
Kim Iryeong
김이령
Kim Iryeong is a South Korean historical romance author. Her first novel, Wangeun saranghanda (왕은 사랑한다 The King in Love) (2011) was adapted as a TV drama by MBC and aired in 20 countries in Europe, Hong Kong, and Australia. Set in the Goryeo dynasty, Wangeun saranghanda is inspired by the historical figure King Chungseon known for his attempts to reform corruption in the court of Goryeo. Kim adds the fictional characters of Rin and San to the mix, imagining the dark and twisted side of King Chungseon's private life. The novel was an immediate success upon its publication, undergoing six reprints. Kim's second novel, Eulmil (을밀 Eulmil) follows the adventures and love story of a Goguryeo-era warrior. Her Yeoldu darui yeonga (열두 달의 연가 Love Songs for Twelve Months) and Hwawolsongdo (화월송도 Flowers and Moon in Songdo) are also historical romances set in the Goryeo dynasty. The author is known for her meticulous research and attention to historical detail in her creation of vivid, three-dimensional characters.