Ja Myung Go
Ja Myung Go (also known as Princess Ja-Myung) is a South Korean historical television drama that aired on SBS from March 9 to July 21, 2009. The series is inspired by the traditional Korean folktale of the Kingdom of Nangnang and the legend of the Ja Myung Drum, a mystical instrument said to sound on its own whenever enemies approached the kingdom.
Plot Summary
The story centers on two half-sisters, Ja-myung and Ra-hee, born into the royal family of Nangnang. An oracle predicts that one sister will save the kingdom while the other will destroy it. Following an assassination attempt orchestrated by the ambitious Queen Wang Ja-sil, Ja-myung escapes to Shandong Province, where she grows up as an artist. She eventually returns to Nangnang, leading to a complex power struggle for the throne. The narrative explores themes of political betrayal and personal conflict, particularly as Prince Ho-dong of the Goguryeo Dynasty manipulates the sisters to further his own political ambitions.
Production
The series was directed by Lee Myung-Woo and Bae Tae-Sub, with a screenplay written by Jung Sung-Hee. Originally planned for a 50-episode run, the drama was shortened to 39 episodes due to low viewership ratings during its broadcast.
Cast
The series features a large ensemble cast, including:
- Jung Ryeo-Won as Ja-myung
- Park Min-Young as Princess Ra-hee
- Jung Kyoung-Ho as Prince Ho-dong
- Lee Joo-Hyun as Wang-hol
- Hong Yo-Seop as Choi Ri
- Lee Mi-Suk as Wang Ja-sil
- Moon Sung-Geun as King Dae Mu-shin
