Presentation
Korean Title: 바람과 구름과 비
Aired in: 2020 (21 episodes)
Channel: TV Chosun
Grade: 10/10
Actors: Park Shi Hoo and Go Sung Hee
For more…
Park Shi Hoo:
– My Golden Life
– Babel
– The Princess’ Man
– Lovely Horribly
Go Sung Hee:
– My Holo Love
– Mother
– Suits
– Diary of a Night Watchman
Historical realism:
– Empress Ki
– Nokdu Flower
– Mr. Queen
– Mr. Sunshine
Preview
Synopsis
Choi Chun Jung and Lee Bong Ryun fell in love when they were young. They both have special abilities that allow them to know future events. Together, Chun Jung and Bong Ryun try to fight their own fate, while changing the kingdom’s.
My Opinion (No Spoilers)
Pure genius! I was not expecting so many emotions coming from an historical drama, but damn Kingmaker really got me from beginning to end. It could’ve clearly been a 50-episode drama and I would have watched it until the last episode. I really had the impression at some moments that the drama was constructed as such; we have 2 main chapters with the Kim family and Heungseon Gun; but I was not bored even once!
If you like historical drama, go for it! It was awesome, and I am usually really hard to convince regarding this genre!
Analysis
- Characters
Choi Chun Jung
Lee Bong Ryun
Heungseon Gun
Secondary characters - The plot
The blurry boundary between fiction and reality
Mysticism, destiny and shamanism - The romance
- The ending
- The title of the drama
- Bonus: The artistic direction
Characters:
Choi Chun Jung (Park Shi Hoo) is just amazing! He is intelligent, kind, generous, considerate, not greedy, not jealous, loving and affectionate, capable of fighting and a strategist always thinking ahead of time. Plus, he has a vision (for the country) and visions (on how to create the country he wishes his people to live in). He is daring and courageous. In a nutshell, almost the perfect man. That’s why, I totally understand how Lee Bong Ryun (Go Sung Hee) can fall in love with him. Plus, he is literally invincible. If I had to count the number of times Chun Jung should’ve died in the drama, clearly that would be counted on at least a hand! Still, he is the epitome of the hero. He represents in some ways democracy because of his open-mindedness and tolerance. Moreover, his beliefs and his ideas force him to fight, especially when he tries to open the eyes of the royal family and make them understand that times have changed. His greatest strength is his capacity of seeing further than the near future for his country. He doesn’t see 3 years in advance but rather 10/15 years, providing him with clearer insights on the potential dangers (especially in these troubled times in which Joseon is being invaded by Westerners). There are clearly not enough ways to demonstrate how capable Choi Chun Jung is, so I really recommend you watch the drama instead!
Lee Bong Ryun is, in my opinion, the female Choi Chun Jung. They are a lot alike, which turns them into the absolute pair. She has the exact same qualities, her greatest one for me being her ability to forgive people, particularly Chae In Gyu (Sung Hyuk). This character fell in love with her when they were young and has since been obsessed with her. He wishes to possess her, when Bong Ryun has already given her heart to Chun Jung. Therefore, In Gyu decides that if he can’t have her, no one can. He torments her (and Chun Jung) several times, adding to their current sufferings. Fortunately, Chun Jung’s magnanimity allows him to repent by protecting Bong Ryun and dying as a savior. A good ending for a character who has been quite a pain throughout the drama.
If Choi Chun Jung is all that is good in a human being, Heungseon Gun (Jeong Kwang Leol) is the exact opposite. His beliefs and dreams of a great Joseon are clouded by his paranoïa, greed, jealousy and power thirst. All of these negative emotions destroying the country and transforming him into a tyrant. I think Kingmaker really showed what’s best and worst in human nature. It showed how two paths coming from the same root can go down differently depending on the individual’s mindset. As a reminder, in the first part of the drama both Chun Jung and Heungseon Gun are allies in order to take down the Kim family. Once the family is removed, the latter replaces them, proving that a new tyrant will always emerge after the death of a previous one.
History in the drama is depicted as cyclical, with events constantly repeating themselves: A new tyrant, a new King, new sufferings. Destiny is in place and participates to this everlasting cycle. Choi Chun Jung tries to prevent that cycle from continuing and repeating itself. Thankfully, his visionary ideas and visions allow him to see beyond and find ways to break the cycle.
There are a lot of characters that I should also mention, as they deserve the spotlight too, but then that review will be never-ending. To quote a few, I have to evoke Empress Myeongseong (Park Jung Yeon) who grows more poerful by the day; the Queen Mother (the fixed power in the palace that doesn’t move); Chun Jung’s friends and of course the wolf of Baekdu Yeon Chi Sung (Lim Hyun Soo); who is by the way probably one of my favorite characters in the drama.
The plot: Kingmaker is typically the kind of drama that managed to transport and immerse me completely in its story. It is usually very difficult for me to be satisfied when I watch a sageuk (historical drama), because the stories tend to be quite similar and to lack originality. The same themes of betrayal, family feuds and fights over the same woman repeat themselves over and over again. Therefore, I tend to avoid these stories out of fear of being bored. Yet, Kingmaker managed to introduce me to many elements that could’ve made me run away and turned them into real assets. The plot was beautifully well written and got me hung up on the drama during all of its 21 episodes.
The blurry boundary between fiction and reality: The first major asset of the drama, in my opinion, is its capacity to mix real life and fiction in such a way that even the viewer is not able to draw the line between myth and reality. There is a certain number of historical figures presented from the get-go and that have left a real print in South Korea’s history. King Kojong and particularly Empress Myeongseong are emblematic figures of the 19th century. Moreover, I didn’t doubt for a second that some ministers and high-ranking families in the drama were also part of History. Even at the end, Kwak Nak Won that we meet as a child is destined to do great things during the Korean resistance and fight for independence.
Despite the presence of these deeply-rooted historical figures, the drama was able to incorporate other fictitious characters who gave the impression they were also real. Moreover, Kingmaker goes even further by transforming these fictitious figures into main leads, giving them the power over the destiny of actual people. Indeed, Choi Chun Jung is in fact the mastermind behind the establishment of the King and the Queen as heads of the royal family, when at first nothing destined them to become royals. Chun Jung and his friends are the ones pulling the strings behind the stage.
Not only the people, but also the events such as the Great Fire of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1866 are depicted, conveying an even stronger realistic vibe to the drama; that almost convinced me of the veracity of the tale.
I found this mix of reality and fiction very audacious at first glimpse, but so well mastered that I wished Chun Jung was an actual person.
Mysticism, destiny and shamanism: More than just creating a rational and realistic chronological timeline, Kingmaker also calls for some mystical forces, responsible as well for the historical events. Indeed, Choi Chun Jung is a gifted fortune teller, able to predict the future and reading prophecies at all time in the drama. In my opinion, he is a sort of Messiah, sent to protect people and the country before the invasion destroys it. Still, just like most Messiahs, he is not listened to and his capacities scare many greedy and powerful men, protecting their selfish interests. Even though Chun Jung tried to save the country by swaying the royal family and placing his pawns (like Empress Myeongseong) inside the palace, its resistance, particularly Heungseon Gun, is too strong. Therefore, he is forced to opt for another method: if he can’t persuade the leaders to act for the country, then he should turn towards the people to protect it. It was very beautiful to see that shift in Chun Jung’s vision by the end of the drama. He was very determined and strong-willed against the royals, but eventually realized that the people making the country were actually stronger and worth saving. Thus, he decides to change his target and devotes his prediction to one of the first hotbeds of resistance from what I understood.
Destiny holds a great place in that drama and I really saw a constant fight between the main couple and fate. Because Bong Ryun and Chun Jung have an ill-fated relationship in the first place, they have to overcome a huge number of obstacles to turn this relationship into a good one. As a reminder, Bong Ryun is supposed to be responsible for Choi Chun Jung’s death. Even if I believe the ending is very close to that reading; Bong Ryun is captured by Heungseon Gun and Chun Jung shot at while rescuing her; Chun Jung cheats death and learns from his past (he is shot at but is wearing at the same time a shield). Both are able to escape destiny’s terrible plan and prove that you are, yourself, master of your own path. What you do today will influence your tomorrow.
I have to say, the presence of destiny as this omnipotent power that controls everyone’s life and can’t be fought added an element of gravity and seriousness. On the other side, mysticism and shamanism (the other side of the occult) convey a much lighter and romantic vibe. Indeed, Chun Jung is capable of controlling fireflies and sends them several times to Bong Ryun as a sign of love, which adds a fairytale-like atmosphere to the overall ambiance. Moreover, it is a way to show he is still alive. Bong Ryun is also an incredible fortune-teller with great powers. She sides with Chun Jung and they set their plans into motion together. Unfortunately for Bong Ryun, she is often persecuted and chased after for her valuable ability, turning her life into misery. To her, being able to see the future is a curse that is used to fuel the ambitions of rich noble families. Her only way out is Chun Jung, who doesn’t wish to use her gift, but rather complement it with his own.
A lot of other scenes resort to mysticism to lighten the mood: readings with the noble ladies, the Red Monk and Chun Jung’s as a fortune teller doing his own readings…
I don’t know if I could be able to decide whether being a fortune-teller is a blessing or a curse? What I found out with this drama is that if used for the right reasons, it is clearly a blessing for the gifted individual and the people around.
The romance: What to say about that main couple!? They were just the best! I rooted for them from the first episode, and prayed for a happy ending so much. Let me quickly summarize their sweet story. Bong Ryun is the daughter of a fortune-teller (it’s a family thing) and meets a young lord named Choi Chun Jung. She rescues him after he trips in the forest and is abandoned by his alleged friend Chae In Gyu (that little b******). They immediately fall in love and enjoy some innocent and peaceful moments together, until Bong Ryun’s gift is discovered by the Kim family. Moreover, they discover she is a Princess and decide to imprison her. She is separated from her lover and her mother. Choi Chun Jung looks for her everywhere, in vain. They reunite years later and almost get married. However, the event fails and Chun Jung’s father is killed. Bong Ryun is indirectly responsible, as she had to lie and incriminate Chun Jung’s father in order to protect her mother. Time passes by and they meet again. They clear up their misunderstandings and decide to fight destiny and the prophecy about their ill-fated relationship. A long journey starts for both lovers at that time, having to go through many ups and downs before they can be together. A few episodes before the end of the drama, they finally seem to have find their refuge with a bunch of friends. However, Heungseon Gun’s jealousy makes him burn the place down and try to assassinate Chun Jung. The latter is forced to embark for England, where he stays for 3 years; while Bong Ryun loses her memory and is used by Heungseon Gun as a shaman. So 3 years later, Chun Jung comes back and gets his woman back (thanks God!). She eventually recovers her lost memory and (joy and happiness), we also find out that they actually have a 3-year old son together! Some issues pop up (as usual I want to say) and Bong Ryun is captured again by Heungseon Gun. Chun Jung is shot at, while rescuing her. She is convinced he is dead but has to escape for the sake of their child. Some years later, she and their friends are living happily on a land Chun Jung purchased in the past. They are preparing for the resistance and exactly at that time, Chun Jung comes back, explaining he used a shield to protect himself from being shot at.
Okay, now you have the entire love story. They really were a huge number of obstacles before they eventually reunited and got to live their life together. Still, the couple was amazing: they were solid and strong, respecting and protecting each other as much as they could. They were never swayed and also trusted the other, no matter what. Plus, the chemistry between Park Shi Hoo and Go Sung Hee was so good! The drama really balanced romance, sweet gestures and cheesy cues with tougher moments of separation and pain. Anyway, the couple was so worth it and the reunion, heartwarming! And their child is so cute!
The ending: Not a lot to say that is different from what I explained before. The ending was really satisfying: our lovers reunite, Chun Jung gets back to his friends and family, there is romanticism and empowering cues, inviting you to fight against your own destiny. Plus, a new chapter is starting: after fighting the Kim family and Heungseon Gun, Bong Ryun and Chun Jung have the tough task to prepare and take on the resistance fight for Korean Independence. If they do a sequel, I will clearly watch it!
The title of the drama: The Korean title means literally “Wind, Cloud and Rain”. These are elements that are, for me, associated with nature and the ephemeral passing of life. Moreover, they can’t be controlled and tamed. Just like in the drama, I can clearly draw a parallel between these forces of nature and destiny that leaves its prints on people’s lives. Plus, these elements are very often present in the story: the rain for example is dominant during Empress Myeongseong’s crowning, while Choi Chun Jung looks at the palace from afar, under the tempest.
The choice for the English title is as good, if not better, than the original one. Once again, Kingmaker: The Change of Destiny echoes the power of fate, but also emphasizes on the ability to shift it. It also sheds light on the central theme of that drama: Chun Jung’s ability to turn people into royals. I also believe we can draw a parallel between the title and the main couple’s story, since the change of their destiny clearly happened. None of them betrays or kills the other one.
Bonus: The artistic direction: Just amazingly directed. If I had to talk about the photography and direction of the drama, I think the best 2 scenes are those of the crownings. Under the rain, with majesty and power, both the King and Queen are led down their destined path. Many angles and scenes were beautifully filmed and emphasized the strength of the dialogue.
In terms of music, the violin music gave this fairy-like atmosphere, while the instrumentals gave power to the royalty. Sadness and nostalgia were also conveyed by this awesome playlist. My favorite song is by far Eru “Wind, Cloud and Rain” definitely reminding me of an OST straight out of a 2000s romantic drama! A funny choice, yet so addictive!
P.S.: Am I the only one who had problems pronouncing Choi Chun Jung’s name?
P.S.2: Anyone else sees parallels with Different Dreams, as if this drama was the continuation of Kingmaker years later? I mean, the house in the mountain looks exactly the same, actor Jo Bok Rae is also in both dramas (plays Yong Pal Yong in Kingmaker). By the way, it would actually make sense since the director Yun Sang Ho is the same for both dramas. What do you think?
Once Upon a Drama 