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The author of "Goryeo-Khitan War: Sweet Rain in The Winter", the novel from which KBS 2TV's historical drama Korea-Khitan War is adapted, Gil Seung Soo, expressed his dissatisfaction with the way the K-drama unfolded after episode 16. He says that the show deviates not only from the novel but also from historical facts.
Recently, Gil posted an article on his blog titled "Post-Episode 16: The Story After General Yang Gyu's Death" discussing the content of episodes 17 and 18 of the KBS drama Korea-Khitan War, which aired on January 13 and 14, respectively.
Writer Gil Seung Soo stated, "Of course, Hyeonjong's [played by Kim Dong Jun] falling from a horse depicted in episode 18 of KBS2's Korea-Khitan War is not part of the original story" and added, "I believe that he [the scriptwriter] should have thoroughly grasped historical facts, sought ample advice, and then written the script, but it seems that he lacked understanding. After the scriptwriter was replaced, they did not consult me except for battle scenes, so I am not aware of what happened behind the scenes."
Continuing, he said, "It seems that the scriptwriter is deliberately trying to deviate from the original work and write their own piece. By trying to deviate from the original work, they seem to be deviating from the historical context within it. I find it hard to believe that such a person is writing a historical drama for the public broadcaster KBS."
Regarding King Hyeonjong falling from the horse, he remarked, "I properly explained Hyunjong's character to the production team, but in the end, the scriptwriter used it however he wanted, and it has led to this disappointment. They are making a fool out of someone who can be considered the most brilliant military commander in Korean history."
The writer also said that he hopes the drama will soon get back on track.
In episode 18 of Korea-Khitan War, which aired on January 14, King Hyeonjong of Goryeo dismissed Gang Gam Chan (Choi Soo Jong), who opposed his reforms. After Gang Gam Chan appealed for the impeachment of Kim Eun Bu (Jo Seung Yun), Hyeonjong, angered, visited him and told him to leave Gaegyeong (the capital city of Goryeo). Hyeonjong was shown riding a horse and falling from it while trying to avoid a cart that blocked his path.
After watching this, some people started criticizing the drama for the way it portrayed King Hyeonjong and for the historical accuracy of the context.
Korea-Khitan War is available to stream on Viki, Netflix, and Kocowa.
