Ju Mong - Prince of the Legend (DVD) (Vol.1 of 7) (Multi-audio) (MBC TV Drama) (Taiwan Version) DVD Region All

This fusion epic chronicles the life of Jumong (later known as King Dongmyeongseong), the legendary founder of the Gorguryeo Dynasty which expanded beyond the Korean peninsula into the vast land of Manchuria. Buyeo, one of the independent states that surfaced after the disintegration of Gojoseon dynasty, sets the stage for Jumong, the youngest of three princes. As true heroes don't spring up overnight, young Jumong appears to be a royal misfit, but gradually transforms into a man of greatness. Jumong packs powerhouse features by zooming in on the political affairs between Buyeo and the Han Dynasty, the blood feud over who will become Buyeo's crowned prince, and the turbulent romance between Jumong and So Seo No.

Undeniably Hur Jun Ho, who gained the nickname of "Hursell Crowe", gives a commanding performance. Hur portrays Hae Mo Su, a freedom fighter who stands up against the iron-clad army of the Han Dynasty in hopes of restoring Gojoseon - a mission his son, Jumong, would later undertake. One of the many unforgettable scenes depicts their father-and-son reunion, bringing forth a spectacular display of emotions.

The friendship-rivalry between King Geum Wa and Hae Mo Su is a drama of its own, touching on a mélange of themes from loyalty and rivalry to jealousy and betrayal. Chun Kwang Ryul gives an ace performance, hitting every mark right down to the nitty-gritty details of expression with his subtle yet powerful variations in speech and body gestures.

Regrettably, what was to be the greatest epic romance failed to live up to its expectation. The blame lies not on the lack of chemistry between Song Il Kook and Han Hye Jin, who portray Jumong and So Seo No respectively, but on the script's lack of romantic development. Out of nowhere, we see Jumong bursting out with his love confession, "YOU are my destiny!" Didn't convince me one bit. Maybe back then, that was the ultimate cool thing to do, or perhaps it was a lesson left untaught by Hae Mo Su who seemed to be handling his own affairs rather charmingly. But rest assured Jumong's greatest love story ignites with Hyup Bo and Sa Yong, the two unlikely homosexual lovebirds whose romantic tug-of-war invokes some of the best comic relief in the drama.

By far one of the best castings ever, Song Il Kook IS Jumong. The actor pours his soul into his career-defining role. As in Terms of Endearment and Emperor of the Sea, Song continues to offer sincerity and authenticity through his acting. Yes, Jumong is lacking in historical accuracy and big-scale battle scenes, but the epic offers a reflection on true leadership - something we all desperately need nowadays.