This week, Judy and Linda examine the sageuk framework by watching "Tree with Deep Roots" (뿌리깊은 나무) and "Moon Embracing the Sun" (해를 품은 달). 

"Tree with Deep Roots" is a 2011 SBS drama, starring Jang Hyuk, Song JoongKi, Han SukKyu, Shin SeKyung and Jo JinWoong. This is a straightforward sageuk about a revered historical figure. We take a quick look at the early Joseon kings (19:17) and why King Sejong deserves the title, "Great King" (37:24).

"Moon Embracing the Sun" is a 2012 MBC drama, starring Kim SooHyun, Han GaIn and Jung IlWoo. This is set in a fictional version of Joseon, and focuses more on the prophecy entwining the three main characters into a love triangle. We talked about the examinations that noblemen took to become government officials (1:01:40). 

Some Korean terms:

사극: [sa-geuk] historical fiction.

대왕: [deh-wang] title "great king". 

세종대왕: [seh-jong-deh-wang] "The Great King Sejong"; fourth king of Joseon; click here to read his Wikipedia article.

태종: [teh-jong] King Taejong; third king of Joseon; click here to read his Wikipedia article.

상왕: [sang-wang] title given to kings who have abdicated.

근정전: [geun-jung-jun] the main courtyard of Kyungbok Palace, where they held ceremonies; click here to see photos.

신하: [shin-ha] subject; follower.

광개토대왕: [gwang-geh-to-deh-wang] "The Great King Gwanggaeto"; click here to read his Wikipedia article.

문무대왕: [moon-moo-deh-wang] "The Great King Munmu"; click here to read his Wikipedia article.

한글: [han-geul] Korean written language.

궁녀: [goong-nyuh] "lady of the palace"; not to be confused with noblewomen.

과거제: [gwa-guh-jeh] system of picking government officials via examinations.

좀 모자란 애: [jom-mo-ja-ran-eh] "someone who's not all there".

세자: [seh-ja] Crown Prince.

토끼: [to-kki] rabbit.

부엉이: [boo-ung-ee] owl.

전라도: [jun-la-do] Jeolla province, located in the southwest of Korea.

Next week, we are talking about Korean dramas we've missed over the first year of our podcast! Tune in to find out what we watched!

Audio clips:

Lee ByungWoo - "Banjeong's Sounds of Drumming" from "The King and the Clown" soundtrack

John Williams – “Home Alone Main Title" from "Home Alone"

 

What's your favourite sageuk drama? Do you have any questions about Korean history as portrayed in Korean dramas? Please send any questions, comments or suggestions on Facebook and Twitter (@kdramamyeyesout) or e-mail us (kdramamyeyesout(at)gmail.com).

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The KDMEO theme music is 'Cute', by Bensound (www.bensound.com), and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No-Derivatives 4.0 International.

The "Judy gushes about Jo JinWoong" music is 'Love', by Bensound (www.bensound.com), and is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No-Derivatives 4.0 International.