The Great Merchant Kim Manduk

The Great Merchant Kim Manduk is a volume based on the historical life of the real-world figure Kim Man-deok, a renowned merchant and philanthropist from the Joseon Dynasty. Living in the late 18th century, she is celebrated in Korean history for using her accumulated wealth to save the people of Jeju Island during a severe famine. This literary adaptation seeks to translate her legendary status and acts of altruism into a narrative format accessible to contemporary readers, emphasizing her struggle against social structures and her ultimate triumph through perseverance and compassion.

Shin Ji-Sang authored this work with a focus on capturing the historical atmosphere of the Joseon period while highlighting the personal agency of its protagonist. The design and storytelling approach aim to balance historical accuracy with the dramatic pacing expected of a biographical volume. Upon its release, the series was received as a respectful tribute to a national icon, appreciated for its educational value and its contribution to preserving the legacy of an important historical woman for a younger audience.