KBS Unveils New Historical Drama ‘Munmu’ for 2026 Release

On November 18, 2025, KBS officially announced its new grand-scale historical drama (daeha sageuk), ‘Munmu’, at a production press conference held at The Saint in Guro-gu, Seoul. This ambitious new KBS Drama, scheduled for release in 2026, will explore the epic unification of the Three Kingdoms Period and aims to deliver a powerful message of integration to a modern audience.

A Star-Studded Cast for a Grand Historical Drama

The upcoming historical drama boasts an impressive lineup of veteran actors, promising powerful performances. The cast includes Lee HyunWook as Kim Beopmin, Jang Hyuk as Yeon Gaesomun, Kim KangWoo as Kim Chunchu, Park SungWoong as Kim Yushin, Jung WoongIn as Kim Jinju, and Jo SungHa as Go Geonmu. The series is helmed by directors Kim YoungJo and Koo SungJoon, with the screenplay penned by writers Kim RiHeon and Hong JinYi. The assembly of such talented actors signals KBS’s commitment to creating a high-quality production.

‘Munmu’: A Message of Integration for Modern Times

The drama’s narrative is deeply rooted in Korean history, yet its themes are intended to resonate with contemporary issues.

Depicting the Three Kingdoms Period Unification

‘Munmu’ will chronicle the monumental task of unifying a divided nation, focusing on Silla’s unification of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. The story will delve into the complex political and military struggles of the Three Kingdoms Period, offering viewers a sweeping historical epic. This focus on a pivotal era in Korean history is a hallmark of the grand historical drama genre that KBS is known for.

A Story of Unity for a Divided Society

Beyond its historical setting, the core theme of ‘Munmu’ is “integration.” The production team aims to draw parallels between the fractured nation of the past and the divisions in contemporary society, such as those based on region, politics, wealth, and gender. The drama intends to present a message of unity and serve as a source of reflection for viewers today.

KBS President Links ‘Munmu’ to Public Service Mission

During the press conference, KBS President Park JangBum highlighted the significance of the project. He stated that the production of ‘Munmu’ was made possible by the recent reinstatement of the integrated collection of the TV license fee, which began in November 2025. He positioned this new historical drama as the first major result of the network’s enhanced financial stability.

President Park JangBum promised that this is just the beginning. Starting in 2026, KBS plans to launch more high-quality, public-service-oriented projects, including premium documentaries, funded by the restored license fee revenue. In an innovative move, ‘Munmu’ will also feature scenes created using AI technology, blending traditional storytelling with modern production techniques.

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