[Mar 9 & 10] “Korea-Khitan War” Episodes 31 & 32: Ratings, Recap, Review

KBS 2TV’s “Korea-Khitan War” episode 31 did well with a 12% rating before its last episode. Particularly, the scene where Sobaeap (played by Kim Jun-bae) reads the letter from Gang Gam-chan (played by Choi Soo-jong) suggesting ending the war, spiked to a momentary peak rating of 13.1%, heightening curiosity for the final episode.

On March 10, this well-liked historical show got the best ratings it has ever had for its ending episode. Nielsen Korea reports that the last episode of “Korea-Khitan War” was the most-watched show during its time slot on all channels, with an average rating of 13.8%. Especially, the scene where Yarul Yungseo, played by Kim Hyuk, angrily rejects the peace proposal from the Goryeo envoy, spiked the viewership to a momentary peak of 15.2%.

Well done to everyone involved in this drama!

“Korea-Khitan War” episodes 31 & 32: Recap, Review

Episode 31

Choi Soo-jong’s character delivered a final blow, giving us a sense of relief.

The episode depicted Sobaeap, deceived by Hyun Jong’s (played by Kim Dong-jun) trickery, deciding to retreat. Gam-chan, who blocked the Khitans’ retreat route through the Gwi-ju Gorge, declared an end to the war to Sobaeap, raising the curtain for the "Battle of Gwi-ju."

Upon hearing from the scouts that the Khitan army was retreating in haste as if being chased, Gam-chan proposed to Gang Min-cheom (played by Lee Cheol-min) and his generals to block all the Khitan’s retreat routes to Tongju and drive the enemy into Gwi-ju for annihilation. He also sent a messenger to Gwi-ju Fortress, instructing to completely seal off the gorge leading out of the Gwi-ju Plain and to deliver a letter he had written personally to Sobaeap.

With thousands of Goryeo soldiers lying in ambush in the gorge leading out of Gwi-ju, Sobaeap silently contemplated the plain. Receiving Gam-chan’s letter, which read, “If we don't settle the score here, this hell will continue endlessly, you and I. Let us, two old men, finish this war,” Sobaeap decided to stand and fight against Goryeo.

Amidst the heavy tension, the long-awaited "Battle of Gwi-ju" began. Gam-chan resolved, “We will surely annihilate the enemy, so that they may never invade Goryeo land again.” Unable to properly assess the Khitan’s troop movements due to the dust raised by the Khitans, Goryeo decided to advance, concealing their shielded chariots behind long shields.

As the distance between the advancing shielded chariot formation and the Khitan cavalry narrowed, it gripped us with suspense. The Khitan cavalry charged up to the front of the shielded chariots, performing rapid evasive maneuvers and shooting arrows at the chariots. The Khitans quickly positioned shield soldiers where their cavalry had passed, throwing logs at the chariot wheels and immobilizing Goryeo’s shielded chariot formation. Episode 31 ended with a "struggle ending," as Gam-chan awaited the arrival of the heavily armored cavalry heading to Gwi-ju, leaving us holding our breath.

Episode 32

In the final episode of “Korea-Khitan War,” Soo-jong led the Goryeo forces to victory in the fierce Battle of Guizhou. 

The Khitan army, which had halted the advance of Goryeo’s sword chariots, surged over to the Goryeo camp. The startled sword chariot soldiers faced them in close combat but couldn't withstand the fierce attack of the Khitans. Goryeo quickly formed a square formation to protect its soldiers, and soon the first sword chariot line was isolated in the middle of the battlefield. As the frontline sword chariot line was breached, the second line of shield soldiers began to flee in terror, and the second sword chariot line also retreated, rendering them unable to fight.

Gam-chan firmly watching the front, dismounted and walked resolutely among the trembling sword chariot soldiers. Holding the sword chariot that bore the marks of nine years, he recited, “Goryeo won't die. Goryeo will be victorious,” reaffirming his resolve.

At that moment, with the sound of a horn, Kim Jong-hyun, played by Seo Jae-woo, and 10,000 heavy cavalry appeared, causing chills. Gam-chan and the second sword chariot line reorganized their ranks to block the Khitan vanguard, and Jong-hyun and the heavy cavalry simultaneously attacked the enemy’s rear. The vast Goryeo army filled the plains of Guizhou, surrounded the Khitan army, and after a fierce battle, seized victory, delivering intense emotion.

Gam-chan, who was able to deliver the final victory report to the emperor as promised, stroked the horsehair of his helmet, shedding tears of joy. Hyun Jong heard the news of the great victory in Guizhou and enjoyed the joy of victory with his ministers.

Hyun Jong awarded Gam-chan with a golden crown upon his return to Gaegyeong, expressing his gratitude, “Even after a thousand years, the victory report you delivered will continue to echo through this land of Goryeo. You have saved Goryeo.”

A year after the Song dynasty proposed a joint attack on the Khitans, Hyun Jong, following Gam-chan’s advice, decided to give face and gain benefits. After much deliberation, Hyun Jong requested a peace treaty from the Khitan ruler and asked to be enthroned as the ruler of Goryeo. Gam-chan also sent a letter to Sobaeap, promising to save the face of the Khitans and urging them never to covet Goryeo again.

Yarul Yungseo and Sobaeap decided to accept Goryeo’s proposal for the future of the Khitans. Hyun Jong, who had created a Goryeo that the Khitans could never covet again, said, “Our Goryeo has annihilated the hundred thousand troops of the Khitans. We have shown our strength to the whole world. Peace can only be achieved through victory. And that peace must be maintained with the attitude of waging war. Please don't forget that.”

Having accomplished everything, Gam-chan asked Hyun Jong for permission to resign. He bowed his head, saying, “Our Goryeo has defeated the Khitans. The memory of that victory is engraved in the hearts of all Goryeons. No matter what difficulties come, we will overcome them.”

Hyun Jong, descending from the throne, said, “I won't forget you,” and firmly held Gam-chan’s hand. With tears in his eyes, Hyun Jong let go of Kang Gam-chan’s hand, and Gam-chan left the palace with tears, leaving a deep impression.

At the end of episode 32, Hyun Jong took steps towards the throne as if retracing his path. Passing by figures like Mokjong, played by Baek Sung-hyun, Empress Cheonchu, played by Lee Min-young, Empress Wonjeong, played by Lee Si-a, Kim Eun-bu, played by Jo Seung-yeon, Choi Jil, played by Joo Seok-tae, and Kim Hoon, played by Ryu Sung-hyun, who had been with him through the years, Hyun Jong adorned the last grand finale with the dignified appearance of a great king.

“Korea-Khitan War” marked a brilliant end to the glorious history of Goryeo, elevating the small country of Goryeo in East Asia to ‘KOREA’ in the world with the "Battle of Guizhou." The history of Goryeo bloomed the flower of prosperity through a 26-year war with the mighty Khitan Empire. It captured both box office success and artistic quality with overwhelming visual beauty and a spectacular story, along with the performances of top-notch actors, culminating in a "happy ending."

(Sources: naver.com, joynews24.com)