KOTW is the sequel to Jumong, a Korean classic epic drama. I just finished the 36 eps and my heart is heavy again! As always, these epic stories based on historical data are bittersweet, meant to tug at the heart and tend to stretch the series by VERY slowly developing every major character. This could've been finished in 25 episodes. But...I loved it, even if the ending was so sad...but, they always leave you wanting more...always leaving with questions unanswered. Seeing Song Il Gook (Jumong) playing his grandson, Muhyul, made me a bit apprehensive at first, but it made so much sense! Why not look like his grandfather? The main cast of leading men were all believable and absolutely macho/handsome and the lead women were all beautiful/terrific. I loved the best friends of Muhyul and their love and loyalty to each other. The bad guys-led by Dojin (Park Gun Hyung), King Daeso (veteran Han Jin Hee) and Bae Geuk (Jung Sung Mo)-were evil personified. Killing to them was a sport! King Yuri (veteran actor Jung Jin Young) was Jumong's son who hardly knew his father and came out weak and sometimes, hesitant. There are too many fabulous actor to mention here. BRAVO to all!
The music was perfect, but became repetitive with many hour-long episodes. The male vocalist who sang about LOVE was quite passionate, and always made me tear up. Costumes (for that time frame) were elegant and colorful and I find the Goguryu era hairstyles preferable to the later Joseon era of man-buns and "witch's hats" or the humongous wigs of the courtesans. Thank you to the Directors, Screenwriters, producers, stunt choreographers, horse trainers and film crew for your hard work on a marvelous piece. I would recommend this to all who loved Jumong or just to historical drama fans.
