Controversy Over Top Ranker

Did you know about the fierce 'diplomatic battle for top scholar' waged by students from Silla and Balhae in the Tang Dynasty court? When Balhae student Oh So-do took the top spot in the 'Jesul-gwa,' a special imperial examination for foreigners in the Tang Dynasty, surpassing Silla, Silla strongly protested. The Silla court officially sent a letter of protest to the Tang Dynasty, demanding a change in rankings, asking, "How can a Balhae person receive a higher rank than Silla?" This is an interesting anecdote that shows Balhae's prowess, not only in military power that commanded the continent but also in academic excellence, so much so that they could even conquer the path to studying in the Tang Dynasty.