In ‘History Storytellers’, Shim Yong-hwan revealed top secret documents from the Security Command and claimed victory.
On the 4th, the historical lecture battle show JTBC ‘History Storytellers’ featured legendary figures who have dominated the South Korean lecture scene: Choi Tae-sung, Sun Kim, Kim Ji-yoon, and Shim Yong-hwan, igniting the first battle stage.
From the start, there was fierce tension between the competitors, but Shim Yong-hwan emerged victorious by unveiling top secret documents for the first time. The viewership rating for the first episode of ‘History Storytellers’ was 2.8% nationwide, and the scene where Shim Yong-hwan revealed the eagerly prepared top secret documents recorded a peak rating of 3.9% per minute, marking a smooth start. (Provided by Nielsen Korea, based on paid households)
The representative legendary storytellers of South Korea began their first lecture battle under the cold evaluation of an audience of 100, known as the ‘History Heart Committee’. Although they are renowned lecture experts, all four ‘History Storytellers’, also known as ‘History Tricksters’, displayed extreme tension as it was their first time being evaluated. In line with the theme of ‘The Worst War’, Choi Tae-sung focused on independence activist Kim Sang-ok, Sun Kim on Cleopatra, Shim Yong-hwan on the Hana Association, and Kim Ji-yoon on the story of World War III.
First to present, Choi Tae-sung shed light on the lesser-known independence activist, Dr. Kim Sang-ok, rather than a widely recognized figure. He vividly conveyed the story of Kim Sang-ok, who dedicated his life for the country, maximizing immersion and delivering deep emotional impact.
Sun Kim, claiming to be an ‘unofficial love expert’, dominated the stage with the story of ‘Cleopatra’, who wielded power through love. His unique and flavorful storytelling, along with explosive acting skills, garnered enthusiastic responses from the audience.
Kim Ji-yoon, known as the ‘small giant’ for her explosive energy despite her small stature, easily and clearly explained the hottest issue in recent international affairs, ‘World War III’, showcasing her ‘world-class’ charisma.
However, no one could stop Shim Yong-hwan, whose obsession with winning was unyielding. With excessive passion, Shim Yong-hwan delivered the longest lecture at 94 minutes, starting with the blockbuster film ‘Spring of Seoul’, and conducted an in-depth analysis of Chun Doo-hwan, the Hana Association, and the backstory of the 12.12 military coup. Notably, he revealed the top secret documents he had painstakingly obtained during his research, ultimately claiming the title of the best storyteller.
The unfortunate recipient of the bitter poison at the end of the battle was Sun Kim. True to his legendary storyteller status, Sun Kim shared related anecdotes until the very last moment he had to drink the poison, bringing the curtain down on the stage. ‘History Storytellers’, which transcended the limits of historical programs from its first broadcast by providing laughter, emotion, lessons, and entertainment simultaneously, airs every Thursday at 8:50 PM.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
