Series synopsis
The Great Merchant, also known as 거상 김만덕 is a South Korean drama television series that premiered on KBS1 on March 6, 2010. It ended on June 13, 2010. It stars Lee Mi-yeon, Shim Eun-kyung, Han Jae-suk and Do Ji-han.
This drama is based on a real life figure Kim Man-deuk who was living in Jeju Island. She goes through a lot of changes in her life; at first she becomes a Gisaeng but turned herself into a merchant, and then becomes one of the biggest philanthropists in Joseon Dynasty. Man-deuk gets adopted by Granny at a young age. With great efforts, she becomes a Gisaeng who has outstanding talents in various areas. However, she gives up everything and runs away with her lover Jeong Hong-soo. She gets caught ...
Premise
This drama is based on a real life figure Kim Man-deuk who was living in Jeju Island. She goes through a lot of changes in her life; at first she becomes a Gisaeng but turned herself into a merchant, and then becomes one of the biggest philanthropists in Joseon Dynasty. Man-deuk gets adopted by Granny at a young age. With great efforts, she becomes a Gisaeng who has outstanding talents in various areas. However, she gives up everything and runs away with her lover Jeong Hong-soo. She gets caught and sends to the transitory wards for epidemics for one year. When she came out from the wards, she starts to take care of the Gisaengs who are suffering from illness. Man-deuk goes into a business and restores the business ethics in Jeju. Meanwhile, Moon-sun, who used to be a friend of Man-deuk, feels a sense of inferiority and competes with Man-deuk’s business.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Lee Mi-yeon as Kim Man-deok/Yi Hong
- Shim Eun-kyung as Yi Hong (young)
- Han Jae-suk as Jung Hong-soo
- Do Ji-han as Hong-soo (young)
- Park Sol-mi as Oh Moon-seon
- Oh Yeon-seo as Lee Eun
- Jo Byung-Gi as Lee Bang
- Kim Kyu-chul as Steward Oh
Supporting cast
- Goh Doo-shim as Granny
- Kim Kap-soo as Kang Kye-man
- Ha Seok-jin as Kang Yoo-ji
- Yoo Yeon-mi as Kkot-nim
- Lee Dal-hyung as Kim Dong Joo
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 30 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 30 | March 6, 2010 | June 13, 2010 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | March 6, 2010 |
| 2 | Episode 2 | March 7, 2010 |
| 3 | Episode 3 | March 13, 2010 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | KBS1 |
|---|---|
| First aired | March 6, 2010 |
| Last aired | June 13, 2010 |
| Runtime | 50 minutes |
| Status | ended |