Yeon Gaesomun (2006)
A grand 100-episode Korean historical epic tracing the rise of Goguryeo's most formidable military dictator.
Yeon Gaesomun - Series Information
- Original Title: 연개소문
- First Air Year: 2006
- Last Air Year: 2008
- Created by: Lee Hwan Kyung
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: War, Politics, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (49 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 100
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: June 8, 2006 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: SBS
- Alternative Titles: Yeon Gaesomun (KR), The Great Hero (US)
- Production Companies: DSP Media
- Production Countries: South Korea
Yeon Gaesomun - Plot
The series follows the life of Yeon Gaesomun, a powerful military dictator in the waning days of the Goguryeo kingdom.
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Yeon Gaesomun - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Lee Hwan Kyung
Main Cast
- Lee Se-eun
- Choi Jae-sung
- Son Tae-young
- Yoo Dong-geun
- Lee Tae-gon
- Kim Kap-soo
- Lee Hyo-jeong
- Sun Dong-hyuk
- Choi Jong-hwan
- Hong Jin-young
Writers
- Lee Hwan Kyung
Yeon Gaesomun - FAQs
Who was Yeon Gaesomun in real history?
Yeon Gaesomun was a real 7th-century military strongman who seized control of the Goguryeo kingdom through a coup, killing King Yeongnu in 642. He became the de facto ruler and famously repelled multiple Tang Chinese invasions, making him one of ancient Korea's most formidable and controversial figures.
What is Yeon Gaesomun about?
The series chronicles the dramatic life of Yeon Gaesomun, a military genius who rose to become the supreme dictator of Goguryeo during the kingdom's turbulent final era. Spanning his youth through his reign, it portrays palace intrigue, brutal warfare, and the clash between Goguryeo and the Tang Chinese empire.
Is Yeon Gaesomun based on a true story?
Yes, the drama is rooted in genuine history. Yeon Gaesomun was a real and towering figure in 7th-century Korean history. While the series dramatizes events and characters for narrative effect, the core story — his coup, his iron-fisted rule, and Goguryeo's wars against Tang China — is grounded in historical record.
Who are the main actors in Yeon Gaesomun?
The ensemble cast includes Yoo Dong-geun and Lee Tae-gon sharing the lead role of Yeon Gaesomun at different life stages, alongside Lee Se-eun, Choi Jae-sung, Son Tae-young, Kim Kap-soo, Lee Hyo-jeong, Sun Dong-hyuk, Choi Jong-hwan, and Hong Jin-young in key supporting roles.
Where can viewers watch Yeon Gaesomun?
Yeon Gaesomun originally aired on SBS in South Korea. Streaming availability varies by region and may be limited given the series' age. Check JustWatch for the most current viewing options in your area, as availability on Korean drama platforms can change over time.
Why does Yeon Gaesomun have two lead actors?
The drama spans Yeon Gaesomun's entire life, from ambitious young warrior to seasoned military dictator. Lee Tae-gon portrays the younger version of the character, capturing his rise and early battles, while Yoo Dong-geun takes over as the older, more powerful Gaesomun — a common storytelling device in long-form Korean historical epics.
How many episodes does Yeon Gaesomun have?
Yeon Gaesomun ran for 100 episodes across a single season, airing on SBS from June 2006 to January 2008. Each episode averages around 49 minutes, making it a substantial epic that allows the story to unfold with considerable depth and historical breadth across its two-year broadcast run.
What are similar shows to Yeon Gaesomun?
Fans of this series often enjoy other sweeping Korean historical dramas such as Jumong (2006), Six Flying Dragons (2015), My Country: The New Age (2019), and Empress Ki (2013). For a broader taste of Asian period epics, The Rebel Princess (2021) and Shōgun (1980) offer similarly grand historical storytelling.
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