Kingdom
Kingdom is a South Korean historical horror-thriller series streaming on Netflix, set during Korea's Joseon Dynasty. The narrative follows Crown Prince Lee Chang as he investigates a mysterious illness plaguing the kingdom, only to discover a horrific zombie epidemic that threatens to engulf the entire nation. Blending political intrigue, period drama, and intense zombie action, the series explores themes of power, hunger, social hierarchy, and survival against a terrifying undead horde. It is renowned for its unique premise, cinematic quality, and brutal, fast-paced action. The show is intended for mature audiences due to its graphic content and complex themes.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe series features pervasive and graphic violence, characteristic of the zombie horror genre, often depicted with explicit gore and brutal attacks. This includes numerous intense battles against the undead and violent political acts.
Violence is a central and frequent element. For instance, the initial outbreak in Dongnae in Season 1 depicts graphic zombie attacks where the infected tear into people, leading to widespread carnage, visible blood, and dismemberment. Another example involves the Crown Prince Lee Chang and his allies engaging in intense sword fights and close-quarters combat against hordes of fast-moving zombies, with explicit visuals of impalement, slashing, and decapitation throughout both seasons.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe series is a horror-thriller with consistently high levels of scary and intense content, including terrifying zombies, dark atmosphere, jump scares, and gruesome scenes of death and transformation.
The show maintains a dark and suspenseful tone throughout, featuring numerous terrifying zombie sequences. An example is the horrifying twist at the end of Season 1, where it is revealed that the zombies are not nocturnal but are active during the day based on temperature, drastically escalating the threat and intensity. The series also includes many frightening zombie chase scenes, such as those described as 'my favourite zombie chase in years,' where characters are relentlessly pursued by the undead, creating high tension and jump scares.
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighDisrespect and rebellion are central themes, particularly in the political machinations and the Crown Prince's struggle against corrupt officials. This involves defiance against authority and plots to usurp power.
The central conflict involves significant disrespect and rebellion against the established order, as Chief State Councilor Cho Hak-ju orchestrates a plot to hide the King's death and usurp Crown Prince Lee Chang's rightful claim to the throne through deceit and political maneuvering. Furthermore, Crown Prince Lee Chang himself demonstrates rebellion by defying the corrupt ruling powers and secretly investigating the plague and the conspiracy against his family, often acting outside of formal protocols to protect his people.
Profanity
MediumWhile the original Korean dialogue may use milder expletives, English subtitles for 'Kingdom' frequently translate these into strong profanity, including the 'F-word,' making the language intense for English-speaking audiences.
English subtitles often convey strong language, such as when a review notes that 'Kingdom literally makes a point to say 'Fuck that.'' Additionally, some instances in Korean dramas, which would include 'Kingdom,' show character disappointment or frustration translated into the 'F-word,' even if the original Korean term might be less severe, such as a character cursing a bird in one episode.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThe series' core premise involves supernatural elements, specifically a mysterious 'resurrection plant' used in a quasi-magical medical context to revive the dead, which inadvertently creates the zombie plague.
The entire zombie outbreak is initiated by the use of a 'resurrection plant' to revive the ailing king, a practice that borders on dark magic or occult medicine. Physician Seo-bi actively researches this mysterious plant and its supernatural effects on the human body, studying its properties and the mechanism by which it brings the dead back to life, making it a central focus of the series.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowSearches for LGBTQ+ characters or themes within the South Korean Netflix series 'Kingdom' (the zombie historical drama) yielded no specific confirmed representation. The series focuses on historical power struggles and a zombie outbreak without explicit LGBTQ+ storylines or characters.
There are no identified LGBTQ+ characters or storylines within the South Korean Netflix series 'Kingdom'. The narrative primarily revolves around the Joseon dynasty's political conflicts and the zombie plague, with no discernible subplots or character arcs related to sexual orientation or gender identity. No explicit references or portrayals of LGBTQ+ relationships or individuals are present.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowThe South Korean series 'Kingdom' contains minimal romantic or sexual content. Any romantic undertones are very subtle and do not involve explicit scenes, keeping the focus on the horror and political drama.
Romantic elements are largely absent or extremely subtle. One notable 'romance' is the unrequited affection from Beom-pal towards Seo-bi, which serves as comic relief rather than a developed romantic subplot and does not influence the main narrative. The series contains 'no sexual scenes whatsoever,' with the focus remaining strictly on the action, horror, and political intrigue.
Substance Use
LowThe South Korean Netflix series 'Kingdom' does not prominently feature substance abuse or drug use among its main characters or as a significant plot point. Alcohol consumption may occur in a historical context but is not depicted as abuse.
There are no explicit depictions of illegal drug use or substance abuse addictions central to the plot or characters in the South Korean 'Kingdom' series. While characters might consume alcohol in a period setting, it is not portrayed as problematic or in a way that promotes abuse.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe series is set in Joseon-era Korea, a historical period preceding significant Christian influence in the region. Consequently, the narrative does not contain any anti-Christian themes, characters, or plot points.
As 'Kingdom' is set in 15th-century Korea, during the Joseon dynasty, its cultural and religious context is distinct from Abrahamic traditions. The show's themes focus on traditional Korean beliefs, political systems, and social hierarchies. There are no elements within the series that mock, insult, or critique Christian beliefs, symbols, or figures.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
16+ (Mature Teens and Adults). The series contains pervasive graphic violence, gore, and highly intense/frightening sequences involving zombies. It also deals with mature political themes, death, and survival, making it unsuitable for younger viewers.
Additional Notes
The visual quality and historical setting are highly praised, contributing to the immersive experience of the intense horror elements. While the series is categorized as a zombie drama, its political intrigue and exploration of class struggle are also prominent. Parents should be aware that the 'special' episode ('Kingdom: Ashin of the North') serves as a prequel and may contain similar or intensified content.
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