(The following content may not be suitable for viewers under 15.)
(Viewer discretion is advised.)
(This drama is set in the times of King Jinheung.)
(But all characters and events are fiction.)
There are doors people like you must never open.
I think you are standing in front of that door now.
Do you think it is okay to have roads...
that people cannot cross?
Do you think it is okay to have doors...
that people cannot open?
I do not.
I think it is all garbage.
So stop barking and get out here!
If you leave now,
I shall spare your life.
There is no need.
I will...
kill you anyway.
You. Who are you?
I... I...
That idiot.
I... I...
Who are you?
I am nobody.
Get up. Hey. Get up. Quick.
Darn it.
This is insane.
Why did my legs have to go weak now?
Hey, go. Go.
Oh no. Stop. No!
No! No! Do not go! No!
Stop! Stop! No! No.
That crazy jerks.
Why are they having a sword fight in broad daylight?
He did not look like an assassin.
Oh no. My notepad.
My notepad.
What do I do? Pi Joo Ki will be waiting for me.
Darn it!
Are you saying you lost your bracelet?
The bracelet signifies that you are the King.
If they say I am not the King because I do not have it,
I will not bother.
I deserve to be struck dead.
I did not protect you properly. I deserve to die.
If you die, what will happen to me?
If my mother will not state that I am the King,
no one will know that I am.
Must you do this?
- What? - Scaring me.
Why you... Seriously.
Do you know why the King does not show his face?
I hear he is a eunuch...
and the biggest moron in the world.
No wonder. So that is why the Queen does everything.
My fear is that the moron will show up one day...
and try to act like the King.
I totally agree.
What? You will not do anything anyway.
I shall kill them.
I wish I were a eunuch and a moron.
Your Majesty.
I shall decide when you are introduced to the world.
Until then,
live in silence.
Is hiding a habit of yours?
Are you that afraid of showing your face?
That is correct.
Hiding cannot become a habit.
Goodness gracious.
Ever since you went out early this morning...
Wait. Are you angry because I had you make sure...
people don't steal from the store?
You stay here for free, but you will not do even that?
Shut your trap. I must concentrate.
Concentrate? Whatever.
Then perhaps you are not interested in this either.
It is on its way now.
What is on its way?
It is finally coming.
The personal details of the young men!
Is she the observer that you hired?
She must be very thirsty.
Something happened that made my legs go weak.
You startled me.
This is...
the notes on all the young noble men.
Then, are you saying...
everything about the young men is in here?
What?
There is a slight problem with reading this.
I took notes so quickly,
that only I can read it.
I cannot tell if these are drawings or writings.
I could write better with my feet.
My penmanship usually rivals that of a calligrapher,
but this happened because I had to write while hiding.
I do not think so.
So...
there is an added cost for verbal explanations.
Would you like me to do it?
Look.
I am sure you are flustered at the moment,
but if you hear the explanation,
you will feel as if a flame just sparked...
in a dark room without a ray of light.
A sparking flame?
How shall I determine your level of knowledge?
Beginner. He does not know anything.
Hey. What do you mean a beginner?
Gosh. I wish I could beat you up.
There are three powers in Silla.
Let me explain those three.
To make it simple, there are the queen's men,
men who are against the queen, and neutrals.
Ever since Park Hyeokgeose's rule,
the Kim, Suk, and Park families...
took turns on the throne.
That is how this country was ruled.
It would not be wrong to say that some True Bones...
have enough power that is comparable to the Queen.
Of course I know that.
All right. We will consider that you know.
I said, I know.
Now,
you must focus.
Here I go.
First, the neutrals.
If we were to choose the most beautiful man in Silla,
9 out of 10 people would say this name.
He charms not only women, but men as well.
(Yeo Wool)
He was given power, but he is not interested.
He does not remain still just like the wind.
What do you mean wind?
His mother is the sister of a former king.
She is a Sacred Bone.
However, he does not know...
who his father is among all the True Bones.
You must be my father.
May I call you father?
Every time he does that,
the capital's noblemen are startled.
Now I will tell you something really important.
Did you say a horse running rampant?
It is indeed a horse,
but he has never been tied down before.
They have power and can get anything they ask for.
They are also talented in everything.
Among them are two in particular.
(Ban Ryu)
Master Ban Ryu.
He is the adopted son of Master Park Young Shil...
and the biological son of Master Ho.
You could say that he was born with two silver spoons.
I'm sorry.
He is handsome and knowledgeable.
However, he is a bit cold.
Women are always more attracted to cold men.
He is the crankiest of them all.
He is a cold-hearted fellow with no interest in women.
Who was that?
Sorry, I thought it was the ball.
If Master Ban Ryu uses his brain,
this one uses his physique.
How does it feel to be on the ground?
(Soo Ho)
He is the son of Master Kim Seub...
who is on the Queen's side.
He is tall and handsome.
No one can compare...
to his bravery and strength in the capital.
- However... - However?
He is a known flirt.
There are two types of women in the capital.
Those that know of Master Soo Ho,
and those that were dumped by Master Soo Ho.
Thanks to their official fathers with high reputation,
they like to form groups and start a fight.
They take after their fathers.
There is also a man that becomes...
oblivious to his surroundings once he's focused.
He is curious about many things and smiles often.
This man's older brother is always watching him.
Wait, I have a question.
You say Masters Han Sung and Dan Sae are brothers.
Why is it that they are on different sides?
That is because they are from different ranks.
Of course they are on different sides.
What do you mean different ranks? How so?
They have the same father,
but Master Dan Sae's mother used to be a servant.
They are related by blood, but are in different ranks.
One is a True Bone while the other is a half-breed.
That is how it is.
Hey.
As promised,
you will pay for the alcohol at Okta for two weeks.
Thank you.
Bye.
My gosh!
- What? - Why do I always lose to him?
I can beat him in swordsmanship and horseback riding.
Why do I always lose in soccer?
Also, I get most upset when I lose in soccer.
- Why is that? - Is it not because of that?
- Wonderful. - Congratulations.
- Thank you.
Sword fights are in the mountains with just two of you.
What is the point of winning 10 times?
With that,
you know most of the famous young men in the capital.
There is one man I have yet to research.
It is too hectic. No one will remember you were here.
No one would notice even if you died.
I do not think you have to know him.
This is as far as I got on the research.
If you have more questions, please let me know.
Of course, there will be extra fees involved.
I'll come back later to get...
- the remainder of my pay. - Okay.
Goodbye.
A smart girl with debt?
Are you curious about her?
I mean, do you want to know who her father is?
Yes. Who is her father?
She is the daughter of Master Kim Ahn Ji.
That is right. She is a half-breed between...
Master Kim Ahn Ji and a servant.
Her father is Master Ahn Ji?
Indeed, she looks very familiar.
What is this? Why is he in front of our house?
Why is he here?
Did he follow me?
Is he trying to hurt me?
This is bad.
What happened?
My goodness.
Did you follow me?
No, I did not do that.
Then what is this?
Then why are you here?
Are you on the same side as that man?
Answer me!
I live here.
This is my home. I am telling you the truth.
Hello. I am the daughter of this house.
I am Master Kim Ahn Ji's child.
Are you...
Master Ahn Ji's...
daughter?
That's...
What are you doing?
I said, what are you doing?
I made this.
I made it for my brother.
Why are you wearing this?
Who are you?
Where did you get these clothes?
Are you here?
Father.
You...
If they find a peasant in the capital,
the one who hid the peasant will be punished as well.
Did you know that?
Do not worry.
Once I leave, I will never see you again.
If anyone asks for your name,
call yourself Sun Woo.
I want Ah Ro to think...
that you are really her brother.
- What do you mean? - Stay here...
as my son and also...
as her brother.
Are you crazy? Why am I...
your son and her brother?
You still need treatment.
You will lose consciousness more frequently.
It will be hard for you as the injury is severe.
I am certain that you will faint again...
before the sun sets if you leave now.
Is this how you wish to die?
You have to get better first to do anything.
Stay here until you are better.
This is not my will.
It must be Sun Woo's will.
That is the patient from before, right?
Is he a creditor?
Why is he wearing the clothes I made?
It cannot be.
We thought we found him last time, but we were wrong.
I saw that man at the market today.
He is a very dangerous man.
That man...
is your older brother.
He had this on him.
I know how heartbroken you have been.
However, a father can always recognize his children.
This tall?
No. She was about this tall.
She was so small and pretty.
She must be big now.
Do you think she will be this tall?
No.
Maybe this much?
Gosh.
Do you like your little sister that much?
I want to see her so much.
I hope I can see her before I die.
You don't have the scar.
You had a pebble stuck in you from falling in a stream.
You don't have anything here.
You touched a beehive...
and almost died from the bee sting. It is not here.
Why would a bee sting...
still be here?
What about the other scars?
If you get a bigger scar on top of it,
old scars become barely visible.
Your eyes,
nose, and mouth...
There is not a thing you look like me.
You are right.
We do not look alike at all.
I do not know why I am crying.
We do not even know if you are real or fake.
You might not know,
but someone came before and said he was my brother.
Just because you have the necklace,
I will not believe that you are my brother.
That is why...
You still have...
the scar.
Every kid has a scar like that.
Do not act like you are my brother.
If you are curious about your childhood,
ask me.
I can remember things...
you might not remember.
You. Who are you?
You still have...
the scar.
That rude man is my brother?
He seems familiar.
Something is familiar about him.
You are handsome.
Totally.
This is not right.
Do you feel bad?
I am talking about sleeping in my room.
Do you feel bad?
Yes.
My sister is pretty, right?
She is a good girl.
It seems like you do not know her at all.
Your sister...
is very strange.
She cries a lot.
But...
she is pretty just like you said.
You promised to protect her.
What...
should I do?
Do not act like you are thinking.
Just be your normal self.
I'm seeing you now,
but why do I miss you so much?
He will not recognize me.
Of course he cannot.
Whatever.
It has been so long since we had white rice.
It is delicious, is it not, Father?
I do not feel well.
I need to stop.
You should eat more.
You finish eating.
Stop staring and eat.
Who was staring?
I wonder if you know you have an annoying personality.
I wonder if you know you are sloppy.
You get drunk during the day,
and your drunken habits are pretty extreme.
What is wrong with your brother?
I am ruined. He cannot be my brother.
He kind of seems like he is my brother.
I wish he were not, but then again, I wish he were.
I am losing my mind.
That is how big brothers are.
One day, he is a completely annoying jerk,
but then if he is gone,
you feel uneasy as if you went to the bathroom...
and did not wipe properly.
Then you think that must be what family is about.
But how do you know that feeling already?
If only I did not make such a fool out of myself.
What fool?
Did you meet him before?
He remembers everything. Everything.
What is it? What?
Forget it.
He remembers everything. Everything.
Where is that Dog-Bird?
I told you over again.
He died.
I was born in this small nation...
and lived everywhere,
including the western shore.
I mean, I see through your lies.
Darn it.
You crude lunatic.
He died?
He would not die like that.
Wait and see.
If he is dead, I will revive him...
and sell him off for a high price.
That is right. The necklace.
The man was searching for the owner of the necklace.
I can find him myself.
Am I right?
I should just die already. I'm always...
I know. That way, I would not have to do this.
So do not say things you do not mean.
You should get better and play with your kids again.
Do you not agree?
- Thank you. - Go on your way.
Okay. Let me see.
Oh my gosh.
Are you not the pervert from Okta?
How did you find me here?
I came to see the physician.
What a coincidence.
I have a fever, do I not?
You are not here to sleep again...
You are not that crazy, are you?
Do not people usually think things like that quietly?
Why are you here for real?
I was worried.
About me?
Why?
If you do not understand, let us just say I am unwell.
What do you really want?
Give me some medicine.
Something hot and bitter but good for you.
I am busy as it is because tomorrow...
is the King's birthday parade. Must you do this?
I need to work.
You help the sick for free,
and you work elsewhere?
You are quite dumb.
And the King is a moron who cannot show his face.
Why does he need a parade?
You are a complete scumbag.
Just as it is not a sin to be ill,
it is not a sin to be young and weak.
Imagine how he must feel, being unable to step forward.
Are you saying you understand how it feels,
being unable to step forward?
If you have ever been sick, you understand the sick.
Everyone had a time when they were young and weak.
Why is that so difficult to understand how it feels?
(Hwarang)
They are so noisy.
I wish I could release snakes onto them.
Stop opposing for no reason.
It is for the future of Silla!
This is a conspiracy! It is outrageous!
She wants to take our children hostages!
Did you think we would agree?
They refuse to let go...
of their control over Silla.
It is because of you that Silla is the weakest...
and smallest of the Three Kingdoms.
You stupid, despicable rats.
What is the ruckus?
Why are you insisting on Hwarang on your own?
Did we not advise you...
that we will not follow without His Majesty's consent?
The King cannot give his consent in public.
Then you must give up.
None of us shall send our sons to Hwarang.
Let us at least wait until the birthday parade.
It is the year he becomes an adult,
so I am sure he will come again.
We cannot have another parade...
with an empty palanquin. It is absurd.
Why is that so difficult?
Who knows? He may be here already.
Then...
how about you forego the parade?
It is the only time the Royal Family sees the subjects.
If we stop it because the officials refuse,
the Royal Family will lose its authority.
If we cannot create Hwarang,
the Royal Family of Silla...
may suffer irreparable harm.
Please let it to me.
You gave me full authority from the start, did you not?
What are you doing?
Be quiet. I am planning a revolt.
A revolt? Whatever.
Why are you using your left hand?
You are not left-handed.
My good man, I must write with my left hand...
so that they do not know who wrote it.
Exactly, so why...
They say...
to start fights and prevent negotiations.
I plan to change the future of Silla with this letter.
What is he saying?
Also,
is it not "start negotiations and prevent fights"?
Why you...
Find me two messengers who will deliver...
this letter.
Now.
Is this where Master Soo Ho...
Master Ban Ryu lives?
Give this to him. It is from Master Soo Ho...
It is from Master Ban Ryu.
Let us meet tomorrow in Najeong...
- and have a duel. - A duel.
Why this lunatic. That is the sacred place!
Najeong?
If I do not show, he will call me a coward for life.
Najeong.
It seems the Queen will insist on the parade again.
Do you have a plan?
We must show her that she cannot do anything...
unless she reveals the King. Do you not agree?
Are you saying we should not participate the parade?
We must teach her that a parade...
with an empty palanquin is nothing but a show.
That is correct.
Your Highness, the parade is ready to begin.
We wish His Majesty a blessed birthday.
Master Young Shil...
and most of the officials...
did not show, claiming to have fallen ill.
This is how they plan to disrespect me.
I think...
they mean to prevent the creation of Hwarang.
There is only one way to cut off...
those arrogant men.
It is...
Hwarang.
- Let me see. - Stop pushing.
So is it an empty parade yet again?
That is correct.
Why are we doing this when the King is not there?
Who knows?
I just cannot understand...
what they are thinking.
As long as I sell a lot of liquor, who cares?
There are too many people here.
Who would even think...
that the King would be walking around on his birthday?
"Being young and weak is not a sin."
But not anymore.
Where are you going?
There is someone I must find.
Do not be home too late.
Why are there so many people here?
- Let us pass. - Step aside.
Halt. This is the Queen's parade.
You may not cross.
Darn it.
Just get in.
Do you think I want to stand here with you?
You better...
come tonight.
If you run away, you are dead.
My sentiments exactly.
Anyway,
you must be excited to see your beloved Queen.
It is loyalty regardless of gender.
Rebels like you would never understand.
You have never...
met the Queen, have you?
So what?
They are Master Kim Seub's son...
and Master Park Young Shil's stepson.
That side has the best of the best views.
What view?
The Queen's parade!
What is there to watch in that?
Do not act tough.
A parade without a King and Hwarang without a master.
The mother's ambition knows no limits.
Naturally, there is no room for the child to stand.
What is he babbling about?
What is it now?
I am here to see Master We Hwa.
I heard I must meet Master We Hwa to join Hwarang.
Proper manner is to introduce yourself first.
Why does my name matter?
Just call me Ji Dwi.
Master Ji Dwi. Whose son are you?
There is no need to say.
My family is quite a mess.
Your name is fake and your family is a mess.
You cannot prove your identity,
and yet, you want to become a Hwarang.
You see, I studied in the West,
so I do not know anything about here.
I hear you are gathering young men. I need to join...
in order to survive at least on the connections made.
Forgive me for my informal speech.
They do not have any sense of respect out there.
You will use Hwarang to make connections.
What?
Is that bad?
Tell me the truth...
or get lost.
The truth?
Do you want the whole truth...
or the half truth?
Let me hear the half truth first.
What is your half truth for wanting to be a Hwarang?
I wish to drag down the star...
of that gaudy parade.
The Queen.
It is him.
No!
No. No!
Who are you?
I asked who you are.
If you wish to die with your mouth shut...
Kill him.
Your Highness!
Who is it?
Please take me away...
and let us leave the capital.
Please.
He is my son.
Your son?
I lost him when he was a child and I finally found him.
He lived a barbaric life without his father,
and he committed a grave sin before you.
Please kill me instead.
If you tell me to die here,
I shall.
You always commit...
mortal sins against me.
Yes,
a father may receive his son's punishment.
What are you doing?
I have nothing to do with him.
Kill me. Kill me!
A father will die because of his son.
Watch what happens to your father...
because of you.
If the sword cuts him here,
he will die.
No. No! No!
What is wrong with him?
My goodness.
Is the parade over?
Forget the parade.
Some lunatic ruined it all.
What do you mean?
Master Ahn Ji's son or something...
waved his sword at the Queen!
Who did what?
Who?
Was Master Ahn Ji there with him?
Where are they now?
You will drag down the Queen?
I thought you had that much guts.
Is that not why you planned to create this?
What can you do...
just by dragging down the Queen?
Is merely wreaking havoc your half truth?
You must be mistaken.
I am not trying to ruin Silla,
but change it.
I have zero desire to let you...
into Hwarang,
so get lost.
He is not trying to ruin it,
but change it?
Watch what happens to your father...
because of you.
No. No! No!
I plan...
to kill your sister...
and father.
They have nothing to do with me.
You do not know what crime you have committed.
It does not end with just you.
No.
They cannot die because...
They must not die because of me.
So please...
kill me instead.
Kill me...
and let them live.
Please.
Just kill me! Me!
Child.
You are small and weak.
The weak...
cannot choose...
to die or live.
The fate of your father and sister depends on you.
Go and wait.
Naturally, the father will be punished too.
He was dragged to the palace as well.
I did not look for her today,
so why is she standing before me?
Where is Father?
What happened to him?
Why are you alone?
What about Father?
What are you doing?
(Hwarang The Poet Warrior Youth)
Shall we begin?
You are bolder than I expected.
Let us keep it short.
I will make your son a Hwarang.
I shall raise your son...
to be my son's dog.
How much can you read?
Whatever you imagine,
it will hurt much more.
I will just protect her.
Master Ahn Ji's daughter?
I shall see what is at the end of this gross capital.
I will see for myself.
I will go and destroy it all.
It is Her Highness' royal decree.
Fine. I will join Hwarang.