Chuno

Chuno follows Dae-gil, a ruthless leader who runs a squad hired to hunt down runaway slaves across a brutal late Joseon landscape. The group loves the chase, and their pay depends on delivering captives, yet the mission becomes personal when Tae-ha, once a celebrated warrior, slips away. As Dae-gil and his men close in, the line between hunter and hunted blurs, exposing the human costs of a slave economy and the moral gray areas of the men who enforce it. On the road, unlikely alliances form, and secrets from the past threaten to topple the fragile order. The show blends raw action with a somber look at power, loyalty, and survival. Its stark realism stays with you even today.

Created by Kwak Jung-hwan and Chun Sung-il, Chuno debuted in 2010 on KBS2. The series blends hard hitting action with character driven drama as Jang Hyuk leads a slave hunter unit through a brutal period.

Chuno is widely remembered for its sweeping visuals and tense pursuit scenes, but it also stands out for moral complexity and a stark look at slavery's toll. Its ambition and craft have influenced later period dramas and contributed to conversations about power, loyalty and survival that echo through crowded streets.

Reception has been strong with an average around 8.07 from critics and fans, reflecting broad appreciation for its production scope and performances. The show leans into themes of exploitation, vengeance and humanity, asking how far people will go when the system itself treats them as property and lingers with viewers.

Awards: The show earned nominations at major Korean awards, with recognition for acting and production. While not sweeping prize counts, the nominations underscored the show's craft, its ensemble performances, and its ability to tackle dark themes without shying away from brutal moments.