Sejong the Great (1964)

세종대왕

This work focuses on the creation of Hunminjeongeum and the achievements of King Sejong, the wise and revered monarch of the Joseon Dynasty. Despite fierce opposition from his officials, Sejong (played by Choi Nam-hyeon) dedicates himself to developing a writing system for the common people who cannot read or write. At the same time, he defends the nation's borders by repelling the Jurchen tribes. Sejong takes in a wise woman, An Tak-gap (played by Moon Jeong-suk), as a royal concubine, and even as his health deteriorates, he continues to serve his country by performing rain rituals during droughts. This film is a cinematic adaptation of a radio drama originally aired by Seoul Central Broadcasting (HLKA), and it was produced in black-and-white using CinemaScope technology—a major production for its time. By portraying in detail the folk-tale-inspired relationship between Sejong and Concubine An Tak-gap, the film reveals a humble and human side of the king.