Strongest Chil Woo
Encyclopedia
Strongest Chil Woo is a South Korean historical drama aired on KBS2. Also known as "The Mighty Chilwu", while the Korean title was : 최강칠우 (Choi Kang Chil U). Something like Robin Hood
during the Joseon
period. A similarity of tone with the Hong Gil Dong
series.
Apart from a terrific description of the Joseon
yangban
class as a nothing goes entity, this series is also a fun drama full of swagger and hysterical over-the-top scenes (drag queens, crazy elephant, horse acrobatics, magic, etc.). The result is an unconventional historical drama, where the lead character Eric Mun
wears a black mask, has long hair, and rides off on his horse brandishing a whip under the moonlight. This fictional story places a very high value on its entertainment factor and doesn’t pretend to be historically accurate in each detail
.
The series has 20 episodes and occurs during the reign (1623–1649) of King Injo
, the 16th ruler of Joseon
. Injo was the son of Prince Jeongwon, who himself was the 7th son of King Seonjo
, the 14th ruler of Joseon with Royal Noble Consort In of the Suwon Gim clan. The 15th ruler, King Gwanghaegun
, was the 3rd son of Seonjo with RNC Gong of the Gimhae Gim clan and therefore the Injo's uncle. In 1623, Gwanghaegun was ousted of power by a political plot from the Western faction, that puts Injo on the throne. The turmoil of the civil war was thereafter increased by the Mandchu invasions
of 1627 and 1636.
Two events are the cornerstones of the series and are stepwise described during numerous flashbacks. Both of them were instigated by the conservative Western faction. One of them is the bloody extermination of the "Rising Sun Utopia" (Muryun Dang), occurring during the year of the Snake (gisa year, 1629, Injo '6), and the other is the assassination of Crown Prince Sohyeon
by his father in 1645 (Injo '22). The main action is situated circa 1648. While elements of these former plots are re-emerging from the past despite a series of murders, a group of mysterious assassins is avenging the sadness of the poor people.
The dark side of the Force
That marvelous person
Robin Hood
Robin Hood was a heroic outlaw in English folklore. A highly skilled archer and swordsman, he is known for "robbing from the rich and giving to the poor", assisted by a group of fellow outlaws known as his "Merry Men". Traditionally, Robin Hood and his men are depicted wearing Lincoln green clothes....
during the Joseon
Joseon
Joseon, Chosŏn, Choseon or Chosun are English spellings of the Korean *word for "Korea". It may refer to:*Korea*Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, from 2333 BC to 108 BC.*Joseon Dynasty of Korea, from AD 1392 to 1910....
period. A similarity of tone with the Hong Gil Dong
Hong Gil Dong (TV series)
Hong Gil Dong is a South Korean drama airing on KBS2, starting from January 2, 2008, every Wednesday and Thursday. It is set in historical times with much modern influences and comedic tones.-Plot:...
series.
Context and main lines
- The series starts by stating that :"Rather than being a person born in chaotic times, better be reborn as a dog in peaceful times. However, there are some people who are born as dogs in chaotic times. This is their story."
Apart from a terrific description of the Joseon
Joseon
Joseon, Chosŏn, Choseon or Chosun are English spellings of the Korean *word for "Korea". It may refer to:*Korea*Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, from 2333 BC to 108 BC.*Joseon Dynasty of Korea, from AD 1392 to 1910....
yangban
Yangban
The yangban were part of the traditional ruling class or nobles of dynastic Korea during the Joseon Dynasty. The yangban were either landed or unlanded aristocracy who comprised the Korean Confucian idea of a "scholarly official." In reality, they were basically administrators and bureaucrats who...
class as a nothing goes entity, this series is also a fun drama full of swagger and hysterical over-the-top scenes (drag queens, crazy elephant, horse acrobatics, magic, etc.). The result is an unconventional historical drama, where the lead character Eric Mun
Eric Mun
Eric Mun Jung Hyuk, , mononymously credited as Eric, was born on 16 February 1979. He is a South Korean entertainer, known as the leader and rapper of six-member boy band Shinhwa and his lead roles in Korean dramas The Phoenix and Super Rookie.-Career:Eric attended John Burroughs Middle School...
wears a black mask, has long hair, and rides off on his horse brandishing a whip under the moonlight. This fictional story places a very high value on its entertainment factor and doesn’t pretend to be historically accurate in each detail
.
The series has 20 episodes and occurs during the reign (1623–1649) of King Injo
Injo of Joseon
Injo of Joseon was the sixteenth king of the Korean Joseon Dynasty. He was the grandson of Seonjo, son of Grandprince Jeongwon...
, the 16th ruler of Joseon
Joseon
Joseon, Chosŏn, Choseon or Chosun are English spellings of the Korean *word for "Korea". It may refer to:*Korea*Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, from 2333 BC to 108 BC.*Joseon Dynasty of Korea, from AD 1392 to 1910....
. Injo was the son of Prince Jeongwon, who himself was the 7th son of King Seonjo
Seonjo of Joseon
King Seonjo ruled in Korea between 1567 and 1608. He was the fourteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty. He is known for encouraging Confucianism and renovating state affairs at the beginning of his reign, although political chaos and his incompetent leadership during the Japanese invasions of Korea...
, the 14th ruler of Joseon with Royal Noble Consort In of the Suwon Gim clan. The 15th ruler, King Gwanghaegun
Gwanghaegun of Joseon
Gwanghaegun or Prince Gwanghae was the fifteenth king of the Joseon Dynasty. His personal name was Yi Hon. Since he was deposed in a coup, later official historians did not give him a temple name like Taejo or Sejong...
, was the 3rd son of Seonjo with RNC Gong of the Gimhae Gim clan and therefore the Injo's uncle. In 1623, Gwanghaegun was ousted of power by a political plot from the Western faction, that puts Injo on the throne. The turmoil of the civil war was thereafter increased by the Mandchu invasions
Second Manchu invasion of Korea
The second Manchu invasion of Korea occurred in 1636, when the Manchu Qing Empire brought Korea's Joseon dynasty into submission. It followed the first Manchu invasion of Korea of 1627.-Background:...
of 1627 and 1636.
Two events are the cornerstones of the series and are stepwise described during numerous flashbacks. Both of them were instigated by the conservative Western faction. One of them is the bloody extermination of the "Rising Sun Utopia" (Muryun Dang), occurring during the year of the Snake (gisa year, 1629, Injo '6), and the other is the assassination of Crown Prince Sohyeon
Crown Prince Sohyeon
Crown Prince Sohyeon was the first son of King Injo of Joseon Dynasty.Sohyeon was detained in Shenyang, by treaty of peace after War in 1636. He moved to Beijing in 1644, and communicated with Johann Adam Schall von Bell...
by his father in 1645 (Injo '22). The main action is situated circa 1648. While elements of these former plots are re-emerging from the past despite a series of murders, a group of mysterious assassins is avenging the sadness of the poor people.
Episodes
The action is not linear, as many flash-backs are occurring. Nevertheless, we have the following synopsis- A sister to avenge
- The zaelous murderer of his daughter-in-law
- Random murders at Naksu Bridge
- Manchu varlet takes a riding lesson
- Last love song of a betrayed poetess
- A thief behind an elephant at Inseong-gun
- The murder of the Unggi's leader
- Eight years ago
- Fake maebungu, true rapists
- Russian attack at Qing's border
- A broken sword
- Headbands from the past
- Malaria
- Encounter at Muryun Dang
- Legacy of Crown Prince Sohyeon
- The Secret Record disappears
- Prince's son presentation
- A cursed twist of fate
- A treacherous king
- Bad guys are dying, too.
Picture
A guru of all these legal stuffs should do the job. May be the art cover, may be "whip at moonlight"Main Cast
The six avengers- Eric MunEric MunEric Mun Jung Hyuk, , mononymously credited as Eric, was born on 16 February 1979. He is a South Korean entertainer, known as the leader and rapper of six-member boy band Shinhwa and his lead roles in Korean dramas The Phoenix and Super Rookie.-Career:Eric attended John Burroughs Middle School...
, 에릭 as Kang Chilru / Choi Chilru, 칠우 (Sergeant, 나장 at the Uigeumbu 의금부 in Seoul)- Choi Su-han, 최수한 as young Chilru (Son of Muryundang leader Kang Sanha)
- Jeon No-min, 전노민 as Min Seungguk, 민승국 (Historiographer of the Court)
- Lee Eon, 이언 as Jaja, 자자 (The man with the ax, former bodyguard of Crown Prince Sohyeon, his last performance)
- Im Ha-ryong, 임하룡 as Choi Namdeuk, 최남득 (Chilru's adoptive father)
- Kim Byeol, 김별 as Yeondu, 연두 (The girl that drives elephants)
- Jang Jun-yeong, 장준영 as Cheolseok, 철석이 (Introduced as the younger brother of Soyun)
The dark side of the Force
- Yoo Ah InYoo Ah InYoo Ah-in is a South Korean actor. He has appeared in a number of movies and dramas, such as Antique, Chil-woo the Mighty and He Who Can't Marry...
, 유아인 as Heuksan, 흑산 (Adopted as Kim Hyuk by Chief State Councilor Kim Jaseon)- Ku Bon-sun as young Heuksan (son of Jin Muyang)
That marvelous person
- Ku Hye Sun, 구혜선 as Yun Soyun, 윤소윤 (Now a government slave at Uigeumbu)
- Lee Han-na, 이한나 as young Soyun (Daughter of Vice-Minister Yun, 윤참판)
Extended Cast
| Actor | Character | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Kim Yeong-ok, 김영옥 | Mung Dungne, 뭉둥네 | Chilru's adoptive grandmother |
| Choi Ran, 최란 | Chung Judaek, 충주댁 | Chilru's adoptive mother |
| Im Hyeok, 임혁 | Chief State Councilor Kim Jaseon | 김자선, cf Kim Jajeom Yeonguijeong Yeonguijeong Yeonguijeong was a title created in 1400, during the Joseon Dynasty of Korea and given to the Chief State Councillor as the highest government position of "Uijeongbu" . Existing for over 500 years, its function can be compared to that of a present day "Prime Minister of South Korea"... |
| Choi Jeong-woo, 최정우 | King Injo Injo of Joseon Injo of Joseon was the sixteenth king of the Korean Joseon Dynasty. He was the grandson of Seonjo, son of Grandprince Jeongwon... , 왕인조 |
King of Joseon Joseon Joseon, Chosŏn, Choseon or Chosun are English spellings of the Korean *word for "Korea". It may refer to:*Korea*Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, from 2333 BC to 108 BC.*Joseon Dynasty of Korea, from AD 1392 to 1910.... , 1595-1623-1649 |
| Song Yong-tae, 송용태 | Uigeumbu Commissioner | Uigeumbu Dojejo, 의금부 도제조 |
| Jeong Won-jung, 정원중 | Uigeumbu Captain | Dosa, 의금부 도사 |
| Son Kwang-eob, 손광업 | Osib Bujang, 오십부장 | Lieutenant at Uigeumbu |
| Jeong Jin, 정진 | Sergeant Sa, 사 나장 | Sa Jeongoh |
| Sin Seung-hwan, 신승환 | Sergeant Oh, 오 나장 | Oh Sajeong |
| Park Jun-seo, 박준서 | Sergeant Jeong, 정 나장 | Jeong Ohsa |
| Kim Ji-suk, 김지석 | Petitioner | Victim of a yangban usurer, and condemned for having sounded the Shinmun Drum |
| Park Yong-gi, 박용기 | Heo Wondo, 허원도 | Murderer of Uyeong |
| Im Ho Im Ho Im Ho is a South Korean actor, perhaps best known for playing King Jungjong in the television series Dae Jang Geum and Yeon Namsaeng in the TV series Dae Jo Yeong.... , 임호 |
Crown Prince Sohyeon Crown Prince Sohyeon Crown Prince Sohyeon was the first son of King Injo of Joseon Dynasty.Sohyeon was detained in Shenyang, by treaty of peace after War in 1636. He moved to Beijing in 1644, and communicated with Johann Adam Schall von Bell... , 소현세자 |
|
| Yang So-min, 양소민 | Kang Bin, 강빈 | |
| Lee Ji-eun-I, 이지은 | Song Juhui, 주희 | Little girl from Inseong-gun. Her father has been killed, Ep06 |
| Lee Seung Hyo Lee Seung Hyo Lee Seung Hyo , is a South Korean actor. He debuted as an actor in 2006. He rose to fame as Kim Alcheon in Queen Seon Deok.- Biography :He had military service as a sniper in Joint Security Area from December 2000 until February 2003... , 이승효 |
Maebungu 매분구 | Alleged peddler, Ep09 |
| Jeon Yeong-bin, 전영빈 | Mak Su 막수 | Leader of Heuksan's militia |
| Kang In Duk | boss Eung Gi | Ep07 |
| Kang Jae | Jo Anjung | The random murderer, son of Prince Jinsang |
| ??? ??? 日本橋 may refer to:*Nihonbashi, a business district of Chūō, Tokyo, Japan, surrounding a famous bridge of the same name*Nipponbashi, a shopping district of Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Japan... |
Jinsanggun | Prince Jinsang, moniker Baekmaehwa, man of virtue, covering his sibling |
| Oh Man-seok Oh Man-seok Oh Man-seok is a South Korean actor. He studied at Seoul Yeong-dong High School, and earned a major in theatres at the Korea Arts Unification School. His acting debut was in 1999 in the play Faust, but he is mostly known for his role as Jang Taek Gi in The Vineyard Man... , 오만석 |
Kang Sanha | Chil Woo's birth father, Ep01 |
| Park Bo-yeong, 박보영 | Kim/Kang Uyeong, 우영 | Chilru's younger sister |
| Kim Hong-pyo, 김홍표 | Kim Joheyon | Cheating student, thereafter trying to kill his substitute |
| Kim Gyu-cheol, 김규철 | Choe Wonsik 최원식, | Shi Kang-won's management, 시강원 관리 |
| Nam Seong-jin, 남성진 | Jo Seongdu 조성두 | Shi Kang-won's management, 시강원 관리 |
| Nam Il-wu, 남일우 | Kim Hongjo | Caretaker of royal orders 예문관 신입관리 김홍조 / Uyeong's adoptive father / teacher of Min Seungguk |
| Lee Seung-hyeong, 이승형 | Yusaeng 유생 | A spy who Kim Jaseon sends to regain power 김자선이 반정 세력에 심어놓은 첩자 유생 |
| Oh Ji-young, 오지영 | Han Yajun's daughter-in-law | |
| ??? ??? 日本橋 may refer to:*Nihonbashi, a business district of Chūō, Tokyo, Japan, surrounding a famous bridge of the same name*Nipponbashi, a shopping district of Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Japan... |
Kim Marjung | The Manchu interpreter |
| ??? ??? 日本橋 may refer to:*Nihonbashi, a business district of Chūō, Tokyo, Japan, surrounding a famous bridge of the same name*Nipponbashi, a shopping district of Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Japan... |
Ok-Bong | Famous woman poet Seok Hyeong / in love with Kim Joheyon |
| Nam Myung Ryul, 남명렬 | Jin Muyang, | Father of Heuksan and master of arms of Kang Chilru |
| Im-Jihyon | Min Eunhee | Min Seungguk's sister, Ep10, Ep20 |
| Kim Ju-yon | Yong Goldae | Qing general, visiting tributary Joseon |
| Cha Jae Dol | 2002 | |
| Han Ye In | Ep03 | |
| Heo Tae-hee, 허태희 | ||
| Kim Byeong-chan, 김병찬 | ||
| Kwon Hyeok, 권혁 | ||
| Lee Ho Seong, 이호성 | ||
| Lee Yun Sung | ||
| Min Ji-wu-I, 민지오 | ||
| Park Hyo Bin, 박효빈 | ||
| Son Il-kwon, 손일권 |
Traduttore, traditore
- Najang is a low ranking officer, something like a sergeant. Not a commanding officer, and surely not "a War Leader".
- Osib Bujang 오십부장 is a commander of 50, i.e. something like an OF-1 Lieutenant. Not the "50th Division chief".
- Uigeumbu Dosa is a heading guy, something like an OF-4 Colonel. Actor Jeong Won-jung impersonates one of them, and Heuksan becomes another one. Not "an expert lawyer".
- Uigeumbu Dojejo wears a red robe and ranks just after the Chief State Councilor. He is the Commissioner of the Uigeumbu, not "an apprentice lawyer".