"13 Reasons Why" Season 2 is officially happening. (Photo : Getty Images/Pascal Le Segretain)
Fans of Korean culture, drama and some zombie action will be pleased with Netflix's upcoming project. Netflix is confirmed to produce a new series called "Kingdom," which will center on a zombie attack during the Joseon dynasty in South Korea.
"Kingdom" is a period zombie thriller directed by Kim Seong Hun. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it tells the story of a crown prince who is sent on a suicide mission to investigate a mysterious outbreak. The prince discovers a harrowing truth that threatens the entire kingdom.
The series brings together elements of period dramas and zombie thrillers in one tasteful concoction. The zombie genre has developed more appeal following the success of "Train to Busan" and "The Wailing." Both films, which featured the undead, were two of 2016's highest-grossing movies.
Deadline reported that Kim Eun Hee is penning the eight-episode series. Kim has been working on "Kingdom" since 2011. It was a result of Kim's desire to write a story "that reflects the fears and anxiety of modern times," but taking out the usual romantic landscape in which the Joseon period is usually portrayed in movies and shows.
"Working with Netflix helps us to unlock this creative vision for Kingdom and I am excited to further build this unique story with the director for whom I have tremendous respect," Kim said in an interview.
All eight episodes will premiere on Netflix in 2018 and will be made available in over 190 countries. "Kingdom" will be the second original series from South Korea.
"Love Alarm" was the first one confirmed earlier this year. Netflix's first South Korean original is based on a webtoon about an unknown developer who creates an app that allows users to determine if someone within 10-meters has romantic feelings for them.
"Kingdom captured our imaginations from the moment we read the script with its visual feast of historical drama blended with supernatural fantasy," Netflix's VP of international originals Erik Barmack says. "We are incredibly honored by this rare opportunity of pairing two premier creative minds in Korea- film director Kim Seong-hun and television writer Kim Eun-hee."
