Stream K-Dramas at OnDemandKorea

TV Dramas About Koguryo Strain Sino-Korean Relations

By Park Chung-a
Staff Reporter

China has been expressing concerns over an array of Korean TV networks' production of big-budget historical dramas set in the Koguryo Kingdom (37 B.C. - A.D. 668) _ one of three Kingdoms of ancient Korea.

The Chinese government has denied access to shoot some of the important battle scenes in their country to producers of "Yongaesomun" by SBS and KBS' "Taejoyong", which center on portraying leaders' patriotic deeds and territorial victories set in the Koguryo Kingdom.

From mid-last year, the two dramas planned to shoot the most dramatic war scenes such as the famous battle of An Shi Fort in 644 in which the Koguryo army beat a Chinese army numbering more than 300,000 led by Tai Zong, Emperor of the Tang.

"When we asked last year to shoot in China, we thought there would not be much of a problem. However, as they began to realize that the theme of our drama was about restoring the lost history of Koguryo, they changed their attitudes and became uncooperative over the shooting", said Lee Jong-han, a producer of "Yongaesomun". "As shooting in China is not available, we are currently expanding on our current production set in Munkyong, North Kyongsang Province".

According to officials of domestic TV networks that participated in the 2006 Shanghai TV Festival (STVF), which ended on June 21, Chinese TV officials expressed their embarrassment and displeasure over Korea's aggressive production and promotion of Koguryo-featuring TV dramas.

"If China's attitude continues, this could lead to spread of anti-hallyu. China has already dramatically decreased the number of imported Korean dramas", said an official from the Korean Broadcasting Institute. "Korea's major TV networks should approach the Chinese market carefully, aware of its economic as well as political impact".

At a press conference to announce the start of telecasting for "Yongaesomun" early next month, writer Lee Hwan-kyung made it clear that the aim of the drama was to counter Chinese attempts to incorporate the history of the ancient kingdom into that of their own country.

"I felt frustrated by the Korean government's inactive response toward the Chinese' distorted historical viewpoint over Koguryo. Through this drama, I hope to change people's mind and tackle China's unreasonable claims over Koguryo", said Lee.

Meanwhile, Choi Wan-gyoo, writer of the popular MBC drama "Jumong" ("The Prince of the Legend")said that nationalism is not the main focus of his work. The 60-episode drama depicting the founding myth of the ancient Kingdom has been enjoying the highest viewer-ship among other dramas in the same time slot since May.

SBS' historical drama "Yongaesomun" is about the heroic general of the Koguryo Kingdom who successfully defeated the Chinese army. KBS' "Taejoyong" depicts the founding process of the Palhae Kingdom led by Taejoyong, a general from the Koguryo Kingdom. The Palhae Kingdom (698-926) controlled much of what is now northern China. The dramas will air in July and August, respectively.

Kim Jong-hak Production is in the process of making the 20-episode drama "Taewangsashingi" ("The Legend"), which deals with the dynamic history of the Koguryo Kingdom, from its founding to the achievements of King Kwanggaeto, who expanded the territory to its largest size during his reign. The production is aiming to air later this year.

Experts have said such a boom of Koguryo-related dramas reflects people's increased interest toward the kingdom _ an interest resulting from a territorial dispute sparked two years ago between Korea and China over the Koguryo Kingdom which, at one point, dominated the northern part of the Korean Peninsula and much of what is Manchuria in today's modern China.

Advertisement

❎ Try Ad-free