Korea-Khitan War Paints the Picture of a Humble Peaceful King Who Won’t Back Down!
King Hyeonjong teaches us that sometimes The Enemy confuses a humble king who wants peace with a weak king who is a pushover. Big Mistake!
“Korea-Khitan War” (or “Goryeo-Khitan War”) is a 2023 Korean drama series, with 32 episodes, broadcasting via KBS and streaming on Viki. Also available on also available for streaming on Wavve, Kocowa, and on Netflix in selected regions. The release of this Kdram series commemorates the 50th Anniversary of KBS (Korean Broadcasting System).
Korea-Khitan War is based on the novel “Goryeo–Khitan War: Sweet Rain in the Winter”.
The entire cast for this Kdrama series gave award-worthy performances. In particular, Kim Dong-Joon, the young South Korean actor who played King Hyeonjong was very impressive. When a viewer is first introduced to his character, they can’t help but instantly become his cheerleader. You want him to become a wise, tolerant, and benevolent king who accomplishes great things. The historical records indicate that under his leadership, even though outnumbered, the people of Goryeo fought bravely against the Khitan invaders and WON!
- King Hyeonjong of Goryeo is the last grandson of Taejo of Goryeo. He was born in 992 and died in 1031; he ascended to the throne when he was 19 years old, and his reign lasted from 1009 to 1031. This emperor is praised for securing the foundation of the Goryeo kingdom.
- The Goryeo dynasty lasted from 918 to 1392, and that period is often referred to as Korea’s Age of Enlightenment.
Main Characters:
- King Hyeonjong (played by Kim Dong-Joon)
- Kang Cho (played by Lee Won-Jong)
- Gang Gam-chan (played by Choi Soo-Jong)
♦ The War Between Goryeo and the Khitans Lasted 26 years
The Khitan army lost the Battle of Kwiju and never invaded Goryeo again. The Korea-Khitan War opens with a scene of this bloody battle and then backtracks several years to explain the current situation in Goryeo before the invasions began.
Sadly, the kingdom needed to settle their internal differences, before they could unite to fight The Enemy. The first order of business was to confront a weak king who had lost touch with his people and a ruthless powermonger who bedded the king’s mother intending to establish his bloodline on the throne. The way to fix this? OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!
Kang Cho was 70 years old and a loyal subject of Goryeo. He was a seasoned warrior, understood politics, could offer wise counsel to the emperor, and was not afraid to confront the kingdom’s enemies, even if they were on the inside. He took the risk of being branded as a traitor when he assassinated the wanna-be emperor and the real emperor, King Mokjong, to clear a path for a new leader, King Hyeonjong, the last grandson of Taejo of Goryeo, and heir to the throne through divine right.
Gang Gam-chan was an elderly statesman. He had been living in the countryside but returned to the palace and the court to serve the new emperor. King Hyeonjong appreciated his forthright comments. He did not use double-speak, offered the king sound and wise advice, and helped him understand politics.
Court officials apprise King Hyeonjong of Goryeo’s current state of affairs. Once the emperor realized that war could not be avoided, he made Kam Chan Commander-in-Chief, giving him the authority and responsibilities for defending Goryeo against the Khitan invasion.
Rather than cut off the head of Kang Cho, the young King Hyeonjong bestowed upon him the emperor’s ax and sent him off to war. The king promised that when he returned triumphantly, he would no longer be marked as a traitor.
Viki viewers rate this series 9.5 out of 10 stars. I agree.
Zone, Drama. “Goryeo-Khitan War (2023) Official Trailer | Korean Drama.” YouTube Video. YouTube, September 26, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6yjCeReMgA.
Loonytricky. “Korean History Goryeo Dynasty Part 2 of 5 Gwangjong, Khitan Wars.” YouTube, 19 Jan. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=snirsyGyYbs.
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