Director Jang Hang-jun: "This is how politics should be done!" — Impressed by the lesser-known side of King Jeongjo [Time Tracker Seolrok]

*This content was translated by AI.

In 'Time Tracker Seolrok', the "Secret Letter of King Jeongjo" that captivated director Jang Hang-jun was revealed.

The sixth episode of SBS Plus's 'Time Tracker Seolrok,' which aired on the night of the 18th, was themed "Pandora of History: Top Secret Documents." It traced covert records from history, ranging from King Jeongjo's secret letters known as the "Eochalcheop" to the CIA's "MK Ultra Project," delivering twists and shocks. Actors Jang Hyun-sung, Jeong Chi-hak (Dr.) Park Hyeon-mo, and historian-creator Kim Young-jun appeared as guests, adding diverse perspectives.

First, the top-secret document discovered in 2009 that turned South Korea's historical research community upside down was revealed: King Jeongjo's secret letter. The recipient of the letter was Sim Hwan-ji, the leader of the Noron Byeokpa faction known as a political rival of King Jeongjo. The letter contained private and covert conversations that overturned the previously understood relationship between the two, causing surprise. Although King Jeongjo strictly instructed that the letter be "burned immediately upon reading" to ensure no one knew of its existence, Sim Hwan-ji kept it like some kind of "insurance," allowing it to emerge into the world 200 years later.

The Annals of King Jeongjo recorded scenes where Jeongjo and Sim Hwan-ji clashed politically, but through this letter, it was revealed that all these events were actually a perfect scenario designed by King Jeongjo. Director Jang Hang-jun expressed surprise, saying, "Was all of that staged?" Jang Hyun-sung compared the two men's political performance—pretending to be rivals in public while closely cooperating behind the scenes—as "King Jeongjo as the chief director and Sim Hwan-ji as the lead actor," praising him by stating, "Jeongjo is a genius director."

Furthermore, the letter revealed King Jeongjo's candid side, such as gossiping about ministers he disliked, as well as his strategic mindset in cleverly using opposition factions to achieve his goals. Captivated by these new facets of King Jeongjo discovered through the secret letter, Jang Hang-jun could not help but exclaim, "I like Jeongjo even more now! Isn't this how politics should be done?"

After the 1953 armistice agreement, the CIA's covert "MK Ultra Project" sent shockwaves through everyone. The project's objective was "human mind control," aiming to reduce individuals to a blank slate and turn them into puppets who would act solely on command. When the truth of inhumane biological experiments carried out under the guise of national security during the Cold War came to light, Shin A-young remarked, "Even demons would weep at such cruelty," while Bong Tae-gyu expressed shock, saying, "It goes beyond horror; it makes me furious."

Prisoners, hospital patients, and even CIA employees were among the victims. The total number of victims is estimated to be in the thousands or tens of thousands. This project, which could have remained buried in secrecy, was exposed through a 1975 New York Times report. It left behind the lesson: "Even if state power tries to conceal secrets, as long as there are media outlets determined to reveal the truth and an angry public, Pandora's box will inevitably open."

'Time Tracker Seolrok' is a historical tracking variety show that fills in the blanks left by records. Hosted by director Jang Hang-jun, Bong Tae-gyu, Shin A-young, and Sun Kim, the program offers wide-ranging knowledge and entertainment through discussions that span official history and unofficial anecdotes. It airs every Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. on SBS Plus.

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*This content was translated by AI.