South Korea has become a global leader in zombie-themed entertainment, producing both acclaimed films like Train to Busan and #Alive as well as high-quality television series such as Kingdom. Unlike The Last Kingdom, Kingdom is set during Korea’s Joseon dynasty in the 1600s, where political power struggles unfold alongside a devastating zombie outbreak. The series combines historical drama with horror, making it a unique entry in the zombie genre.
Queen Consort Cho’s Cruelty Versus Lee Chang’s Selfless Leadership Amid Zombie Chaos
In Season 1, the zombie plague is triggered by Queen Consort Cho and her father, who attempt to resurrect the king to produce an heir who could surpass Crown Prince Lee Chang. This sparks literal class warfare, with peasants becoming zombies while nobles remain safe. Season 2 intensifies Cho’s cruelty as she kidnaps pregnant women and sets traps to maintain her power. Ultimately, her actions backfire, but her influence lingers, symbolized by the plague reaching the young king she sought to control.
Queen Consort Cho as Kim Hye-jun (Kingdom Season 2/AStory)Kingdom contrasts Cho’s selfishness with Crown Prince Lee Chang’s selflessness. Lee Chang leads by example, putting himself in danger to combat the plague and protect the people, while Cho exploits others for her own gain. By the end of Season 2, Lee Chang prioritizes the kingdom’s stability over personal power, allowing the boy who is not actually Cho’s heir to assume the throne, demonstrating the qualities of a true leader.
Uncovering the Zombie Plague’s Origins and Remaining Mysteries in Kingdom Season Two
Season 2 also explores the origins of the zombie outbreak. The undead are caused by worms that inhabit a special plant, which is lethal to humans but hydrophobic. Submerging infected bodies kills the worms, halting zombification. The plant arrives in Korea from China via a traveler, raising questions about its true purpose and whether it was intentionally introduced to weaken the country.
Despite Season 2’s revelations, many mysteries remain. The motives behind the plant’s introduction, the potential for political manipulation, and the identity of the mysterious woman controlling the boxed zombies are left unanswered. These unresolved threads suggest that future seasons, assuming Kingdom continues, will further explore the interplay of power, plague, and human ambition.
