'Goryeo Khitan War', putting aside the harsh criticism of the horse barrel accident, 'marriage declaration' dopamine explosion ending

King Hyeonjong of the 'Khitan War of Goryeo' took Wonseong as his wife to save Kim Eunbu.

In the 19th episode of the KBS 2TV epic drama 'Goryeo Khitan War' (written by Lee Jeong-woo, directed by Jeon Woo-seong, Kim Han-sol), which aired on the 20th, Hyeonjong (Kim Dong-jun), who safely regained consciousness, meets Kim Eun-bu (Cho Seung-yeon)'s daughter Won-seong (played by Cho Seung-yeon) amid opposition from his subjects. He announced that he would form a marital relationship with Ha Seung-ri (played by Ha Seung-ri) and predicted trouble.

Despite being broadcast at the same time as the 2023 AFC Qatar Asian Cup match between Korea and Jordan, episode 18 recorded a viewership rating of 7.9% (provided by Nielsen Korea, nationwide), ranking first among weekend dramas broadcast at the same time. In particular, the scene where Empress Wonjeong (played by Lee Sia) joins forces with Eugene (played by Jo Hee-bong) to send out the subjects who followed King Hyeonjong's wishes out of Gaegyeong instantly soared to the highest viewership rating of 9.5% (nationally), causing viewers' dopamine to explode.

On this day, Empress Wonjeong, who had joined forces with Eugene to oust Kim Eun-bu, shed tears and blamed herself as Hyeonjong was placed in a life-or-death situation. However, when she heard the news that the emperor had passed a major crisis, she suddenly changed and plotted with Eugene to organize everything before Hyeonjong woke up.

First, the expedition kicked out Chae Chung-sun (played by Han Seung-hyeon) and Choi Sa-wi (played by Park Yoo-seung), who followed King Hyeonjong's wishes, out of Gaegyeong under the pretext of preparing for the Khitan invasion. In addition, Wonjeong decided to reveal Kim Eun-bu's crimes in detail in front of his subjects.

Wonjeong, who occupied Suchang Palace on behalf of the emperor, took Kim Eun-bu away and began interrogation, saying that he would strictly investigate whether he was guilty or not. Kim Eun-bu acknowledged the fact that 31 sons of Gongju's military commanders and their relatives were excluded from requisition, and confessed, "Instead of turning a blind eye to one, I wanted to gain heat."

Eugene pushed Kim Eun-bu to the edge of the cliff, using the captains of the princess who had been transported there. Gongju's captains created a tense atmosphere with Kim Eun-bu's false confession that she had demanded compensation for her son in exchange for removing him from conscription.

At that moment, Hyang-ri, a princess who worked under Kim Eun-bu, arrived at Jeongjeon, providing the ultimate thrill. Hyang-ri said, “The commanders threatened to not cooperate with the requisition, so the thief had no choice but to do it. “This was never done to satisfy self-interest,” he refuted.

However, the situation changed suddenly when a box containing silver was discovered in the warehouse of Kim Eun-bu's house. Kim Eun-bu's wife and family complained that they did not know the source of the silver. Wonseong questioned Wonseong, who claimed innocence, saying, “Is it true that your father offered you up to win His Majesty’s favor?” To which Wonseong responded, “My father is someone who can’t think of such things, so I asked him first.” He said, “I wanted to create an opportunity for Kim Eun-bu to express his will.”

Kim Eun-bu, who was watching her family suffer all kinds of indignities because of her, knelt down and admitted all of her sins. Wonjeong, who had achieved what he wanted, ordered the interrogation to be discontinued since the criminal had confessed everything. At that moment, King Hyeonjong, wearing the emperor's attire, appeared in the main hall, causing goosebumps in the audience.

King Hyeonjong, who learned of all that had happened while lying in his sick bed, poured out his anger towards Wonjeong and his subjects. The officers, including Choi Jil (played by Joo Seok-tae) and Kim Hoon (played by Ryu Seong-hyeon), pleaded for Kim Eun-bu to be severely punished quickly, saying that he had committed a serious crime that violated national law and undermined military discipline.

Kang Gam-chan, who returned to Geumju, was heartbroken as he remembered King Hyeonjong, who was on the brink of death. He said, “If His Majesty passes away like this, it is all my fault. “This ugly subject drove Your Majesty to death,” he said, arousing the sorrow of those who shed tears of regret. In addition, in response to Choi Hang (played by Kim Jeong-hak) telling him to find a way to undo everything, Gang Gam-chan sent a letter to Hyeonjong with a plan of action.

At the end of the broadcast, King Hyeonjong presented a thrilling twist with the 'marriage ending' in which he declared to Wonseong, who had arrived at the palace escorted by court ladies and officials, "I will take you as my wife."

Choi Ji-ye, Ten Asia Reporter wisdomart@tenasia.co.kr