Ask the Sky: Korean Historical Drama in “Forbidden Dream”

Founded in 1392, Joseon, or the Great Joseon, was the last dynastic kingdom of Korea that existed for more than 500 years. King Sejong the Great, the fourth king of the Joseon dynasty, is perhaps the most beloved king in Korean history. The 32 years of his reign are often referred to as the Golden Age and saw unparalleled advancement in science, technology, agriculture, literature, medicine, and music, with people enjoying great culture, prosperity, and political stability.

When talking about King Sejong the Great, people would also think of Jang Yeong-sil, the monarch’s close friend and an extraordinary scientist who invented Korea’s first armillary sphere, the self-striking water clock, rain gauge, and water gauge, to name just a few of his many innovations.

Today, we are going to present a touching Korean historical drama about the legendary King Sejong the Great and his dear friend Jang Yeong-sil, entitled “Forbidden Dream.” “You made Joseon’s own time and opened Joseon’s own sky.” “Had you not dreamt of them, how would I have made them, Your Majesty?” “Can you make exactly what is in this sketch?”

Watch this intriguing film and witness the hand of the Divine at work to see how King Sejong is guided to find solutions to the challenges he faces, including a dangerous plan to save his friend, Yeong-sil. There are many twists and turns as the movie draws to its conclusion. The film addresses important social issues, such as the upper classes’ fear of losing their power if Hangul were to enable literacy for all Koreans. The integrity of Yeong-sil, however, shines brightly even when his and King Sejong’s lives are threatened.

During a conference with our Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai, Master told us the reason the benevolent King Sejong the Great created the Korean alphabet. “At that time, China was kind of overpowering Korea, because Korea’s small. So, the Koreans had to be stronger and more independent. That’s why the king created this. So that the Korean people had an identity. And they became more independent, and themselves, and Korean, instead.”