(This drama is fictional and people or stories are not tied to reality.)
Your time is up!
Finish your paintings!
We will begin the evaluation.
Hey. Wipe your sweat.
What?
People might think it's raining.
Aren't you guys nervous at all?
Aren't you worried some might pass and some might fail?
That's why you're called a kid, kid.
Gosh, you're so tough.
Painting number 52.
Two blue sticks and two red sticks.
Five red sticks and one blue stick.
Number 52, 25 red sticks.
Pass.
Number 52, pass.
Pass!
(Touch of a deity, Kang Hee Yeon)
Painting number 39.
Two blue sticks and four red sticks.
Ten red sticks and two blue sticks.
Red, 24 sticks.
Pass.
Number 39, pass.
Pass!
Painting number 16.
Painting number 16 got 22 blue sticks.
Fail.
Number 16, fail.
Fail!
Good job.
Painting number 65.
There are 24 blue sticks. Fail.
Fail.
Painting number 50, fail.
Painting number 43, fail.
Painting number 36, fail.
Fail.
Painting number 54.
There are 27 red sticks.
Pass.
Painting number 54, pass.
Painting number 25.
One red stick, five blue sticks.
Three blue sticks, one red stick.
Ten red sticks, two blue sticks.
A total of 22 red sticks. Pass.
Yes. I did it. My gosh.
I got through.
The last two paintings...
got an even score of 27 red sticks.
- Gosh. - That's close.
To decide which of these wins first place,
I will question both painters and then decide.
Painters numbered 24 and 32.
Come forward.
(Maejukheon Painting Contest, Part 2)
Your answer will decide if you pass or fail.
I'd like you to answer carefully.
First, I will ask the painter of number 24.
Why are there only mountains and no water?
The margins are all water, so there was no need to draw any.
What an amazing level of understanding.
I apologize, Your Highness.
I will ask the painter of number 32.
It is a landscape painting,
but the contents are not a landscape.
Boulders are usually left blank,
but yours are colored in.
Is there a reason you painted it this way?
Are your black boulders just you trying to show off your skill?
How long will you keep quiet?
There must be a reason why you painted it like this.
Speak up.
Why are your boulders black?
The boulders...
The black boulders...
are what I first saw with my own eyes.
What does that mean?
I was blind as a child
and I saw shapes and colors through sound.
The flowing stream was white,
the footsteps on rocky roads was yellow,
the breeze rustling tree leaves was blue.
One year, the day I suddenly got my sight back,
it was the day we got rain after a long drought.
The Mount Inwang I saw was many shades of black.
Because Mount Inwang consists mostly of rocks and they were wet.
So...
the rocks in my painting...
are like the first rocks I saw and felt that were wet.
That's why they are black.
You used to be blind?
Yes.
How could that be?
Pardon?
Never mind.
What did you paint about?
I painted...
When I was blind,
there was a boy who plucked peaches with me.
I don't remember his face, but I missed him.
Your painting is so moving because it has a story behind it.
I get the story,
but it's barely a landscape.
It's not even worth discussing a pass.
However, this painter...
has an amazing skill at controlling her brush and ink.
It's time to put these paintings to a vote.
The painter of this work said the margins are all water,
and therefore he felt no need to paint any.
With that in mind, I looked at it again.
It looks almost childish, but I also see a passion,
and also resolution and a strong personality.
I believe this is a masterpiece.
Raise your sticks.
We all raised our red sticks.
Number 32's painting...
put an overall beauty into one sheet of paper.
Also, with great skill, she showed that mountains...
and streams have varying shapes and shades.
Painting boulders black...
when they are traditionally left white...
shows the painter's great courage and decisiveness.
Raise your sticks.
Another even score.
What should I do now?
Painters Sim Dae Yu and Hong Cheon Gi.
Both will enter the third screening in first place.
Guys!
I did it.
Is this for real?
What if you actually win this thing?
I congratulate you all for making it to the third round.
Your work showed great talent and heart,
and they entertained me very much.
The third round will take place tomorrow.
You can all rest for today.
(Maejukheon)
We used over 300 sheets of paper today.
We still have enough.
Your Highness, I'm Han Geon.
What is it?
Did you realize that Hong Cheon Gi was the one
who painted the forged Sochundo?
Yes.
That's why I wished to fail her in the first round.
The truth is, her father...
used to be my friend...
and an incredible painter who competed with me...
to become Gohwawon Expert.
What?
Painter Hong's father worked at Gohwawon?
Yes.
It's Hong Eun O who painted...
your grandfather's portrait 19 years ago that was burned.
Doesn't Grandfather's portrait look as if he's still alive?
You saw the butterflies land on her painting.
She is the blessed painter you're looking for.
You wish to repair your grandfather's portrait,
and you will get to do so.
We have found her at last.
Yes.
We have found her at last.
What is the matter?
Never mind.
Hong Cheon Gi. Who is this woman?
You barely made it.
Thank you.
I look forward to your work tomorrow.
As do I.
Don't cry after I beat you.
I should be saying that.
Unlucky fools fall into a melon field.
I entered hoping to meet the prince.
Would it be that easy to meet the prince?
Why are you upset about something so natural?
He has so many jobs that even I get confused.
Didn't you know Prince Yangmyeong is harder to meet than His Majesty?
His Majesty is still my father.
You shouldn't joke about him.
You managed to show...
great talent and skill in a short time.
You made the contest meaningful.
Drink away...
all your exhaustion.
- Yes, thank you. - Yes, thank you.
So, if we win the contest,
what do we really get?
I neglected to tell you that important fact.
Your Highness.
Do you also grant wishes?
I heard that if you win...
the Maejukheon Painting Contest, your wish is granted.
What is your wish?
So, in the Palace...
- Never mind. - Oh, dear.
By the way,
your butterfly.
Is that your signature?
- Pardon? - The beautiful butterfly...
with the fluttering wings and a dot that looks like an eye.
The first butterfly I saw...
after I gained my sight looked like that, so...
that's what I painted.
I see.
How do you manage to paint it identically each time?
What do you mean?
Forget about it.
Tonight, eat and drink all you want,
and get some rest.
Let's drink.
We need to talk.
Pardon?
Was it you who forged a copy of Kwak Yi's Sochundo?
Pardon?
What are you talking about?
The butterfly in that Sochundo.
And the butterfly in your painting of the plum tree and moon.
They were done by the same painter.
Just because you're good doesn't mean you draw identically.
You copy old Yeon paintings,
so your work has character and impressive technique,
but do your paintings show anything about yourself?
If you look only at the skill and technique,
could anyone tell Kwak Yi's Sochundo...
from your own?
Even if you don't know the theory,
you must discard worldly ideas to become a divine painter.
(A divine painter has almost magical skills.)
People are not moved by a painter's skill.
They're moved by...
the painter's sincerity that seeps into the paper.
You put your own memories in your work,
but if you fail to find your own identity,
the flashy techniques...
and quick wit that got you this far...
won't help anymore.
Even if you win first place,
if the fact that you painted forgeries comes to light,
it would tarnish the reputation of the painting contest.
In the next round,
trust yourself...
and paint with heart.
Your Highness.
I used my skill...
only to make a living.
Is that such a big fault?
You truly...
wasted your talent.
- Welcome back. - You're back, Your Highness.
You made it.
I'm sorry I'm late.
(Prince Joohyang Lee Hoo, King Seongjo's second son)
I had no idea...
you prepared a contest and a party as well.
How could I neglect preparations...
to an event you will be attending?
Is that so?
(An Young Hwe, Prince Joohyang's advisor)
Seeing how you are so close,
I think it would've been nice...
if the Crown Prince were able to join us.
(Lee Hyun Mo)
How about you speak with caution?
Are you not aware that the Crown Prince...
recently suffered a mishap?
How could I not be aware?
That's why I'm so concerned.
He is so weakly and he isn't even married.
Shouldn't we speak to the King...
and suggest he find the Crown Prince another wife?
Do you not agree, Prince Yangmyeong?
Didn't the Crown Prince...
already state he doesn't wish to discuss that matter again?
He already has an heir.
This is no matter for us to discuss.
Come on, now. That's enough.
I'm sorry to trouble you.
Let's end this party.
How about we catch up in private?
I'd like that.
Shall we end the day
with a nice stroll?
Sure.
Hong Cheon Gi!
How long did you think I'd put up with your antics?
Do you even know where...
This is Maejukheon.
We're at a contest where the best painters gather.
I'm a painter too, Master.
Is it that wrong to enter a contest...
as a painter?
Eun O was like that too.
He thought that if he became the best,
everything would change.
But look what happened.
Can't you see for yourself?
I can't.
Why did my father end up like that?
How can I know if you won't tell me?
Quit asking questions...
and give up the third round.
- I won't. - Cheon Gi.
Cheon Gi!
Oh, dear...
Even if you win first place,
if the fact that you painted forgeries comes to light,
it would tarnish the reputation of the painting contest.
Quit asking questions...
and give up the third round.
Master.
You don't know anything.
He will live in a haze...
and then die.
What am I supposed to do?
Is there something you wish to say?
There's a saying...
about old horses and passion.
Even if an old stallion is kept in a stable,
it still wishes to run.
It means that however old, a man can still have ambitions.
Hoo.
Our history is under 100 years, and for it to last a thousand,
our sickly older brother must go.
What are you talking about?
You want to help the Crown Prince uphold the family.
That's it, right?
Do you know when I got this scar?
I do not.
When I went to war against the north.
Even if I were to die doing so,
I did my best to live as a royal and to uphold our honor.
And?
But look at the state of you.
And of me.
What good is painting and contests to us?
It may be in a stable now because the timing is not yet right,
but when a stallion sees an opening,
it takes time to steady itself before taking over the world.
Hoping it might get another chance.
Without giving up.
Yul.
Give me your support.
I will not say any more.
Our brother didn't get sick overnight.
And he won't get better overnight.
How can a sick man do his duty as a king?
Hoo! You are going too far.
One would think he's sick with a plague.
Let me ask you just one thing.
Was our grandfather...
a traitor?
Hoo. Why would you ask me that? Grandfather...
Was he a traitor or not?
Answer me.
He was not.
Before he succeeded the coup,
was he a traitor?
No.
Then...
do you think...
- I'm a traitor? - Hoo.
Regret always comes too late.
The bowstring was drawn and the arrow has left the bow.
That first arrow.
Who would it be aimed at?
Even if I'm to be the first target,
I will not step back.
You're a fool.
Prince Joohyang spoke in private with Prince Yangmyeong,
and tried to bring Prince Yangmyeong to his side?
Yes.
It's the head of bodyguards' secret note to the King.
(Secret letter or document)
The life of the man who killed my father...
hangs in the balance.
Send this to Prince Joohyang.
Did she sink into the ground or rise to the sky?
Where did she go?
Cheon Gi needs to talk to our master...
or she won't get to enter tomorrow's round.
The tiny thing must feel so frustrated.
I'm her friend...
and just watching makes me feel sorry for her.
Be quiet and follow me.
I don't care. I'll drink myself to death tonight.
The prince knows I copy paintings and is angry with me.
Master Choi...
keeps yelling at me because...
he thinks I'll become like my dad...
if I become famous.
If I quit the contest,
what about my dad's medicine?
No matter how hard I think about this,
I need to win this contest.
If that's what you decided,
shouldn't you just do as you please?
Just do as you please.
Why are you moping here? That's not like you.
That's easy to say.
It's not easy to do.
Then will you live like this forever?
Swayed like a reed by what others say?
Considering yourself a reed?
Sir.
Never mind. I should get going.
I'm disappointed.
You bet your future and life-long wish...
and you give up like this?
What do you know about me to say this?
I just...
entered this contest to win to be able to afford...
medicine for my sick father.
This time, I didn't want to burden my master...
and my friends, the Baekyu painters...
who took in my father and I.
I didn't want to ask for help again.
I entered this contest to make it on my own.
My master wants me to give up.
The prince said he's ashamed of me.
What am I to do?
If you were me,
what would you do?
I don't know,
but what happened to you...
is out of our control.
It's out of everyone's control.
It wasn't your fault.
It's not your fault.
Or rather...
- Don't blame yourself over... - Don't blame yourself over...
what wasn't your fault.
Would you like a ride?
Pardon?
Oh, no. I don't even know whose horse it is.
Why did you come to the stable this late at night?
I went to see So Ma.
Is that really true?
Why do you ask?
Because I'm happy.
I'm happy I got to see you again.
Ram, I missed you.
That's why...
I never forgot.
By any chance,
do you come here often?
So Ma sometimes comes here to take a rest.
I'm not so sure where we are.
Why do you ask?
There was this boy...
whom I met 20 years ago.
This is a place where I made memories with him.
Is there a reason why you couldn't forget him?
It's perhaps...
because of those stars.
Those stars in the sky?
Yes.
Those stars in the sky.
There are quite many of them today.
I see the Big Dipper too.
How many...
How many stars are there?
stars are there?
About...
one hundred million?
How many is one hundred million?
How many is...
one hundred million?
Lots and lots.
Lots...
and lots.
Ram.
It's you, isn't it?
Are you all right?
Ram!
Ram.
One with the energy of water.
Come to me.
Ram!
- Are you okay, Ram? - I'm not...
that boy...
you're looking for.
Sorry?
I'm sorry.
You should...
forget that boy now.
Let's go.
Wait.
That boy is also a precious friend of mine...
who picked peaches for me back when I couldn't see.
If you aren't that boy,
how can you ask me to forget him that easily?
That's the only way...
- you'll find your peace. - Then...
why did you...
kiss me?
I have no other words to say.
You must forget the relationships of the past.
Didn't you say that boy promised to come the next day?
Yet that boy didn't come.
Do you think he'll be happy to see you when you find him?
If nothing happened to him,
if he simply forgot and didn't come,
it wouldn't have been a problem...
for him to visit you the next day or the day after.
The boy didn't come and find you...
because he...
forgot you.
That's why you must forget too.
You must do nothing.
That's the only way...
you won't get hurt.
I came back alive from the pit of fire.
And to let you stay away from that pit forever,
I will tie up...
the memories of that day.
We're here.
You should go inside.
One second, Scholar.
Will you come to Maejukheon tomorrow?
I'm glad to know that I'll see you again tomorrow.
Scholar!
Fine, just go. I'm not going to stop you.
If you say that with a face that has a million burdens,
who'll believe you?
You must've been insane.
Why did you kiss him? Why?
What happened yesterday?
Master Choi and we looked everywhere for you.
Don't ask. I have nothing on my mind.
The weather is unbelievably great, Hoo.
Did you have a comfortable night?
The accommodation was comfortable, so I dreamed for a long time.
I hope...
you didn't feel guilty over what happened last night...
and lost your sleep.
I know you brought that up after you thought it through.
I was...
also determined when I gave you that answer.
Let me explain the rule for the third screening.
You will team up in twos and compete against each other.
Painter Sim Dae Yu passed...
the 1st and the 2nd screening as the 1st place.
He'll choose the painter he wishes to compete with.
Painter Hong Cheon Gi.
- What? Hong Cheon Gi? - But he's the first place.
Painter Hong Cheon Gi will compete against Painter Sim Dae Yu,
so the third place, Kang Hee Yeon, gets to choose next.
I'd like to compete with Monk Manyoo.
Two painters, be seated on the second row.
And the last two painters.
Choi Jung and Cha Young Wook are up against each other.
The painting type of the third screening is animals.
Spring becomes warm, and the season turns green.
The fragrance lingers as the horse runs through a flowery field.
For this topic, a painting with novel interpretations...
will receive more points.
You have half a sijin from now.
(Half a sijin: 1 hour)
Ram.
You asked me to forget you.
But...
I can't...
forget you,
just as how we can't erase...
a stroke that has been drawn.
"The fragrance lingers as the horse runs through a flowery field."
Is the woman still doing well with her paintings?
Yes, Scholar Ha.
Her painting looks great as everyone expects.
I see.
That's good.
I cannot be shaken.
I already let those feelings go.
Man Soo, I need to go to my room.
Yes, my lord.
Scholar Ha!
Are you all right? Are you hurt?
- I'm fine. - What's going on?
My apologies. I do not have sound eyesight.
It's my fault. I apologize, Prince Joohyang.
My lord, I believe you dropped this.
Is this yours?
That's the blank secret document from last night.
Prince Joohyang, it's time to make a move.
It's time.
- That was short. - Goodness.
The judges will evaluate the paintings one last time...
to decide on three paintings to put up for auction.
First, the paintings of Choi Jung and Cha Young Wook.
It's a war horse.
It's resting in peace on the field of flowers after a long battle.
Look at the sturdy muscles and soft hair. It's impressive.
It's a wonderful horse I'd love to show my father.
Painter Choi Jung receives 25 red sticks.
Seeing this family of horses playing by the water...
makes me feel great too.
However, he painted this without outlines,
so it's sorry to see the lack of details in muscles.
Painter Cha Young Wook receives 22 red sticks.
Congratulations, Painter Choi Jung.
Next, the paintings of Monk Manyoo and Kang Hee Yeon.
Both of these horses are tied up.
But one is black, the other is white.
Also, the horses are depicted in the opposite way.
Both the black and white horses are drawn by using fine lines,
expressing the muscles and texture of excellent horses.
They're both tired up, but the white one cries out...
while the black horse feels at ease.
They're so different.
He receives 24 red sticks.
Congratulations, Painter Kang Hee Yeon
Lastly, the drawings of Hong Cheon Gi and Sim Dae Yu.
He expressed these horses sprinting under a tree.
These flowing branches of flowers help us feel the breeze...
and the horses broaden the space as they sprint.
His relentless strokes also add to the liveliness of this painting.
At the end of the horses' gaze,
you can expect to see spring in full bloom.
It's an outstanding piece.
Please raise your sticks.
Painter Sim Dae Yu receives 29 red sticks.
Didn't she understand the theme of this painting?
- I don't think that's right. - Is that the theme?
She drew wonderful butterflies.
But where's the horse?
It's an impressive interpretation.
She drew the butterflies floating in the fragrance...
after the horses swiftly ran by.
When the horses trampled over fallen petals, the smell thickened.
She drew the butterflies that followed these horses.
It was an unexpected interpretation.
I'm here as a judge, but I also learned something today.
However, she was to draw animals.
Shouldn't she have drawn animals instead of grass and insects?
(Grass and insects were also a frequently-used topic.)
The energy of a masterpiece...
must be captured between what you can see and what you can't.
Not only did she perfect the six codes of paintings,
the energy of her painting scatters when the wind blows,
then stops when it meets the water.
She even captured the mysterious order of nature.
This one deserves to be called a masterpiece.
(Masterpiece: An exceptional piece)
Lastly, please raise the sticks for Painter Hong Cheon Gi.
- Goodness. - Look at that.
Open your eyes, Painter Hong Cheon Gi.
- My gosh. - I can't believe this.
Painter Hong Cheon Gi receives 31 red sticks.
You have the highest score thus far.
Congratulations, Painter Hong Cheon Gi.
I think she only drew butterflies because her wrists hurt.
That was a generous interpretation.
She's one lucky girl.
I'm proud of you, Cheon Gi.
And now, let us begin...
the auction of the paintings drawn by the competitors...
of the third screen.
Number one, the painting by Choi Jung.
Let us begin at 10 bags of rice.
Twelve bags.
Twelve bags. We have twelve bags.
Anyone for 13?
- Twenty bags. - Twenty bags.
- We have twenty. Twenty-one? - Eighty.
- Goodness, 80? - He's offering 80 bags?
We have 80 bags.
That's worth 30 years of salary at Baekyu Painters Society.
A hundred bags of rice.
- A hundred? - Now, Choi Jung's painting is...
sold at 100 bags of rice.
It's a wonderful painting.
Number one, the painting by Kang Hee Yeon.
Forty bags.
Now, we begin at 40 bags.
Forty-five bags.
- We have forty-five bags. - Sixty bags.
Eighty bags.
We have 80 bags.
A hundred bags.
We have 100 bags.
A hundred and ten bags.
A hundred and twenty.
- Goodness. - A hundred?
A hundred and forty.
We have 140 bags.
We got 140 bags for number two, the painting by Kang Hee Yeon.
It's sold for 140 bags!
And lastly, number three,
the painting by Hong Cheon Gi.
Let's see.
Now, let's begin with 10 bags of rice.
I knew it.
No one will pay a high price for that.
Fifty bags.
We have 50, 50 bags.
Anyone for 51 bags?
- Sixty. - Sixty bags.
Anyone for 61 bags?
Seventy bags.
Eighty bags.
- Eighty bags. - A hundred.
- Seriously? - Yes, we have 100 bags.
- A hundred and ten. - A hundred and thirty.
We have 130 bags.
- Anyone else? - Why are these people bewitched?
What's going on?
A hundred and fifty.
We have 150 bags.
That's the highest bid in this auction!
Anyone bidding for 151?
A hundred and eighty.
Over here, 200 bags.
We have 200 bags. Yes.
Anyone bidding 201 bags?
Two hundred and ten.
Two hundred and fifty.
Goodness, we got up to 250.
- We got up... - Two hundred and seventy.
Three hundred.
What? We have 300, 300 bags!
Yes, anyone bidding for 301 bags?
- Anyone for 301 bags? - Wait, 300 bags of rice...
can buy a house in this city.
Goodness.
Scholar Ha, you won't back down.
Then Hong Cheon Gi's painting...
has been sold for 300 bags.
A dream...
I desperately worked for came true.
Thank you, Ram.
Congratulations.
I wanted to cherish...
this one promise.
This is how I send away...
that promised I wanted to keep.
That's all for the auction of Maejukheon Painting Contest.
The highest bid was made on Hong Cheon Gi's painting.
This year's Maejukheon Painting Contest...
wasn't just special for me, but for everyone.
You're the first commoner...
to win first place of this contest.
You finally proved yourself as a distinguished painter...
regardless of your rank or status,
just as this painting contest hoped to find.
The 300 bags of rice is also a prize you can take...
for winning this contest.
I sincerely congratulate you.
Well.
I heard you grant a wish...
for the winners of Maejukheon Painting Contest.
Yes, what's your wish?
By any chance, could you find a medicine called Chungsimwon?
Chungsimwon?
Tell me why you seek that medicine.
My father is critically ill, and I consulted a doctor.
The doctor said the last thing I can do is give him Chungsimwon.
That's why.
So that's your story.
Then did you copy the paintings...
and enter this contest...
because of your father?
All right. I'll find it for you.
Thank you. Thank you, Your Highness.
Thank you.
Now, other painters who almost won first place.
Come forward.
I saw hope for this nation here at Maejukheon...
where all of you painters gathered.
Regardless of your ranks and social statuses,
you competed solely on your talents.
You competed in good faith...
and showed an amazing competition with your marvelous talents.
I won't forget the moment when you worked your way...
up to the third screening.
This Maejukheon Painting Contest had been...
one of the toughest in history.
Great job, everyone.
And now,
I announce the end of Maejukheon Painting Contest.
Lord Ha Sung Jin!
You must leave!
Father!
I'll stop the Demon!
The eyes! Do not look at its eyes!
Prince Joohyang, I apologize.
He's my father.
He's not in his sound mind,
so please show him your mercy.
I apologize, Your Highness.
(Lovers of the Red Sky)
Are you willing to give up anything for this painter girl?
That painter's father mentioned the Demon.
What if she ends up like Won Ho?
Will you come with me...
to the orphanage and find out the truth?
There was a memorable painting.
If I ever get to see again, I'd like to see that painting.
If that boy I knew grew up older,
I thought he'd look like you.
But that boy doesn't want me to recognize him.
So I'll respect his decision.