KBS President Park Jang-bum Expresses High Hopes for New Epic Drama 'Munmu' Post-Mandatory Fee Integration

KBS President Park Jang-bum has voiced significant anticipation for 'Munmu', set to be the first major historical epic drama produced following the integration of the mandatory broadcast reception fee.

The production presentation for KBS2's new epic drama 'Munmu (文武)' (written by Kim Ri-heon and Hong Jin-i, directed by Kim Young-jo and Gu Seong-jun, produced by Keyeast and Monster Union) was held on the 18th at The Saint in Shindorim-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul.

'Munmu' is poised to narrate the grand saga of unification, depicting how the minor kingdom of Silla ultimately unified the Three Kingdoms, overcoming powerful rivals like Goguryeo, Baekje, and even Tang China.

This drama follows successful historical epics such as 'The King of Tears, Lee Bang-won' and 'Korea–Khitan War', and is expected to deliver a poignant and solitary epic of leaders who risked everything for a singular victory in the Three Kingdoms period, helmed by director Kim Young-jo, known for 'Woman of 9.9 Billion', 'Hwarang', 'Jang Yeong-sil', and 'The Jingbirok', alongside writer Kim Ri-heon, a winner of the 2021 KBS Drama Script Contest.

President Park stated, "The production of epic historical dramas like 'Munmu' has become possible with the passage and implementation of the integrated broadcast fee law." He added, "While KBS faced nearly 100 billion KRW in deficit after the reception fee was separated during the previous administration, we are now contemplating how to best serve our viewers."

He further elaborated, "I was convinced we had to produce 'Munmu' upon learning that the Battle of Mae-so-seong, a key event in the drama, coincides with the Gyeongbuk Province Day." He shared, "I was deeply moved to discover that a historical event, briefly mentioned in textbooks, is still remembered and commemorated today through the province's day."

President Park emphasized, "'Munmu' is a crucial work that can convey a message of unity to the divided nation of South Korea." He asserted, "In an era of escalating social conflicts, including regional and political divisions, public broadcasting has a duty to highlight the importance of integration."

He pledged, "Just as a strong leadership laid the foundation for prosperity, we wish to share the significance of unification with viewers through the drama 'Munmu'." He assured, "Although risky situations might arise during filming, including overseas shoots in Mongolia, we will provide unwavering support to ensure the production is completed safely and successfully."

Finally, President Park announced, "Starting with 'Munmu', we plan to expand viewer services, including high-quality documentaries, once the effects of the integrated broadcast fee become evident in 2026." He expressed excitement, "New techniques utilizing AI will be applied to 'Munmu', and we anticipate it will offer viewers a groundbreaking experience."

Meanwhile, KBS2's new epic drama 'Munmu' is scheduled to air in 2026.

Korean netizens have reacted positively to President Park's announcement, with comments like "I'm really looking forward to the first epic drama after the fee integration!" and "It feels like KBS is finally fulfilling its role." Many expressed their intent to watch 'Munmu'.