After almost two decades, one of the most revered historical dramas of Korea is returning to the spotlight. SBS’s Toji, the earth -A large adaptation of the legendary Park Kyung-Ni-N novel is previewed on Netflix on August 26, bringing its rich literary roots and its dramatic intensity to a global audience.
Originally transmitted in 2004, Toji, the earth Critics and spectators amazed in the same way with its immediate success. The first episode recorded an impressive 18.3% audience at national level, salary at 20.2% per episode 2, despite having concentrated mainly on the actors of the children in the early stages. This company has been particularly remarkable given its direct competition with the series of high KBS1 budget series Immortal administrator is my Sun-Sin.
Directed by Lee Jong-Han, the series gave priority to emotional narrative and historical authenticity on the frenetic plot. “We focused on capturing both the emotional core of the characters and the historical current of the time, remaining faithful to the original novel”, Lee said in an interview during his original transmission.
While the narrative deepened, the assessments continued to rise. Toji, the earth He reached his peak with episode 32, broadcast on March 13, 2005, obtaining a huge score of 30.5%. This fundamental episode included SEO-Hee (played by Kim Hyun-Joo) who returned from Manchuria to face Joon-Goo (Kim Gap-See) in his hometown of Jinju, a dramatic turning point that captured the nation.
The story, adapted by the 25-year literary Opus of Park Kyung-Ni, tells the rise and fall of the Choi family through the deceased Joseon dynasty of Korea, the Japanese colonial occupation and the early independence movement. The subsequent arches of the drama followed Gilsang (Yoo Jun-Sang) as he joined the movement for independence in Manchuria, while Seo-Hee embarked on his last trip to Joseon.
Initially scheduled for 50 episodes, the series has been extended to 52 episodes, concluding with a solid final of 23.6% and an average evaluation of 23.3%, easily dominating its time slot.
But Toji, the earth It is more than a Juggernaut of evaluation: it is a cultural milestone. The drama has successfully given one of the most ambitious literary works in Korea, anchored by extraordinary shows by Kim Hyun-Joo, Yoo Jun-Sang, Yoo Hae-Jin (in his television debut) and Kim Gap-See. Kim Hyun-Joo’s Seo-Hee, in particular, remains a role that defines his career, which embodies strength, integrity and emotional depth.
The demographic data of the TNS media Korea revealed the wide appeal of the drama, in particular among the older spectators: 28.4% were women over the age of 50 and 20.1% were men in the same age group. It was and remains, a rare drama that generations united through shared memory and historical introspection.
Now, with its version of Netflix, Toji, the earth He is ready for a second life. For longtime fans, it offers a nostalgic return to a beloved series. For new spectators, in particular the younger generations, presents the possibility of exploring the modern history of Korea through one of its most monumental literary and television results.
Sources: Wikitoe
