Unveiling the Enigma of Rasputin: KBS2TV's 'Celebrity Soldier's Secret' Explores the Mysteries

On the upcoming episode of KBS2TV's 'Celebrity Soldier's Secret,' airing on the 10th, the show delves into the enigmatic figure of Rasputin, a man both demonized and revered as a saint.

Rasputin, who captivated the heart of Empress Alexandra of the Romanov dynasty in the early 1900s, is remembered as a powerful presence during the tumultuous end of the Russian Empire. Known for his towering height of 190cm and piercing gaze, Rasputin received letters and gifts from Empress Alexandra, a testament to his influence. Even her husband, Emperor Nicholas II, found it difficult to distance himself from Rasputin, leaving the show's hosts in shock. How did Rasputin, a poor peasant from Siberia, rise to become a central figure in the opulent St. Petersburg palace?

Empress Alexandra's blind trust in Rasputin was driven by a secret: her son, Crown Prince Alexei, suffered from hemophilia, a genetic disorder that impedes blood clotting. She believed this was a curse from her family and was burdened with guilt. Despite the lack of medical progress, Alexei's condition reportedly improved following Rasputin's advice and a telegram. How did Rasputin influence the prince's ailment?

In December 1916, the frozen Neva River in St. Petersburg revealed the body of Rasputin, a man who wielded immense influence over the Russian royal family. Although a noble from the Russian court was accused of his murder, bizarre rumors persisted even after the investigation concluded. Tales of Rasputin surviving cyanide poisoning, gunshots, and even sitting up in his own cremation fire circulated widely. Dr. Lee Nak-jun, author and physician, examines the 'immortal myth' surrounding Rasputin using historical records and medical evidence.

The episode features popular comedian Kim Won-hoon and Russian expert Professor Ryu Han-soo, adding depth to the narrative. Kim Won-hoon brings laughter with his hyper-realistic acting, while Professor Ryu Han-soo, an authority on Russian history, reveals unknown historical insights, transporting viewers back to Russia a century ago.

Did a single mystic ruin a nation, or did a crumbling empire create the mystic? The blood-stained tragedy of blind faith in one man is explored in the Rasputin episode of 'Celebrity Soldier's Secret,' airing on KBS 2TV at 8:30 PM on the 10th.

By Yeji Ryu, TenAsia Reporter ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr