Original subtitles

Flank right!

Flank right!

Kim Jun reporting.

Since the death of Jaguye six years ago at our borders...

the Mongols have been beset with internal struggles.

Genghis Khan died after defeating the Tangut.

His third son, Okodei, is emperor...

and continues his father's war with the Jin.

Koryo's General Jo Sukchang defends the Yalu with his 3,000 troops.

They can't hold out for long against a full-scale attack.

The fort and surrounding terrain make long-term defense difficult.

Now I will address the first line of defense here on the northwest border.

The Mongols will launch a two-prong attack...

taking Hamsin, Chulju and Jongju on one side...

the other taking Sakju and passing Kwiju on the way to Fort Anbuk.

But all of our forts are short on personnel and supplies.

We're relying on conscripted commoners from the nearby villages.

We are in dire need of soldiers, armaments and provisions.

I have valued your Mongol reports over the years...

and acknowledge your efforts there.

But the reality here has me deeply, deeply concerned.

Koryo has been faced by a number of internal trials.

Years of drought and flood have lead to widespread famine and death.

Not only that, conspiracy and rebellion have paralyzed the court.

How can I possibly send you reinforcements?

Or arms?

Or provisions?

Finally, you should know Her Grace passed a few days ago.

Mother...

Mother...

It never rains but it pours. Like the sky has been falling for days.

You're telling me. Each worse than the last. Thunder, lightning, ugh...

Have the lords left?

Yes, sir. Director General Kim Yakson was the last to leave.

Good, it never rains but it pours. We'll be looking at this for days.

It's late. You should go on.

Yes, sir.

Take advantage of the respite from the rain. Off you go.

Sir, with your permission.

Late again, sir.

As always. Let's go.

Sir.

Welcome, Father.

Hello. Your mother?

It's the 49th day. Lady Songi is at the temple...

ushering her mother's soul to the afterlife.

Ah, yes, of course.

Let's go in.

Yes, Father.

A late supper then.

Yes, Father.

Yon, pour me a cup?

Yes, Father.

Mi, Yon, let's eat.

Yes, Father.

Songi, it's my time.

Mother.

When it's time, it's time.

But I can't go in peace for worrying about you.

I know what you're thinking, it's in your eyes.

Songi.

Yes, Mother.

Serve your husband well.

You have a son and a daughter.

Nothing else matters, don't you see that?

I know you.

Your heart is forever divided.

But it's only a dream.

A dream of Kim Jun.

I know how you wait and listen...

for word of him...

from the front.

And if I know, surely your husband knows.

Don't you see how terrifying that is?

Songi... Let me go in peace.

Tell me you've long since forgotten Kim Jun.

Say it, Songi.

I'm sorry. Truly sorry, Mother.

Yes, you're a good girl.

You'll do as I ask, won't you, Songi?

Mother... I'm sorry, really I am.

How can I lie to you?

I won't... I can't do it.

Mother, forgive me.

Oh, you terrible...

How could you... how...

Such a terrible thing to...

How... how..?

Mother, Mother, Mother...

In Haeinsa Temple, two Bodhisattvas guard the Vairochania Buddha.

These two images are carved in their likeness.

They were created at the command of Silla's Queen Jinsong.

She lived alone and never married...

but spent her life loving Commander Wihong.

When Wihong died, she had these matching Bodhisattvas carved.

One for herself, one for her lost Wihong.

To her dying day she prayed to them that they be united in the next life.

Can such a wish be granted?

I'm only an artisan so I'm no expert.

But the legend must exist for a reason.

Report, sir. The Mongols are coming.

Open the gate!

Credentials!

Open the gate!

General!

The Mongols are coming.

How many are there?

30,000 cavalry. Combine the ground forces, 100,000 in all.

- 100,000... You're sure? - Yes, sir.

This is serious. We don't have but 3,000 men.

How can we stand against 100,000?

Shouldn't we alert Fort Kwiju?

Quite right. Send our fastest rider.

General Pak So must be informed immediately.

Yes, sir.

30,000 cavalry, 100,000 total...

How can we hold out, even for a second?

What should we do?

And so at last the Forty Year War with the Mongols began.

The Mongols poured over the Yalu River.

It was 1231, the 18th year of Kojong's reign.

Genghis Khan's son, Ogodei, continued his father's dream of world conquest,

launching 3 simultaneous attacks in the East and the West.

Ogodei himself led a force of 200,000 against the Jin.

Of those, he gave 30,000 cavalry for Marshal Sartai's attack on Koryo.

Sartai had experience leading actions into Koryo with the Khitan in the past.

Marshal.

How much further to Hamsin?

Two hours or so. We're almost there.

Two hours... and the battle begins.

Victory is a foregone conclusion, but we can't let our guard down.

We have to cut off their retreat and take them in the first assault.

Send a detachment to cut off the rear.

- Sir. - Yes, sir.

Who commands Hamsin?

General Jo Sukchang.

Back in the Khitan days, Marshal Hapjin...

swore an oath of fealty with General Jo Chung.

This is his son.

Right, right, I remember.

They were like brothers, Jo Chung the elder, Hapjin the younger.

A Mongol swore fealty as a younger brother to Koryo scum?

Yes. General Jo Chung was a man of great character.

A great drinker, a great warrior.

All our marshals admired him.

His son will be no mean antagonist.

- Stay alert. - Sir.

Those are all Mongols? All of them?

Yes, sir. All of them.

We have a battle to fight. The men will be terrified when they find out.

He's right. There's too many of them.

Has the messenger returned? Where are the reinforcements?

Send another messenger. Hurry!

We're as good as finished.

What? 100,000 Mongolians? 100,000?

Who is in command?

Sir, the same man that led the Khitan action.

Marshal Sartai.

Sartai?

Either send reinforcements or tell them to retreat to defensive positions.

Defensive positions?

Hansinjin can't hold out for long.

They can establish a new position and meet the enemy on our terms.

He's right. We're better situated to defend these positions...

Fort Cholju...

and Fort Kwiju.

That way we'll have our defensive perimeter established.

It's highly likely that they'll launch a two-pronged attack.

Perhaps. Have we alerted the other forts?

Yes, sir.

Send word to Hamsin.

They'll hold out as long as they can, then retreat and join the main force.

Yes, sir.

Mongols approaching.

I'm Field Marshal Tangu.

We met years ago during the Khitan action.

I remember. But what brings a Mongol marshal here?

You have to ask?

Koryo doesn't know its place.

We're here to teach you.

Open the gates.

Don't be ridiculous.

You've never complained about our relations before.

Turn around. Or face our arrows.

Should we antagonize them like that?

They aren't worth our time.

I suppose...

We have no quarrel with you. Turn around.

No quarrel?

But we have one with you.

Surrender your fort. Your retreat is cut off.

Live or die, your choice.

Something's strange. You're sure that's Jo Sukchang?

Definitely.

The same guy the marshal said to watch out for?

Not exactly impressive.

Not exactly.

Hear me, Jo Sukchang!

There was a time your father Jo Chung was blood brothers with Marsh Hapjin.

Open the gates!

Why did you fire?

Hear me, Mongols!

I'm Commander Mun Dae.

Turn back now or it won't be your helmet, it will be your filthy mouth!

Stand down!

All right. You chose death!

Have it your way.

You, your livestock, everything, dead!

Move out.

What are you doing?

Now we have to fight.

We don't stand a chance, can't you see that?

A soldier's duty is to fight, not to surrender.

There was no avoiding it anyway.

We'll be in Hamsin by nightfall.

Putau, Diju, Tangu.

Yes, sir.

Take Units One, Two and Three and attack the fort.

Yes, sir.

Units Four and Five are covering the rear.

Illa, Mainu, Bimen.

Yes, sir.

Units Six, Seven and Eight will lay siege to clear the way for the cavalry.

Yes, sir.

Attack!

- Attack! - Attack!

Prepare the bombardment.

Siege weapons forward.

Fire! Fire!

Archers, load!

Take aim!

Reload the catapults!

Load the catapults!

Cavalry, ready!

Cavalry, ready!

Reinforcements will come. They'll come.

Till then, we fight. Fight!

They're attacking. Archers, ready!

Fire!

Attack!

Jars of oil!

Here they come! Here we go! Fire!

Fire!

Now! Oil jars!

Fire!

The war has started at Hamsin.

General Jo requests reinforcements.

Prior to the attack, the Mongols dispatched...

10,000 troops to block their retreat.

And our messengers?

Weren't they ordered to retreat after a reasonable resistance?

That will be difficult with their retreat cut off.

This is... this is just...

Field Marshal.

General.

How long do you think they can hold out?

It's hard to say, but based on past experience, two days at most.

When did the messenger leave for the capital?

He left the moment we heard Hamsin was under attack.

They'll have the report by tomorrow.

You've been assigned to assess the border situation for nearly a decade.

How do you see the situation?

The northwestern forces stop the enemy at the Chongchon River.

To buy the capital time to mobilize its forces.

If we fail, the capital will be threatened.

The frustrating thing is, despite knowing this was coming...

our forts have no strategy for a counter-offensive.

You're right.

But who's to blame, in the current political situation?

Our only option is to die with honor. Understood?

Yes, sir.

We'll abandon Hamsin.

While General Jo holds his fort...

send word to the others to prepare...

their defenses according to pre-established plans.

Yes, sir.

We'll concentrate our defenses here at Kwiju and here, at Cholju.

Our troops scattered in the surrounding areas should mobilize there.

Have the commanders of Jongju, Uiju, Sakju and Taeju march to Kwiju.

Yes, sir.

Field Marshal.

Ride for Fort Cholju.

Cholju, sir?

Things will be worse there.

But it's an important route to the Western Capital.

If either fort falls, it will be a fatal blow.

Assess the situation there and report to the Overlord.

That way he will know where to send the reinforcements.

Yes, sir.

The wall is breached!

You there! Fill in the breach!

Sir, the walls are falling. We can't last much longer.

Where are the reinforcements? Where are they?

There are none.

We're ordered to fight as long as we can, then to retreat.

What? No reinforcements?

They cut off our rear flank. “Retreat?”

Wait. What now?

For fire. They're firing the gate.

Archers! Stop them!

- Fire! - Fire!

- Fire! - Fire!

Archers! Stop him!

Fire!

Fire! Water, now!

Attack!

Attack!

Don't run! Hold your positions!

Archers, ready!

We're out of arrows.

Then throw rocks. They can't breach the fort.

We're out of rocks, too.

Listen, the men are gone. It's all over.

So you're Jo Sukchang.

Yes, Marshal.

I praise you for standing against us for country and king.

But you lost.

And a lot of my men died.

Someone has to pay.

Marshal, can't you look the other way just this once?

Think of my father's friendship with Marshal Hapjin.

Spare me, just this once.

General, what are you doing?

You dare call yourself a general of Koryo?

Don't disgrace the memory of your illustrious father.

Mouthy little... Take that!

Don't disgrace Koryo. Better to die.

Mouthy..! Take that! And that!

Do you really want to live?

Yes, Marshal. Spare me and I'm yours to command.

I see Koryo should choose its border generals more carefully.

All right, here's how you can get out of this.

Send word to all the forts in our path to surrender.

Or have them surrender directly to you.

Can you do that?

Surrender?

Exactly.

It's that... or death.

I'll do it. I'll do as you ask.

Thank you, thank you.

Good. Release him.

The great General Jo Chung must be weeping in his grave.

I thought his son would be a tiger.

And he's a kitten.

We're regrouping for our attack.

We'll launch three assaults.

A south flank, north flank and main assault.

We'll breach their defenses and ride on their capital.

See that your men are briefed and prepared.

Yes, Marshal.

We're concentrating all our forces at Kwiju and Cholju?

Yes, sir.

Well, it's probably the best strategy.

And Hamsin has fallen?

General Jo marches with the enemy...

and has sent letters to the forts advising surrender.

The enemy troops?

Marching on three flanks, sir.

I see. We ride for Kwiju. Dismissed.

Yes, sir.

At last it's time to earn my keep.

You asked for it.

And Koryo is going to give it to you.

Sir!

Dispatches from the front keep pouring in.

The Mongols have crossed the border.

Is it war?

The Privy Council is convening.

All the state officials have gathered.

What? Hamsin fell?

They only just crossed the Yalu. How could Hamsin have fallen?

Isn't Hamsin defended by Jo Chung's son, Jo Sukchang?

Would General Jo's son surrender to the Mongols?

Worse than that, he's sending letters to the other forts advising surrender.

That Jo Sukchang!

It's unheard of. For a general of Koryo to kneel before a Mongol?

And telling other commanders to do the same?

The Mongols have 30,000 cavalry, 100,000 troops total.

We could hardly expect 3,000 men to stand against them.

Yeah, well, I still don't like it.

What's the border situation now?

National defense rests with the Minister of War,

Dae Jipsong, and General Yi Jasong.

Perhaps we should hear from Lord Dae.

Right! More importantly...

Marshal Sartai is only here because Jaguye died on Koryo soil.

No doubt a diplomatic envoy will prevent further hostilities.

Right you are.

It's just a misunderstanding with the usual resultant friction.

We can douse this fire through peaceful negotiations.

Silence! They've crossed our borders.

Envoys and negotiations won't change a thing.

Exactly. We're at war.

Or are you sniveling sycophants too dense to grasp that fact?

- Sniveling? How dare you? - How dare YOU?

- You're sniveling! - You are!

The Privy Council is in session?

Yes, Sire.

100,000 Mongols, they say. Is it true?

So I'm told.

When did it happen?

A dispatch came in yesterday.

The Council has been in session ever since.

And the Council?

Is there any way other than war?

The thinking is that a diplomatic solution is...

unlikely in the current state of hostilities.

One drought after another, then a flood, yet another drought...

seven years of it...

and now war?

The people are starving, the soldiers weary.

Where will they find the strength to fight a war?

Don't you agree?

Go on.

Overlord.

Based on the latest reports, the enemy is concentrating on a two-pronged attack.

Chulju to the south, Kwiju to the north.

And our response?

If Chulju and Kwiju fall we strengthen defenses at Fort Anbuk...

on the Chongchon River.

If that falls, they'll reach the Daedong River and the Western Capital.

And after that, the capital. Right here.

We can't let that happen.

Fall here, fall there, can't this, can't that!

My lord, command me!

I'll ride to the front and sweep these Mongol riff-raff out of Koryo.

Sir, first we must be unified in purpose before we can face the Mongols.

Exactly right.

War is a battle of wills.

There are many border commanders, yes...

but each of them was nominated and appointed by us.

A diplomatic solution is highly unlikely.

I won't stand for an enemy marching on Koryo soil.

The Ministry of war will mobilize the entire country.

Yes, Overlord.

Local militia, provincial forces, reserves, guards...

even monks and slaves, anyone that can fight.

Yes, Overlord.

Generals Yi Jasong and Chae Songnyon have significant battle experience.

I want them involved in devising our strategy.

General Yi will serve as Supreme Commander.

General Chae will be over the cavalry.

Yes, Overlord.

Everything is to go through the General Directorate here.

The Director General's will is my own.

Yes, Overlord.

Koguryo defended this land against a million men.

The same blood flows in us.

The Mongols have defeated the Jin and spread far west.

Their strength is undeniable.

As much as we hate to admit it, we face a formidable adversary.

However...

If we sit here cowering like dogs, we'll be their pets in the end.

Hear your overlord.

Yes, Overlord!

You have all sworn oaths with me to protect Koryo with our lives. Correct?

It is, Overlord!

There is honor in death, is this not so?

It is, Overlord!

Send word to the front.

Protect our borders to the last breath, to the last man!

Yes, Overlord.

What's going on now?

The Council has decided to fight.

Then shouldn't we be heading to the front?

Protecting the Overlord is more important than a few forts.

But the Guard Corps is full of fine soldiers.

Please, send us to the front.

We're soldiers of Koryo.

Given the choice, we'd rather fight at the front.

Like Kim Jun.

It won't be easy.

Sending Kim Jun wasn't my choice.

Her Grace is quite devout.

Yes, very much so. We could use all the help we can get. Move out.

Make way!

The whole country is at arms against the Mongols, Your Grace.

So I heard. There's a steady stream of messengers from the front.

Yes.

Including word from Kim Jun in the northwest.

Which Bodhisattva is this?

The Bodhisattva that grants the heart's desire.

What is your heart's desire?

Oh...

A desire too deep to express in words.

Naming Yi Jasong as Supreme Commander?

Does that make any sense?

He already has one foot in the grave.

It's a problem, I agree.

Everyone knows you should have been given the command.

Actually, General Yi was the best choice for internal relations.

The Overlord is placing actual command in your hands.

Is he?

That what I get for thinking he was wrong.

I envisioned mass resignations.

Of course the real power will be with one of the Overlord's retainers.

Can't have the riff-raff in charge.

That's right.

This requires care and attention.

Well done, General Dae.

Oh, yes, now we'll see some action.

At all costs, the reinforcements must make a last defense here at Hwangju.

And a second defense at the Western Capital.

If the Mongols get past the Western Capital, the war is as good as lost.

You have a big job ahead.

Yes, of course.

Trust me. You can trust in me.

The Mongols have the best plainsmen in the world.

Don't underestimate them.

Just trust me. I've spent my life in the military.

I'm taking my son-in-law with me.

He's brave, determined. Now let's get moving.

The Mongols have struck. We need to act fast.

- Let's go. - Right.

You go on. I'll have another cup and join you.

- Right. - Fine.

Director General, another cup?

Yes, of course.

This is Hamsin.

Below that, Ft. Jongju, recently vacated by Kim Kyongson.

It's difficult to defend. He joined the others with General Pak So in Kwiju.

Son of a...

Here's Kwiju. And here, Cholju.

Our reports indicate Cholju has some 2,500 men.

They're short of arms and provisions.

We can't guarantee they'll hold off the Mongols.

Son of a...

And the enemy?

After Hamsin, Sartai is launching three divisions.

One against Kwiju. Two against Cholju.

But after Cholju falls...

he'll concentrate on Kwiju.

Son of a...

Something on your mind?

Oh, it's nothing, really.

You know I'm related to the Overlord by marriage?

How could I not? Of course.

We might say I'm your uncle-in-law, if you like.

And you, well, you're the Director General.

Vast responsibilities, a lot of housecleaning, so to speak.

What is it you want to say?

Some ugly rumors are going round.

I hate to say it... they're about your wife.

It started two years ago. She ordered two Bodhisattvas be carved.

- And the reason for two... - Is because she's pining for someone?

You knew?

There's more. There was someone before you two married.

- His name is-- - Kim Jun, stationed at the front?

Huh?

I run the Directorate General. Secrets are my business.

Why look the other way?

You're next in line to be Overlord.

I'm telling you this for your own good.

Drink your tea, “Uncle-in-law.”

That kind of talk can cause a lot of trouble.

The Overlord should hear about this.

See how long you live, in-law or no in-law.

Now, hang on... I was thinking of you...

They're just rumors.

The Bodhisattvas are for the 49th day,

when her mother's soul passed on to the afterlife.

Kim Jun is risking his life against the Mongols at Ft. Cholju.

You'd be wise not to repeat that.

Understood?

How many men in Cholju?

2500, give or take.

Pathetic, pathetic.

Our cavalry alone is 20,000 strong.

What kind of fight is that?

What can we do? They're set on destruction.

Surround the fort and the populace.

Sir. The blood will flow.

Chulju has to fall to open the way to Koryo's capital.

Let's wrap this up quickly.

Yes, sir.

General Yi, anything from our scouts?

Soon, sir.

What do you have there?

Sir. A topographical map.

The castle sits high on a hill.

If the troops and the populace can be...

There are no “ifs.” And no options.

The hills are steep, craggy. One or two might make it, but no more.

What is a warrior?

A man who finds honor in death.

No one here is seeking to save his own life.

I've heard about you.

The hero of the arena.

A long time ago.

I'm old now, but I had my day in the arena.

So did General Yi here.

There aren't many officers that haven't spent time in the games.

True. Every young man in Koryo dreams of the arena.

And every warrior vows to test himself there.

He vows to find honor, glory and position in the games.

And who recognizes that, who gives us glory and position?

His Majesty approves, of course, the Overlord made us what we are.

It's time we repaid him.

Sir, Sir!

The Mongols are here.

What?

Bar the gates!

Make ready for war!

Battle stations!

Tear down the wall!

What are you guys doing?

Shoot at them!

Never surrender! Fight to the end!

- There are too many of them! - You don't win a battle with numbers.

The fate of this castle--

For the sake of my country and my family...

Things look dire for us. You must go.

I said I made sure she went safely!

The enemies are closing in on us!

You must leave this place now.