Emperor of the Sea

Emperor of the Sea is a South Korean television drama series directed by Kang Il-soo and Kang Byung-taek and starring Choi Soo-jong, Chae Shi-ra, Song Il-gook and Soo Ae. It aired on KBS2 from November 24, 2004 to May 25, 2005 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:50 for 51 episodes. The historical drama is based on Choi In-ho's novel of the same title, which depicts the life of Jang Bogo, who rises from a lowly slave to a powerful maritime figure who dominated the East Asia seas and international trade during the Unified Silla Dynasty. The drama was received extremely well, holding the number one spot in the ratings for majority of the weeks it aired. It was also exported to eight countries earning approximately US$1.8 million in profits. The filming set in Wando County, South Jeolla Province also became a tourist attraction.

Emperor of the Sea (2004-2005) is a South Korean historical drama series created by Choi In-ho for KBS2. Adapted from Choi's novel, it follows Jang Bogo (Choi Soo-jong), a man who rises from lowly slavery to become a powerful maritime figure commanding the seas and international trade of East Asia. Song Il-gook, Chae Shi-ra and Soo Ae play principal figures tangled in his rise, with rivalry, loyalty and romance pulling against his ambitions. Each episode builds on court intrigue, naval clashes and sword fights as Jang Bogo pushes his trade empire outward across the water. Spanning a single season of fifty-one long episodes, the series unfolds as one continuous saga set in the Unified Silla Dynasty, where ships, merchants and royal politics shape every choice. Its tone is sweeping and romantic, with moments of cruelty and a nostalgic grandeur that pulls viewers into a world of ambition and sea power. Fans of Jewel in the Palace, Dong Yi and sweeping Korean period epics will find much to admire here, a classic example of how KBS2 historical dramas blend spectacle with intimate personal stakes across a long, immersive run.

• Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum)epic historical drama, rise from humble origins, period court and maritime intrigue
• Dong Yisweeping korean period epic, political rivalry and ambition in a royal-era setting
• Pirates of the Caribbeanlarge scale historical action adventure, seafaring and warfare tradition

Created by

Choi In-ho

Release Date

2004-11-24

Episode runtime

70 min

Rating

8.0 / 10 (14)

What is Emperor of the Sea about?

A lowly slave rises to command the seas and trade routes of Unified Silla, based on Choi In-ho's novel.

What is Emperor of the Sea like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Emperor of the Sea as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Emperor of the Sea violent?

Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Emperor of the Sea as moderate.

Which shows are like Emperor of the Sea?

Shows with a similar feel include Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum), Dong Yi, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

How long is Emperor of the Sea?

Emperor of the Sea: 1 season, 51 episodes.

Is Emperor of the Sea still running?

No, Emperor of the Sea has ended.

Where can I watch Emperor of the Sea?

In United States, Emperor of the Sea streams on Kocowa Amazon Channel, Kocowa.