Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin (2004)
The sweeping Korean epic that reimagines a legendary naval commander as a deeply human figure forged by war, duty, and sacrifice.
Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin - Series Information
- Original Title: 불멸의 이순신
- First Air Year: 2004
- Last Air Year: 2005
- Created by: Lee Sung-joo, 김정규
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 106
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: September 4, 2004 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: KBS1
- Alternative Titles: 不灭的李舜臣 (CN), The Immortal Yi Soon Shin (US)
- Production Companies: KBS
- Production Countries: South Korea
Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin - Plot
Admiral Yi Sun-shin, who led the Joseon Navy to a myth of invincibility during the Hideyoshi invasion, was a true soldier and leader who struggled to protect people. Drama Yi Sun-shin is not a biography of Admiral Yi Sun-shin, nor does it inetnd to reconstruct a part of the Joseon Dynasty that existed in the 16th century. This drama will merely look into many human beings, incliuding Yi Sun-shin, who underwent an extreme situation. It is not just a historical drama series. It's rather about human nature that makes both of the war and peace. It is a Korean version of "War and Peace" in 21st century. No hero has ever been sent by heaven. He has emerged as one ultimately after undergoing a lifelong process. Drama Yi Sun-shin is designed to shed a new light upon him as a human being.
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Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Lee Sung-joo
- 김정규
Main Cast
- Kim Myung-min
- Choi Cheol-ho
- Choi Jae-sung
- Kim Ha-kyoon
- Lee In
- Kim Gyu-ri
- Ki Joo-bong
- Lee Hyo-jeong
- Jang Soon Gook
- Kim Dong-seok
Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin - FAQs
Is Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin based on a true story?
The drama is rooted in real history. Yi Sun-sin was a genuine 16th-century Korean naval commander who defended Joseon against Japanese invasion during the Imjin War. The series reimagines him not as a mythic hero but as a deeply human figure shaped by extraordinary circumstances.
Who plays Yi Sun-sin in the drama?
Kim Myung-min takes on the iconic role of Yi Sun-sin, delivering a performance widely praised for its emotional depth and physical commitment. The supporting cast includes Choi Cheol-ho as King Seonjo, Lee In as Prince Gwanghae, and Choi Jae-sung as rival commander Won Gyun.
What makes Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin different from other historical dramas?
Rather than presenting Yi Sun-sin as a larger-than-life legend, the series frames itself as a Korean War and Peace — a sweeping examination of human nature under extreme pressure. It explores how ordinary people, soldiers, and leaders alike are forged or broken by the chaos of war.
Where can you watch Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin?
Episodes of Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin are available to purchase on Amazon Video. Availability may vary by region, so checking your local digital storefronts is recommended for the most current options.
How many episodes does Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin have?
The series ran for 106 episodes across a single season, airing on KBS1 from September 2004 through August 2005. Its ambitious scope allowed the drama to trace Yi Sun-sin's journey in remarkable depth, from peacetime struggles to the full arc of the Imjin War.
When did Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin first air?
The series premiered on September 4, 2004, in South Korea on KBS1. It concluded in 2005 after 106 episodes, becoming one of the most ambitious historical dramas produced by KBS, the country's leading public broadcaster.
What are similar shows to Immortal Admiral Yi Sun-sin?
Fans of this series often enjoy Six Flying Dragons, My Country: The New Age, and Mr. Sunshine for their blend of Korean history and human drama. Jewel in the Palace and Haechi offer similarly rich Joseon-era storytelling with strong central characters navigating political and personal conflict.
What historical conflict does the drama depict?
The drama centers on the Imjin War (1592–1598), Japan's devastating invasion of the Korean peninsula under Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Yi Sun-sin's legendary naval campaigns — including his brilliant use of the turtle ship — are central to the story, set against the wider collapse and resilience of the Joseon Dynasty.
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