Product Details

• Actors: Lee Seo-Jin, Han Ji-Min
• Directors: Lee Byung-Hoon
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: Korean
• Subtitles: English, Spanish
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
• Number of discs: 7
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Mbc America
• DVD Release Date: May 13, 2008
• Run Time: 1290 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0018Q7JXQ
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,864 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Lee Byeong-hoon, the director of the hit TV series "The Jewel in the Palace," came back in full force with the historical period piece, "Yi San," the story about King Jeong-jo, the 22nd king of the Joseon Dynasty. Yi-san (Lee Seo-jin) is just a child when his grandfather, King Young-jo (Lee Sun-jae) locks up his father, the Crown Prince, in a rice container and starves him to death because he suspects his own son of mutiny. During this terrible time, Yi-san befriends two children for life, Seong Song-yeon (Han Ji-min) and Park Dae-su (Lee Jong-su). Thereafter, as Yi-san grows up, the attempts on his life grow more and more heated as someone is desperate for him to die before ascending onto the throne. As the conspiracy thickens, Yi-san finds support and hope in his friends, particularly Song-yeon, towards whom he develops feelings of love. Yi-san eventually does become the 22nd king of the Joseon Dynasty, and he is one of the most innovative and reform-oriented kings in Korean history.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Epic, June 20, 2008

By 

Eduardo R. Toledo "Pinoy Critic" (Corona, Ca USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Yi San, Vol. 1 (DVD)

This is a really don't miss Korean Epic Legend, beautifully filmed drama. Customes are superb with beautiful design and color. Quality of the DVD pictures are outstanding similar to HD quality.
Story and portrayal of actors are very realistic.
I have watched a few Korean TV Series such as JUMONG, JEWEL IN THE PALACE, LEGEND of Four Gods, this film is up there if not better.
Sit back, relax and dedicate at least 3hrs because you just can't watch just 1 episode, you will long for more, guaranteed! My wife and I were sad after we saw the last episode of Vol. I, we should get the rest of the Volume this week I hope. Happy viewing, fans...

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars On Par With Jewel in the Palace, February 16, 2010

By 

D. McNeese "Doomed" (VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Yi San, Vol. 1 (DVD)

After watching Jewel In The Palace (Dae Jang Geum) my Korean drama adventure had begun. Yi San was my second stop on this adventure and
I was not disapointed. This story is about a King in the 1800's who fought for the people of his nation through thick and thin and never gave up, even after many assasination attempts. This series has it all, suspense,romance,comedy,action,,mystery and so forth. This series was actually suppose to only go 50 episodes, but because of the overwelming demand and love for the series it continued for 77 episodes.
Each episode is 1 hour long, meaning this is a 77 HOUR movie. I spent some days staying up late just so i could see the outcome of events only wanting to watch more and more. It's that addicting.

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Production, November 18, 2010

By 

Mr. Richard Pettinger - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Yi San, Vol. 1 (DVD)

The production values are excellent. Great camera work, visuals and captures the feeling of another world. It has many interesting characters, a very well thought out plot, with lots of twists and turns. Occasional moments of comedy.

It is true that once you start watching, it's hard to stop.

Because it is so good it seems churlish to offer criticism. But, two things stood out. There always seems to be a minute where there is just music and someone crying, I tended to fast forward through this bit. The other thing is that the English subtitles are woeful, they are written in pigeon English and occassionaly disappear too quickly. However, this doesn't spoil the programme, you can get a lot just from the visuals, though I did find myself trying (and failing) to learn Korean.