[Feb 4] “Korea-Khitan War” Ep 24, “Captivating the King” Ep 6: Ratings & Recap

These dramas performed well in their respective time slots. 

“Korea-Khitan War” episode 24 rating & recap

KBS 2TV’s “Korea-Khitan War” increased its rating to 10.0%. The 24th episode showed Hyun-jong (Kim Dong-joon), who returned to Gaegyeong Palace after three years, doing his best for the peace of Goryeo as a loyal king, along with Kim Hoon (Ryu Seong-hyun) and Choi Jil (Joo Seok-tae) who rebelled against the royal court. The scene where Park Jin (Lee Jae-yong) suggested to Choi Jil that he would start a rebellion soared to a momentary peak rating of 10.9%.

Gam-chan’s arrival and reunion with Eun-boo

In episode 24, Kang Gam-chan (Choi Soo-jong), who arrived in Dongbukmyeon amid the resistance of the officials, reunited with Kim Eun-boo (Jo Seung-yeon), who had prepared a place for him in the Khitan land. Gam-chan immediately started checking the situation in Dongbukmyeon. He pointed out the poor combat records of the soldiers, including their barracks, and started to increase the military strength.

Hyun-jong’s military reforms and Choi Jil’s rebellion

Hyun-jong also ordered to fill up the 6 military officers and train them hard to prepare for the invasion of the Khitan. He also divided the local military officers into first-class and second-class soldiers to increase their combat power and made every preparation.

Choi Jil was interrogated by the managers of the Asadae for the collective action of the generals. He increased his resentment towards the royal court officials. Choi Jil went to the Asadae conference room and shouted at Jang Yeon-woo (Lee Ji-hoon) that he was the leader, showing a defiant attitude that provoked the anger of the people.

Hyun-jong told the officials who asked him to punish Kim Hoon and Choi Jil that he couldn't punish them who had made great contributions in the last war. Park Jin suggested to Choi Jil that he would start a rebellion.

Gam-chan decided to ambush the Khitan tribes who had plundered the village near Guryong Mountain and killed all the recruits and left. He went out on his first expedition, faced a crisis with his clumsy martial arts, but joined forces with the soldiers, including Lee Ja-rim (Jeon Jin-woo), and won the victory. The Goryeo soldiers who annihilated all the enemies raised their swords and shouted, enjoying the joy of victory.

Empress Wonjeong’s jealousy and Won-seong’s family

Meanwhile, Empress Wonjeong (Lee Shi-ah) was jealous of the growing closeness between Hyun-jong and Won-seong (Ha Seung-ri). She said, “I tried not to feel jealous. But I can’t do it anymore. I want to kill them and separate them.” She burst into tears. Won-seong reunited with his father Eun-boo, who returned safely to Goryeo. Hyun-jong smiled when watching Eun-boo and Won-seong hug and comfort each other.

The Khitan invasion and Goryeo’s resistance

The time passed to October 1014. The Khitan invaded Goryeo again. Goryeo repelled the Khitan army again with the help of General Heungwhajin. Hyun-jong, who returned to Gaegyeong Palace after three years, asked the officials, “The only way for our Goryeo to achieve peace is to win this war.”

Especially at the end of episode 24, Choi Jil and Kim Hoon, who fell for Park Jin’s trick, started a rebellion with the soldiers who would follow their will, decorating the ending.

“Captivating the King” episode 6 rating & recap

tvN’s “Captivating the King” bounced back to 5.5%. 

The 5th episode showed how Kang Hee-Soo managed to infiltrate the palace again, pretending to be Kang Mong-Woo, a male baduk player. King Lee In was stunned by Mong-Woo’s reappearance, as he was supposed to be dead for three years. Lee In had a fondness for the baduk player before, but he grew bitter and blamed him for being a betrayer.

Episode 6 starts with Mong-Woo getting the position of “Gidaeryeong”, which means he is the king’s personal baduk player. Jung-Suk’s role suspects Mong-Woo and accuses him of coming back to get revenge on him.

Shin Se-Kyung invites Lee Shin-Young to join her in her vengeance scheme

Mong-Woo (Shin Se-Kyung) is shocked to find out that King Lee In’s guess about his comeback is right. Jo Jung-Suk’s role had his guards attack the player and his friend three years ago. Mong-Woo got away after his friend was killed and vowed to avenge her death.

Mong-Woo denies the charges and tries to persuade King Lee In that he didn't come back to get revenge. Kim Myung-Ha (Lee Shin-Young) is concerned about Mong-Woo. He is aware that Mong-Woo is actually Kang Hee-Soo, whom he harmed in the past. He is doubtful of her comeback as Mong-Woo.

The following day, Mong-Woo confronts Myung-Ha and asks him to apologize for his past actions. He declines, and Mong-Woo says, “You have become quite bold. I am glad to see that. You will need such boldness to oppose the King who has deceived and tricked everyone to get the throne.” Myung-Ha is puzzled by Mong-Woo’s words. Mong-Woo reveals that he/she has come back to get revenge on the king who “cheated his way to the crown.” He invites Myung-Ha to team up, but he refuses later.

Mong-Woo keeps serving King Lee In as his Gidaeryeong. He's still doubtful of her but chooses to keep his beloved baduk player near. Mong-Woo also helps the queen foil the king’s mother’s plot to make Mong-Woo her patron. This action makes Mong-Woo friendly with the queen, pleases the king, and reunites Myung-Ha’s family with him.

"Captivating the King" episode 6 ending: Jo Jung-Suk sees Shin-Young hug Se-Kyung 

Near the end of this episode, King Lee In cautions Mong-Woo about his mother’s anger. It seems Shin Se-Kyung’s role may face trouble after going against the king’s mother’s scheme.

Mong-Woo responds to Lee In’s caution by saying, “I had to risk her anger to follow your order about patrons. The only thing I can do now is ask for your help.” The king is amazed by his answer and wonders if the baduk player still trusts him after he failed to help Mong-Woo before. Lee In then promises to protect him.

At the end, the king is eager to see his Gidaeryeong the next day. When he hurries to see Mong-Woo, he catches Lee Shin-Young’s Kim Myung-Ha hug him. Lee In has always disliked their closeness in the past.

(Sources: naver.com (1), naver.com (2))