Jang Hyuk, Lee Hyun-wook-I, Park Sun-woong in "Great King Munmu"

Actors Jang Hyuk, Park Sung-woong, Kim Kang-woo, and Lee Hyun-wook-I have been cast as the leads in KBS's new historical epic "Great King Munmu" a series with a production budget of 30 billion won.

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Scheduled to air next year, "Great King Munmu" marks KBS's return to traditional historical dramas for the first time in about three years since "Korea-Khitan War". The series will shed light on the victorious history of the small kingdom of Shilla, which defeated Goguryeo, Baekje, and even the Tang Dynasty to achieve the unification of the Three Kingdoms. Filming begins this November, with the show slated for broadcast next year. After a lengthy preparation period, casting has been finalized, and the cast will hold their first full script reading on the 24th in Seoul.

The title role of Beop Min, who later becomes King Munmu, will be played by Lee Hyun-wook-I. King Munmu is remembered as the monarch who completed the unification of the Three Kingdoms. Lee, who recently appeared in TVING's "The Queen Who Crowns", is returning once again to the historical drama genre.

Jang Hyuk will portray Yeon Gaesomun, a legendary general of late Goguryeo who fought numerous battles against the Shilla–Tang alliance. Known as an undefeated commander, he ultimately saw his kingdom fall into decline due to internal strife after his sons inherited power.

Park Sung-woong takes on the role of Kim Yu-sin, one of Shilla's most renowned generals. Notably, he played the same historical figure 15 years ago in MBC's 2011 historical drama "Gyebaek", making this a rare opportunity to revisit the character.

Kim Kang-woo has been cast as Kim Chun-chu, better known as King Taejong Muyeol, father of King Munmu. This marks his return to the historical genre for the first time in 10 years, following his performance in the 2015 film "The Treacherous".

Much attention is focused on whether "Great King Munmu" can succeed. SM Entertainment, KeyEast's parent company, had initially decided to sell the production house and even selected a preferred bidder earlier this year, but the deal fell through. Industry observers speculate that KeyEast may attempt to expand its portfolio with multiple projects before putting itself back on the market. One broadcasting insider commented, ""Great King Munmu", with its 30 billion won budget, was a highly sought-after project by many production companies. But with the TV drama market currently in a slump, if it fails to perform beyond expectations, it could turn into a 'winner's curse'."