Kingdom: Ashin of the North

Ashin, a woman marked by loss, will not surrender her people's memory to a brutal winter. When tragedy destroys her northern tribe and cuts her family from her life, she uncovers a hidden truth buried in old scars and whispered legends. A mysterious discovery, the key to power, blood guilt, and a long buried betrayal, pulls her toward revenge, forcing her to weigh mercy against vengeance. The tale follows Ashin as she threads through frostbitten camps, tense negotiations with rival factions, and perilous treks across snow and shadow. Alongside glimpses of Little Ashin, the story keeps its twists and endings under wraps, concentrating on motive, consequence, and resilience. The film emphasizes quiet moral choices and the cost of pursuing justice through a landscape that tests every loyalty.

Directed by Kim Seong-hun, Kingdom: Ashin of the North broadens the Kingdom universe with a backstory crafted by Park Song-i and Kim Eun-hee. It premiered on Netflix in 2021 as a stand-alone special that complements the series.

No public box office numbers are disclosed for this Netflix release, and streaming titles often bypass traditional grosses. What is known is that it was produced as a key extension of the Kingdom franchise and features Gianna Jun in the lead.

Ashin of the North contributes to the Kingdom saga by layering Ashin's origin into the wider mythos, offering visually striking set pieces and a darker tone that fans discuss online. The film invites renewed conversations about vengeance, memory, and endurance within Korean fantasy storytelling, and it broadens the franchise's appeal to viewers seeking backstory and atmosphere.

Critics praised Gianna Jun's commanding performance, the harsh atmosphere, and the way the story probes tragedy, betrayal, and the cost of revenge. The northern setting heightens moral ambiguity, forcing characters to decide between personal loyalty and a broader sense of justice. Some reviewers noted careful worldbuilding and restrained violence that suits the franchise's tone.