Director Jang Hang-jun's ambitious work of 17 million, with a 0.3% viewership rating

Jang Hang-jun's 'Seolrok' Records 0.3% in Premiere

SBS Plus's history educational variety show 'Time Tracker Seolrok', featuring Director Jang Hang-jun—who drew 17 million viewers with the film 'The King's Warden'—as the main MC, recorded a 0.3% viewership rating in its first broadcast. The program, which premiered on July 14, saw a nationwide paid household rating of 0.3%. The peak rating for paid households in the metropolitan area was 0.7%, and the peak target rating was recorded at 0.4%.

Based on his proven storytelling abilities in the film industry, Jang Hang-jun anchored the program by showcasing his unique wit in the variety format. The planning, which combines international affairs with history, garnered interest even before the broadcast. The program focused on unraveling the conflict between the United States and Iran, a key issue in recent international society, within a historical context.

From the Persian Empire to the Watershed of Hyundai Middle East

The first episode went back to the era of the ancient Persian Empire to understand present-day Iran. It included the process of introducing the ruling philosophy and cultural legacy of Cyrus the Great, who founded the Persian Empire.

It also sequentially examined events that became watersheds in modern international politics. Through 'Operation Ajax' led by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the 'Iran Hostage Crisis' of 1979, the show covered the background of how the United States and Iran became solidified in a hostile relationship. The issue of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran uses as a strategic card in the international community, was also majorly addressed.

Jang Hang-jun's Metaphors and the Cast's Performance

Host Jang Hang-jun explained the stories from the viewers' perspective. While explaining the achievements of Cyrus the Great, he used a metaphor, saying, "If we compare him to our country, he is like a figure who combines Gwanggaeto the Great and King Sejong the Great." Regarding the Strait of Hormuz issue, he summarized, "It seems to eventually turn into a chicken game."

The cast members also performed brilliantly. Actor Bong Tae-gyu expressed the fact that Alexander the Great embraced Persian culture by saying, "It's as if he came to conquer but ended up becoming a fan of Persian interior design." Shin Ah-young pointed out the hidden side of international politics by mentioning cases of U.S. intervention in foreign regimes. Sun Kim, known by the nickname 'History's Peddler,' introduced lesser-known historical anecdotes with his characteristic wit. Jang Hang-jun added regarding Sun Kim's knowledge, "The nickname 'History's Peddler' was not given for nothing."

Participation of Experts and Special Guests

Special guest actor Lee Sang-yeob, a holder of the Level 1 Korean History Proficiency Test, explained the influence of Persian culture that extended to the Unified Silla period. Middle East expert Professor Park Hyun-do and former 'Miss Iran' model Hoda Nikou appeared to convey the local history and social landscape.

Hoda Nikou shared the perspective of the Iranian people. She said, "I don't know why we must constantly be in conflict with neighboring countries. If that cost and energy were spent on the lives of the people, it could be a much better society." At the end of the broadcast, Jang Hang-jun shared his thoughts, saying, "Looking at how the current Iran was formed, I once again felt the fact that all historical events are ultimately connected in a single flow."

'Time Tracker Seolrok' airs every Tuesday at 10:30 PM on SBS Plus.