Drama title: Lee [pronounced Yi] San 李祘 [音算]
Genre: Historical
No. of episodes: 77
(September 2007 - June 2008)
Synopsis:
李祘 -- 18世纪后期，朝鲜时代第22代君主。
500年的朝代历史中，他是经历最为坎坷也是思想最开放，用最民主的方法包容了一切的圣君。
在这部剧中将表现李祘人生的等待和挫折，成功和喜悦，辉煌的成绩和令人伤感的爱情。（yes, I got lured into this drama by this -.-)
Lee San -- The 22nd King of the Joseon dynasty in the late 18th century.
A sagacious King who loved his people and ruled for the commoner. His ordeals and regrets, and his triumphs and achievements will be depicted in this drama.
Cast:
(L to R) Lee Han Na as young Seong Song Yeon,
Park Ji Bin as young Lee San
Lee Seo Jin as Lee San 李祘 / King Jeong Jo 正祖大王
The sagacious Joseon 22nd monarch
Despite witnessing the terrible execution of his father, Crown Prince Sado, at the tender age of 11, he never lost his bright and determined personality.
Like his grandfather, King Yeong Jo, he was intelligent and sharp, but his warm and benevolent personality made him different.
During his short 24 years reign, besides rejuvenating the arts and culture, he also left behind many great achievements in the areas of politics and economics.
Han Ji Min as Seong Song Yeon 成松淵 / Lady Eui 宜嬪 成氏
Lee San's childhood friend and love of his life
First met Lee San in the palace at the age of 11, few days before Crown Prince Sado passed away.
She loved painting and had the talents to match since her late father was also an artist. Through the help of a relative working in the Arts Bureau, she managed to enter the palace as a palace maid where she met San.
Since the first encounter, she had been thinking of San. Meanwhile she worked as a Damo in the Arts Bureau, but it was not until 10 years later before they finally met again.
Finally, she became San's royal concubine and gave birth to their first Prince -- Crown Prince Mun Hyo.
Lee Soon Jae as King Yeong Jo 英祖大王
Lee San's grandfather, the 21st King of the Joseon dynasty.
A sharp and focused perfectionist who was well-versed in knowledge. He was a wise and dilligent ruler who was constantly working.
Known to be quick-tempered, he confined his son, Crown Prince Sado, to a rice chest which eventually led to his death. This was his biggest regret.
He loved his grandson, San. But the greater the love, the harsher he was in nurturing and grooming him to become the next King.
Park Eun Hye as Queen Hyo Eui 孝懿王后
Lee San's royal consort.
Married Lee San at the age of 10, she possessed a demure and virtuous personality. Even though she was jealous of San's love for Song Yeon, but she remained warm and sincere towards Song Yeon.
Helped to bring Song Yeon into the palace as San's concubine. She led a lonely live as she was unable to bear any children.
Played a key role in ousting Hong Guk Yeong from court.
Lee Jong Soo as Park Dae Su 朴大壽
Lee San's childhood friend and warrior.
Together with Song Yeon, he first met Lee San when he was a boy. Since then he made a vow to serve San with his life, a promise kept for over 30 years. A man of few words, and when he makes up his mind, he was determined to accomplish the task.
He later became the Chief Commander of the Imperial Guards and was personally in charge of San's safety. Together with Baek Dong Soo, he completed Joseon's first books on martial arts.
A lonely character whose love for Song Yeon was unrequited as she was in love with San.
Han Sang Jin as Hong Guk Yeong 洪國榮
Lee San's trusted adviser
A loyal subject with a brilliant mind, helped San out of many tight spots and assisted him to the throne. However, his inability to curb his greed for power led to his tragic end.
Kyeon Mi Ri as Lady Hye Gyeong 惠慶宫 洪氏
Lee San's mother
A pitiful character who had to hide her sorrows in the build-up and after the death of her husband, Crown Prince Sado, to lend support to her son, San.
Kim Yeo Jin as Queen Jeong Soon 貞純王后
King Yeong Jo's royal consort
Leader of the Noron faction who was responsible for the death of Crown Prince Sado. A cunning two-faced character who managed to deceives everyone of her true intentions with her virtuous appearance.
(L to R) Seong Hyeon Ah as Princess Hwa Wan 和緩翁主,
King Yeong Jo's daughter, Lee San's aunt
A candid and straightforward person, with the boldness to match that of a man's. However, she was another character responsible for the death of Crown Prince, her own brother.
Jo Yeon Woo as Jeong Hoo Gyeom 鄭厚謙
Princess Hwa Wan's adoptive son, Lee San's archenemy
A genius who passed the civil examinations at 18 and became the youngest Grade 3 official by age 20, earning the trust of King Yeong Jo. San's greatest enemy.
Lee Chang Hoon as Crown Prince Sado 思悼世子
Lee San's father
Framed by the Noron faction, and confined to a rice chest by King Yeong Jo where he died eight days later. Despite appearing only in the first episode, the importance of this character was evident throughout the whole drama.
< Trailer
> Episodes 1 - 10
