Emperor of the Sea (2004)

The South Korean drama series Emperor of the Sea features Choi Soo-jong, Chae Shi-ra, Song Il-gook, Soo Ae, and Chae Jung-an. It has 51 episodes and aired on KBS2 on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:55 from November 24, 2004, to May 25, 2005. The historical drama is based on the 2003 novel Hae-sin by Choi In-ho, which tells the story of Jang Bogo, who becomes a strong maritime leader who rules the East Asian seas and international trade during the Unified Silla Dynasty. Jang Bogo begins as a humble slave.

During the Unified Silla Dynasty, Jang Bogo (Choi Soo-jong) advances from a humble slave to the military commander of the sea. Along the journey, he fights off pirates and gets into a tense argument with Madam Jami (Chae Shi-ra), a Silla aristocrat who competes with Jang Bogo for control of the South Sea's trading routes. The charming companion of Jang Bogo, Yeom Jang (Song Il-gook), aids Jang in his ascent to the title of "Emperor of the Sea". But Yeom Jang competes with Jang Bogo for the love of Lady Jung-hwa (Soo Ae).

Detailed information:

Starring: Choi Soo-jong, Chae Shi-ra, Song Il-gook, Soo Ae

Original release: November 24, 2004 – May 25, 2005

Link to watch: imdb.com/title/tt2061110/