The Great Queen Seondeok (2009)
An epic Korean historical drama following the extraordinary rise of Silla's first queen, blending palace intrigue, romance, and political power struggles.
The Great Queen Seondeok - Series Information
- Original Title: 선덕여왕
- First Air Year: 2009
- Last Air Year: 2009
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, History
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (64 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 62
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: English, Korean
- First Air Date: May 25, 2009 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: MBC
- Alternative Titles: Queen Seondeok (US), 善德女王 (CN), Seonduk yeowang (KR)
- Production Countries: South Korea
The Great Queen Seondeok - Plot
The life story of Queen Seondeok, the first queen of the Korean people during the Silla Dynasty.
The Great Queen Seondeok - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a glimpse of the epic world of Silla's legendary queen.
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The Great Queen Seondeok - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Lee Yo-won
- Nam Ji-hyun
- Kim Nam-gil
- Ko Hyun-jung
- Uhm Tae-woong
- Lee Hyun-woo
- Park Ye-jin
- Shin Sae-kyeong
- Yoo Seung-ho
- Qri
Writers
- Sang-yeon Park
- Kim Young-hyun
The Great Queen Seondeok - FAQs
Is The Great Queen Seondeok based on a true story?
Queen Seondeok was a real historical figure — the 27th ruler of the Silla Kingdom and the first woman to reign as queen in Korean history. The drama takes creative liberties with her life, weaving in fictional characters and storylines, but her rise to power and reign are rooted in genuine history.
Who are the main actors in The Great Queen Seondeok?
The series stars Lee Yo-won as Princess Deokman, Kim Nam-gil as the enigmatic Bidam, Ko Hyun-jung as the formidable Lady Mishil, and Uhm Tae-woong as the legendary general Kim Yushin. Nam Ji-hyun and Park Ye-jin round out the central ensemble with memorable performances.
What is the ending of The Great Queen Seondeok explained?
The finale delivers an emotionally devastating conclusion. Bidam, who had become a rebel leader, is executed despite his deep love for Deokman. She ascends fully as Queen Seondeok, but the victory is bittersweet. The ending underscores the immense personal cost of power and remains one of Korean drama's most discussed and heartbreaking finales.
Why did Bidam turn against Queen Seondeok?
Bidam's rebellion stems from a tragic misunderstanding and manipulation by political rivals. Deeply in love with Deokman yet consumed by insecurity and betrayal, he is pushed toward revolt by those who exploit his vulnerabilities. His arc is widely regarded as one of the most compelling and emotionally complex in Korean historical drama.
Where can you stream The Great Queen Seondeok?
The Great Queen Seondeok is available to stream on OnDemandKorea (with subscription or ad-supported viewing) and Kocowa, including via the Kocowa Amazon Channel. These platforms offer the full series for fans of Korean historical dramas in the United States.
How many episodes does The Great Queen Seondeok have?
The series consists of 62 episodes across one main season, with 2 additional special episodes also available. Each episode runs approximately 64 minutes, making it a substantial and immersive watch for fans of epic historical storytelling.
What are similar shows to The Great Queen Seondeok?
If you enjoyed The Great Queen Seondeok, you might love Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth, which also explores Silla-era Korea, or Empress Ki and Scarlet Heart: Ryéo for more sweeping Korean historical romance and political intrigue. My Country: The New Age is another strong pick for fans of power struggles and epic battles.
When did The Great Queen Seondeok first air?
The Great Queen Seondeok premiered on May 25, 2009, in South Korea on the MBC network. It aired through the end of 2009 and became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas of that year, captivating audiences with its grand historical scope and complex characters.
More About The Great Queen Seondeok
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