Ballad of Seo-dong (2005)
A sweeping South Korean historical drama tracing one man's extraordinary rise from royal outcast to king, driven by love and destiny.
Ballad of Seo-dong - Series Information
- Original Title: 서동요
- First Air Year: 2005
- Last Air Year: 2006
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 55
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: September 5, 2005 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: SBS
- Alternative Titles: Seo-dong Yo (KR)
- Production Companies: KIMJONGHAK PRODUCTION
- Production Countries: South Korea
Ballad of Seo-dong - Plot
This drama is loosely based on one of Korea's oldest folk songs. Suh Dong was the illegitimate son of the Baekje king and with the help of Princess Sun Hwa, the daughter of the king of the Silla, he went on to become the king of Baekje against all odds.
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Ballad of Seo-dong - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kim Young-ho
- Lee Bo-young
- Lee Chang-hoon
- Jo Hyun-jae
- Sulli
- Ryu Jin
- Kim Woo-seok
Writers
- Kim Young-hyun
Ballad of Seo-dong - FAQs
Is Ballad of Seo-dong based on a true story?
The series draws from one of Korea's oldest folk songs and the semi-legendary figure of King Mu of Baekje. While the romance between Suh Dong and Princess Seonhwa is rooted in ancient Korean lore, the drama takes significant creative liberties, weaving fictional characters and storylines around the historical framework.
Who plays the lead roles in Ballad of Seo-dong?
Jo Hyun-jae takes on the role of the young Seo-dong, the illegitimate prince destined to become king, while Lee Bo-young portrays Princess Seonhwa of Silla. Kim Young-ho plays the adult Buyeo Seon, and Ryu Jin appears as the scheming nobleman Sataek Gi-ru.
What is the story of Ballad of Seo-dong about?
Set during the Three Kingdoms period of ancient Korea, the drama follows Suh Dong, the illegitimate son of the Baekje king, as he rises against all odds to claim the throne. His journey is intertwined with a sweeping romance with Princess Seonhwa, daughter of the rival Silla kingdom.
Where can you stream Ballad of Seo-dong?
Ballad of Seo-dong is available to stream on OnDemandKorea. Availability may vary depending on your region, so checking your local streaming services is recommended for the most up-to-date viewing options.
What ancient kingdoms are featured in Ballad of Seo-dong?
The drama centers on the rivalry and romance between the kingdoms of Baekje and Silla, two of the Three Kingdoms of ancient Korea. Their political tensions and cultural differences form the dramatic backdrop against which Suh Dong and Princess Seonhwa's forbidden love story unfolds.
How many episodes does Ballad of Seo-dong have?
Ballad of Seo-dong ran for 55 episodes across a single season, airing on SBS in South Korea from September 2005 through early 2006. Each episode runs approximately 60 minutes, making it a substantial and immersive historical epic.
What network originally aired Ballad of Seo-dong?
The series originally aired on SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System), one of South Korea's major free-to-air television networks. It premiered on September 5, 2005, and concluded in 2006, becoming part of SBS's tradition of producing ambitious historical dramas.
What are similar shows to Ballad of Seo-dong?
Fans of Ballad of Seo-dong often enjoy other Korean historical dramas such as Dong Yi (2010), Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016), Emperor of the Sea (2004), and Su Baek-hyang, the King's Daughter (2013), all of which blend royal intrigue, romance, and period adventure in compelling ways.
More About Ballad of Seo-dong
Explore further details about this series on the following resources.