Six Flying Dragons: Episode 21

96 December 15, 2015January 23, 2016

by HeadsNo2

The tumultuous times our characters are living in may have produced its fair share of villains and legitimately kooky kings, but for every instance of callousness and short-sightedness from those wrongly in power, our dragons are there to prove that, through bravery and sacrifice, all things are possible. Whether it’s the overthrowing of a dynasty or a simple act of love, Jung Do-jeon’s band of young idealists are growing up fast.

SONG OF THE DAY

Nell – “소멸탈출 (The Great Escape)” [ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

EPISODE 21 RECAP

After declaring his solemn vow to disobey the king’s orders by not crossing the Amnok River, Lee Seong-gye has the royal messenger carted away kicking and screaming.

He then pays a visit to General Jo’s tent to tell him of his plans to withdraw the troops, netting him a sword to the throat, since what he’s planning to do is traitorous. But Lee Seong-gye stands by his decision to spare tends of thousands of soldiers from their deaths and in turn, spare the country from a war they simply cannot win.

The general is well aware that he’s risking his own family’s lives by revolting, and the same is realized by Team Joseon when they find out that the army has made two requests (both denied) to withdraw the army. Guessing that Lee Seong-gye may make the decision he’s already made, they vow to save his family so they can’t be used against him.

Da-kyung and Boon-yi even have a small bonding moment over the fact that they’ve both been thinking about how they can send word to Bang-won about their location, knowing that they could be used against Lee Seong-gye should he not do exactly as General Choi wishes.

They end up collaborating without even discussing it first when a hard-to-find medicine is needed to treat one of Lady Kang’s sons, who suffers from asthma. Boon-yi asks if Bang-won knows of his half-brother’s condition and of the prescription he needs, causing Da-kyung to quickly catch onto her angle—if Bang-won is looking for them, he’ll be able to track them using the medicine.

And since everyone runs on the same telepathic wavelength of cleverness, Bang-won’s already thinking of the same tactic. Since the medicine utilizes walnuts, a rare commodity in Goryeo, he and Jung Do-jeon will start by tracking down every doctor in the capital who has a supply.

Now that their messenger has been arrested by Lee Seong-gye, General Choi pleads with the king to be allowed to go to the front line and lead the battle. But the king thinks he means to abandon him, since they’re the only two that have been pushing for this Liaodong Expedition—and since his father, King Gongmin, was assassinated when Choi was away, he’s not taking any chances.

Believing that holding his family hostage is enough to influence Lee Seong-gye, the king seems unconcerned with the possibility that he might disobey the command to move forward. After all, everyone knows Lee Seong-gye is all about putting his family first.

While Jung Mong-joo plans to make an appeal against the expedition in order to shift public opinion their way should the soldiers withdraw, elder sons Bang-gwa and Bang-woo prepare for the eventuality that their father might withdraw and what they can do to help.

Ji-ran is against the withdrawal if only for Lee Seong-gye, since he believes his brother-in-arms couldn’t continue to live after getting his family killed. But, Lee Seong-gye counters, how is he supposed to live after getting fifty thousand soldiers killed? His decision to withdraw is final.

General Jo will also withdraw his troops and follow Lee Seong-gye’s lead, but he plans to hash out something with him beforehand—he’s already looking ahead, and knows that their troops will march on the capital and seize power from the king. Which of them will get to keep that power has yet to be decided.

In the barracks that night, Moo-hyul muses to Young-kyu that he used to think what he did had nothing to do with the dodang, only to realize differently now. If the dodang decides to go to war, people like him have to do as they’re told without knowing what could happen to them or their families.

Young-kyu pats him on the back patronizingly, noting that Moo-hyul’s just figured out something everyone usually learns in infancy. But Moo-hyul continues as if he didn’t hear him, “So I’ve decided to live for someone who can make good decisions in the dodang.” But he’s not referring to Lee Seong-gye or Jung Do-jeon, but Bang-won.

Ji-ran pulls them aside to tell them of the retreat in secret, ordering Moo-hyul to get word to Bang-won’s elder brothers so they can escape from where they’re being held, and Young-kyu to tell Bang-won so he can rescue his family before General Choi decides to use them against his father.

When the two front line generals meet, General Jo dismisses Lee Seong-gye’s plan to play softball by withdrawing only to kindly send a petition asking for General Choi’s impeachment. The only way he’ll withdraw, General Jo says firmly, is if they march on the palace and usurp the king, in order to prevent retaliation for their actions.

Lee Seong-gye agrees, and rides before the troops in the relentless rain to announce that they’ll be returning to their families. Fifty thousand men erupt in wild cheers, all too ready to follow their generals back home, even through the snow and sleet.

When the returning soldiers are spotted by guards patrolling the Goryeo border, they declare “Treason!” and start up a signal fire to alert the capital. General Choi flies into a controlled rage when the news reaches him, but the king’s reaction is less so.

He calls for Lee Seong-gye’s family to be moved to a more secure location, and for the immediate execution of the general’s two eldest sons. He plans to hang their heads on the gates so that Lee Seong-gye can see them clearly when he brings his army back.

But Bang-woo and Bang-gwa are swift to catch on, and draw swords to defend themselves as a mass of soldiers rushes in to capture them. They fight valiantly even though they’re vastly outnumbered, and just when it looks like they’ll be overtaken, a black-clad figure joins in the fight.

It’s Moo-hyul, and with him on their side, they’re able to keep their backs to each other in order to form an unbroken circle of deadly power. The numbers against them cease to matter as they mow their attackers down one by one.

By staking out one of the doctor’s offices, Gab-boon is able to find the location of Bang-won’s family when one of the soldiers comes looking for asthma medicine for Lady Kang’s son. Bang-won and Bang-ji run to the house, only to find it’s been abandoned.

Jung Do-jeon knows that Lee Seong-gye must feel stuck, since he can’t advance over Amnok River or return home lest his family be punished. Bang-ji’s chief concern is rescuing Boon-yi, so when he finds out that she’s been moved with Bang-won’s family to Lee In-gyeom’s manor, he resolves to go by himself to save her.

Bang-won clamps a hand around his arm to stop him, causing the two to get into a momentary “Who cares about Boon-yi more” argument. In the end, Bang-won’s reasoning wins out, since there are hundreds of soldiers guarding them and if Bang-ji didn’t succeed, he’d be guaranteeing his sister’s death and the deaths of Bang-won’s family.

Jung Do-jeon intercedes to put things in perspective, because as much angst as they might be feeling right now, it’s nothing compared to what Lee Seong-gye must be going through. For a man who puts family before everything, how hard of a time must he be having trying to choose between his loved ones and fifty thousand soldiers?

That’s when Young-kyu pops in to announce that Lee Seong-gye chose the soldiers. In turn, he wants them to protect the lives of his family, which is when Team Joseon first hears that the great general has retreated from Wihwa Island.

Lee Seong-gye’s family finds out about the retreat when they’re confined to a single room in Dohwa Manor, and even Lady Kang’s clout can’t save them when they’re now considered family members to a national traitor.

When Lee Seong-gye’s youngest son by Lady Kang won’t stop crying, it’s Boon-yi who comes to the rescue with soothing words about how his father is coming back to save many people, which means they have to make it out of here alive.

His big brother Bang-won is sure to know where they are and will come save them, she tells the young boy, who hiccups a few times before quieting his sobs. Lady Kang asks if any spies from their organization actually know where they are, which Boon-yi is sure of. The problem is that they’re too big a group for rescuing, so they’ll have to do some of the legwork themselves.

With Gaegyeong in sight, Lee Seong-gye receives a message from General Choi that couldn’t be any clearer: if he stops now and confesses, he’ll be forgiven. If not, he’ll find his family hanging from the palace walls.

Suddenly, Jung Do-jeon remembers Officer Nam telling him about how he was ferreted into Dohwa Manor through a secret tunnel, and knows that’ll be their ticket to get Bang-won’s family out unnoticed.

The problem is, Officer Nam isn’t in the capital to tell them where the tunnel is, meaning that Cho-young is the only person within a fifty mile radius who does know.

Except for Boon-yi, who figures out there might be another way out of their gilded cage when the lit candle in front of them flickers toward a flat wall, as if all the air is being drawn there. It’s only when the main door is open, so Boon-yi tasks Grandma with causing a diversion while she lights an incense stick to follow the trail of smoke.

While they try to find the latch to open the secret door, Bang-won approaches Cho-young about what she knows. She plays hard to get, musing aloud that General Choi would pay her handsomely if she were to take him as a hostage.

Bang-won lets her act like she’s got all the bargaining chips, at least until he tells her that he’s not here to buy information, but to collect on a debt she owes him. Specifically, from when she planted a letter in his room to try and have him killed.

That’s enough to make Cho-young blink uneasily, and Bang-won reminds her that she owes a debt to the son of a man with fifty thousand soldiers. But he, magnanimous that he is, is willing to consider the debt paid if she tells him where the secret tunnel is—but he also throws in his two cents of advice: “Choose your enemies wisely.”

As if his case alone weren’t enough, he informs Cho-young that Bang-ji’s sister is being held with his family, making sure she understands the full context of what it would mean to make enemies with the best swordsman in the Three Kingdoms. Judging by Cho-young’s tense expression, she understands this quite well.

Master Hong thinks he’s the only one with the bright idea to turn the knob they’ve been fiddling with, only for everyone from Grandma to Lady Kang to reply at once: “Turn it.” Hah.

He does, and the secret passageway is revealed—though much to everyone’s surprise, Boon-yi cautions against all of them rushing out at once. Instead she volunteers Master Hong to make sure the way is clear, even though he has to be all but pushed into the tunnel before the trap door can be closed behind him.

Bang-won, Young-kyu, and Bang-ji run to the location Cho-young detailed as the entrance to the secret tunnel. Just in time, Master Hong returns to tell the family that the way is clear… which is when their captors get the order to bring them to the palace, since Lee Seong-gye is almost to the capital.

Boon-yi stays behind to buy them time, with Da-kyung promising to send someone to save her once she’s free. But she doesn’t buy much time, since the impatient guard shoves her away from the door to find the room devoid of its other death-row inhabitants.

Bang-won and Bang-ji make it to the tunnel exit just as the rest of the family makes it out. But when Da-kyung tells them that Boon-yi’s still inside, they both go rushing through the passageway to save her, though not in time to save her from the guard’s fists and boot heels as he beats her bloody.

She levels him with a look when he throws her down to the ground, one that says she will not yield. He puts a sword to her throat and threatens to kill her if she doesn’t say where they went, and Boon-yi just says, “I told you, I don’t know.”

But she’s afraid, and tears spring out of her clenched eyelids as she prepares herself for the killing blow. Remembering all the other times she’s had a sword held to her throat (and there were many), Boon-yi wonders if this will really be the way she dies…

…Until Bang-ji emerges from the shadows of the corridor. A tear snakes out of one eye as she stares at him in disbelief/relief, while he only has to take one look at her bruised face to all but fly across the room and kill her attacker.

She falls unconscious, and Bang-ji vows to hold off the horde of soldiers so Bang-won can scoop her onto his back and escape the way they came. He gets her as far as the tunnel exit before putting her down, begging her to open her eyes and look at him.

Relief floods his face when she opens her eyes, and his hurried “Are you all right?” is met with a quietly sardonic, “What do you think?” With tears in his eyes, he thanks her for saving his family, and she replies that she saved them because they were his family.

They share a warm smile over that, and next thing we know, Bang-ji is piggybacking her through the deserted streets of the capital with Bang-won following a few steps behind. Boon-yi tells him she’s sorry, but Bang-ji just says, “Don’t be. Whether it’s one hundred or a thousand times over, I will always save you.”

Young-kyu is intent on getting Lee Seong-gye’s family out of the capital as soon as possible, but Da-kyung is insistent that they not leave until Boon-yi is safe. Enter the tired trio, prompting gasps from the women when they see the state of Boon-yi’s face.

Despite the threat that awaits them should they linger, Bang-won declares his intention to stay. Boon-yi does the same, explaining to her worried brother, “There’s something I must do here.”

General Jo senses that Lee Seong-gye’s reluctance to march on the capital is due to his concern over his family, and because they can’t afford to wait any longer, Lee Seong-gye agrees to advance.

Fortunately, that’s when Young-kyu and his family come running up the mountain to greet him. Grandma is elated to see Moo-hyul, and Bang-woo and Bang-gwa are also safely with their father. Lee Seong-gye is a happy man, except, “What about Bang-won?”

He’s handed a letter from his errantly lovable fifth son, which reads, “I shall do what little I can to contribute to your efforts to prevent tragedy. So please be victorious.”

“I… should be victorious,” Lee Seong-gye says after reading the letter. Then, with emphasis, “I should win.”

COMMENTS

I wish we were at a point where strong and capable female characters were the norm instead of the exception, so that we wouldn’t have to be so surprised when a show like Dragons depicts women being just as formidable if not more so than their male counterparts. Which isn’t to say dramaland (and hell, all of television) as a whole hasn’t been making huge strides lately, only that watching Da-kyung and Boon-yi form a bond over their like-minded wits and wiles was rewarding, and in its own way, strangely uplifting.

There’s little doubt there’ll be plenty of friction between them in the future, but for now, it was great to see them put that aside to work toward a mutual goal. I even thought Da-kyung might’ve been disingenuous when she promised to find a way to save Boon-yi, which is what made it so refreshing when she proved that her words weren’t empty—and though she had no way of rescuing Boon-yi herself, she wasn’t about to leave knowing Boon-yi was still in danger.

Not only was that a humanizing moment for Da-kyung, it was a great episode for Boon-yi, who proved that her well of true grit will never run dry. It’s difficult sometimes to sympathize with tough guy characters who aren’t afraid of death even though they face it all the time, and Boon-yi was alllmost to that critical point. In a way, it was like the show itself was hanging a lantern on all the times she’s been in mortal danger by flashing back to them, as though it were pointing out, “This may be nothing new, but this time, it’s different.”

And it was, because Boon-yi managed to show vulnerability even as her stare flipped that guard the middle finger. She was afraid to die despite her willingness to do so, and that’s what made the flood of mixed emotions she experienced when Bang-ji came through that door all the more palpable and real. I wouldn’t say Bang-ji’s been the best brother ever, but he’s certainly making up for lost time, isn’t he?

Required fields are marked *

1 Mikanjjj

December 15, 2015 at 8:45 PM

Thank you ??

Required fields are marked *

2 Mikanjjj

December 15, 2015 at 8:46 PM

I'm first !!! Yeah !!!

Required fields are marked *

3 Dukdam

December 15, 2015 at 8:59 PM

This is a great drama in that it gives its female characters such agency.

Unfortunately, it is this particular point that has led to such an almighty fuss on the DC Inside forum; apparently, the writers have made Bangwon and Jung Dojeon - the real great men responsible for the building of a nation - into pitiful characters hanging onto the skirt tails of Boonyi and Yeonhee.

This is precisely why we need, as you said, more and more and more strong and capable female characters in dramas.

Required fields are marked *

dramapotatoe

December 16, 2015 at 3:18 AM

I guess I get their gripe with that, considering that you know, it's THEIR country's history. But at the end of the day, this is still a fictional work, so I really wish they would get over it and celebrate the strong female characters in the show.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 6:29 AM

I think it's a bit too early for a 50 eps sageuk of this era after "Jeong Do Jeon" which was mostly about the history. It's still fresh in viewers mind.

This show has too many "important" and well known historical figures mixed with fictional characters so it's very difficult to balance them out.

Maybe they should have change their real names like they did with the 3 Dodang trio. I don't think anyone was bitching about their characters not being based firmly in history.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 8:09 AM

Hate to admit it but I miss In Gyeom, Hong and Tae Mi. The characters and the actors.

Required fields are marked *

4 apluszee

December 15, 2015 at 9:05 PM

The look on Banji's faces that changes from relief-shock-anger after he barged in to save Boonyi!! How amazing is Byun Yohan to be able to display all those emotions in a mere 10 secs!

and I love the background song of the soldiers singing together (that's the same song that Yohan sang in the ost, right?) when they marched back to Gagyeong. There's no ends to how great the writing/directing/acting for this drama.

and finally, Moohyul got his big break! So proud of him!!!

Required fields are marked *

5 sungjong

December 15, 2015 at 9:23 PM

Lee Bangji, are you not the best bro ever! And I actually tend to run out of superlatives for this drama gushing like a fool before my family over how great every episode is!...the comradeship between Da kyung and Boon Yi was definitely noteworthy given they were not portrayed simply as Bang Won's wife or lover but as strong willed and intelligent women with a hell lot of political acumen. That stands true for all female characters in this show. I agree with apluszee , that ost is brilliant...the song is called muiiyyi or something but I cant find the correct version..it'll be great if somebody can post a link here

Required fields are marked *

apluszee

December 16, 2015 at 12:12 AM

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rfnNgFYagoQ

This is Byun Yohan's version of the song.

Required fields are marked *

little-muffin

December 16, 2015 at 12:54 AM

Oh wow thanks for the link! Love this version much :D

Required fields are marked *

sungjong

December 17, 2015 at 2:38 AM

Thanks!! loved it:)

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 5:41 AM

(Mu-yi-yi-ya. There is no difference).

Jeong Do Jeon and the scholars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmasA7N2BAc&index=14&list=PLIJNkeTKfHwyEfTIR_OU2vYVipRFqjVmS

The choir's version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KT9JIwTKcjo&index=12&list=PLIJNkeTKfHwyEfTIR_OU2vYVipRFqjVmS

Bang Ji's version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2GuHuKVer4

Junju's rock version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIhQSeeopMw

If you are looking for the lyrics then go back to eps 20 and scroll down to Homura's link.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 11:57 AM

Oh wait. I'm not sure if it's Junsu singing the rock version.

Required fields are marked *

tess

December 18, 2015 at 8:54 PM

The rock version's by Ha Hyun Woo of Guckkasten.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 19, 2015 at 6:05 AM

Thank you :).

sungjong

December 17, 2015 at 2:39 AM

wow! this is comprehensive!..thanks a ton!

Required fields are marked *

6 crazyahjummafan

December 15, 2015 at 9:28 PM

Anyone noticed that there's a special piece of music that is played every time Moo hyul appears to fight? It's like a superhero music.

Required fields are marked *

sundaexstory

December 16, 2015 at 4:43 AM

I noticed that too! And if you have been catching up with the background music (BGM) they have been releasing, there was one piece called "Moohyul's Song" and the other one I don't know the title of is this song you're mentioning, has the same melody as Moohyul's Song, just that it's like an electric guitar version.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 7:20 AM

Moo-hyul and Bang Ji each have their own battle song. Maybe they should give Bing Yi one - "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 12:07 PM

Bang Ji's battle song. (one of my favorite).

하날히 달애시니 (inst) – Ju In Ro (주인로) feat. Lee Bong Geun (이봉근)

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

Required fields are marked *

chanchan

December 16, 2015 at 5:28 PM

i've been looking everywhere for this song ! Thank You !!

Required fields are marked *

modestgoddess

December 17, 2015 at 7:47 AM

I love Banji's battle song

Required fields are marked *

tess

December 18, 2015 at 8:55 PM

Me too!

7 sungjong

December 15, 2015 at 9:35 PM

Yup!!!..and there's this kinda angst ridden music for Bang Ji!!

Required fields are marked *

8 Yeri

December 15, 2015 at 9:51 PM

Thank u heads again for the recap,I actualy start watching this ep. But stop to read ur recap:-)
The first thing i want to say is " turn right,turn left,bend ur arms,fold ur aknees lastly swipe ur swords en say " haaaa"(louder):-):-)

again another Awesome ep..LSG is realy a Hokage, I realy love the cinematography of this drama the snow while soldiers are marching back to their home town! The fighing scene of this trio(MH & Lee siblings) are realy fantastic..
BW en BY's future,can ay1 of us here predict? I like this two dragons,BY realy deserve the Queen spot but sad to say no matter what this story goes they can never twist the truth that LMn is the only Queen for BW..**sigh**
Oraeboni Bang Ji he's realy a hero for his sister..ilove their siblings romance..

Required fields are marked *

shirayukihime

December 16, 2015 at 1:07 PM

That's because they follow the Cinderella formula, where a prince falls in love with the commoner.. maybe to attract viewers.. But they could have made it like Bon Yi is the Queen and love by Bang won.. and Da kyung's role will be a noble who also falls in love with bang won...

Required fields are marked *

modestgoddess

December 17, 2015 at 7:59 AM

Boonyi cannot be queen but history says Da kyung was queen

Required fields are marked *

shirayukihime

December 17, 2015 at 10:06 AM

yeah.. she's just a fictional..but they could have made like she's the future queen.. maybe pretending she's a beggar...
In other forum.BY represents the Goryeo suffering so she will inspire Bang won..
Well, I know that she won't become a queen, and people won't listen that SHE WILL NOT BECOME A Queen.. BW had only one queen , and that will be MIn Da Kyung..

Required fields are marked *

9 Lisa Purba

December 15, 2015 at 9:51 PM

I love me some strong women in SFD. What's wrong with that, Korea? We need to see more Boon Yi - Da Kyung's bond in the future eps. Thanks for the recap, Heads^^

Required fields are marked *

10 mary

December 15, 2015 at 11:24 PM

Bang-ji is the worst brother ever.

I will probably fall in love with him, which is wrong. :(((

But I will volunteer to be his friend and just follow him around on adventures and stuff. And maybe someday senpai will notice.

Required fields are marked *

11 Franbergh II

December 15, 2015 at 11:31 PM

okay, i noticed.. this is the first time i see Lee Ji Ran in screencaps XD #yayletscelebrate

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 5:51 AM

I love him! He's the super loyal warrior and he made this episode worth watching.

Just knowing that he was real and his descendants existed to this day in Korea makes me want to fan-girl over him even more lol.

Required fields are marked *

I Will Goryeo You

December 16, 2015 at 6:30 AM

#celebratingwithyou

Required fields are marked *

12 Karisima

December 16, 2015 at 12:51 AM

So good. Thanks for the recap!

Required fields are marked *

13 nara

December 16, 2015 at 1:11 AM

thanx heads - and i can just watch the woman and fights sequences in the drama
who cares for history when there are strong women about
hope the writers wont change them to palatable
i like that they lead and not just follow

Required fields are marked *

14 Ryder

December 16, 2015 at 1:28 AM

Thanks for the recap, can't wait for the next..though honestly I already can't wait so I watched the raw so...hahaha Thanks!!!

Required fields are marked *

15 Yeri

December 16, 2015 at 1:34 AM

Why Bang Ji is the "WORST"?when he give the "BEST"?curious:-( was'nt it bcs BY get hurt b4 he came? He will be Worst 4 me if he just go there en fight w/o thinking the possibilities , consequences of his behavior that can cause them to death!

Required fields are marked *

mary

December 16, 2015 at 2:32 AM

kekekekeke I meant, he's so awesome I think I'd rather be not related to him, so I can like him without restraint.

Required fields are marked *

16 yukie

December 16, 2015 at 3:15 AM

I love this episode!!!

Boonyi is so badass I'm ashamed of myself now. And I'm Glad that DK is not picking a fight w BY.

So sad that Koreans don't appreciate this, BY is one of the dragons. So I believe they do need to put certain amount of "heroic" acts for her. I'm not worried about BW's part coz he will have tonnes of things to do going forward. LSG gonna take over e throne soon and BW will be smack dab in e center!! What w friction w his dad and JDJ.

I appreciate e fact that e Writers are doing their best to make each and every character counts, be it e dragons (MH finally shining bright as a warrior!!! \^o^/) or supporting character like Yeonhee, Choyoung, Dakyung, even the twin dragon teacher!

I wish they can stop nitpicking and appreciate how positive the Writers has been in portraying women. Especially in historical drama where most of e time it's all about the men!

Required fields are marked *

crazyahjummafan

December 16, 2015 at 5:13 AM

What i really love about the drama is the excellent story-telling techniques - this is history and we all kinda know what happened. But it takes great skill to tell a known story and still make it so intense and exciting.

The other thing I love about it is the characters the writers have woven. All the main characters and even lesser ones like Bang Gwa, Shin Seok and even Moo hyul's teacher are layered. They are not just good or bad - most have a "worm" in their hearts, others have a past or even conflict that they go through making them interesting.

Required fields are marked *

shirayukihime

December 16, 2015 at 1:10 PM

maybe they don't like the part how BY sticking with a married man..Koreans are very conservative.. Maybe hoping it should be da kyung helping his husband not Bon Yi..

Required fields are marked *

17 sundaexstory

December 16, 2015 at 4:37 AM

I love love love those moments when Dakyung and Boonyi shared conspiratorial looks! I'm hoping that they will have more bonding times and become....idk, strong partners? To me, they were the highlight of the episode. I want more of them!!

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 7:13 AM

I'm glad that they started off working together. I think their relationship might change after Joseon is created. Although Lady Min was strong she had to put up with Bang-won's many concubines (17 of them) and becomes irritated and jealous.

Required fields are marked *

shirayukihime

December 16, 2015 at 1:16 PM

17 concubine but she's lucky cause he's the only one queen for him until he abdicated his throne and died.. before he died ,he even asked his son to bury him near his wife.. and before bang won became a king, Queen Wongyeong had a dream about him sitting in the middle of the sun, embracing her... and also i think King taejong was just doing the same thing King Taejo of Goryeo did. Remember king taejo of Goryeo had a 25 wife.. 23 of his wife became Queens and 2 were concubines.. He took many wives cause to get support and unite the nation.. If not, it will only cause unbalance.. Queen Wongyeon was from a prestigious clan so sooner this clan will dominate the court.. so King taejong did was accepting women from different clans and status as his concubines.. but Queen Wongyeon was still his queen.. Remember what happen during the late Joseon dynasty, the cause of the fall of Joseon was because of the Andong Kim clan started to dominate the court, and all queens must be from their clan.. so i think that's why King Taejong did that..

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 2:49 PM

I don't think she considered herself lucky for being his only queen. Ambition comes with a price and she paid for it with her brother's lives. Was the use of being queen when she can't even save her own siblings? I'm sure she asked herself that many times.

I brought up the concubines because she wasn't always in control and composed like she is right now in the drama. She became jealous later.

Maybe she thought she was entitled for his love and devotion after helping him sit on the throne just like Bang-won's expectation to be the crown prince after his father ascended to the throne. He contributed the most among his brothers even though he wasn't the oldest.

I'm not even going to discuss Bang-won because you are obviously very bias.

Required fields are marked *

shirayukihime

December 17, 2015 at 10:20 AM

That's why it's called FORUM cause we're here to discuss. We share our thoughts here , and this forum becoming more like a debate. IF this is a debate, I know you would say I am Bias.. It seems like in your words I am forcing you not share your thoughts. WE all have our own POV, and I respect that. I just only share mine. and then you call me a bias person..
Actually, without knowing the history I hate King Taejong.. cause he killed many people in the process, and that would made him like an ambitious prince. But after watching Six Flying Dragons,and spend many weeks researching history, reading comments about him in other forum and thinking that If I were him what would I have done in his position.. Comparing his reign to other kings,we'll he's really a cruel king but If you compare it to his reign during the fall of the Goryeo perion and Early joseon dynasty, that's how I started to understand him.
General Choi Young asked LSG " do you have the power to break the corruption" or "Can you break corruption?' then I remembered BW. BW's way of breaking corruption is eliminate people, and potential threats to the throne.. The peace and prosperity really last for 200-300 yrs, and Joseon Dynasty started to crumble again when the Queen's family started to monopolize the court and becoming more powerful than the king.
For his queen, we know that he had many concubines.But why?? The cause of the crumble of the Joseon dynasty because of the Andong Kim Clan,the Queen's reatives.. so I think King Taejong wouldn't like one powerful clan, such as the Min clan,will control the and monopolize the court. King Taejong must have foreseen this.
And also he had many concubines that's because to balance the power of the clan in the court,and maybe to unite the nation That's what King Taejo of Goryeo did.
If there is a princes' struggle,there will also be queen's struggle..

shirayukihime

December 17, 2015 at 11:22 AM

@kiara What’s the use of being the queen??
“Power comes with the huge responsibility.” The moment she became the Queen , she will start thinking what’s the best for the nation.Queens means “Mother of the nation” and King means “Father”. You do what you think the best for the prosperity of your nation, not your clan. King Taejong must have foreseen that her brothers were a threat so had them killed. We don’t know what really happen. Maybe they were plotting but King taejong made it look like he had them killed because of the throne so that to protect his wife position as a Queen.. What do you think would happen to the queen if people knows his own brothers were plotting to get the throne?
That’s why she’s different from the other Late Joseon’s Queen because of KIng Taejong. Those queens only think of their clan, there were queens that even tried to kill the king to enthroned the son or killing the other concubines and the first queen to become the second queen.
If King Taejong really killed his brothers for the throne, then I respected Queen Wongyeon for that. No matter how cruel her husband was, she stayed with him till the end. She died two years after the abdication of KIng taejong. So she’s the queen for 20 years, and she’s with him for more than 20 years.
There’s a law in Joseon that you can divorced your wife if because of the reasons.. For the Queen Wongyeon, we all knew that she was a jealous woman and hurt one of the concubine of King Taejong. WEll, for king taejong that would be a good reason to depose your queen.. But he did not divorce her, depose her, and did not even replace her. He had only one queen until he died.. King Taejong died two years after Queen Wongyeong died. During his 4 years after he abdicated the throne, he became the adviser of King Sejong. Maybe training him to become a military strategist.. that’s why king sejong was also good at it..
We can see the difference between King Taejong and King Taejo. King Taejo in ep. 20 and 21 he prioritized the safety of his family than the safety of 50,000 soldiers and more than 100,000 family of the soldiers. But for KIng Taejong he loved his people. He even sacrificed his own for the sake of hundred thousands of people he didn’t know and also for the future generation. That’s why in the other forum, someone said that King Taejong was loved by his people. and in the other forum again, it was said the he was a SUPERB NATION BUILDER.
That’s why when you become a King and Queen, you will start to act as the Father and Mother of the hundred thousands of people.
You can say that I am bias. But I stand on my POV cause that’s what I have learned from my research. You can share yours too. That’s why I am here at this forum because I love reading other people comments and argue with them than reading insults from them..

Kiara

December 17, 2015 at 6:52 PM

Discussing historical events and historical figures objectively can be enjoyable. I'm watching this show for fun. I don't know all the facts to be involved in debates. Goryeo's history was written by those who put an end to it. Then it was revised by Ha Ryun by the order of King Taejong. The so called facts that we read about today are probably exaggerated to the max.

I was specifically talking about Queen Wongyeong in relates to this drama and not all queens in general.

18 twentyonebuds

December 16, 2015 at 4:50 AM

As much as I appreciate the women power here and loved every moment of BY and DK in the spotlight, I thought BY's sacrifice was a little on the noble idiotic side. I mean I'm pretty sure she could have escaped with the rest of them and shut the door and it would have taken the soldiers time figure out how they escaped! And also we never get to see how Bangji defeats the hundreds of soldiers at Dohwajeon, so I thought that was handled a little sloppily. But still loving everything about this drama and its characters nevertheless :)

Required fields are marked *

nara

December 16, 2015 at 7:13 AM

actually it cant be lock from the other side as weve seen they opened and closed it without needing to turn the turtle again
she could have escaped but having children and maybe doing enough commotion would have alerted the soldiers and they would have been captured
BY took the focus of how from the escapees so instead of putting effort into finding how and where theyve escaped to they put it into torturing BY thinking it would be faster
it was in fact to me a wise decision and even bf she made it i thought someone should stay behind and distract them

Required fields are marked *

modestgoddess

December 17, 2015 at 8:10 AM

I assumed Bangji didn't have to fight all 100 soldiers because some of them were probably outside and unaware of the battle. It didn't look like 100 soldiers were inside, maybe he just had to kill the 20-40 that were inside and then escape before back up came. Plus he was in that small room with his back to his attackers so he didn't have to defend all sides.

Required fields are marked *

19 sparks121

December 16, 2015 at 5:28 AM

I'm rather annoyed with the dc inside forum. There's a lot of messy, irrational complaints about screentime, etc. While I get some of them, others are just hasty and not thought out. Why would JDJ appear at this time- he's not really a character that runs around the streets and tries to do all this stuff (if that made sense...). As already stated, I wish the fact that we have strong female characters for a change would be celebrated instead. Nor does he fight so obviously he wouldn't have really been involved in the soldier/fighting scenes either. Judging by what happened in ep 22, I'm not at all worried for JDJ or LBW's screentime.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 6:03 AM

The vision of a new nation started with Sambong. The rest were not involved in the beginning because they didn't exist and Bang-won was still young. This was mostly between Sambong and Lee Seong Gye.
Sambong should be the heart and brain for this plan but adding 4 more complicates things for his character. Now all 6 of them will share his ideas and dreams so I do understand the complains.

This version of history is basically for the young viewers and international fans who don't really give a crap about history.

Required fields are marked *

nara

December 16, 2015 at 7:26 AM

its not that w dont give a crap we seperate it
most international were intrigued to run and read and ask and and suddenly care about the history - but since it is a factional and it was always so and it was always a story of 6 dragons it doesnt bother at least me that they dont follow history
and they actually didnt from the beginning LBW was never part of the LSG JDJ alliance but here he is and no one seemed to care bf that it was thus changed
it all started when the women became the focus
and to me it show a bit of hate towards women
although it is ok for LBW to be changed into some idealist
it isnt ok for him to follow some "skirt"
unless they reproduced by mitosis in those times there were women too and probably quite prominent also just not recorded in history as is usual the case
it really hurts me that women cant be powerful in kdramas still and when there are they are disliked
women CAN lead man and not just follow them
sorry for the rant but it drives me crazy

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 7:49 AM

Many international fans will say that they don't give a crap about history because they don't have any attachment to it.

I don't think it's hate towards women. I think it's more about the history than anything.

QSD's focus was on 2 women and it was very successful thanks to Mishil. Rating was over 40% percent and it became a national drama.
Dae Jang Geum was about a female doctor and it became the 2nd highest rated sageuk of all time. Not only that but it spread the hallyu wave like wildfire overseas.

I think the difference is that the women of SFD are fictional compared to Jang Geum, QSD and Mishil (history record being disputed).

Required fields are marked *

nara

December 16, 2015 at 8:48 AM

Jang Geum was NOT a self assured commanding figure
and even QSD wasnt in the first part of the drama - she was FORCED to become a commanding and fierce woman and it was NOT in her nature
both gave a pretty submissive in JITP and childish inQSD
very unlike SFD
when QSD started leading men she was already recognized at least by us as a queen therefore allowed to become a leader unlike BY who is a peasant and have nothing more than her character to make her a leader
and history always ignore the females
LBJ & MH do not suffer such
if the rescue would have been by LBW it would have in fact been LBJ doing the fighting and not LBW sine LBW isnt carrying a sword any more which anyone agree on - no one think it would have been actual LBW saving BY but through LBJ
and he was just a couple of minutes late so he showed he was sharp enough to fugure out how to save her
the only thing that is changed is that BY & LM saved themselves just a couple of minutes bf
so it is NOT the history but in fact the women
there is no attacking the other fictional character
LBW & BY are portrayed as one unit they work togeher and have some sort of "telepathic" link going on - to hurt BY is to hurt BW the decisions are made together
and i think the writers try to see those times through the women eyes as well not the royalty or court but everyday women
which is much appreciated and i really hope wont change

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 9:01 AM

We see and interpret things differently so I'll leave it at that.

Required fields are marked *

nara

December 16, 2015 at 10:01 AM

hibeautiful

December 16, 2015 at 6:45 AM

Although I'm pretty sure that I'll be annoyed too, I'd like to know what are the other things they complain about. So, if anything change in the tiniest aspect of the show, we probably know why.

Required fields are marked *

20 wonhwa

December 16, 2015 at 6:06 AM

I'm not surprised that the writing team that created Mishil and Deokman is once again crafting strong, complex female characters, but it is a nice change from other shows. They may not be the central protagonists/antagonists here, but I'm glad that they are more than romantic window dressing.

Required fields are marked *

21 Lena

December 16, 2015 at 6:23 AM

This was a tense one!

Required fields are marked *

22 I Will Goryeo You

December 16, 2015 at 6:32 AM

I may sound like a broken record, like you said before, Heads. But I love this episode! Everyone took action and move to one direction.

Required fields are marked *

23 Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 10:48 AM

Thanks Heads.

Had to FF through some since we already know what's going to happen.

(Possible Spoilers)

I'm curious about a few things.

If I remember correctly, Bang-won was sent to Ming on a diplomatic mission in 1388 (hope I got the year right). Since it's somehow connected to his claim in Tree, I think it might happen.

We are 4 years away from crowning the new king of Joseon. What are they going to do beside getting rid of 3 kings in a row to get there? More politics? I am hoping they'll solve the mystery with Bang Ji and Bong Yi's mother and the people behind that mysterious red symbol.

Poeun and Sambong's relationship from here on is going to be rather interesting. Two brilliant scholars, (although I'd give Poeun the edge since he aced all the civil exams), and former friends on the opposite sides.
I wonder if Bang-woo is going to take Poeun's side over his father and Sambong.

I'm making a prediction that eps 25 will be warrior Moo-hyul's dragon episode.

Required fields are marked *

little-muffin

December 16, 2015 at 5:56 PM

Eh why eps 25? Is there something significant coming up for Moo-hyul?
I am about to give up that the writer will give him the sixth dragon title, it seems forgotten.

SPOILERS

If you read the history, the changes of kings only happened in the span of few years. Just need to endure another few episodes to wrap up the end of Goryeo (both 2 kings will not sit there long) and Lee Seong-gye will eventually took up the throne with the new Joseon.

It will be sad to see how the bloodbath starts from there though, with Lee Bang-won going evil and killing those that we already knew will die. Sigh.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 6:41 PM

It's just a guess:). It's what I do for fun lol. It's the halfway mark and it would make sense for him to become a dragon before Joseon is born.

The show has been stuck in the year 1388 for a couple of episodes so I'm not expecting it to jump to 1392 so soon. Choi Young is still alive and there are more characters to be introduced etc.

Required fields are marked *

modestgoddess

December 17, 2015 at 8:16 AM

I'm surprised Moo-hyul isn't already a dragon, he has really started taking initiative and saving people.

Required fields are marked *

24 Suzie

December 16, 2015 at 11:21 AM

Shin Se Kyung is beyond horrid. Someone needs to stop casting her in lead roles. She is not even 2nd lead material. She was better in Tree with Deep Roots, because at least she did not open her mouth for most of the drama.

Chun Ho Jin - I usually like him. But he is not doing his character any justice. Yoo Dong Geun in Jeong Do-Jeon playing the same role was beyond amazing. What a weak and disappointing performance in comparison from Chun Ho-Jin.

Love Kim Myung Min, Byun Yo Han, and Yoon Gyun Sang.

I don't know what all the buzz about Yoo Ah In is all about. I can take him or leave him. He does nothing for me in this role.

Required fields are marked *

Izzy

December 16, 2015 at 6:55 PM

This is the first time I watch Yoo Ah In and am very impressed with his acting and his manly voice :)

And I have no problem with Shin Se Kyung's acting either. She's does a very good job to me.

I think actor/actress' acting is personal preference to viewers. Some people find connections with these actors, some with others. E.g: I don't find any connection to Ha Ji Won's acting though I admire her a lot for her hard working attitude. I can't finish any of her drama or movie. Is she horrid? I don't think so, just not my style.

Required fields are marked *

Lisa Purba

December 16, 2015 at 11:16 PM

Oh wow. Shin Se Kyung is doing a good job in this drama. She is beyond my expectation. I didn't expect her much at first.

Chun Ho Jin blows me away with his less words yet he shows General Yi's complicated struggling thought.

Yoo Ah In does a lot for me in this role. Every word and action he takes, he does it with so many expressions that can change in a split second. I can take him any days^^

Not so much impressed with Byun Yo Han. His chacter is that of classic cliche melo warrior, but I understand this does make most women's heart flutters.

We clearly have big opposite taste. But we have something in common: Kim Myung Min & Yoon Kyun Sang.

Required fields are marked *

25 asdfasdf

December 16, 2015 at 12:52 PM

I feel like we really shouldn't dismiss complaints about Boon Yi as non-issue saying that they just don't like having strong female characters.

The problem with the writers is that they're building a strong character at the expense of changing history, crediting real, historical accomplishments of LBW and JDJ to Boon Yi. I feel like people are appreciative that the writers are trying to write female characters that aren't dependent on men but they're overstepping the boundaries of historical truths in order to do so - if this was really about people being bitter that a female is doing all the work blah blah blah Boon Yi would've gotten a lot more shit earlier in the show.

I know and everyone else knows that this is a part fictional show but it's still based on real history, with real historical figures with real names, who are so well known to public. The writers can't distort the history just so they can make a Mary Sue out of a character. If anything it's hurting Boon Yi along with other characters.

People have been pointing out that all six dragons have been criticized at different points of the show, for being OOC, for being useless, for being too useful (to the point they solve all the problems tada) - I think the writers are having trouble writing six different main characters and balancing out their roles and screen time that when they focus on a particular character they're ruining the character development of others.

Required fields are marked *

nara

December 16, 2015 at 2:27 PM

BY is NOT credited with any historical event or changes
she didnt write or made the decisions she did take part of the group in the cave but actually when she voiced her opinion about the ppl it was disregarded when BW forged his father letter he convinced her
there is not one historical decision she made only the fictional was partly made by her
if you read the real historical events

the reason that BY character wasnt bashed bf last week was that bf her being a general was regarded as a joke and only last week she really became one commanding her small "devision" of commoners and spreading them to watch the "enemy"
so only last week the bashing of BY character started and not bf and in particular it started bc BW followed her into the monk place and put her above all others which made everyone upset last week

so it still seems that it is only bc she is a commanding man kind of woman

Required fields are marked *

modestgoddess

December 17, 2015 at 8:33 AM

I agree, so far Boonyi has not done nothing that would be recorded in history: organizing commoners, farming, being a servant to the Lee family. Non of that is significant enough to be recorded by historians, she doesn't even have a last name. I doubt she will even become one of Lee Bangwon's official concubines. JDJ doesn't take her advice about organizing the future Joseon government.

Required fields are marked *

26 Kween Ramyeon

December 16, 2015 at 3:43 PM

I'm an international fan and it's not that I don't "give a crap about history" but anyone who's studied history, also knows that even within the scholarship of history - history is itself not fixed, and always changing with new research and new interpretations. History is about reimagining the past to the best we can, in accordance to the values of the particular time that version of history is written.

When it comes to a TV series, most people recognise that TV drama is not usually considered a high brow form of the arts, and mostly, is meant for entertainment. So most TV shows and films take much poetic license with history to retell stories. When one can accept that, it's less about "how authentic" it is, because none of it really is, and just about thinking about why the particular director or dramatist decided to retell the story that way.

In this case, it's interesting to show that two women, roughly around the same ages but from different backgrounds of wealth, education etc, yet both show similar intelligence in analysis and strategy. Perhaps the dramatist here is trying to say something in this story, about why there was a need for revolution - because there was not the ability for commoners' capabilities to be valued, and that man people in positions of power are too corrupt? Maybe it's saying something about how old feudal systems desperately need to recognise ability in all people? Maybe it's about trying to make that story relevant to us viewers of today can still identify with that.

Required fields are marked *

wonhwa

December 16, 2015 at 4:33 PM

I think there's a place for both dramas that follow historical events closely and ones that take more license. As long as the writers and producers make it clear what type of show they're creating and don't pretend that blatant fiction is actually true, I don't have an issue with works that are more "historically inspired" than historical. My guess is with this show that the writers decided to focus, as you say, on a wider range of characters and character types to highlight class and gender issues, as well as to differentiate the show from last year's Jeong do Jeon. At this point it's hard to say how effectively they'll pull all the different strands of the story together, but right now I'm really enjoying how they're setting up the different conflicts and relationships from a storytelling perspective.

Required fields are marked *

27 Dukdam

December 16, 2015 at 8:14 PM

Gah, this.

And unfortunately I do think some of the fuss has has an undercurrent of misogyny since I wasn't able to see any knickers in a twist over Muhyul, a fictional character, saving the two eldest Yi brothers, one of whom later became King.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 9:26 PM

One would argue that Bang-woo was a master swordsman and his brother Bangwon has been to war with his father. They were capable of fighting off these many soldiers.

Required fields are marked *

Kween Ramyeon

December 16, 2015 at 10:01 PM

We do realise, right - master swordsman or not - the depictions in the series have "special effects" and editing for speed and acrobatics?

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 16, 2015 at 10:28 PM

It's the reputation of a master swordsmen in this series that I'm talking about. From SFD to Tree With Deep Root. That has nothing to do with special effects. I find it silly but it's part of the writers creation.

Realistic or not Tae Mi could fight off 70+ at a time. Moo-hyul as a full blown dragon could fight off 100 on his own. Bang -woo is pretty much up there too.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 17, 2015 at 6:07 AM

Bang-gwa not Bang-won.

Required fields are marked *

modestgoddess

December 17, 2015 at 8:44 AM

yes and there doesn't seem to be the same complaints for Bangji who is also a completely fictional character credited with assassinating some important government officials and protecting JDJ

Required fields are marked *

28 Dukdam

December 16, 2015 at 8:20 PM

My 'gah' was for Dramapanda. Thanks for saying everything I wished to say, but with far greater eloquence.

Required fields are marked *

29 shirayukihime

December 17, 2015 at 11:21 AM

What's the use of being the queen??
"Power comes with the huge responsibility." The moment she became the Queen , she will start thinking what's the best for the nation.Queens means "Mother of the nation" and King means "Father". You do what you think the best for the prosperity of your nation, not your clan. King Taejong must have foreseen that her brothers were a threat so had them killed. We don't know what really happen. Maybe they were plotting but King taejong made it look like he had them killed because of the throne so that to protect his wife position as a Queen.. What do you think would happen to the queen if people knows his own brothers were plotting to get the throne?
That's why she's different from the other Late Joseon's Queen because of KIng Taejong. Those queens only think of their clan, there were queens that even tried to kill the king to enthroned the son or killing the other concubines and the first queen to become the second queen.
If King Taejong really killed his brothers for the throne, then I respected Queen Wongyeon for that. No matter how cruel her husband was, she stayed with him till the end. She died two years after the abdication of KIng taejong. So she's the queen for 20 years, and she's with him for more than 20 years.
There's a law in Joseon that you can divorced your wife if because of the reasons.. For the Queen Wongyeon, we all knew that she was a jealous woman and hurt one of the concubine of King Taejong. WEll, for king taejong that would be a good reason to depose your queen.. But he did not divorce her, depose her, and did not even replace her. He had only one queen until he died.. King Taejong died two years after Queen Wongyeong died. During his 4 years after he abdicated the throne, he became the adviser of King Sejong. Maybe training him to become a military strategist.. that's why king sejong was also good at it..
We can see the difference between King Taejong and King Taejo. King Taejo in ep. 20 and 21 he prioritized the safety of his family than the safety of 50,000 soldiers and more than 100,000 family of the soldiers. But for KIng Taejong he loved his people. He even sacrificed his own for the sake of hundred thousands of people he didn't know and also for the future generation. That's why in the other forum, someone said that King Taejong was loved by his people. and in the other forum again, it was said the he was a SUPERB NATION BUILDER.
That's why when you become a King and Queen, you will start to act as the Father and Mother of the hundred thousands of people.
You can say that I am bias. But I stand on my POV cause that's what I have learned from my research. You can share yours too. That's why I am here at this forum because I love reading other people comments and argue with them than reading insults from them..

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 17, 2015 at 7:06 PM

Just to balance things out a little. Did you know that killing his half brothers, relatives of his queen, his daughter in law's father etc was omitted from his own annal? I guess he didn't want to be remembered as a tyrant.

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 17, 2015 at 7:20 PM

The annals of Joseon was kept from 1413 to 1865. Taejong was already ruling for 13 years. Can we say that the history before that is reliable or written by the winners?

It's no wonder Jeong Do Jeon was forgotten. Thanks to recent research done on his life that his accomplishments was brought to light.

Required fields are marked *

nara

December 17, 2015 at 8:41 PM

if it wasnt written how did they discover it?
was it sejong annals? letters?
it always very interesting when new evidence of history is found
and the fact that they still research it

Required fields are marked *

Kiara

December 18, 2015 at 7:34 AM

After Taejong died, it was corrected and completed around 1440-ish. I don't recall the exact year.

Before Joseon, the history was written from the new dynasty's point of view. The history of the 3 kingdoms was compiled during the Goryeo era. Goryeo's history was compiled during the Joseon era. So there is bound to be inaccuracies etc.

Yes it's always interesting to hear about new historical discoveries.

Kiara

December 20, 2015 at 9:05 PM

Error: partially completed around 1440-ish.

30 shirayukihime

December 17, 2015 at 11:31 AM

Accession Year (1418), Month 8, Day 11, Entry 001
The King promulgates an edict from Geunjeong Hall on ascending the throne

On muja day, the King appeared at Geunjeong Hall 勤政殿 and promulgated an edict for the felicitous occasion, which states:
I am reverently in awe of King Taejo 太祖, who performed the monumental task of founding [this] kingdom, and I am also in awe of my father, the King (Taejong), who carried on this monumental task, cautiously and reverently, revering heaven and loving the people. [His] loyalty and sincerity reached the Son of Heaven, [and His] filial piety and fraternal love communicated with the spirits. The capital and the outlying regions are ordered and at peace, storehouses are filled with goods, and plunderers from the sea who reached [our shores] have turned obedient. Peaceful rule flourished, and martial glory was achieved.
[People] deduced the details after understanding the key points [of the cardinal principles] and propriety grew and music excelled; profound benevolence and great grace conformed to the people’s heart-minds; and profound efforts and glorious achievements filled historical documents. There has never in the past been [such] long-lasting peace throughout the kingdom, [and this peace has continued for] approximately twenty years. [But] lately, too weary to listen to [matters on] governing [the kingdom] due to a chronic illness, [He] commanded that I succeed to the throne. I, with pursuit of learning so coarse and [perspective so] narrow-minded, am [too] young [and] yet to have experience in affairs of national import, [and thus,] I have adamantly declined [His royal command] several times but ultimately without obtaining His permission.
Hence, on the tenth day of the eighth month in the musul year, the sixteenth year of [the reign of Emperor] Yongle, [I] ascended to the throne at Geunjeong Hall 勤政殿 within Gyeongbok Palace 景福宮, whereupon [I] received the congratulatory respect paid [to me] by all officials at court. [I then] esteemed [my] father the King by conferring [upon him with the title of] Abdicated King and [my] mother the queen [the title of] predecessor queen. All statutes and measures will abide by the perfect pattern [set by] Taejo and my father the King; there will not be [any] changes or revisions. Now that a grand ritual is held, an ordinance on magnanimous pardon [of criminals] is granted as befits [the occasion].
[Crimes] already discovered or undiscovered and those that have already received or have not yet received judgments before the break of dawn of the tenth day of the eighth month in the sixteenth year of [the reign of Emperor] Yongle will all be reduced or pardoned; exceptions [to this pardon are those who] committed treason, atrocities, beatings or murdering of grandparents or parents, a wife or concubine killing her husband, male and female nobi (slaves) murdering their masters, a person who has poisoned another with venomous insect poison, schemed to kill another, or...

Required fields are marked *

shirayukihime

December 17, 2015 at 11:32 AM

continuation-----------
or a bandit. If someone dares to lodge a complaint against another person for an event that occurred prior to this royal pardon, [he or she] will be punished for that very crime.
Alas! The throne must be firmly established with the first step cautiously taken by upholding the importance of [honoring] the royal ancestral shrine; benevolence is to be dispensed and government instituted by carrying out the grace [of my predecessors] as if perspiration flows.
At first, the King dispatched Chief Royal Secretary 知申事 Yi Myeongdeok 李明德 to inform the Abdicated King [about the new title conferred upon him]. [Yi Myeongdeok] notified the Abdicated King by stating, “It is the desire [of His Majesty] to confer the honorific title of ‘Great and Magnificent King’ 太上皇 upon Your Majesty.”
The Abdicated King uttered, “It is only proper to confer upon the [current] Abdicated King [the title of] Great Abdicated King 太上王 and me [the title of] Abdicated King 上王. I am not declining [the honor] from modesty but from the relationship mandated by Heaven. [If] Your Majesty desires to act filially toward me, [Your Majesty] will perforce heed my words.”
The Abdicated King also sent a man to state, “I am not deserving of the title of Great Abdicated King.” Thus, the ritual to elevate [Taejong] to Great Abdicated King was not conducted.

Required fields are marked *

nara

December 17, 2015 at 2:39 PM

thank you - i didnt know a lot of this
very interesting

Required fields are marked *

31 Beez

December 17, 2015 at 2:22 PM

I just have to say, the catch in Bang Won's voice when he asked BoonYi if she was okay was amazing. Go Yoo Ah In!

Required fields are marked *

32 modestgoddess

December 18, 2015 at 7:06 AM

yes and there doesn't seem to be the same complaints for Bangji who is also a completely fictional character credited with assassinating some important government officials and protecting JDJ

Required fields are marked *

33 Yeri

December 18, 2015 at 7:44 AM

One of the reason why I like reading this recap is bcs I learn a lot from the discussion en explanation above!!thanks for the info's:-)

Required fields are marked *

34 Adal

December 18, 2015 at 10:01 AM

Whew! For a minute, I thought we would lose Boon Yi. I'm glad she was saved :-)

Required fields are marked *

35 azkaa

December 26, 2015 at 6:37 AM

"Everyone runs on the same telepathic wavelength of cleverness"

Pretty much sums up the whole episode LOL

I'm so sorry if this is stupid question but who is General Jo? I mean he is not really around in the beginning and only appear after trio dodang arch ends, or is it me who doesn't pay attention? He smells trouble for taking Yeonhee's rapist to work with him though.

Required fields are marked *

36 lunatic4kd

January 9, 2016 at 9:54 AM

Now January 9 and I'm caught up to this point - loving every minute and will be caught up with all of you so I can join the comments real time in a few days. This was another amazing episode but it also revealed the very first flaw that bugged me…there was no need for the entire family to walk what looked like 10 miles to meet up with the General after their rescue. They could have just sent a messenger. I found this unrealistic, as anyone who has hiked with children will know all too well!!!!!

Required fields are marked *