China uses AI for 'Balhae historical drama,' claims kingdom is 'important part of Chinese nation'

China is producing a short-form historical drama titled 'Balhae Daeheungmu,' focusing on the ancient Korean kingdom of Balhae (698-926 AD). The Yanbian Broadcasting Station held a production presentation at the Yanbian Museum in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture, marking the start of filming for the drama, which will feature some artificial intelligence in its production.

The drama centers on King Mun, Balhae's third monarch, and his reign from 737 to 793 AD. The 20-episode series, with a total running time of 100 minutes, is scheduled for completion by the end of October. It will be broadcast on TV channels like Jilin Broadcasting and Yanbian Broadcasting, as well as major Chinese online video platforms.

Chinese state media outlets have framed the history of Balhae as part of the 'diverse and unified Chinese nation,' reigniting historical disputes with South Korea. The script has already passed review by the Jilin Provincial authorities. The drama aims to depict Balhae's golden age as 'Haedongseongguk' (a prosperous nation east of the sea).

Angwang.com described Balhae as a 'local ethnic regime' and claimed it vividly shows the historical flow of exchange and integration with the Tang Dynasty 1,300 years ago. It asserted that Balhae's history is an indispensable component of the diverse and unified Chinese national structure. South Korea, however, views Balhae as part of its own history, founded by former Goguryeo people on Goguryeo territory. China, conversely, contends that Balhae was merely a regional regime established by the Mohe people.