Cheomseongdae Observatory was built under the reign of Queen Seondeok, the 27th monarch of Silla. She was the first queen ever recorded in the written history of Korea. Undoubtedly, she faced considerable pressure from those who questioned her leadership.
During that era, people held a deep fear of celestial signs. The prevailing belief was that only those chosen by the heavens were fit to rule the land. Cheomseongdae Observatory was intended as a celestial gateway for the royal family, allowing them to observe the stars to predict human destiny.
In the waning years of Queen Seondeok's rule, a rebellion led by Bidam emerged against the Crown. As the uprising gained momentum, a significant shooting star streaked across the sky. Witnessing this celestial event, Bidam's followers interpreted it as a sign of the Queen's impending downfall, emboldening their rebellion.
General Kim Yu-sin devised a shrewd strategy to restore order to the kingdom. He affixed a large fireball to a kite, releasing it into the sky near the Cheomseongdae Observatory. The intention was to create an illusion that the fallen star had returned to the heavens. When the rebels saw the bright fireball ascend once more, they believed it to be the Queen's star and were seized by terror, resulting in their swift dispersal.
Historical records indicate that Queen Seondeok passed away before the rebellion was completely quelled. Nonetheless, her government's resolve and dedication to safeguarding the country endure, resonating through the legacy of the Cheomseongdae Observatory.