Goryeo War General Emphasized

Goryeo War General Emphasized

Introduction to Historical Characters in Goryeo-Khitan War Dramas

- Enjoyment of learning about new historical characters from the Goryeo-Khitan War era.
- Current popularity of the character Kang Jo.

 

These days, learning about new characters from the Goryeo-Khitan War dramas seems to be quite enjoyable. Currently, the character Kang Jo is quite popular. It may seem strange to say this about a historical figure, but about 10 to 15 years ago, actor Cha Jae-sung played Kang Jo in the drama "Queen Cheonchu" in a very entertaining and impressive manner. I thought then that Kang Jo was a character worth contemplating. In a recent drama, actor Yi Won-jong, famous for his role as Goo Ma-jeok, portrayed Kang Jo quite well. Kang Jo was a man in our history who could have been another Yeon Gaesomun.

Kang Jo's Portrayal in Historical Dramas

- Actor Cha Jae-sung's portrayal of Kang Jo in "Queen Cheonchu" about 10-15 years ago.
- Recent portrayal of Kang Jo by actor Yi Won-jong, noted for his role as Goo Ma-jeok.

 

Speaking of Yeon Gaesomun, after Goguryeo's victory in the Battle of Salsu under General Eulji Mundeok during King Yeongyang's reign, General Go Geonmu, a war hero of the Goguryeo Sui War, became King Yeongryu. However, King Yeongryu's pro-Tang policies led Yeon Gaesomun, who was overseeing the construction of the Cheolli Jangseong (Thousand Mile Wall), to harbor discontent. When central Goguryeo nobles in the capital tried to check Yeon Gaesomun, who held military power in the border regions, Yeon Gaesomun staged a coup, killing King Yeongryu and implementing strong policies. Despite being a regicide, Yeon Gaesomun is regarded as one of the greatest figures in our 4,000-year history by historian Danjae Sin Chae-ho. After King Jangsu's southern expansion policies, Yeon Gaesomun was the first to expand Goguryeo's foreign policy to the west and north, contending with Emperor Taizong of Tang, one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history, and successfully repelling invasions by Emperor Gaozong of Tang. This is why Yeon Gaesomun's name resonated even across the Chinese mainland.

 

Yeon Gaesomun and Goguryeo's Historical Context

Yeon Gaesomun and Goguryeo's Historical Context

- Discussion of Yeon Gaesomun's role after Goguryeo's victory in the Battle of Salsu.
- King Yeongryu's reign and Yeon Gaesomun's dissatisfaction with pro-Tang policies.
- Yeon Gaesomun's coup and its historical significance, as viewed by historian Danjae Sin Chae-ho.

 

In fact, Kang Jo's coup had more justification than Yeon Gaesomun's coup. King Yeongryu of Goguryeo, a remarkable war hero with an immense military culture, was managing politics well. However, in Goryeo, there were complexities around King Mokjong. While King Mokjong was not utterly corrupt in character, he was indulged in same-sex relationships, and his boyfriend, Eunuch Yun, was disrupting state affairs. Moreover, King Mokjong was unable to control his mother, Queen Cheonchu, who was being influenced by Kim Chi-yang. This led to a situation where Kim Chi-yang and Eunuch Yun were effectively ruling. The prospect of Kim Chiyang's son succeeding King Mokjong was unacceptable, as it would mean a Kim, not a Wang (the royal family's surname), would ascend to the throne. At this time, Kang Jo, who held the highest military power, staged a coup. Goryeo's local administration system was properly organized during the reign of King Hyeonjong, but at the time, there were two main military factions: the Seobukgye (Northwestern faction) and the Dongbukgye (Northeastern faction). Goryeo had to fight against the Khitans and Jurchens in the west and the Jurchens in the northeast. The head of the Seobukgye was essentially the commander-in-chief of the northwestern region.

Comparison of Kang Jo's and Yeon Gaesomun's Coups

- Kang Jo's coup seen as more justified than Yeon Gaesomun's.
- Political complexities around King Mokjong of Goryeo.
- Influence of Kim Chi-yang and Eunuch Yun on King Mokjong.

Dramatization of Historical Events

- Kang Jo's moral dilemma upon learning of King Mokjong's survival.
- His eventual decision and actions leading to a de facto coup.
- Installation of King Hyeonjong as the new ruler and the consequences of Kang Jo's actions.

Conclusion: Kang Jo's Historical Significance

- Kang Jo as a tragic figure in history, overshadowed by figures like Yeon Gaesomun.
- The impact of recent dramas in bringing attention to lesser-known historical figures like Kang Jo.
- Anticipation for future discussions on characters like Yang Gyu and Kim Suk-heung in the context of the Goryeo-Khitan War.

 

King Mokjong, fearing for his life, summoned Kang Jo for protection. There's debate over whether a letter from King Mokjong reached Gwangju as depicted in dramas; in reality, the letter did reach, prompting Kang Jo to march with his army to protect the king. However, he retracted his army after hearing false information that the march was a ploy by Kim Chi-yang to assassinate the general. Later, Kang Jo's father sent a slave, disguised as a beggar, with a letter revealing that King Mokjong had died. This prompted Kang Jo to march again towards the capital. He killed Kim Chi-yang and his faction, and despite King Mokjong's apparent survival, Kang Jo inadvertently staged a coup.

 

Conclusion: Kang Jo's Historical Significance

Kang Jo's Military Actions and Goryeo's Political Scenario

- Kang Jo's military power and the regional factions within Goryeo.
- King Mokjong's summons to Kang Jo amidst political turmoil.
- Kang Jo's response to false information and his subsequent actions.

 

Such events often unfold in dramas. Kang Jo, realizing that King Mokjong was still alive, was caught in a moral dilemma, as his actions could be construed as treason. He eventually decided to storm the palace, eliminating Kim Chi-yang's faction and even sacrificing King Mokjong and Queen Cheonchu, installing King Hyeonjong as the new ruler. While Kang

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr4tFEkpfeU