Actors Yang Hyun-min, Park Myung-hoon, Choi Ye-bin, Lee Ji-hoon, and Park Kang-seob will transform into key figures leading the power dynamics of the Tang Dynasty in the upcoming drama Munmu.
Scheduled to premiere on November 14 at 9:20 PM KST, the new KBS 2TV epic historical drama Munmu—produced by Lee Ho, written by Kim Ri-heon and Hong Jin-i, and directed by Kim Young-jo and Goo Sung-jun—depicts the desperate and lonely stories of leaders risking everything for a single victory amid 600 years of war and internal turmoil among the Three Kingdoms. Following the earlier unveiling of major figures leading Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, the key figures of the Tang Dynasty, who threatened Silla’s unification of the Three Kingdoms until the end, are now stepping into the spotlight and raising anticipation.
Yang Hyun-min and Park Myung-hoon: Differing Ambitions for Goguryeo
Yang Hyun-min plays Emperor Taizong (Li Shimin), a Tang monarch consumed by an obsession for victory. Having seized the throne by killing his brothers, he possesses a cruel side, yet also harbors the inclusivity to employ even an enemy’s subordinate if capable. Making the conquest of Goguryeo his lifelong ambition, he marches forward without hesitation.
While Taizong moves for the grand cause of conquering Goguryeo, Heo Gyeong-jong desires only personal wealth and glory. Curiosity builds over what kind of ripple effect their relationship will cause as they share the same goal yet harbor completely different inner motives.
Choi Ye-bin and Park Kang-seob: Seizing Power Through Royal Favor
Choi Ye-bin takes on the role of Empress Wu Zetian, a concubine of Taizong who eventually rises to the pinnacle of power. Endowed with striking beauty, genius intellect, and sharp political instincts, Wu Zetian captures the heart of Li Zhi with her charm. Following Taizong’s death, Li Zhi appoints Wu Zetian as empress, sparking strong opposition from elder ministers.
However, backed by Li Zhi’s blind favor, Wu Zetian teams up with him to eliminate veteran officials and establish her political foundation. As a frail Li Zhi gradually comes to depend on her, she expands her influence over overall state affairs and further heightens dramatic tension by revealing her ambition to swallow up Silla.
The relationship between Wu Zetian, equipped with cold judgment and unstoppable ambition for power, and Li Zhi, who relies on her, is set to become a core narrative that shakes the power landscape of the Great Tang Empire. Attention is focused on the unpredictable political moves the two figures will display.
Yang Hyun-min and Lee Ji-hoon: Monarch and General Aiming at Goguryeo
Taizong seeks to wash away the stigma of seizing power through a coup and the failure of his predecessor’s Goguryeo expedition, aiming to prove his greatness through the glory of conquest. To achieve this, he leads a massive army toward Mount Zhubi, but falls into crisis facing fierce resistance from Goguryeo troops.
At this moment, Xue Rengui, played by Lee Ji-hoon, emerges at the forefront of history by saving Taizong. Active in the Battle of Mount Zhubi, Xue Rengui earns the monarch’s trust and grows into a representative general of the Tang Dynasty. He subsequently achieves meritorious deeds in various battles, winning the favor of both Li Zhi and Wu Zetian.
Taizong, who aims to elevate his status through the conquest of Goguryeo, and Xue Rengui, who expands his position through dazzling achievements on the battlefield, draw intense focus on how their unstoppable steps will bring change to the confrontation between Goguryeo and the Tang Dynasty.
Regarding this, the production team of Munmu stated, “The Tang Dynasty is a multi-dimensional nation that joins hands with Silla while harboring chilling ambitions behind the scenes,” adding, “Please look forward to the explosive passionate performances of the actors who will create top-tier characters with flawless acting prowess amid a grand narrative.”
