November 11, 2023 (2023-11-11) – March 10, 2024 (2024-03-10)
Korea–Khitan War (Korean: 고려 거란 전쟁) is a 2023–2024 South Korean television series based on the 2018 South Korean novel Goryeo–Khitan War: Sweet Rain in the Winter by Gil Seung-soo.[7] Produced to commemorate the 50th anniversary of KBS,[8] the series stars Kim Dong-jun, Choi Soo-jong, and Ji Seung-hyun. It aired on KBS2 from November 11, 2023 to March 10, 2024, every Saturday and Sunday at 21:25 (KST).[9] It is also available for streaming on Wavve in South Korea, on Kocowa in the Americas, and on Netflix in selected regions in Asia.[10]
Puah Ziwei of NME rated the series 5 out of 5 stars, claiming that "this well-written Korean historical series will keep you hooked its bloody tale of war and survival." He praised the conflict between Kang Cho and Gang Gam-chan, respectively played by Lee Won-jong and Choi Soo-jong, and the "delightfully malleable" performance of Baek Sung-hyun who played Mokjong, "an openly gay king" without any heirs. He also applauded the fact that the show depicted the times of Goryeo–Khitan War through an "old-school sageuk charm and style", and stated that "much like the anxious times it is inspired by, Korea-Khitan War is driven by purpose and complex interpersonal dynamics that leave little time for theatrics".[27] Choi Bo-yun noted that there is a narrative of putting people first in the midst of war throughout the series, shedding light on less well-known battles and figures of Korean history such as Yang Gyu, and that the growth of King Hyeonjong who won the two wars against the Khitans with the help of Gang Gam-chan is worth watching.[28]
Historical novel author Gil Seung-soo, who wrote the original novel which the series is based on, expressed his disappointment about the progression of the show after episode 16, since he was dissatisfied by the fact that it not only deviated from his novel, but also from actual Goryeo history.[29] He criticized the attitude of the scriptwriter and the way he anachronistically portrayed the local gentries of early 11th century Goryeo, claiming that the series' depiction is just as absurd as "BTS suddenly appearing right after the Korean war" and that the production team should have had responsibility when they're representing history through media. The article noted that many viewers also complained about the storyline after episode 16, even visiting author Gil's personal blog to leave a comment about their concerns for the series.[30]
Viewership
Korea–Khitan War : South Korea viewers per episode (millions)
Graphs are unavailable due to technical issues. Updates on reimplementing the Graph extension, which will be known as the Chart extension, can be found on Phabricator and on MediaWiki.org.
Episodes
Episode number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
1–16
0.941
1.249
1.023
1.343
1.373
1.382
1.498
1.454
1.590
1.789
1.701
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.849
1.939
17–32
1.716
1.857
1.377
1.819
1.703
1.764
1.656
1.815
1.596
2.015
1.907
2.204
1.890
2.307
2.032
2.444
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.[31]
^ abDue to some unpublished ratings, the exact average rating is unknown.
References
^ abcPark, Jae-hwan (November 17, 2023). 대하사극 '고려 거란 전쟁'.. 단 2회 방송 만에 '웰메이드' 호평 [The epic historical drama 'Goryeo–Khitan War' received rave reviews as 'well-made' after only two episodes] (in Korean). KBS Entertainment News. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023 – via Naver.
^Yang, Hyeong-mo (November 7, 2023). 고려거란전쟁-고려의 영웅들[신간] [Goryeo–Khitan War: Heroes of Goryeo [New book]] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 14, 2023 – via Naver.
^ abcdeCho, Sung-woon (July 21, 2023). '사극킹' 최수종의 귀환 "반드시 승리할 것이 옵니다" (고려 거란 전쟁) [Return of 'Sageuk King' Choi Soo-jong "Victory will definitely come" (Goryeo–Khitan War)] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^ abcdefg전쟁을 선포한 거란이 자신을 전쟁 명분으로 이용한다 생각하는 이원종 [고려 거란 전쟁] | KBS 231125 방송 [Lee Won-jong, who thinks that the Khitans who declared war are using him as a justification for war [Goryeo Khitan War] | Broadcast on KBS 231125] (in Korean). KBS Drama. November 25, 2023. Archived from the original on November 25, 2023. Retrieved November 25, 2023 – via YouTube.
^"Korea–Khitan War". KBS World. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
^Kim, Hyeon-deok (November 8, 2023). '고려 거란 전쟁' 회당 제작비, 8억 5000만 원...역대 사극 최대 제작비 투입 ['Goryeo Khitan War' production cost per episode: 850 million won...The largest production budget ever invested in a historical drama] (in Korean). Sports Seoul. Archived from the original on November 8, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2023 – via Naver.
^Yang, Hyeong-mo (May 10, 2023). 길승수 작가의 14년 역작, 고려거란전쟁 [신간] [Author Gil Seung-su's 14-year masterpiece, The Goryeo Khitan War [New book]] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^Ahn, Tae-hyun (September 27, 2023). '고려 거란 전쟁' 최수종·김동준·지승현, 비장함 담긴 포스터 공개 ['Goryeo–Khitan War' Choi Soo-jong, Kim Dong-jun, and Ji Seung-hyun reveal a poster full of solemnity] (in Korean). News1. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^Yoon, Jeong-min (November 10, 2023). '사극왕' 최수종 주연 KBS '고려거란전쟁', 넷플릭스 동시 방영 왜? [Why is KBS' 'Goryeo Khitan War' starring 'King of Historical Dramas' Choi Soo-jong aired simultaneously on Netflix?] (in Korean). Newsis. Archived from the original on November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 11, 2023 – via Naver.
^Park, Soo-in (April 26, 2023). 김동준 '고려 거란 전쟁' 주인공 캐스팅, 전역 후 첫 복귀작 [Kim Dong-jun cast as protagonist in 'Goryeo–Khitan War', first comeback after discharge] (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^Lee, Kyung-ho (February 20, 2023). [단독]최수종, '고려거란전쟁'서 강감찬 된다..KBS 대하사극 귀환! [[Exclusive] Choi Soo-jong becomes Gang Gam-chan in 'Goryeo–Khitan War'...Return to KBS epic historical drama!] (in Korean). MT Star News. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^Lee, Seung-gil (April 19, 2023). 베일 벗는 KBS 대하극 '고려거란전쟁', 지승현 '양규 장군' 역할 합류 [Ji Seung-hyun joins the role as 'General Yang Gyu' in KBS epic drama 'Goryeo–Khitan War'] (in Korean). My Daily. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^Lee, Kyung-ho (April 29, 2023). [단독]이원종, 최수종과 '고려거란전쟁' 이끈다..강조役 캐스팅 [[Exclusive] Lee Won-jong and Choi Soo-jong lead the 'Khitan War of Goryeo'...emphasis cast] (in Korean). MT Star News. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^ abcdefghijklJeon, Hyo-jin (September 12, 2023). 최수종 '고려 거란 전쟁', 끝판 노련美 대본 리딩 현장 [Choi Soo-jong's 'Goryeo–Khitan War', the final scene of the union script reading] (in Korean). Sports Donga. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^Hwang, Soo-yeon (September 18, 2023). '더 글로리' 류성현, '고려 거란 전쟁' 합류...최수종과 호흡 [공식입장] ['The Glory' Ryu Seong-hyun joins 'Goryeo–Khitan War'...Working with Choi Soo-jong [Official statement]] (in Korean). X-ports News. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^Lee, Ho-young (April 28, 2023). [단독] 김산호, 강감찬 장군 최수종 만난다...'고려 거란 전쟁' 합류 [[Exclusive] Kim San-ho meets General Gang Gam-chan and Choi Soo-jong...Joined the 'Goryeo–Khitan War'] (in Korean). MBC Entertainment News. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^Lee, Kyung-ho (May 28, 2023). [단독]김준배, 최수종 맞수 된다..'고려 거란 전쟁'서 소배압役 확정 [[Exclusive] Kim Jun-bae will take on Choi Soo-jong...Seo So-bae's role confirmed in 'Goryeo–Khitan War'] (in Korean). MT Star News. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^Lee, Kyung-ho (April 23, 2023). [단독]이시아, 김동준과 부부 된다..'고려거란전쟁' 원정왕후 캐스팅 [[Exclusive] Lee Sia and Kim Dong-jun become married.. 'Goryeo–Khitan War' Queen Wonje cast] (in Korean). MT Star News. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^Lee, Seung-rok (November 20, 2023). "아무도 몰랐다"...'고려 거란 전쟁' 저 女배우, 걸그룹 에이프릴 출신 윤채경이었네? [MD픽](종합) ["No one knew"...'Goryeo–Khitan War' That female actress was Yoon Chae-kyung from the girl group April? [MD Pick] (Comprehensive)] (in Korean). My Daily. Archived from the original on November 26, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023 – via Naver.
^Lee, Kyung-ho (May 20, 2023). [단독]이민영, 천추태후 된다..'고려 거란 전쟁' 합류 [[Exclusive] Lee Min-young becomes Empress Dowager Tianqiu...joins 'Goryeo–Khitan War'] (in Korean). MT Star News. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^Lee, Kyung-ho (November 7, 2023). '순풍산부인과' 이풍운, '고려 거란 전쟁'에 목종 연인으로 합류[공식] ['Soonpoong Clinic' Lee Poong-un joins 'Goryeo– Khitan War' as Mokjong's lover [Official]] (in Korean). MT Star News. Archived from the original on November 7, 2023. Retrieved November 7, 2023 – via Naver.
^Park, Jae-hwan (December 20, 2023). '고려거란전쟁' 완벽 팀워크.. 백성현-이민영, 아쉬운 작별 인사 [Perfect teamwork in 'Goryeo Khitan War'...Baek Sung-hyun and Lee Min-young say a sad goodbye] (in Korean). KBS Entertainment News. Archived from the original on January 20, 2024. Retrieved January 20, 2024 – via Naver.
^Yeon, Hwi-seon (May 25, 2023). '고려 거란 전쟁' 측 "윤복인 출연, 최수종과 부부 호흡" [공식입장] ['Goryeo–Khitan War' side "Yoon Bok-in appears and Choi Soo-jong works as a couple" [Official statement]] (in Korean). Osen. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^Son, Bong-seok (September 13, 2023). 배우 이창직, 대하 사극 '고려 거란 전쟁' 출연[공식] [Actor Lee Chang-jik to appear in historical drama 'Goryeo–Khitan War' [Official]] (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023 – via Naver.
^Jang, Jin-ri (January 24, 2024). [단독]'고려거란전쟁' 원작자 "6.25 직후 BTS 나온 꼴...KBS 책임감 가졌어야"(인터뷰) [[Exclusive] 'Korea-Khitan War' Original Author "just as absurd as BTS suddenly appearing right after the Korean war...KBS should have had responsibility" (Interview)]. SPOTVNEWS. Archived from the original on February 2, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
"Ep. 1". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). November 11, 2023. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
"Ep. 2". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). November 12, 2023. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
"Ep. 3". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). November 18, 2023. Archived from the original on November 19, 2023. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
"Ep. 4". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). November 19, 2023. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
"Ep. 5". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). November 25, 2023. Archived from the original on November 26, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
"Ep. 6". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). November 26, 2023. Archived from the original on December 1, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
"Ep. 7". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). December 2, 2023. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
"Ep. 8". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). December 3, 2023. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
"Ep. 9". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). December 9, 2023. Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
"Ep. 10". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). December 10, 2023. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
"Ep. 11". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). December 16, 2023. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
"Ep. 15". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). January 6, 2024. Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
"Ep. 16". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). January 7, 2024. Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
"Ep. 17". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). January 13, 2024. Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
"Ep. 18". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). January 14, 2024. Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
"Ep. 19". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). January 20, 2024. Archived from the original on January 21, 2024. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
"Ep. 20". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). January 21, 2024. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
"Ep. 21". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). January 27, 2024. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 28, 2024.
"Ep. 22". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). January 28, 2024. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 29, 2024.
"Ep. 23". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). February 3, 2024. Archived from the original on February 3, 2024. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
"Ep. 24". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). February 4, 2024. Archived from the original on February 4, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
"Ep. 25". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). February 17, 2024. Archived from the original on February 17, 2024. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
"Ep. 26". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). February 18, 2024. Archived from the original on February 19, 2024. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
"Ep. 27". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). February 24, 2024. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
"Ep. 28". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). February 25, 2024. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
"Ep. 29". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). March 2, 2024. Archived from the original on March 2, 2024. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
"Ep. 30". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). March 3, 2024. Archived from the original on March 4, 2024. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
"Ep. 31". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). March 9, 2024. Archived from the original on March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
"Ep. 32". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). March 10, 2024. Archived from the original on March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 10, 2024.
^고려 거란 전쟁 시청률 [Korea–Khitan War ratings] (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. Archived from the original on March 10, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2024 – via Daum.
"Ep. 2". Break News (in Korean). November 13, 2023. Archived from the original on November 14, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
"Ep. 4". Break News (in Korean). November 19, 2023. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
"Ep. 5". Break News (in Korean). November 26, 2023. Archived from the original on November 26, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
"Ep. 6". Break News (in Korean). November 27, 2023. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
"Ep. 7". Break News (in Korean). December 3, 2023. Archived from the original on December 2, 2023. Retrieved December 3, 2023.
"Ep. 8". Break News (in Korean). December 4, 2023. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
"Ep. 10". Break News (in Korean). December 11, 2023. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
"Ep. 12". Break News (in Korean). December 18, 2023. Archived from the original on December 23, 2023. Retrieved December 18, 2023.
^Hwang, So-young (April 8, 2024). 60회 맞은 '백상예술대상' TV·영화·연극 후보 공개 [60th 'Baeksang Arts Awards' TV, Film and Theater Candidates Revealed] (in Korean). JTBC News. Archived from the original on April 8, 2024. Retrieved April 16, 2024 – via Naver.
^Kim, Na-yul (January 1, 2024). [2023 KBS 연기대상]최수종, 16년만 4번째 대상에 오열.."당연한 건 없었다"(종합) [[2023 KBS Drama Awards] Choi Soo-jong wins the Grand Prize for the 4th time in 16 years.."Nothing was taken for granted" (Comprehensive)] (in Korean). Herald Pop. Archived from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved January 1, 2024 – via Naver.