Kingdom: Ashin of the North (2021) – A Dark Origin Story in the Kingdom Universe
Kingdom: Ashin of the North is a powerful prequel special to the acclaimed South Korean Netflix series Kingdom, released globally on July 23, 2021. With a runtime of approximately 92 minutes, this feature-length episode expands the richly layered world of Kingdom, shifting the focus from royal court intrigue and survival horror to a more personal and tragic origin story—one that reveals the roots of the mysterious resurrection plant and introduces a compelling new character: Ashin.
Set in the cold and politically volatile northern borderlands of Joseon, the story begins in a time of tense coexistence between the kingdom of Joseon and the Jurchen tribes of the north. The film centers on Ashin, a young girl born into the marginalized Seongjeoyain tribe, a group viewed with suspicion and discrimination by both Joseon officials and rival ethnic factions. Her father, Tahab, serves as an intermediary and spy for the Joseon military, trying to secure peace and survival for his people. But when a brutal series of events leads to the massacre of her village and the betrayal of her family by those in power, Ashin is left orphaned, broken, and filled with a desire for revenge.
As Ashin grows older, she uncovers the secrets of the resurrection plant—a mysterious herb capable of reviving the dead. Her discovery marks the beginning of a harrowing descent into darkness, as she begins to weaponize the plant, setting the foundation for the terrifying zombie outbreak that plagues the Kingdom series. Unlike the political games and survivalist horror of the main show, Ashin of the North focuses on the emotional devastation of loss, cultural erasure, and the corrosive power of vengeance.
Jun Ji-hyun delivers a haunting and nuanced performance as the adult Ashin, portraying her transformation from a grieving child to a cold and calculated figure driven by revenge. The film also features strong supporting performances, including Kim Si-a as young Ashin and Park Byung-eun as military commander Min Chi-rok, a returning character from the main series.
Visually, Kingdom: Ashin of the North is a triumph. Director Kim Seong-hun captures the desolate beauty of the snowy northern landscape, using long, silent takes and haunting compositions to reflect Ashin’s isolation and inner turmoil. The cinematography is both bleak and poetic, mirroring the emotional tone of the story. Composer Jang Young-gyu’s music further deepens the atmosphere, blending sorrow and suspense in a minimalist score that underscores the narrative’s slow-burning tragedy.
Thematically, the film explores complex ideas about ethnic conflict, class division, and the nature of revenge. Unlike traditional zombie horror, the undead in this story serve as metaphors for unresolved trauma and historical injustice. Ashin’s journey, though tragic, raises questions about how far one should go for justice—and whether justice can ever be achieved through vengeance.
Though Kingdom: Ashin of the North diverges from the ensemble structure and fast pacing of the main series, it enriches the lore significantly. It offers fans essential context for the events of Kingdom Seasons 1 and 2, while standing alone as a deeply emotional character study. The ending leaves a chilling impression, setting the stage for future conflicts and hinting at the wider consequences of Ashin’s actions.
In summary, Kingdom: Ashin of the North is a bold and somber chapter in the Kingdom universe. It combines historical drama, psychological thriller, and horror into a tragic tale of a girl who loses everything—and chooses to reshape the world through the power of death itself. It’s a must-watch for fans of the series and newcomers alike who are drawn to dark, character-driven storytelling.
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