Native Title	신의 구슬
Also Know as	Marble of God, Shinui Gooseul
Director	Jung Dae-Yoon
Writer	Jung Hyun-Min
Distributor	JTBC
Air Time	Saturday, Sunday 22:30
Runtime	12 episodes
Genre	Historical, Drama, Romance, Action, War
Language	Korean
Country	South Korea
Release Date	2026-01-17

"God's Beads" is an upcoming South Korean historical action romance series set in 1258 during the height of the Goryeo dynasty's 30-year war against the Mongolian empire. This 12-episode drama, airing on Saturdays and Sundays, chronicles an expedition team's perilous quest for the nation's sacred relics amid heroism, friendship, and tangled romances. Penned by Jung Hyun-min and directed by Jung Dae-yoon, it blends intense military action with poignant personal struggles, produced by Celltrion Entertainment and SLL for JTBC's 2026 lineup.

Plot Synopsis

In the midst of Goryeo's desperate defense against Mongol invaders, Baek Gyeol, a once-elite royal guard turned convoy commander, leads a ragtag expedition to recover the country's holy beads – symbols of divine protection. Exiled from the palace after falling for the emperor's youngest daughter, Wang Hee, Baek Gyeol navigates treacherous terrains and internal betrayals with his team, including a grizzled war veteran officer and a sharp-witted local guide. As Wang Hee defies her secluded life and arranged marriage to aid the mission, the group uncovers not just relics but the unyielding bonds of loyalty and love that could tip the scales of war. Their journey weaves high-stakes battles with heartfelt sacrifices, illuminating the era's clash of duty and desire.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

The series assembles a dynamic ensemble of versatile talents, each embodying the grit and grace of Goryeo's warriors and royals:

Ahn Bo-hyun as Baek Gyeol: The pure-hearted and passionate expedition leader, a former high-ranking protector of the royal family whose forbidden love propels him into exile and heroism.
Claudia Kim as Wang Hee: The emperor's reclusive youngest daughter, trapped in a political marriage, who awakens to passion and purpose upon encountering Baek Gyeol.
Lee Sung-min as Choi Koo: A battle-hardened veteran and elite special forces officer who joins the convoy, bringing tactical prowess and seasoned wisdom to the rookie commander.
Ha Yun-kyung as Geol Seung: The resourceful guide from Ganghwa Island, whose thriving local business upends when she's recruited, adding street-smart cunning to the team's dynamics.
Yoon Kyun-sang as Wang Mu: A steadfast royal guard at Wanju Fortress and Wang Hee's first love, a distant imperial kin burdened by political machinations and borderland exile.

This lineup promises explosive chemistry in both combat and courtship.

Reception

As a 2026 anticipation, "God's Beads" is drawing keen interest from historical drama fans, with thousands adding it to watchlists for its fusion of adrenaline-fueled action and emotional depth. Early excitement centers on the era's vivid portrayal and the cast's potential to deliver unforgettable performances.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Historical Canvas

Set against the real Goryeo-Mongol conflicts of 1258, the series uses authentic relics like sacred beads as metaphors for resilience, immersing viewers in the dynasty's turbulent fight for sovereignty.

Creative Collaboration

Writer Jung Hyun-min, known for intricate period tales, teams with director Jung Dae-yoon, a veteran of lavish historicals, to craft a narrative that balances spectacle with intimate character moments.

On-Screen Reunions

Ha Yun-kyung reunites with Ahn Bo-hyun from their prior collaboration, infusing their guide-commander rapport with familiar spark and layered tension.

Casting Milestones

Announcements rolled out progressively, starting with Ahn Bo-hyun's lead confirmation in early 2025, building to the full ensemble reveal by mid-year, heightening pre-release hype.

Action-Romance Fusion

Filming emphasizes grand-scale battles alongside tender romances, showcasing the cast's physicality – from swordplay to horseback chases – in Goryeo's rugged landscapes.

Final Thoughts

"God's Beads" emerges as a sweeping ode to Goryeo's indomitable spirit, where relics of faith mirror the treasures of human connection. With its riveting plot, powerhouse performers, and masterful direction, this drama is poised to captivate as a pinnacle of historical epics – blending heart-pounding valor with the quiet ache of what defies empires.

Where to Watch

Streaming Access

Premiering exclusively on JTBC in 2026, with episodes airing Saturdays and Sundays.