The story is about a man fighting against the selfish and corrupt government to save the ordinary peasants. Iljimae was abandoned by his birth father and adopted by a Chinese couple. He returns to Korea to find his birth family and realizes how unjust the world really is. He watched as his first love, Dal Yi, was wrongfully put to death. Iljimae then vows to help the commoners from the corrupt government officials.

Related Content

• 
  Yoon Jin Seo (Wol-Hee)

  Main Role

  Edit
• 
  Jung Il Woo (Il Ji Mae)

  Main Role

  Edit
• 
  Kim Min Jong (Ku ja Myeong)

  Main Role

  Edit
• 
  Jung Hye Young (Baek Mae)

  Supporting Role

  Edit
• 
  Jung Joon (Kim Joon Seo (Iljimae's half brother))

  Supporting Role

  Edit
• 
  Park Sandara (Rie)

  Supporting Role

  Edit

• 26 days ago 24 of 24 episodes seen

  iindu
  4 of 5 people found this review helpful
  Other reviews by this user
  • Overall  8
  • Story  8
  • Acting/Cast  8
  • Music  8
  • Rewatch Value  6

  'The Return of Iljimae' has many strong points, and in many ways is more complete story-wise than the other drama 'Iljimae', but I wasn't entirely happy with it.
  
  Having watched 'Iljimae',I must say, there is very little in common between these two dramas, other than the 'Robin Hood' nature of Iljimae and his rather misfortunate connection to his parents.
  
  The return of Iljimae has a broader framework,is more well written, and explores the identity of Iljimae as a hero of the times, working against injustice than for any personal quest. I felt that the story and the characters were more complete in this.
  
  The action sequences are good. There must have been plenty of rope and pulleys used in the making, as Iljimae and numerous others are always flying and leaping about in these scenes.
  The episodes are all interesting, and keep you moving forward without boredom.
  
  Regarding the cast: I had wanted to watch this initially for Jung Il Woo, and he didn't disappoint. He is good as Iljimae, truly the 'pretty girl-like-boy' as often referred to in the drama (I loved his ponytail hair).
  The supporting cast is good,with many strong performances except that some secondary characters were made annoying by over-acting.
  
  Despite all this, I didn't feel really satisfied with this drama. There wasn't so much plain fun or happy-energy associated with it.
  
  Iljimae's character is mostly solemn/sad/serious/angry. Very rarely do we get to see his smile, let alone hear a laugh. There are so many things happening, we can near feel him carrying the burden of the world on his shoulders.
  The romantic relationship is developed on realistic terms, along the sidelines of the plot.
  The ending too, although happy, has a solemn, contemplative feel to it.
  
  To sum up, although lacking in story and character development, character Iljimae in the drama 'Iljimae' evoked more happiness than the one we find in 'The Return of Iljimae'. read more

  report I found this review Helpful Not Helpful
• Jan 27, 2012 24 of 24 episodes seen

  rad_lisette
  1 of 2 people found this review helpful
  Other reviews by this user
  • Overall  8
  • Story  8
  • Acting/Cast  9
  • Music  8
  • Rewatch Value  8

  This sageuk has amazing cinematography and a lovely soundtrack. This was also a drama that has solid acting all across the cast.
  In particular, Jung Il Woo proved that he does have acting chops and this his his best work so far, in my opinion.
  
  The plot is a seamless blend of action, melodrama and comedy. The story examines the life and history of this "hero" in such a convincing way. The plot doesn't move that quickly and that may come off as jarring to some viewers. However, this drama is meant to be watched slowly and savored.
  The characters are portrayed so realistically and they really remain in your heart even after the drama is over.
  
  
  A highly recommended drama.

  report I found this review Helpful Not Helpful

• Pass the Love Around. Be the first to make a recommendation for this show