Iljimae 2008
“Peasant by day, Hero by night, Iljimae.”
What is Iljimae?
Iljimae is a television series set during the Joseon Dynasty. The story revolves around Ryung, a character who leads a double life.
- Type
- TV series
- Year
- 2008
- Status
- Ended
- Episodes
- 20
- Runtime
- 65 minutes
- First aired
- May 21, 2008
- Last aired
- Jul 24, 2008
- Original language
- KO
- Origin
- KR
- Networks
- SBS
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Drama
- Updated
Where to watch
Stream
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
FODFree
Amazon Prime VideoStream
Rakuten Viki
OnDemandKorea
Kocowa Amazon ChannelWith ads
Rakuten VikiStreaming availability data provided by JustWatch via TMDB. Availability changes by country and date; verify on the provider before subscribing or purchasing.
How long to binge?
Estimate the schedule using 20 episodes and an average 65-minute runtime.
Trailer
Overview
Iljimae is a television series set during the Joseon Dynasty. The story revolves around Ryung, a character who leads a double life. By day, he appears to be a gangster in the marketplace, while at night, he engages in a series of robberies targeting corrupt government officials. After each robbery, he leaves behind a wooden branch from a plum tree as a symbol of responsibility. The poor citizens refer to him as Iljimae. The series also features Bong Soon, a character with good martial art skills and a swindling background, who harbors strong feelings for Ryung. Additionally, Eun Chae is introduced as the daughter of a government official, known for her kind nature and willingness to help others. The series explores the lives and actions of these characters within the context of the Joseon Dynasty.
Should you watch it?
“A streetwise thief robs corrupt officials by night, leaving plum branches as his signature.”
- Dynamic action sequences with moral stakes
- Dual identity adds intrigue
- Humorous side characters with martial arts
- The blend of comedy and serious drama can feel uneven
Watch it if you enjoy heroic rogues who fight injustice in a historic Korean setting.
The series contains action violence and mature themes, making it best for older viewers.
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Cast
Episode guide
Season 1 · 20 episodes
- E1 Episode 1 May 21, 2008
- E2 Episode 2 May 22, 2008
- E3 Episode 3 May 28, 2008
- E4 Episode 4 May 29, 2008
- E5 Episode 5 Jun 4, 2008
- E6 Episode 6 Jun 5, 2008
- E7 Episode 7 Jun 11, 2008
- E8 Episode 8 Jun 12, 2008
- E9 Episode 9 Jun 18, 2008
- E10 Episode 10 Jun 19, 2008
- E11 Episode 11 Jun 25, 2008
- E12 Episode 12 Jun 26, 2008
- E13 Episode 13 Jul 2, 2008
- E14 Episode 14 Jul 3, 2008
- E15 Episode 15 Jul 9, 2008
- E16 Episode 16 Jul 10, 2008
- E17 Episode 17 Jul 16, 2008
- E18 Episode 18 Jul 17, 2008
- E19 Episode 19 Jul 23, 2008
- E20 Episode 20 Jul 24, 2008
Frequently asked questions
What time period does Iljimae take place in?
It is set during Korea's Joseon Dynasty.
Who is the main character and what are his two roles?
The protagonist is Ryung, who pretends to be a useless gangster by day and becomes the chivalrous robber Iljimae by night.
How does Iljimae identify his robberies?
He leaves a wooden branch from a plum tree at each robbery site as his signature.
Who are the prominent female characters?
Bong Soon, a comedic swindler skilled in martial arts who loves Ryung, and Eun Chae, a kind‑hearted daughter of a government official.
What genres does the series combine?
It blends action, adventure, drama, and historical elements.