ILJIMAE 一枝梅 (일지매)

My friend, Eric, who has not watched this drama series asked me to do a blog about it and so here is a post on Iljimae to humour him. The main character Ryung who is a no good, lazy Ajik gangster by day but a mysterious thief who protects the citizens come night is played by Korean heart-throb, Lee Joon Ki. Don't be fooled by his handsome good looks. This actor can really act. Don't trust my judgement? Watch the whole series and you know that I have very sound judgement.

The idea for Iljimae 一枝梅 (일지매) is actually taken from a Korean comic.

Story plot

Iljimae is a mysterious, black-swathed thief who robs from corrupt government officials and gives to the poor. He steals not only material treasures but also people, be they wrongfully held prisoners or criminals hiding from judgment. At the scene of each robbery, he leaves a small painting of a branch of red plum blossoms called a "meh hwa". The citizens support Iljimae while the king and the nobility try to catch him and find his identity.
Gyum is the son of a virtuous nobleman who is a trustworthy supporter to the king and a central member of the secret organization, Hanowheh, of important nobles and the king as their leader. He moves away from the capital to live peacefully with his wife, daughter, and baby son in the country. Years later, he returns to the capital to meet with another member to discuss the state of matters. However, a mysterious rumor is spread that he is plotting to overthrow the king.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iljimae

http://tv.sbs.co.kr/iljimae/wallpaper/wallpaper_main.jsp

I am not going to give away the ending of the story as that would spoil everyone's fun of watching it. Both my mum and I enjoyed watching 'Iljimae' and I am sure that many others who like kungfu dramas will enjoy it as well. As I have said before and will say again, in my opinion, Joon Ki rocks!!!