Aired in 2011, Han Suk Kyu, Jang Hyuk and Shin Se Kyung headlined this top-rating historical series about the foundation of the Korean alphabet.
Celebrating patriotism and discovering the purpose of being a leader are the main takeaways from Tree With Deep Roots.
- Main Leads: Han Suk Kyu | Jang Hyuk | Shin Se Kyung
- Thrill/Addicting Meter:
- Overall Rating:
- Re-watch Value:
- K-Dramas of Similar Vibe: Six Flying Dragons | The Flower of Prison | The Emperor: Owner of the Mask | The Royal Gambler |
Tree With Deep Roots Plot Recap
Being the people’s champ that he is, King Sejong (Han Suk Kyu), in one of his dedicated dreams for his people; pursued the creation of a language that will be Joseon’s own form of communication. At that time, Joseon was using hanja, Chinese characters that were assimilated into the Korean language with Korean pronunciation.
Moreover, only noblemen knew hanja, thus, seeing the need to have a medium of communication among the public, King Sejong formed “The Hall of Worthies” composed of scholars who worked on the creation of a new alphabet that will be easily learned even by the low-born people.
Early in King Sejong’s reign, his in-laws along with the family’s slaves unfortunately faced death whilst the former was trying to protect them from his father. Two of the slaves’ children Ddol Bok (Jang Hyuk) and Dam (Shin Se Kyung) survived, but were unaware of each other’s escape from mortal peril.
Vowing to avenge the death of his father, Ddol Bok grew up and was able to enter the Royal guard.
King Sejong’s dream gets hindered by an opposing faction, “Hidden Root” – a shady organization that wants to cling to the traditional belief, as well as, diminish the power of the King.
In a series of sword fights, treacherous acts, power plays, and disheartening conspiracies, King Sejong and his trusted persons faced the “Hidden root” in thrilling and passionate encounters that eventually got the King’s goal, but sacrificed the lives of the people who helped uphold that dream.
Tree With Deep Roots Series Highlights
Suiting up as a younger version of King Sejong, Song Joong Ki left an esteemed portrayal of the monarch which was continued remarkably by Han Suk Kyu. Based on a novel by Lee Jung Myung, the screenplay writers did a great job of presenting the texture of the main hero’s life.
Each chapter leads the audience’s interest to grow exponentially. Threading on such a simple premise is considered an exemplary feat.
Deceptively plain, Tree with Deep Roots amazingly satisfies by contriving a conflict not too taxing yet resonating just the same. Powered by a balanced plot, it creates an impression that gently simmers and lingers at the same time.
Equally imposing their presence, the villains contribute well in orchestrating the sufferings of the protagonists that befit the painful yet sweet ending.
Proving how the truly capable are those who bravely dare, the performance of the main cast added up to the polished charm of the series.
Tree With Deep Roots Series Musings
Watching Korean dramas has made me always go on my Girl Scout attire in case of an unprecedented tragic ending, which normally is the case in K-Dramaland. So even if the conclusion was heartbreaking, Tree with Deep Roots in its entirety is a drama full of heart.
Admirably, we cannot find fault in the sweeping narrative of the series. In addition, the outstanding portrayals easily convince anyone even those who usually avert historical stories.
It’s hard to formulate a selling point to encourage why The Tree With Deep Roots deserves a place on your watch list. Because hey, go figure – who would want to watch a series about the historical theatrics of creating the Korean alphabet?
Hence, my persuading skills will settle to making it known that my super Starwars fan brother really loved the drama to the point where he was annoyed when I was asking him details about it at times when I dozed off while we did a marathon watch of the series.
How Korean period dramas take pride in their heritage and pay homage to the pages of their history is always a fascinating achievement. Such is the case for this enthralling story of Dam, Ddol Bok and King Sejong.
Tree With Deep Roots is streamed on Netflix.
Tracing Pages Of Korean History Through The Best Korean Historical Dramas
Photos: SBS Drama
*This review is originally written on my blog in 2011 and was later published on Hellokpop.
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