KBS Bets on Historical Epic 'Munmu' to Restore Public Trust

Amidst a challenging year marked by controversies, KBS is turning to a grand historical drama, 'Munmu (文武)', to reaffirm its role as a public broadcaster and rebuild viewer trust.

Scheduled for broadcast in the latter half of next year, 'Munmu' is positioned as the first in a series of traditional historical dramas, a genre KBS has long promised to revive. This marks a significant return to large-scale projects, two years after the conclusion of 'Korea-Khitan War'.

The drama will delve into the tumultuous era of Unified Silla, chronicling its transformation from a weaker state amidst Goguryeo, Baekje, and Tang China, into the unifier of the Three Han states. The narrative will focus on the political, military, and diplomatic intricacies of this pivotal period. Director Kim Young-jo, known for his work on 'Hwarang', 'Jang Yeong-sil', and 'Jingbirok', is at the helm, aiming to recapture the strengths of KBS's historical dramas.

KBS's decision to hold a production presentation even before filming began underscores the high expectations and urgency surrounding the project. CEO Park Jang-bum personally attended, stating, "The re-implementation of integrated subscription fees has made the production of grand historical dramas possible," emphasizing KBS's commitment to strengthening its public service mission. This move signifies KBS's intent to create a definitive moment in its efforts to regain trust.

Boasting the largest production budget in KBS's historical drama history, 'Munmu' will incorporate advanced technologies like CG and AI. Director Kim explained that AI will be used solely as an auxiliary tool for historical accuracy, focusing on a balance between production efficiency and visual quality rather than mere technological display.

CEO Park further elaborated, "KBS's grand historical dramas are not just programs; they are an important public duty." He highlighted the drama's significance in illuminating an era of peace and prosperity achieved through strong leadership during a divided Korea. "We will do our utmost to live up to our reputation as a master of historical dramas," he pledged.

All eyes are now on whether KBS can successfully revive its legacy with 'Munmu' and, in doing so, regain the trust of its audience.

Korean netizens have expressed excitement about KBS's new historical epic, 'Munmu'. Comments like "It feels like a proper historical drama is finally coming out after a long time" and "I hope KBS shows its true capabilities" are common. Alongside anticipation, there are also demands for high quality, with viewers urging, "Invest the budget properly to deliver quality" and "Please no more awkward CG."