Legend of the Patriots (2010 TV Series)

Legend of the Patriots (Korean: 전우; RR: Jeon Woo) is a South Korean television series that aired on KBS from June 19 to August 21, 2010. The 20-episode drama focuses on the experiences of a squad of soldiers navigating the hardships and moral complexities of the Korean War.

Promotional poster for Legend of the Patriots — Promotional poster for the 2010 series Legend of the Patriots.

Premise

The series follows the lives of nine soldiers serving in the same squad. The narrative explores their individual backgrounds, motivations for fighting, and the psychological toll of combat. The squad is led by Lee Hyun-joong, a seasoned veteran whose past remains largely unknown to his subordinates. The series examines themes of duty, survival, and the loss of innocence as the soldiers face the brutal realities of the conflict.

Main Characters

Lee Hyun-joong (Choi Soo-jong): The squad leader, known for his adherence to principles and his protective nature toward his men.
Park Il-kwon (Kim Roe-ha): A disciplined and stern soldier who prioritizes mission success, often at great personal risk.
Kim Joon-beom (Lim Won-hee): A talkative and warm-hearted soldier who aspires to be a storyteller.
Yeom Ha-jin (Nam Sung-jin): A soldier from the countryside whose primary motivation is to survive and return to his wife.
Yang Sang-kil (Hong Kyoung-in): A former gambler who maintains a close friendship with Yeom Ha-jin.
Park Joo-yong (Ryu Sang-wook): A medic who struggles with the moral conflict between his desire to save lives and the necessity of killing in battle.
Jung Taek-soo (Lee Seung-hyo): A soldier driven by vengeance after the death of his parents at the hands of North Korean forces.
Baek Seung-jin (Park Sang-uk): A physically strong but gentle soldier who joined the squad to protect others.
Kim Beom-woo (Ahn Yong-joon): A young soldier who initially fears combat but becomes obsessed with earning a medal to achieve his dream of becoming a general.

Choi Soo-jong as Lee Hyun-joong — Choi Soo-jong portrays the squad leader Lee Hyun-joong.

Production

The series was directed by Song Hyun-wook and Kim Sang-hee, with a screenplay written by Kim Pil-jin and Lee Eun-sang. It was broadcast on the KBS network during the Saturday and Sunday 21:40 time slot.