"KBS's 'Goryeo–Khitan War' receives praise for 30-minute epic Battle of Gwiju / 300,000-soldier clash recreated using 'digital crowd' technology / 'High-quality scenes produced with CG and VFX while reducing production costs'"
[Seoul = Newsis] A scene from the Battle of Gwiju in the KBS drama "The Goryeo–Khitan War." Computer graphics (CG) and visual effects (VFX) technologies were used to recreate 200,000 Goryeo soldiers, 100,000 Khitan troops, and various war equipment such as wagons. (Video provided by KBS) Resale and database reproduction prohibited
[Seoul = Newsis] Reporter Jeongmin Yoon – #Terrified Goryeo soldiers freeze in fear at the sight of 100,000 charging Khitan troops. As some begin to abandon their wagons and flee, General-in-Chief Gang Gam-chan (played by Choi Soo-jong) grabs a wagon and shouts repeatedly, "Goryeo will not fall. We will be victorious. We will not die. Goryeo will triumph."
Encouraged by his rallying cry, the Goryeo soldiers regain their courage and return to their positions. Meanwhile, about 10,000 elite heavy cavalry led by Kim Jong-hyun (played by Seo Jae-woo) appear and, together with 200,000 Goryeo troops, encircle the 100,000-strong Khitan forces.
As the KBS historical drama The Goryeo–Khitan War concluded with Episode 32 on the 10th, the depiction of the Battle of Gwiju in Episodes 31–32 has drawn considerable attention. The large-scale battle scene, portraying nearly 300,000 troops (100,000 Khitan, 200,000 Goryeo) and the use of military wagons, was brought to life using computer graphics (CG).
Coincidentally, the final episode aired on the same date as the actual Battle of Gwiju. The episode became a hot topic across various online communities, with the original author of the source novel The Goryeo–Khitan War: Heroes of Goryeo, Gil Seung-soo, praising the CG used in the battle scenes.
In a phone interview with Newsis on the 10th, Gil said, "The scene where the Khitan Taechogokgi unit (responsible for plundering food and horse fodder) stirs up dust to obscure Goryeo's view was well portrayed with CG. I saw the scene where actor Choi Soo-jong pushes a wagon during filming in June last year, and with the added CG, it looked absolutely impressive."
Only 300 real actors portrayed the 100,000 Khitan and 200,000 Goryeo soldiers; just 10 actual wagons were used on set.
[Seoul = Newsis] A scene from the KBS drama The Goryeo–Khitan War depicting the Battle of Gwiju. Digital crowd technology was used to portray countless soldiers. Only about 30 actual background actors appeared in this scene. (Photo provided by KBS) Resale and database reproduction prohibited
The most notable feature of the Battle of Gwiju scene is the faithful recreation of the combined 300,000 soldiers from both the Goryeo and Khitan armies.
Episodes 31 and 32, which aired on the 9th and 10th, featured several large-scale scenes, including:
▲ Tens of thousands of Khitan soldiers awaiting an attack order from their commander (Dotongsa) Xiao Paiya
▲ Khitan troops storming over the Goryeo defensive wagons (geomcha)
▲ The appearance of Goryeo's elite heavy cavalry emerging from a hilltop during battle
These sequences required the visual presence of a vast number of soldiers.
[Seoul = Newsis] According to KBS, the actual number of participants in the filming of the Battle of Gwiju, including background actors, was around 300. After completing filming last summer at the outdoor chroma set of the KBS Suwon Drama Center in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province (photo), editing has continued for the past five to six months. (Photo provided by KBS. Resale and database reproduction prohibited.)
In fact, only 200–300 actors took part in filming the Battle of Gwiju. Aside from a few key figures like Gang Gam-chan, Kim Jong-hyun, and Xiao Paiya, most soldiers were created using "digital crowd" (crowd simulation) technology.
Due to limited space at the KBS Suwon Drama Center’s outdoor chroma set, only 100–200 people could be on set at a time. Since it was impossible to depict all 300,000 soldiers with real actors, characters appearing in the distant background were all rendered using CG. Actor movements were first filmed in the studio, and then tens of thousands of digital characters were generated based on those recordings.
Even the geomcha (defensive carts), which cost around 15 million KRW (approx. $11,000 USD) each to produce, were only physically built in a dozen units due to budget constraints, with the rest created through CG.
[Seoul = Newsis] According to KBS, the actual number of participants in the filming of the Battle of Gwiju, including supporting actors, was around 300. The shoot was completed last summer at the outdoor chroma set of the KBS Suwon Drama Center in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province (photo), and editing has been ongoing for the past five to six months. (Photo provided by KBS. Resale and DB reproduction prohibited.)
Shin Chang-woo, Chief Visual Effects (VFX) Supervisor at co-production company Vive Studios, stated, “We focused on achieving a scale suitable for a massive battle by using 3D spatial technology to create terrain data, including uneven ground where large troops could move.”
In particular, Shin noted, “This is the first time digital crowd technology of this scale has been used in a KBS historical drama. Extreme long shots that could never be solved with filming alone were rendered entirely with full CG, which marked a scale that hadn’t been attempted before in a drama.”
The CG team also participated in the drama’s planning… A massive battle recreated through long-term collaboration.
[Seoul = Newsis] A scene from the production process of the KBS drama Goryeo–Khitan War. The production crew is seen filming at an actual mountain fortress to depict the Battle of Heunghwajin. (Photo provided by KBS – resale and DB reproduction prohibited.)
The drama Goryeo–Khitan War has received praise for its historically accurate war scenes and impressive visual effects. In the previously aired Battle of Heunghwajin, only two trebuchets were real props, while the rest were created using computer graphics (CG). The flaming stones hurled by the trebuchets and the barrage of arrows during General Yang Gyu's final stand were all made possible through visual effects (VFX).
Director Shin stated, “Director Kim Han-sol, who led the production of Goryeo–Khitan War, planned the visual elements through extensive meetings with the CG team based on historical records and expert consultation.” For example, not only the props team but also the CG team participated in designing the actual geomcha (shield cart) models.
Shin added, “(In the Battle of Gwiju) we put a lot of thought into how to depict scenes like the shift in wind direction as Kim Jong-hyun's heavy cavalry appeared, and the 'anvil and hammer' tactic where geomcha surrounded the enemy and the cavalry charged from behind.”
He emphasized that one of the key reasons the battle scenes stood out was the early involvement of the CG and VFX teams in the planning stage of the drama. According to industry experts, CG and VFX companies are usually brought in only for post-production, making Goryeo–Khitan War a rare case where these teams were engaged from the outset.
Shin concluded, “Thanks to the vast amount of concept art and pre-visualizations (CG simulations created before actual filming), we were able to complete the shoots successfully.”
The production cost per episode was the highest in KBS history — and even the government contributed to the Battle of Gwiju reenactment.
[Seoul = Newsis] A still cut from the Battle of Gwiju in the KBS drama The Goryeo–Khitan War. (Photo provided by KBS – resale and DB reproduction prohibited.)
The lavish use of CG and VFX in the drama has drawn significant attention to its production cost. According to KBS, the production budget for The Goryeo–Khitan War was approximately 27 billion KRW (about 20 million USD), making it the largest budget ever for a KBS historical drama on a per-episode basis.
Visual Effects Director Shin stated, “To maximize focus and efficiency, we planned and coordinated many aspects from the early design stage among the production teams. Through active involvement in the planning process, we were able to reduce the budget significantly. Thanks to the CG team's support, we likely cut much more from the budget than expected.”
He added, “It’s true that filming on a chroma key set can feel less realistic, but considering the weather, post-production timeline, and the historical fact that the Battle of Gwiju took place in winter, shooting in a chroma environment was what made the scene possible. It also helped with budget control and maintaining the condition of the actors and staff.”
The Korean government also contributed to the reenactment of the Battle of Gwiju. The drama was selected for support under the Ministry of Science and ICT’s “Next-Generation Broadcasting Growth Infrastructure Project” and received 1.1 billion KRW (approximately 800,000 USD) in funding.
A Ministry representative said, “We are pleased that advanced technologies such as VFX and virtual production have been successfully integrated into the production. The ministry will continue supporting the application of cutting-edge technologies like AI in media content to reduce production costs while improving quality.”
[Seoul = Newsis] A still cut from the KBS drama The Goryeo–Khitan War featuring the Battle of Gwiju. (Photo provided by KBS – resale and DB reproduction prohibited.)
Meanwhile, Vive Studios has previously participated in CG and VFX work for several notable productions, including the Netflix dramas D.P. and A Killer Paradox, as well as the film Concrete Utopia.
VFX Director Shin shared his thoughts on the production, stating, “Unlike past projects, The Goryeo–Khitan War was challenging because we were involved from the very early planning stages and had to endure a long production period of about a year. It was tough filming through the summer monsoon season and the intense heat, and then having to endure the freezing cold in winter.”He added, “Thanks to the director’s strong leadership and the hard work of many staff members, we were able to produce a great final product.”
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"KBS's 'Goryeo–Khitan War' receives praise for 30-minute epic Battle of Gwiju / 300,000-soldier clash recreated using 'digital crowd' technology / 'High-quality scenes produced with CG and VFX while reducing production costs'"
[Seoul = Newsis] A scene from the Battle of Gwiju in the KBS drama "The Goryeo–Khitan War." Computer graphics (CG) and visual effects (VFX) technologies were used to recreate 200,000 Goryeo soldiers, 100,000 Khitan troops, and various war equipment such as wagons. (Video provided by KBS) Resale and database reproduction prohibited
[Seoul = Newsis] Reporter Jeongmin Yoon – #Terrified Goryeo soldiers freeze in fear at the sight of 100,000 charging Khitan troops. As some begin to abandon their wagons and flee, General-in-Chief Gang Gam-chan (played by Choi Soo-jong) grabs a wagon and shouts repeatedly, "Goryeo will not fall. We will be victorious. We will not die. Goryeo will triumph."
Encouraged by his rallying cry, the Goryeo soldiers regain their courage and return to their positions. Meanwhile, about 10,000 elite heavy cavalry led by Kim Jong-hyun (played by Seo Jae-woo) appear and, together with 200,000 Goryeo troops, encircle the 100,000-strong Khitan forces.
As the KBS historical drama The Goryeo–Khitan War concluded with Episode 32 on the 10th, the depiction of the Battle of Gwiju in Episodes 31–32 has drawn considerable attention. The large-scale battle scene, portraying nearly 300,000 troops (100,000 Khitan, 200,000 Goryeo) and the use of military wagons, was brought to life using computer graphics (CG).
Coincidentally, the final episode aired on the same date as the actual Battle of Gwiju. The episode became a hot topic across various online communities, with the original author of the source novel The Goryeo–Khitan War: Heroes of Goryeo, Gil Seung-soo, praising the CG used in the battle scenes.
In a phone interview with Newsis on the 10th, Gil said, "The scene where the Khitan Taechogokgi unit (responsible for plundering food and horse fodder) stirs up dust to obscure Goryeo's view was well portrayed with CG. I saw the scene where actor Choi Soo-jong pushes a wagon during filming in June last year, and with the added CG, it looked absolutely impressive."
Only 300 real actors portrayed the 100,000 Khitan and 200,000 Goryeo soldiers; just 10 actual wagons were used on set.
[Seoul = Newsis] A scene from the KBS drama The Goryeo–Khitan War depicting the Battle of Gwiju. Digital crowd technology was used to portray countless soldiers. Only about 30 actual background actors appeared in this scene. (Photo provided by KBS) Resale and database reproduction prohibited
The most notable feature of the Battle of Gwiju scene is the faithful recreation of the combined 300,000 soldiers from both the Goryeo and Khitan armies.
Episodes 31 and 32, which aired on the 9th and 10th, featured several large-scale scenes, including:
▲ Tens of thousands of Khitan soldiers awaiting an attack order from their commander (Dotongsa) Xiao Paiya
▲ Khitan troops storming over the Goryeo defensive wagons (geomcha)
▲ The appearance of Goryeo's elite heavy cavalry emerging from a hilltop during battle
These sequences required the visual presence of a vast number of soldiers.
[Seoul = Newsis] According to KBS, the actual number of participants in the filming of the Battle of Gwiju, including background actors, was around 300. After completing filming last summer at the outdoor chroma set of the KBS Suwon Drama Center in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province (photo), editing has continued for the past five to six months. (Photo provided by KBS. Resale and database reproduction prohibited.)
In fact, only 200–300 actors took part in filming the Battle of Gwiju. Aside from a few key figures like Gang Gam-chan, Kim Jong-hyun, and Xiao Paiya, most soldiers were created using "digital crowd" (crowd simulation) technology.
Due to limited space at the KBS Suwon Drama Center’s outdoor chroma set, only 100–200 people could be on set at a time. Since it was impossible to depict all 300,000 soldiers with real actors, characters appearing in the distant background were all rendered using CG. Actor movements were first filmed in the studio, and then tens of thousands of digital characters were generated based on those recordings.
Even the geomcha (defensive carts), which cost around 15 million KRW (approx. $11,000 USD) each to produce, were only physically built in a dozen units due to budget constraints, with the rest created through CG.
[Seoul = Newsis] According to KBS, the actual number of participants in the filming of the Battle of Gwiju, including supporting actors, was around 300. The shoot was completed last summer at the outdoor chroma set of the KBS Suwon Drama Center in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province (photo), and editing has been ongoing for the past five to six months. (Photo provided by KBS. Resale and DB reproduction prohibited.)
Shin Chang-woo, Chief Visual Effects (VFX) Supervisor at co-production company Vive Studios, stated, “We focused on achieving a scale suitable for a massive battle by using 3D spatial technology to create terrain data, including uneven ground where large troops could move.”
In particular, Shin noted, “This is the first time digital crowd technology of this scale has been used in a KBS historical drama. Extreme long shots that could never be solved with filming alone were rendered entirely with full CG, which marked a scale that hadn’t been attempted before in a drama.”
The CG team also participated in the drama’s planning… A massive battle recreated through long-term collaboration.
[Seoul = Newsis] A scene from the production process of the KBS drama Goryeo–Khitan War. The production crew is seen filming at an actual mountain fortress to depict the Battle of Heunghwajin. (Photo provided by KBS – resale and DB reproduction prohibited.)
The drama Goryeo–Khitan War has received praise for its historically accurate war scenes and impressive visual effects. In the previously aired Battle of Heunghwajin, only two trebuchets were real props, while the rest were created using computer graphics (CG). The flaming stones hurled by the trebuchets and the barrage of arrows during General Yang Gyu's final stand were all made possible through visual effects (VFX).
Director Shin stated, “Director Kim Han-sol, who led the production of Goryeo–Khitan War, planned the visual elements through extensive meetings with the CG team based on historical records and expert consultation.” For example, not only the props team but also the CG team participated in designing the actual geomcha (shield cart) models.
Shin added, “(In the Battle of Gwiju) we put a lot of thought into how to depict scenes like the shift in wind direction as Kim Jong-hyun's heavy cavalry appeared, and the 'anvil and hammer' tactic where geomcha surrounded the enemy and the cavalry charged from behind.”
He emphasized that one of the key reasons the battle scenes stood out was the early involvement of the CG and VFX teams in the planning stage of the drama. According to industry experts, CG and VFX companies are usually brought in only for post-production, making Goryeo–Khitan War a rare case where these teams were engaged from the outset.
Shin concluded, “Thanks to the vast amount of concept art and pre-visualizations (CG simulations created before actual filming), we were able to complete the shoots successfully.”
The production cost per episode was the highest in KBS history — and even the government contributed to the Battle of Gwiju reenactment.
[Seoul = Newsis] A still cut from the Battle of Gwiju in the KBS drama The Goryeo–Khitan War. (Photo provided by KBS – resale and DB reproduction prohibited.)
The lavish use of CG and VFX in the drama has drawn significant attention to its production cost. According to KBS, the production budget for The Goryeo–Khitan War was approximately 27 billion KRW (about 20 million USD), making it the largest budget ever for a KBS historical drama on a per-episode basis.
Visual Effects Director Shin stated, “To maximize focus and efficiency, we planned and coordinated many aspects from the early design stage among the production teams. Through active involvement in the planning process, we were able to reduce the budget significantly. Thanks to the CG team's support, we likely cut much more from the budget than expected.”
He added, “It’s true that filming on a chroma key set can feel less realistic, but considering the weather, post-production timeline, and the historical fact that the Battle of Gwiju took place in winter, shooting in a chroma environment was what made the scene possible. It also helped with budget control and maintaining the condition of the actors and staff.”
The Korean government also contributed to the reenactment of the Battle of Gwiju. The drama was selected for support under the Ministry of Science and ICT’s “Next-Generation Broadcasting Growth Infrastructure Project” and received 1.1 billion KRW (approximately 800,000 USD) in funding.
A Ministry representative said, “We are pleased that advanced technologies such as VFX and virtual production have been successfully integrated into the production. The ministry will continue supporting the application of cutting-edge technologies like AI in media content to reduce production costs while improving quality.”
[Seoul = Newsis] A still cut from the KBS drama The Goryeo–Khitan War featuring the Battle of Gwiju. (Photo provided by KBS – resale and DB reproduction prohibited.)
Meanwhile, Vive Studios has previously participated in CG and VFX work for several notable productions, including the Netflix dramas D.P. and A Killer Paradox, as well as the film Concrete Utopia.
VFX Director Shin shared his thoughts on the production, stating, “Unlike past projects, The Goryeo–Khitan War was challenging because we were involved from the very early planning stages and had to endure a long production period of about a year. It was tough filming through the summer monsoon season and the intense heat, and then having to endure the freezing cold in winter.”He added, “Thanks to the director’s strong leadership and the hard work of many staff members, we were able to produce a great final product.”
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