1681

Goodbye, 1681

QnA Session

Q: "How did 1681 come about?"

A: Well, I was really interested in King Sukjong and Queen Inhyeon. Then one day, I was trying to find a fiction novel about their story but realised that I couldn't find any. So, I started writing one instead. At that time, I also wanted to improve my creative writing so that I could get a good score in school. Anyway, I'm very thankful that this story received lots of love!

Q: "Because of 1681, I'm learning something about Korean history. Just curious, are all the facts true, or did you make some changes?"

A: My answer would be both yes and no. King Sukjong, Queen Inhyeon, Lady Jang Ok Jung and Choi Suk-bin are all real people who had existed during the Joseon dynasty. "1681" is based on actual events that had happened during Queen Inhyeon and King Sukjong's time. For example, King Sukjong really did exile Queen Inhyeon and brought her back to the palace afterwards. Lady Jang Ok Jung really did perform black magic on the Queen and had her servants shoot arrows at the portrait of Queen Inhyeon. 

However, while the overall outline of the story stays true to the actual events, I did made some changes to fit my story. For example, unlike in the story, Heok Jeok was accused of treason in the year 1680 and was executed. Hence, he was not the prime minister after 1680. Also, the Noron faction was not led by Minister Min, but Song Siyeol. Similarly, the Soron faction was not led by Heok Jeok, but Yun Jeung.

Q: "There were many detailed Korean histories in this story. Are you a Korean?"

A: Nope, I am not a Korean. But I always had a great interest in their Joseon history, especially the period of King Sukjong and Queen Inhyeon. To write this story, I really did lots of research. Google is definitely my best friend!

Q: "When you first started writing this story, have you already decided to end things this way?"

A: No, to be really honest with you. Back then, I only had a rough plan on what Joy will do after she returns back to the 21-century. The details of the ending only came as I get to the last few chapters. I guess it's all about the flow, haha.

Q: "How did you get the idea of the ending of the story?"

A: To be frank with you, I had no idea. I have no idea how my brain works, haha. Everything just falls into pieces as I write the chapters. Maybe watching lots of drama and reading novels helps.

Q: "If Joy and the real Queen swapped places, what happened to the real Queen? Did she just disappear?"

A: Hmmm, this is a very good question. I also wonder what happens to the Queen... Maybe there will be a story of Queen Inhyeon in the future? idk, haha.

Q: "I really enjoyed all those plot twists in this story. Which is your favourite?"

A: The old lady at the start of the story...hint hint.

Q: "Any fun facts of 1681?"

A: Err...not sure if you all know, but the reason why this story is titled "1681" is because the year that Queen Inhyeon got together with King Sukjong is 1681. And of course, 1681 is the year Joy (in this story) landed in Joseon dynasty.

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That's the wrap for QnA! 

Thank you for sending me so many questions. I hope you enjoyed this short QnA.

This story had accompanied me during my secondary school years and my college years. After many years of working on this story, it is now time to bid goodbye to it.

Thank you for the support all these years. Despite having a long period of hiatus, I am very thankful that many of you did not drop this story. I am ever so grateful for your love and support.

Please stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Don't forget to take a break once in a while. Like Joy in this story, no matter how difficult or ridiculous the situation is, remain strong and be yourself!

On the last day of 2019, I wish you all the best in everything you do.