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Post by ajk on Jun 12, 2022 2:08:11 GMT -5
EPISODE 151 - none
EPISODE 152
In April 926, six months after his triumphant battle against Wang Guhn in Jomul Fort, Kyun-hwon returned to his capital. By this time he had subjugated 20-odd forts and extended his territory to Guh-chang. He had a clearer vision about his direction, and intended to devise his plans upon his return. But he would receive the shocking news about Jin Ho’s death.
EPISODE 153
Wang Guhn’s cousin Wang Shin had been sent to Bekjae as a pawn when Wang Guhn negotiated peace to avoid devastation at the battle of Jomul Fort. Kyun-hwon had sent the empress’s nephew Jin Ho to Koryo, but when Jin Ho died in April of 926, Kyun-hwon suspected foul play and killed Wang Shin in retaliation in January of 927. Kyun-hwon also demanded return of his gift, the stallion of Julyoung province, based on a prophecy that this stallion’s departure from Bekjae would bring doom. Now the armistice between Bekjae and Koryo was broken.
EPISODE 154
In 927 AD, the tenth year of Wang Guhn’s reign, he finally broke out of the stagnation that followed the defeat in Jomul Fort battle and re-embarked on his crusade. Koryo’s main target was Yongju (now Yaechun) and Daeya Fort (now Hapchun). Yongju was particularly important, as it represented a base for future southward expansion. But the most remarkable detail in this battle is the fact that Koryo and Shilla had formed a coalition and fought Bekjae together. Bekjae now stood alone in the Three Kingdoms and this bolstered Wang Guhn’s confidence. But Wang Guhn’s era was yet to come. Another crushing defeat would be waiting for him in this battle. Nevertheless, Wang Guhn and his army sets out for the battleground like this. Meanwhile, Bekjae was preparing for their aggression as well.
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EPISODE 157
Surabul is modern-day Kyungju. It was a city as grand and glamourous as its long history. Records indicate there were 178,936 households within the fortress, so the population is estimated at 800,000. Made up of a network of 1,360 roads, its size was nothing short of breathtaking. But now, this majestic capital of Shilla was being raided by Bekjae. It was a day of ultimate disgrace in its thousand-year history.
EPISODE 158
Koryo’s amphibious invasion of the south coast: In 927 AD, the same year Bekjae invaded Shilla’s capital Surabul, Koryo launches its second attack on the south coast since the invasion of Naju 18 years earlier. Koryo’s naval forces would once again prevail and would acquire four harbors including Mt. Junyi and Mt. Dol. This was Koryo’s second attack of Bekjae by sea and evidence that their naval force was far more advanced.
King Kyungsoon was the son of Kim Hyojong, one of Shilla’s Flower Knights, who defended Daeya Fort in earlier years. Recognizing Hyojong’s exceptional courage and valor, Queen Jinsung rewarded him with grain and property, and allowed him to marry her niece. Hyojong would serve as Chief Minister, then as Imperial Guardian, and his son Kim Bu was raised to the throne by Kyun-hwon of Bekjae. But once Kyun-hwon returns, Kim Bu would sever ties with Bekjae and stand with Koryo to eventually hand over the entire kingdom. His role in history was tragic from the beginning to the end.
Historians are puzzled by numerous records that assert that Kyun-hwon had violated King Kyungae’s queen, as such act is inconsistent with Kyun-hwon’s character observed through other records. This drama has chosen not to depict Kyun-hwon, one of its principal characters, in such a disparaging manner in belief that a man of his greatness would not disgrace his descendants for one woman.
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Post by ajk on Aug 21, 2022 1:33:42 GMT -5
EPISODE 161 - none EPISODE 162Wang Guhn’s greatest defeat...Battle of Mt. Gong Eastwater was the most harrowing battle in the history of the Later Three Kingdoms, which resulted in the death of 10,000 Koryo troops. Mt. Gong is surrounded by modern-day Daegu, Yongchun, Goonwei and Kasan. With Biro Peak as the axis, its ridgeline extends 10 miles east and west. It was originally called Mt. Gong, or Mt. Eastwater, but it is renamed Mt. Pal-Gong (Eight Merit) for the eight merit subjects who died in this battle. Traces of this famous battle still remain in the region in the form of geographical titles. Mt. Wang, the hill where Wang Guhn hid himself and escaped; One Man Rock, the spot in Yumbul Temple where Wang Guhn had encountered a monk; Lower and Upper Dissolution Hill, the two battlefields where Wang Guhn was defeated; The Creek of Death, where they say the water was completely covered with arrows; Village of Lost King, where a wood gatherer helped Wang Guhn without knowing his identity; Warrior Hill; Hidden Temple; and other still-existing names paint a clear picture of this battle. Wang Guhn was thoroughly defeated. Meanwhile, on his return to the capital, victorious Kyun-hwon cut off the path of Koryo’s pursuit by burning all of the grain fields in Sung-ju and ordered a counteroffensive on Koryo’s naval force that had landed in the south coast. Lord Kim Soonshik of Myungju...He’s been portrayed in number of important parts of this historical drama. He had played a critical role in Goongyae’s founding of Koryo. Unlike his father Huhwal who supported Wang Guhn, he had shunned Wang Guhn after Wang Guhn’s revolution. Past attempts by Huhwal to assuage their relationship had failed, but Kim was pledging his loyalty to Wang Guhn at last. To the disheartened king, this was an unexpected gift. Kim held considerable influence at the time. Hence Wang Guhn expressed his gratitude by bestowing him the royal surname of Wang. Upon returning from Mt. Gong, Wang Guhn fought back his grief and rage and declared his will to fight again. He bestowed a posthumous title of “Valiant Warrior” to Shin Seungkyum, and buried him at the site that was chosen for Wang Guhn’s own burial in modern-day Choonchun. Shin’s brother and his son were granted government positions, and the Temple of Enlightenment of Wonder was built where Shin had perished. In addition, he was honored with a posthumous position entitled “Blue Tiger Guard of Founding Country, Superior Regional Defender and Royal Protector.” Kim Lak was also given the title “Valiant Warrior”, and later “Highest Merit Subject of Unification of the Three Kingdoms” was added to his name. It is said that a figure in his likeness was made out of dry grass and was placed among the line of subjects at each memorial service. Chun Yigap was named “Loyal Gentle Warrior” and his brother Chun Uigap was titled “Loyal Passionate Warrior”. And later they were each granted posthumous positions of “First Minister and Magistrate” and “Prime Secretary of Military and Civil Affairs.” EPISODE 163Misfortune continued for Wang Guhn following the crushing defeat at Mt. Gong. Kyun-hwon’s army pressed on, annexing Sungju and Chilgok and killing Koryo general Seksang, while his sons attacked Kangju, killing general Kim Sang. Koryo’s naval force retreated from the south coast of Bekjae, as their objective of forcing Kyun-hwon out of Surabul was achieved. They also lacked the means to fight a prolonged war. Soon afterward, Kyun-hwon sends a provoking letter to Wang Guhn that claims himself as the master of the Three Kingdoms. Though the record of the Later Three Kingdoms is insufficient as a whole, the details of this letter are explicitly preserved. A brief summary is as follows: The past attempt to lure you to Surabul by Shlila’s Chief Minister Kim Ungkyum is not unlike a small turtle following the call of a large turtle. Shilla was being led to ruin. Hence I entered their capital with my whip, and the villainous officials ran and the king was killed. I saved the tottering kingdom from doom, but you ignored my charity and my warnings and continued to covet Surabul with artifice. What was the result? You did not get a glimpse of me and lost your high generals Shin Seungkyum and Kim Lak. You have witnessed my mighty power. Now I will hang my bow at the gate of Pyongyang, and let my horse drink from Daedong River. I advise you to humble yourself and take no action that would lead to regrets. EPISODE 164 - none EPISODE 1653261 Tangun Era, 928 AD, in the 11th year of his reign, Wang Guhn would taste the third big defeat of his life. Only a year after the battle of Mt. Gong, Wang Guhn found himself frantically running for his life once again. Had Yu Geumpil not come to his aid, he could have easily been killed. Weakened and demoralized, Wang Guhn retreated to his capital of Gaekyung. The gentle king Wang Guhn’s rage...Out of all the records about Wang Guhn, this is the only account of cruelty. The chronicles record the incident like this: “When Later Bekjae invaded Koryo’s Ogok Fort and killed 1,000 soldiers, six (local) generals including Generals Yangji and Myungshik surrendered to Bekjae. Upon hearing this, Wang Guhn assembled his soldiers and executed their families. It illustrates Wang Guhn’s frustration and struggle through years of continuing defeat. EPISODE 166In July of 929 AD, Kyun-hwon gave Shin-guhm a detachment of 5,000 troops and ordered an attack on Moonso County. Moonso was the only passageway between Koryo and Shilla while also being the point of aid for Moonkyung, Yaechun, Andong and Young-ju. Andong, in particular, was an autonomous territory that did not belong to either Bekjae or Koryo at the time. Hence Moonso County had great influence over control of the entire north Kyungsang Province. EPISODE 167 - none EPISODE 168In December of 929 AD, at the age of 63, King Kyun-hwon of later Bekjae embarks on a crusade to conquer Gochang. Koryo immediately responds by deploying their force. Gochang is modern-day Andong. Andong is the aggrandized name Wang Guhn would bestow in recognition of the locals for his victory at this battle. Gochang’s leaders at this time were castle lord Kim Sun-pyung, Shilla’s royalty Kim Hang, and Jang Jung-pil. EPISODE 169 - none EPISODE 170 - none The three leaders of Gochang would receive the title of the Three Supreme Advisers. This was an honorary position and they did not participate in active duty. Gochang would be renamed Andong and would remain a feudal state of the Three Supreme Advisers. From then on, the three men would identify themselves by their state. They are the Kims, Kwons and Jangs of Andong, who enjoyed wealth and power through the end of the Chosun dynasty. Also, it is said that the folkloric game Chajun-nori (wheelbarrow fight) originated from this battle between Kyun-hwon and Wang Guhn in Andong, which broke the stalemate and swung the tide of war in Koryo’s favor. The victory in Gochang washed away Wang Guhn’s rage and shame and resulted in the recovery of many territories that had turned to Bekjae after Wang Guhn’s consecutive defeats. It had a tremendous ripple effect, with over 30 counties and villages of this region simultaneously surrendering to Koryo. King Kyungsoon of Shilla showed his support by applauding Wang Guhn’s accomplishment. What’s more, this battle prompted over 110 forts along the eastern coast in Shilla’s outer frontier to surrender to Koryo. This mass succession of Shilla’s regional lords represented the changing order of the Three Kingdoms.
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Post by ajk on Oct 29, 2022 19:29:34 GMT -5
EPISODE 171
Wang Guhn had won. The victory in Gochang came with a big payoff. Not only did it cause many villages and counties to submit to Koryo, it also brought King Kyung-soon of Shilla to humble himself and send a congratulatory address to Koryo.
Wang Guhn took special interest in Pyongyang, taking annual trips and requiring his succeeding kings to spend at least 100 days out of a year there. In fact, he repeatedly examined the prospect of relocating the capital to Pyongyang, indulging his desire to relive the glory of Old Koguryo.
In February of 931, Wang Guhn visits Surabul upon repeated invitation of King Kyung-soon. The event is recorded like this: “Another invitation from the king of Shilla was received on the 34th day of the sexagenary cycle. On the 48th day, King Wang Guhn went to Shilla with an entourage of fifty guards. He was received by government officials at the countryside and by the king’s cousin outside the stronghold. King Kyungsoon received him with an obeisance at the gate and the homage was reciprocated.” It is important to remember that the king of Shilla bowed first. Although Wang Guhn returned the courtesy, Kyung-soon’s bow to Wang Guhn represented Shilla’s exhausted strength. At last the era of Wang Guhn had begun.
EPISODE 172
Prince Ma-eui was right. Shilla would lose its autonomy with Wang Guhn’s first visit to Surabul. But they had become allies long before, and Wang Guhn had helped Shilla with all his power, enduring the most crushing defeat in Mt. Gong to establish his interest in Shilla. And now, by invitation of exhausted King Kyungsoon, Wang Guhn has secured control of Shilla and inched closer to the ultimate goal of unifying the Three Kingdoms.
Kyuk-gu: It is an ancient game and training exercise enjoyed by military officials. Derivative of polo, a game of Persian origin, it was introduced to Shilla by Tang China and gained popularity during the Koryo era. Often called Ta-gu or Po-gu, it is a game much like modern-day hockey. We find record of this game in The Book of 24 Martial Arts, which was written in Chosun Era, and songs about Kyuk-gu are also found in the 44th chapter of the Sonnets of the Flying Dragon. Shin-guhm was drowning out his sorrows by immersing in this physical game.
EPISODE 173
Yu Geumpil--His name begins to stand out about a decade into Wang Guhn’s reign with records of his merits clearly outnumbering the other royal subjects. He impressed the king by using his influence in the north to dominate Jurchen and Malgal tribes, and it was no surprise that his peers were jealous of his merits. Now Wang Guhn was condemning this loyal subject to exile. But the place of exile Wang Guhn chose was Gok Island, which appears to have been closely located to the capital. By giving Yu punishment that appeared harsh on the surface, Wang Guhn was cautioning the other subjects who were abusing their growing power.
EPISODE 174
Soh—He would grow up to be the 4th king of Koryo Kwangjong. Madam Yu Suin of Choongju was mother to two future kings. Kwangjong’s older brother Yo would succeed Haejong as the 3rd king of Koryo, then pass the throne to Soh. Out of 29 wives, Yu would bear the most children for Wang Guhn. Her five sons were Tae, King Jungjong, King Kwangjong, posthumously honored King Moonwon, and High Monk Jengtong. Her two daughters were princesses Naklang and Hongbang. Among them, the most prominent was King Kwangjong who would place Koryo on secure footing and become known as the Second Founding King.
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EPISODE 176
In September of 932 AD, on the 15th year of King Wang Guhn’s reign, Bekjae’s naval force invaded the bank of the Yaesung River. History records the event like this: “General Sangui of Later Bekjae invaded Yaesung River and burned down some hundred ships from the villages of Yumju, Bekju and Jungju, and took back 300 thoroughbred horses from Juhsan-do.” Yet another invasion was recorded in October: “Daewoo-do was attacked by Bekjae’s Sangae. Failure to stop the attack left Wang Guhn distraught. Yaesung River invasion was a devastating blow to Koryo. When Koryo subjugated Naju, their naval force consisted of 100 warships. This leads to the conclusion that the entire naval force was wiped out by this attack.” It had to have been a tremendous setback by Koryo.
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EPISODE 180
Choi Ung: the son of Udal, merchant baron of Hwangju. He was ordered killed at birth by King Goongyae and was raised in concealment because cucumber vines in his family garden had yielded melons at his conception, and this was deemed an ill omen to the regime by the royal augur. He was installed into office at age 14 and served the country as the prodigy of the time. His expert knowledge of Chinese classics and composition earned him [the] adoration of King Goongyae who called him a divine sage and kept him very close. After Goongyae turned despotic by taking innocent lives by claiming to possess mind reading powers, Wang Guhn also fell victim to his mistrust, but Choi Ung saved his life and played a vital role in Wang Guhn’s rise to the throne. Under Wang Guhn’s administration he held offices in the Supreme Council, Ministry of Construction and Ministry of Military, and was noted for his purity and selflessness. Upon his death at 35 he was elevated to Great Son/Guardian, and was buried at the royal sepulcher under [the] posthumous title of Bright and Calm.
Battle of Unju: Unju refers to modern Hongsung in Chungchong Province. Unju was directly east of Gochang where Kyun-hwon had tasted bitter defeat a few years earlier. This horizonal line now defined the battlefield between Koryo and Bekjae. Wang Guhn wanted to strike Bekjae through Unju, and Bekjae wanted to break a new path for their expansion. This battle in late September of 934 was a chance for Bekjae to recover from defeat in Gochang and for Koryo to recover their pride from [the] humiliating invasion of Yaesung River. Now, as they entered late fall, the two armies were prepared to move out to Unju.
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Post by ajk on Jan 11, 2023 22:35:30 GMT -5
EPISODE 181
Wang Guhn safely crosses the river and makes a narrow escape from death thanks to the lord of Namchun Suh Mok. Grateful for this favor, Wang Guhn would later bestow a new name of Yichun to this village. Yichun is an abbreviation of Yisupdaechun, which is an idea found in The Book of Changes that contends that a man highly cultivated in knowledge, virtue and character can rise above the barrier of Great River and render service that benefits [the] universe. This name illustrates the depth of Wang Guhn’s gratitude and the seriousness of the dilemma he was rescued from.
Yi Chi: He would later be renamed Yi Do by Wang Guhn and become the progenitor of Yi [family] of Yae-ahn. One of the warriors of [the] Naju battle, his family had governed the Geum River region for generations. He would also play a major role in bringing [the\] Unju battle to victory along with Yu Geumpil.
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EPISODE 183
Unju Battle in the year 934 was the last battle for Kyun-hwon and it ended in defeat. This second upset after Gochang battle would mark the beginning of Later Bekjae’s fall. Resulting in 3,000 casualties out of 5,000 soldiers that was deployed, Unju Battle was a crushing defeat for Bekjae. Conversely, Unju Battle gave Wang Guhn a decisive led in the contention for unification of the Three Kingdoms. With Gochang and Unju in possession of Koryo, Bekjae had lost its capacity for northward expansion. Not only that, but some outer perimeter forts surrendered to Koryo in the wake of the battle. Stalemate was broken at last and God was on Wang Guhn’s side.
Thereafter Yi Chi would assume the name of Yi Do. To be bestowed a name by the emperor was a high honor, and this attests to how highly Wang Guhn valued his service. His descendants would begin to regard Jun-eui as their native soil and would go on to produce a number of notable subjects in the Unified Koryo era.
Merit Subject Register and Merit Subject Hall: Wang Guhn reviewed and re-compiled the list of his merit subjects. Recorded under “Merit Subject of Founding Kingdom – 1st Rank” are Hong Yu, Bae Hun-kyung, Shin Seungkyum and Bok Jikyum; under 2nd rank are Kyun-kwon, Kyun Neungshik, Kyun Shin, Yum Sang, Kim Lak, Yun Ju, and Ma Ran; and under 3rd Rank are over 2000 unspecified men. Yi Do is named under the ranks of “Merit Subjects of Unified Three Kingdoms.” This record lists Choi Ung, Hong Yu, Bae Hyun-kyung, Shin Seungkyum, and Bok Jikyum in 1st rank; and Yu Geumpil, Kim Sunpyung, Jang Gil, Yu Chadal, Yi Do, Ham Kyum, Kim Sungoong, Hong Kyu, Wang Heesul, Kim Wonsul, Yoon Shindal and Park Yoon Ung in 2nd rank. Variations and extensiveness of these lists suggest that wide range of support and comparable rewards were required for Wang Guhn to lead a successful administration.
EPISODE 184
Prince Tae Kwang-hyun of Parhae...Parhae is a state established by Koguryo general Tae Cho-yang. With a 230-year history, it was once referred to as “the prosperous country of the East.” But weakened by fierce infighting and confusion, it collapsed in a mere 15-day period by Khitan forces in 925. Ten years after its fall, Prince Tae would come under Wang Guhn with tens of thousands of his people. Wang Guhn welcomed him by bestowing the royal surname of Wang and recording his name in the royal ancestral register. He also granted government positions, lands and homes to Tae’s accompanying high subjects. Population was power. And Tae and his large group provided added strength to Koryo.
Unju battle renewed Wang Guhn’s confidence. While war with Bekjae continued, he nurtured the economy by maintaining active trading with Tang, and he frequently toured the countryside comforting his supporters. Records also document numerous visits to the West Capital. He had shifted his focus to strengthening the public confidence while the battles were scarce. Moreover, he faithfully looked after Shilla, and consequently Shilla had become completely dependent on Koryo.
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EPISODE 189
In March of 965 AD, on the 18th year of Wang Guhn’s reign and the 36th year of Kyun-hwon’s reign, Later Bekjae’s Shin-guhm finally rises up against his father. THe Chronicles of Koryo writes about this event like this: “in March of 32nd binary term of the sexagenary cycle, Kyun-hwon’s son Shin-guhm imprisoned his father in Geum-san Temple and killed his younger brother Geum-kang. Of a dozen sons from many wives, Geum-kang was favored by Kyun-hwon to succeed his throne for his stature and superior intelligence. This was troubling to older sons Shin-guhm, Yang-guhm, Yong-guhm. While Yang-guhm and Yong-guhm were serving military duties in the countryside and Shin-guhm alone was by their father’s side, Prime Minister Neunghwan plotted and provoked an overthrow.” This was the first telltale sign of Bekjae’s imminent fall.
EPISODE 190
Choi Seung-woo: His ancestral home is Kyung-ju. After three years of studies in Tang China, he entered and served Tang government by passing the state examination for non-natives. Along with Choi Chi-won and Choi Un-eui, he was one of Shilla’s Three Choi Prodigies representing the highest intellects of the state. Upon his return from Tang, he joined Kyun-hwon and played a major role in Later Bekjae’s development. Recognized for exceptional composition, he wrote the essay “Kyun-hwon’s Epistle for the King of Koryo” and is said to have written five volumes of “The Book of Foundation”.
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Post by ajk on Mar 19, 2023 12:55:44 GMT -5
EPISODE 191
And so, Kyun-hwon was deposed from the throne of his own making by his son. Historical records depict this moment like this: “Kyun-hwon was in bed when he heard loud cries from the palace garden. Upon inquiry about the noise, Shin-guhm replied, ‘Warriors, rejoice as I, the eldest of your sons, have come to replace the wintry king who brings disorder to the kingdom.’ Soon after, he sent his father to Geum-san Temple and had Padal and 30 other warriors guard him.”
Shin-guhm’s revolution was a success, but he did not ascend to the throne right away. He needed time to justify his actions and win acceptance of the public and the regional lords. So he cautiously turned down the throne and acquired only the real power.
EPISODE 192
Grand Dowager: Kyun-hwon’s daughter and the wife of Park Young-kyu. Her daughter would later become one of Wang Guhn’s wives, Madam Dongsan-won. Up to this point, she remained in Park’s homestead in Seung-pyoung. But after Kyun-hwon’s escape from Bekjae she would play a pivotal role in history by convincing her husband to form a connection with Wang Guhn. What’s more, her second and third daughters would marry King Jungjong, and they [became] Empress Moonkong and Empress Moonsung. And she would later be honored Grand Dowager.
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EPISODE 197
A fleet of 40 warships...It is obvious that Koryo spared nothing in bringing Kyun-hwon. The historical records write about this time like this: “Kyun-hwon fled to Naju with his youngest son Neungyae, daughter Yaebok and concubine Kobe in the summer month of June and sought refuge in Koryo. Accordingly, Wang Guhn ordered General Yu Geumpil and a number of other high officials to take a fleet of 40 warships and welcome him at sea.
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EPISODE 199
Kyun-hwon’s surrender: Wang Guhn tended to Kyun-hwon with extraordinary attention when he came to Koryo. He continued to refer to him as Foster Father and gave him the South Palace to reside (in). He placed him above the ranks of all government officials and gave him the city of Yangju along with gifts of gold, silk, 40 servants and 10 horses. Yangju is the northern district of modern-day Seoul, and it was the first settlement of Old Bekjae. By giving Yangju to Kyun-hwon, perhaps Wang Guhn was trying to convey to him that he was still the symbol of Bekjae.
On October 17h, 935 AD, Prince Shin-guhm is at last installed as the 2nd king of Later Bekjae. Over seven months had passed since his rebellion against his father, showing us that the process was not swift or easy. Following his enthronement, Shin-guhm begins to prepare for the final battle with Koryo. Meanwhile in Shilla, the officials were in final talks regarding their surrender.
In September of 936, Wang Guhn finally embarked on the conquest of Bekjae, and Shin-guhm led his great army to Il-li to meet the challenge. Wang Guhn first deployed a large army led by his son and Park Sulhee, and he followed behind with another division of troops to Il-sun, modern-day Goomi and Sun-san. This was to be the final battle that would bring the era of the Later Three Kingdoms to an end, and befittingly it was the biggest battle of all time. Military distribution of Koryo forces was as follows: 1st army of 10,000 cavalrymen led by Kyun-hwon and Park Sulhee; 2md army of 10,000 infantrymen; 3rd army of 10,000 cavalrymen led by Hong Yu and Park Su-moon; another 20,000 cavalry led by Wang Soon-shik of Myungju; 9,500 tribal warriors of the north mobilized by Yu Geumpil; and Wang Guhn’s main army. In all, Koryo forces totaled 86,800 including 49,800 infantrymen and 37,000 cavalrymen. It was a battle of unprecedented scale. While there are no records about Bekjae’s army, we know that it was no less large by Kyun-hwon’s quote to his son recorded in the Chronicle of the Three Kingdoms. He writes, “…While your army is twice the size of the Koryo army, you are in disadvantage still….” This was entirely possible since Bekjae included Cholla, Choongchung and South Kyungsang provinces, which were fertile territory rich in resources.
Several additional texts were cut from the subtitled version of the episode, but were recovered from the original by our member seanmclair. Thanks to sean for providing these for the sake of completness:
--Shilla's surrender: This happened in 935 CE (Dangi 3268), the same year Kyeon Hwon came to Goryeo and Shin Geom took the Throne. With Kyeon Hwon coming to Goryeo in June, Shin Geom taking the Throne in October, and Shilla pledging themselves to Goryeo in November, these were turbulent times. Records have this to say about Shilla: "On October 18th of that year (Imsul Day, winter of the Gabo Year), Shilla King Kim Bu sent [high official] Shirang* Kim Bong Hyu to request to enter Goryeo. The King [Wang Geon] dispatched Vice-Chancellor Wang Cheol and Shirang Han Heon Woong to Shilla to inform the Shilla King that his request was accepted. On November 19th (Gabo Day in winter), the Shilla King took all his officials and departed the Royal Capital, but the people all came out to follow him. At this time, [the procession of] a cart made of juniper and horses decorated with pearls stretched for 30 ri, while bystanders lined up like a wall."
--King Gyeongsun's son, Crown Prince Maui: There are not many confirmed historical records about him, except that upon witnessing Shilla's end he wailed, donned hemp clothes and went to Mt Gaegol [now Geumkang], spending the rest of his life surviving on herbs and tree bark. Either way, the 1000-year nation of Shilla had finally met its fate.
--King Gyeongsun, Kim Bu: History begins to record his name as Kim Bu from this point on. For this reason, King Gyeongsun is referred to as the last King of Shilla.
--Shilla: Founded by Park Hyeokgeose in the 1st century BCE, Shilla lasted 992 years until the end of King Gyeongsun's reign, with a total of 56 Kings. The nation had survived with nearly 1000 years of history. In 660 CE, King Muyeol brought down Baekje in collaboration with Tang China, and eight years later in 668, he conquered Goguryeo and united the Three Kingdoms. 324 years later, the nation had come to a close through Goryeo. No doubt, it was a truly pitiful conclusion in history.
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Post by ajk on May 27, 2023 4:03:04 GMT -5
EPISODE 200
The demise of Shin-guhm and his brothers…The historical records describe this moment like this: “The king finally ordered Neunghwan’s execution, and Yang-guhm and Yong-guhm were killed shortly after being exiled to Jinju. As for Shin-guhm, he was exonerated and given a government position, as they determined that his seizure of the throne was done under duress against his own accord.” But his name is never again mentioned in the historical records. It is believed that he, too, was killed quietly after his brothers’ death.”
Kyun-hwon collapsed at the battle of Mt. Hwang and was moved to a local temple, where he died of a ruptured carbuncle a few days later. He was 70 years old. The Chronicle of the Three Kingdoms records the date of his date of his death as 8th of September, 936, but its accuracy is questionable. And so, Kyun-hwon, one of the heroes of the Later Three Kingdoms, who led a life of many vicissitudes, met its tragic end. Some say that his dying wish was to be buried facing modern-day Junju. Whether or not this is true, he was buried on the hills of Nonsan overlooking Jinju from afar.
■ Unification of the Three Kingdoms: After Wang Guhn routed Shin-guhm on the fields of Mt. Hwang, he annexed the palace of Bekjae, pacified its people, and returned to the capital. It was September of 936. To memorialize the unification, Mt. Hwang was renamed Mountain of Heaven’s Protection, and (the) Temple of Great Foundation was built.
■ Wang Guhn and the Era of the Later Three Kingdoms…As we conclude this two-year TV series, let us look back on the history of the Later Three Kingdoms. Later Bekjae, Later Koguryo and Shilla are collectively known as the Later Three Kingdoms. Later Bekjae was founded in 892 by a man of peasant stock, Kyun-hwon, claiming revival of Old Bekjae. In the beginning, Kyun-hwon was a military officer of Shilla assigned to defend the southwest coastal region. At the time, Shilla was in a state of chaos and thieves ran rampant. When opportunity came, Kyun-hwon mobilized an army and conquered Mujinju. Then he pushed forward to Wansanju, where he founded a new state. As the king of Bekjae, he established diplomatic relations with Wuyue of China and greatly expanded his land. He also invaded Surabul of Shilla in a brutal assault, killing King Kyung-ae and placing King Kyungsoon on the throne. And countless battles were fought against Wang Guhn in the contention for mastery. However, he was a failure when it came to family. He tried to bypass the normal line of succession and bequeath his throne to Geum-kang, a son born of a concubine, but Shin-guhm and other sons of his legitimate wife rebelled against him, killing Geum-kang and capturing the throne. Placed under confinement in Geum-san temple, Kyun-hwon soon escaped and fled to Koryo where he spearheaded the unification mission and brought down the kingdom he had built himself. Later Koguryo was founded by Goongyae, a monk who was also a prince of Shilla born of a concubine. in 904 Goongyae renamed his state Majin and moved the capital from Song-ak to Chulwon. Again in 911 he changed (the name) Majin to Taebong. But once the state settled and became stronger, he began to rule with unmitigated tyranny. In 918, Shin Seungkyum and four other warriors drove him from the royal court in a military coup and brought Wang Guhn forward as his successor, at which time the state was renamed Koryo and (its) capital was moved back to Song-ak. As for Shilla, King Kyun-soon was placed on the throne by Kyun-hwon, but he surrendered to Koryo as the kingdom could not be revived. The era of the (Later) Three Kingdoms was finally brought to an end by Wang Guhn after 45 years of contention. Unification of the Three Kingdoms…This may be ancient history, but it is very thought-provoking when we compare this to the current division in our nation. We cannot help but feel national pride for our ancestors who achieved unification without foreign assistance or intervention. Unified Koryo—A new chapter begins in the history of the empire to make its mark in the world forever. Koryo—the rest of the world calls it Korea. It was a name founded by Wang Guhn and a name that would forever be etched in history.
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