable to follow Keumwa, and the two are separated. From a distance, Keumwa witnesses his friend being shot down by arrows and fall off a cliff into the waters below.

Months later, while King Haepuru lay dying, Yuhwa gives birth to a son, Jumong, whom the Crown Prince wants to raise as his child and have Yuhwa become his concubine. She refuses, wanting to raise the child on her own, as Hae Mosu's only heir.

Not knowing the real reasons, Queen Wonhu is also insulted, since her husband hadn't been there to even witness the birth of their two sons, Taeso and Youngpo. Shaman Mieul is also still disturbed because her vision of the three-legged crow alters - showing that bird not dying, but soaring off into the sky beyond. Budeukbul states that Hae Mosu is indeed dead, but then suspects Jumong may be his offspring and not the Crown Prince. Therefore, he sends the Captain of the Guard to murder Yuhwa and her newborn.

On his mission, the General discovers Yuhwa has fled into the mountains during the encroaching storm, where she is discovered by Han soldiers. The General saves her, but then reveals why he followed - that he was sent by the King to kill her. She asks if the Crown Prince knew, which he of course did not, and awaits her fate. However, Heaven shows its will that they should live by striking the General down dead with lightning (o_O). Spared, Yuhwa reflects on all her ill-fortune, and decides to return to Puyeo, become the Crown Prince's concubine, and let her son grow up to be a Noble - all so that they may take vengeance for Hae Mosu.

Twenty years pass, and King Keumwa has continued Hae Mosu's ideals by building an empire great enough to threaten Han. On the eve of going to battle with a rogue army against Puyeo's attempts at absorbing all the Gojoseon city-states, the King's three songs come to join their father. Eldest Taeso is a tactful and dignified warrior, always looking out for his younger siblings best interests; Youngpo is brash young man, bitter towards his father's affection for his concubine above their mother, the Queen and constantly trying to curry favor; and excitable, naive Jumong, who has never learned the sword and whose greatest interest is pursuing a young shrine maiden. Keumwa is disheartened during the battle when Jumong, who at first held back, is dismounted easily from his horse, allows himself to be unarmed, and finally needs to be saved by his older brother.

In the meantime, Lord Yeontabal shows that he is in the market of buying and selling iron weaponry, and has raised his daughter, Soseono, to be a strong business-woman. He feels it time to send her off on one of his business ventures.

Gaining victory, Keumwa is counciled to halt his ambitions for the time being and return to Puyeo, before Han decides to go to war with the rising empire. The King agrees to return in time to celebrate an upcoming festival. At home, Taeso and Youngpo visit the Queen Mother, who grows sad when the King visits his concubine instead. Keumwa and Yuhwa reflect on how different Jumong is from his father, almost worried that they spoiled him in their pity of the destiny they decided for him. The last straw comes when Jumong once more tries to seduce Buyoung, the shrine maiden, during the festival, and is discovered by Youngpo. Brought before the King, everyone is stunned when he draws his sword on baffled, horrorifed Jumong ...

Episode 4 Synopsis

Thoroughly embarrassed by her son's undignified behavior, Yuhwa pleads with the king to allow her and Jumong to live the palace in an effort to lift some of the shame on the Royal household. Horrorified even more at the thought of leaving, Jumong begs for forgiveness. Keumwa orders that Jumong be given 20 floggings for not attending the festival, but Taeso interjects that wimpy Jumong wouldn't be able to bear such a beating; he asks that he postpone the punishment and not administer it on the eve of the prince's departure to visit the shrine of the sacred Tameul Bow. The King agrees, and Jumong grovels in thanks at his elder brother's feet.

In the Queen's chamber, hot-head Youngpo demands to know why Taeso spared Jumong, and even the Queen voices her displeased confusion. Taeso states that tomorrow is their chance to get Jumong out of the palace and away from the King, a chance to get rid of him in secret and without suspicion. And he has a plan. In his mother's chamber, Jumong whines about the whole ordeal, and Yuhwa is disgusted with his selfishness; the shrine maid, Buyoung, was lashed and cast away because of him. She orders him to go receive the energy from the Tameul Bow, a weapon the founding emperor kept with him while he organized their country, and reflect on what he's done. Jumong shows a little determination.

Outside the palace, the three princes are ordered to with-hold their true identities as a means to protect themselves on their rough journey through the wilderness. En route, Jumong displays a great fondness and trust in his two siblings, a happy-go-lucky kid brother. But the next day, Taeso leaves the lead to Jumong through the marshlands, and in the fog, they allow him to ride on while they turn back. Alone and frantic, Jumong wildly calls for his brethren, but his horse collapses and throws him into quicksand. He's rescued by Soseono and her bodyguard, Wootae, who tie him up and take the astray traveller with them on their business trip.

While Taeso and Youngpo continue the trek through the mountains in search of the resting place of the Bow, Soseono meets with the General of Haegin to sell her weapons. The brute General decides to attack their troop instead of pay, but Wootae and Soseono were ready, and beat them back with their archers and higher-end blades. In an effort to show her might, Soseono orders her men to kill the Haegin warriors. Wootae refuses her, telling her to be a barbarian herself. Instead, she tells the Haegin to leave, and that her father's business would from then on be the military supplier for their enemy, Ohkju.

During her lament that none of her men respect her as a woman, Jumong gets smart-mouthed, which leads him to fight one of their men: if Jumong wins, he can go his way, but if he loses, Soseono declares she'll sell him as a slave. With effort, Jumong manages to actually win a fist-fight! To her word, Soseono leads her caravan to the foot of the Founders Mountain, and because she refuses to Jumong's attempts at paying her back in the future, he decides to at least tell the saucy lass who he is: a prince of Puyeo. Of course, she hardly believes him and lets him to his task, taking her men back home.

Meanwhile, Taeso has figured out the location of the Tameul Bow, leading Youngpo and himself into a vast cave hidden in the mountain. They find the shrine, and pray to their founding father. Taeso attempts to string the mighty Bow, but is unable to bend the wood. Youngpo likewise fails. Even so, they made the trip. Outside on the cliffs the next day, the discuss how to confront the king with the "devastating" news that Jumong died - unknown to them that Jumong has climbed the facade behind them, overhearing their heartless conversation. Once they leave, Jumong enters the cave and prays. Taking up the Tameul Bow, he easily manages to place the bowstring on, but when he goes to draw the Bow, it snaps in half! Jumong can only be horrorified at the meaning behind breaking the sacred Bow ...

Back home, Taeso and Youngpo cry over the untimely death of their little brother, but because they did not find his body, the King order his General Heukchi to take a troop to find him. The brothers decide it would look best if they lead the troop, but as soon as they pass the palace gates, they're met by Jumong limping down the road!

During the celebration to congratulate the three princes, Taeso and Youngpo lie and say that they managed to string the Tameul Bow. And frightened, Jumong lies and says he didn't. Back in his mother's chamber, Jumong tells Yuhwa in tears about his lie - that he was scared to tell the king that he broke the Bow, but he was more afraid of his brothers, who left him for dead ...

My Thoughts

Yes, I had been waiting for this series for almost a year, and in that growing anticipation I agree that I was probably building my own ideas as to how this show would be. Especially after seeing Emperor of the Sea, I imagined how actor Song Il-Gook might fill his first leading role. Oh, how excited I'd been!

First off, I was very disappointed in the opening sequence. One of the best things about Emperor of the Sea had been its AMAZING theme music and set-up, which instantly drew the viewer into the show to come. Jumong is a short montage, with soft, rich orchestrations that I personally feel was anything but captivating. It certainly wasn't as epic even as the Lee Soon-Shin overture. This did, however, set the musical stage as the series itself lacks a quality soundtrack - which surprised me, considering the OST album was the first thing to be released. I always look for music because I feel it lends a great effect on emotions and actions conveyed, so Jumong loses some marks with me in that aspect.

I was also a little unhappy that the quality of the cinematography isn't as crisp and clean as the other shows I've seen, but I am unforgiving of that because I know it costs a lot to make (considering there were rumors that KBS nearly went bankrupt after Lee Soon-Shin). The CG effects were also glaringly obvious, but thankfully there are not that many. Except the bats - the ridiculous bats of Founders Mountain. Ugh.

The introduction did well to use a fight sequence after the history check. Any time swords are involved, it is bound to get everyone's attention. I was amused that a Crown Prince would disguise himself and go before Royals since he seemed fairly old already and I would think he'd be easily recognizable by someone beforehand. He dressed as a gladiator, sporting an eye-patch to boot, while real hero Hae Mosu decides to simply wear a gasa hat and hide part of his face. A little suspicious, wouldn't you think? In the end, though, it had decent action and was a good opening for these two friends.

I'm not sure how well of an idea it was to open with a focus on these characters, though. I had read the original idea was to start off with Jumong as a child, and I personally think that may have been better; I think I would have liked to carry on through the series with his original father being a mystery, and having all the subtle hints between Keumwa and Yuhwa leaving you with that "ooh" sensation. Something a little more to look forward to in the show.

Likewise, it didn't seem at all original. The relationship between Mosu, Yuhwa and Keumwa was very much like the twisted love-hate one in Bichunmoo between childhood lovers Jinha and Sullie, and then involving regretful back-stabber Junkwang. Even the manner in which the women conceive and then hide their child's parentage behind a royal title was the same. The only tiny difference was that Keumwa was a good guy through it all, loyal to Mosu, though still regretful. This is a shame because there is little real history for Jumong, so there was more than enough ample room for artistic license. Instead, they kinda re-did Kim Hye-Ri's story.

Even the moment where Hae Mosu "dies" is just like the film version of Bichunmoo: the arrows, falling into the water, and even the exact camera shot of the body sinking beneath the murky blue. All the same.

But considering this isn't essentially what the series is about, it's good enough. Even Emperor of the Sea had it's own drawbacks, considering the opening was an adult flash-forward and then feeling at times a little slow to progress. Ultimately, these shows are about the characters and they will be the ones to keep my attention, once the story is underway.

Enter Jumong and his brothers. Right away I liked the tension between him and Wonhu's boys, and am certainly looking forward to how their relationship carries out. I really admire Taeso for his big brother role, but it's quite obvious right off the bat that there is a little something more underneath that quiet, warrior exterior - which he proves in episode four with his methodical plan to rid the palace of Jumong, who stole his father's love. Still, I do like the brothers and thus far they've managed to save the show, since at times I've been feeling it a tad slow and much too childlike in its telling of the fantasy epic.

Jumong, I admit, was a surprise. I did not expect him to be a pampered palace brat after that gritty introduction of his parents, but Song Il-Gook plays the good-natured, sociable fellow well, which he already proved to me that he could do by his character in the movie Redeye - what a goof! Even though he can be whiney, he looks utterly adorable and miserable when he does, which makes me want to give him a big old hug, poor guy! But I'm glad they're not really going to play that temperment up, since it could potentially prove annoying (which is not something you want from your main character); it looks like he's about to become a real man in the next several episodes, having made daddy cross. I am excited to watch him "grow up".

Oh, and kudos to Song for swallowing mud in the quagmire - yuck! And for his wonderful expressions inside the cave. The look on his face as he breaks the sacred Bow is priceless! (LOL)

Besides those three, I do feel sorry for Queen Wonhu, but otherwise thus far none of the characters have struck a chord with me. I should warn that already I don't like Soseono, though I know she'll be the female lead from now on. I admire strong women, but I do NOT like mouthy, sassy girls who try too hard to get recognition. A woman can show strength AND be a Lady at the same time, but Soseono proved to me that she's a needy little tomboy-wannabe. At least, that's how she came off to me thus far. And I laughed at her introduction scene with Jumong, where she kicks him down and, while unleashing her whip to strike again, she knocks off her hat and lets her hair flow in the breeze in slow-motion. One, that kind of "shock, it's a beautiful girl" camera shot is way over-done. And two, if she really HAD been raised to fight, she would have better focus as to where the weapon falls near her own body, therefore wouldn't dare hit herself in the head! What a goose.

On the plus side, I was tickled pink at the sudden (yet unglorified) introduction of Sayong, Lord Yeontabal's man. I've been eagerly awaiting this stoic, enigmatic character since eye-balling his photographs on the official website - he reminds me so much of my beloved Nalbal from Lee Soon-Shin and is portrayed by a favored actor from EotS, Bae Soo-bin, that I immediately fell! Sayong hasn't made his mark yet, but hopefully he will soon. *crosses fingers* I'm wondering at his personae, however, because during their ruckus with the Haegin warriors, he didn't lift a finger to fight. At first I thought him a warrior like my Nalbal, but his quietness seems now more scholarly. Quite the mystery.

A few things were a little in poor taste to me (the lightning saving baby-Jumong, for instance) and I can clearly tell that AZN has edited the episodes down, but all in all, this seems to be shaping up into a pretty good drama. Hopefully soon we'll see some heavy character moments and more action! I am definitely waiting for it!!

EDIT 04/06/2007: We are now up to Episode 34 on AZN and in all honesty, I don't care for this particular show. I find it incredibly pretencious, predictable, and shallow. I don't feel attached to any of the characters, and I HATE Soseono with a passion! >.< Truly, I am watching this show now, randomly, for actors Yeo Ho-Min and Bae Soo-Bin and no other reason. Seriously, I do not know the reason why this series was so well received; even on this LJ it seems the only stand-out point for everyone is Song Il-Gook. Haven't heard any other good things about Jumong. *shrugs*

Men of Jumong

Fri, 26 Jan 2007 10:28:38 GMT

I thought this would be an interesting image to share~

Basic of all basics

Sat, 20 Jan 2007 10:38:31 GMT

So how did you all get into this series?
Where are you episode-wise?
What do think of 송일국 (song il guk)?
... and is the fact that this is 60 episodes long killing you? 8D

Interested?

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 10:24:08 GMT

Wow people actually joined this community ^_^

I need help~ so i'm looking for people who can help maintain since I barely have time.
We should probably get discussions and things going in the community, what do you think?