
The Great Merchant
Revised Romanization: N/A
Original Name, Hangul: 거상 김만덕
Director: Kim Seong-yoon
Writer: N/A
Network: KBS1
Episodes: 30
Release Date: 2010-03-06
Runtime: 50 minutes
Original Language: ko
Country: KR
Seasons: 1
Genres: Drama
Age Rating: N/A
Status: Ended
Drama Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐6.3
Keywords:
Plot Synopsis
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 & Crew

Lee Mi-yeon
Kim Man-deok/Yi Hong

Shim Eun-kyung
Yi Hong (young)

Han Jae-suk
Jung Hong-soo

Do Ji-han
Hong-soo (young)

Park Sol-mi
Oh Moon-seon

Oh Yeon-seo
Lee Eun

Jo Byung-Gi
Lee Bang

Kim Kyu-chul
Steward Oh

Goh Doo-shim
Granny

Kim Kap-soo
Kang Kye-man

Ha Seok-jin
Kang Yoo-ji

Yoo Yeon-mi
Kkot-nim
Where to Watch

wavve
Reviews
ParkMin
There was an attempt to create something but we got this. There was absolutely no need to have the first 5 episodes about her childhood then followed by another 6 episodes adulthood update. Her journey to become a merchant doesn't start until episode 12, almost halfway through!! Once again, the advertised theme doesn't get the intended focus it deserves, instead it gets bloated by redundant elements that take away rather than adding to the drama, case in point the love triangle. Why not delve deeper into the world of traders/merchants and explore all the intricacies surrounding it, it would make a much more stimulating experience. Anyway, the male cast performance wasn't good.