Shin Don

Title: Shin Don

Episodes: 60

Broadcast network: MBC

Broadcast period: 2005.9.24~2006.5.7

Synopsis

King Gongmin of Goryeo was taken by the Yuan Dynasty as a political hostage and was forced to stay there for 10 years before coming to the throne. After he became the King of Goryeo, he decided to make his country more independent. Shin Don was a Buddhist priest who enjoyed King Gongmin’s confidence. He was born as the son of a princess and a slave. Shin Don became so powerful that later he gained absolute control over the country. Though he was a Buddhist priest, he relied on political power more than compassion or loving kindness in order to survive the troubled times. He was an innovative philosopher who both despised and worshipped all the established ideas. While some people considered him a man blinded by greed for power, others believed that he was a true social reformer who struggled to revive Goryeo during a period of turmoil. This drama will introduce viewers to Shin Don’s ambitious life full of ups and downs, as well as the love and betrayal of King Gongmin and Princess Noguk.

Shin Don is one of the most disputed historical figures. He could be a mere vicious Buddhist priest or he could be a hero. Since there are many different stories about him and the truth remains unknown, his life seems almost mythical. The drama portrays him as a schemer obsessed with power, willing to resort to trickery. On the other hand, it also shows him as a revolutionist who tries to create a democratic power structure. Religion was his ideal; however, it was also his tool of seizing political power and winning popular support.

Cast

Shin Don - Actor: Son Chang-min

King Gongmin - Actor: Jeong Bo-seok

Princess Noguk - Actor: Seo Ji-hye

Queen Ki - Actor: Kim Hye-ri

Production Credits

Director : Kim Jin_min

Writer: Jung Ha-yeon