An Island, A History, Heroes, Villains, And Strong Women

It is a frenzied time of land and casino development on the small island of Cheju (now spelled Jeju), the ancient independent kingdom of T'amna. Just off the coast of the Korean mainland, it is now a tourist mecca. A new casino is planned at the center of Jeju City right next to a 500-year-old Choson Dynasty Pavilion - the Kwandokjon - National Treasure #322. Local activists with deep roots in Jeju's history launch a strategy to resist the development. A U.S. mainland Korean American reporter is sent to Jeju, where he learns of complex land court cases seeking to wrestle back control of Jeju's history and its national treasures. The near colonization of Korea in the 13th century by the Mongols, the shipwreck of Dutch traders in the 16th century, and the confiscation of property during the Japanese occupation impacted the protection of lands in modern times in the struggle to save Jeju's heritage. A former American Peace Corps Volunteer living in Amsterdam attempts to track down ancient Dutch documents. A DNA ancestry test upsets casino schemes. There are local gangs, shady criminal developers, and a surprising kidnapping. In the midst of this drama, two strong women leaders, a talented young female attorney, and an emerging Jeju activist join forces to confront those bent on destroying what makes Jeju-T'amna so unique to its residents. All set on the beautiful Island of Jeju, whose people have endured so much over the centuries, and who time and time again have stood up for their rights, and sent the message: Don't Mess With T'amna.