Canvas of Blood

A story that may start with a dream, which ultimately brings two brothers face to face in a fight for power, politics, and the throne. The upcoming Korean historical film Canvas of Blood is based on the complex relationship and different political aspirations of two princes of the Joseon Dynasty, Grand Prince Anpyeong and Grand Prince Suyang.

The story begins with a wonderful dream that Grand Prince Anpyeong had. In his dream, he saw a utopian landscape like a peaceful, beautiful, and ideal world. In order to keep that dream in reality, he asked the famous artist An Gyeon to portray it in a painting. Thus was created the historical painting Mongyudowondo, also known as Dream Journey to the Peach Blossom Land.

Deeply attracted to art and beauty, Anpyeong initially stayed away from the power struggle of the kingdom, but his desire to realize his dream as part of Joseon’s future gradually brought him to the center of politics. On the other hand, his older brother Grand Prince Suyang has his own completely different dream for Joseon. Where one envisions a kingdom of ideals and peace, the other seeks to build a future centered on power and self-interest.

The two brothers’ differing ideals gradually create a deep conflict in their relationship. When their dreams, despite being members of the same royal family, clash, the brothers’ relationship becomes a power struggle. Their struggle for the throne, politics, and the future of Joseon ultimately creates a situation where the fulfillment of one’s dreams means the collapse of the other’s.

Kim Nam-gil stars as Grand Prince Suyang, Park Bo-gum will be seen as Grand Prince Anpyeong, and Lee Hyun-wook stars as artist An Gyeon. The film is directed by Jang Hoon, who has directed acclaimed films such as A Taxi Driver and The Front Line. Canvas of Blood is scheduled for release in South Korea in 2026, although a specific release date has not yet been announced.