Mother.
What would you like to have for dinner tonight?
What do you want to eat?
What about zucchini pancakes?
Yes, that sounds nice.
This one's good.
- Pick them out. - Who might this be?
Lady Shin.
Long time no see.
How have you been?
Were you just at her age?
The girl with the braids at Unpyeongsa.
Move aside.
Don't be so harsh. I simply wish to greet you.
It's been a while.
It's not like we're at Unpyeongsa.
Move aside!
Do you wish to be sent away again?
Or...
do you wish to be killed this time?
Long time no see, Lee Gyeom.
Are you still trailing behind this lady?
Do you wish to die?
Lord.
We should get going.
I'll see you next time.
My goodness.
How could he be so rude?
People like him should be arrested!
Hey!
I can't believe him...
Welcome back, my Lord.
Did something happen?
There was a little commotion when he ran into Saimdang and Lee Gyeom on the street.
What?
But it didn't develop into anything big.
You should be careful too.
Lord, were you friends with my mother since she was little?
Mae-chang!
Friend?
Yes, we were friends.
Very close friends.
What was my mother like?
Was she always the pretty and quiet one who wasn't afraid to speak her mind?
"Quiet..."
Yes.
She quietly climbed over other people's fence.
She climbed over a fence?
- Yes. - Mother.
- Let's go. - Is it true?
Mother, tell me what happened.
Is it true?
He was eating just fine up until yesterday.
I don't know why he got sick all of a sudden.
How is His Majesty doing?
I believe he's feeling weak because of his old age.
I'll make herbal medicine to boost his strength.
Okay.
You may go now.
Are you awake now, Your Majesty?
When I saw how weak His Majesty has gotten,
it felt like my world was ending.
I remembered how strong he used to be.
Please don't worry too much.
He's a strong person, so he'll get back on his feet soon.
I have a favor to ask you.
You have to do it for me no matter what.
I miss how confident His Majesty used to be, so I'd like to comfort him.
Please be in charge of the Office of Art.
(Office of Art: Office that dealt with everything related to art)
I know.
I know you don't like being tied down to a public post.
Even when His Majesty was healthy and strong,
he couldn't do anything about the lazy officials.
I feel so hopeless right now.
I don't have a lot of people on my side in the palace.
Please come back to the palace and be my support.
In order to correct the way of this country, we will implement the King's Portrait.
I will be putting Lord Lee Gyeom in charge of the Office of Art.
Although we should be praising you on how you wish the government to flourish,
I think that everything needs to go through an appropriate process.
It's principle to have a royal member to be in charge of the King's Portrait.
Lord Lee Gyeom is the right person for it.
Lord Lee Gyeom is the owner of Biikdang which promises the future of Joseon
and my cousin.
What more do you need?
I give full authority of the management of the King's Portrait to Lord Lee Gyeom.
Set up an office and carry out your duties.
Thank you for your graciousness.
Your Highness.
I'd like to pick new members who will work for the King's Portrait.
Besides the members currently at the Office of Art?
The Office of Art is looking for people.
Are you thinking of applying?
Any painter would kill to be a member of the Office of Art.
But it's pretty much impossible to get in.
Now, we'll begin the test to find new members of the Office of Art!
You must draw two things from the list: bamboo,
forest, people, birds, beasts, and plants
and submit it before the time is over.
All right, you may begin.
(Lee Mae-chang: Saimdang's eldest daughter)
The one that received most points out of the works that passed the first round is...
this one.
Where is the applicant who drew this?
It's me.
How can I have the most clear eyes?
Mae-chang, I think you already have those eyes.
The applicant received most points with this work
and received enough points to land himself a position at the Office of Art,
but there is still a second part of the test waiting.
Please do your best until the end.
Yes, I understand.
Doesn't it look exactly like you?
What do you think?
You drew the lines to express three-dimensional effect.
You're spectacular at depicting the features.
You caught the features well.
You're amazing.
Right?
My artistic skills are just amazing these days. I'm at my prime.
It seems like I have a special talent in human portraits.
Maybe I should try out to be the King's Portrait Painter.
I'm sorry Your Highness,
but a women cannot become a member of the Office of Art.
What kind of law is that?!
Excuse me!
What's wrong?
I think this person is...
a girl.
Let me see your identity tag.
You already checked all the identity tags earlier.
I said give me your identity tag!
Lee Sun from Sujinbang?
Is that really you?
Yes.
I am Lee Sun.
No she's not!
I'm certain that she's a girl.
Look at her face closely.
No I'm not!
All right.
Then take off your shirt.
What?
That won't be a problem if you're a boy. What are you waiting for?
Hurry up and take off your shirt!
Take it off.
We're holding a contest to pick new members of the Office of Art right now.
Would you like to take a brief look?
Sure.
Let's go.
Let go of me!
Let go!
Let go of me!
I said a girl can't apply!
My painting received the highest score in the first round!
How could you drag me out like this just because I'm a girl?
I can't compete just because I'm a girl even though I got first place?!
If you don't like it, then be born as a boy in your next life!
What kind of ridiculous logic is that?!
How dare a girl talk back to me like this?!
What do you want me to do when that's what the law states?!
Your mother did a poor job of raising her daughter.
Did you just talk bad about my mother?!
Yes. I just did. What are you going to do about it?!
Hey!
- You little! - Hey!
This girl was trying to take the test to be in the Office of Art.
Wait...
Mae-chang, is that you?
My lord.
She's the daughter of Lady Shin from Yangyoo Village.
You're Lady Shin's daughter?
This is the Crown Prince. Introduce yourself to him.
My name is Lee Mae-chang.
Tell me what happened.
They said I can't become a member of the Office of Art just because I'm a girl.
My painting received the highest score.
But I can't take the test because I'm a girl?
What kind of nonsense is this?
If it's a place to pick the best painter in Joseon,
the people should be judged based on their skills.
This is so unfair.
We live in a ridiculous world!
She's a daring child.
But she didn't say anything wrong.
Kids.
- Mother, welcome back. - How have you been?
Welcome back, mother.
Sun, how was working in the forge?
Good. I'm making a knife these days.
By the way... Where is Mae-chang?
Wasn't she with you?
We thought she went to meet you like she did last time.
No, she didn't.
What?
She went out early in the morning, and we haven't heard from her since.
Shouldn't we report this to the police?
She was about her age.
Get away from us!
Excuse me!
Lady Shin.
How have you been?
What brings you here?
Oh.
This is a letter from my uncle.
Today, Mae-chang came to take the exam at the Office of Art, disguised as a boy.
I am frustrated too, as I cannot change the law of the kingdom overnight.
Mae-chang.
I hope the time quickly comes
when everybody regardless of their age, gender,
or class can use their talent for the kingdom.
Please comfort Mae-chang.
Mae-chang.
Mother.
What are you doing here?
I was thinking about
what kind of world I am living in.
So do you have an answer?
No.
I'm not sure.
Mother...
You have never told me to not do something just because I'm a girl.
But the world is different.
No matter how good of a painter I am, I can't become an artist at the Office of Art.
Just because I'm a girl.
I wanted to become the most famous artist in Joseon.
I wanted to follow in your footsteps
and become the best artist, who is as good as Ahnkyun.
I was better than all others who were taking the exam.
So why do I have to give up my dream just because I'm a girl?
How come only men can have dreams?
It is so unfair.
I thought that too, when I was your age.
Living as a woman in Joseon
will often feel suffocating and unfair.
But wouldn't the world become a better place someday?
What if the night never ends
and the world never becomes a better place?
Of course, the night may be long.
But some day when you get married and have a child,
and when that child has a daughter, and her
grandchild has a daughter, the sun will rise.
We can shine light through their night little by little.
What about me? What can I do?
You're a genius painter, but you're living like this, always upset because of father.
Mother...
Were you really happy?
Mother...
Were you really happy?
They say I can't become an artist at the Office of Art because I'm a girl.
This is absurd!
We are looking for a painter to paint the King's portrait.
We will not only consider the painters from the Office of Art.
Anyone who has talent shall submit four paintings to the Office of Art.
What does it say?
Oh, you can't even read this?
Here...
Goodness, they're looking for the King's Portrait Painter!
People outside of the palace can participate!
A new wind is blowing in the Office of Art!
What is the King's Portrait Painter?
A painter who paints the face of the king!
Saimdang would get the job for sure!
Can a woman become the King's Portrait Painter?
She might, if she's as pretty as my lady!
None of the candidates' paintings seems to stand out.
This is a problem...
Let me see.
Isn't that Lady Shin?
Lady Shin?
Oh, it is!
Can we help you?
My name is Shin Saimdang.
I came to apply for the King's Portrait Painter position.
It definitely stands out.
I think it's excellent too.
The soft strokes, and the detailed expression...
It's bold, but it's calm. And the elegant colors.
It is a profound masterpiece!
My lord.
Would you take a look at this painting?
The elegance. The expression...
It received the most number of votes.
I see.
Let me see who painted it.
Yes, my lord.
(Shin Saimdang)
Shin Saimdang?
That Lady Shin?
This is a problem, my lord.
Her daughter also came to the exam last time disguised as a boy, and made a scene.
Disguised as a boy? Oh, what bold mother and daughter!
A woman should stay at home!
She made fools out of all of us at the Office of Art!
This won't work. Let's vote again.
- Yes, let us. - Yes, we must!
There is no need.
You were all saying this painting was the best!
Well...
This is unprecedented!
Then this will be a precedent.
It would be an absurd and embarrassing precedent.
It would make all of us look like fools!
Failing the most talented artist for a reason other than her skill...
That's what's embarrassing.
In the announcement for the King's Portrait Painter selection,
there was no statement that said women can't apply.
That is nonsense!
The King's Portrait Painter is a member of the Ministry of Culture!
It is against the law to hire a woman for this position!
Then, I will hire her as an outside painter.
I'll use my authority as the director.
An outside painter?
I will have her draw the King's Portrait as a painter outside of the Office of Art.
Then we won't have to think about her position at the Office.
Also, I won't give her any reward.
An outside painter? That is absurd! There is no need to discuss it.
Painting the portrait of the king should be done carefully on a day of good luck.
I don't understand why he insists on using a mere woman!
She's not a mere woman!
She's the one who was selected as the best artist!
I am saying I will hire the best artist to paint the King's portrait!
Your Highness.
If you allow this, she will ask for permission to
take the state exam and become a high official.
It's best to nip such arrogance in the bud early on.
Your Highness! Please reconsider!
Your Highness.
This is to hire the unknown talents for their most appropriate positions.
All authority to control matters about the king's portrait...
has been given to Lord Lee Gyeom.
- Your Highness! - You cannot do this!
With my authority!
I grant him permission.
Your Highness!
Hire Lady Shin for the King's Portrait Painter position.
Your Highness!
Please reconsider, Your Highness!
- Your Highness! - You cannot do this!
- Lord Lee Gyeom! - My lord...
Shin Saimdang, come forward and receive the king's order.
What order could it be?
Shin Saimdang shall
under the supervision of the Office of Art,
fulfill the duty as the King's Portrait Painter.
She's going to be painting a picture of the king!
My lady!
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Please stand up.
Congratulations.
Tea's ready.
Thank you.
How did you think of applying to become a King's Portrait Painter?
You really know how to surprise people.
I didn't expect I would make it.
You didn't...
Are you suspecting me of using my influence in the selection?
I just hope you didn't.
No one in the committee was allowed to see the painters' names.
I was just worried that you would get into trouble because of me.
We chose the best painter is all.
But I am afraid you will face lots of hardship
along the way.
I am aware of that.
We can't let a mere woman draw a portrait of His Majesty.
We can't allow that.
That's right.
He's going to find hidden talent?
He's basically saying that he will get rid of us and fill his cabinet with new people.
That's right. He's quite brazen about it too.
Good grief.
Let's hurry.
We came to see His Majesty.
(Kwan Jin, Police Chief)
His Majesty is very unwell. You can't see him today.
This is an urgent matter. We won't take long.
His Majesty is finally getting some sleep after taking his medicine.
You can't see him.
Darn it.
I'm going to become a soldier.
I am going to become like Jang Bogo, the Prince of the sea.
I'll fight with pirates and take their treasure.
(Speaking Chinese)
It means that everyone eats
but not everyone has a taste.
I'm going to be the best food critique in Joseon.
Food critique? What is that?
You know what upset me the most when I first came to Hanyang?
There are so many places that sell overpriced and mediocre food.
That's an insult to food.
I'm going to expose them.
That's the job of a food critique.
Are you guys done?
Let's put it in this jar.
Ji-gyoon, is that you?
Hi, Ji-gyoon.
Hello.
Long time no see.
Goodbye, then.
- Wait, Ji-gyoon. - Mother!
Hello.
Hi, Hyun-ryong.
Hello.
- Hi, Ji-gyoon. - Hi.
We are going to get some lunch.
- Bye. - Bye.
Hyun-ryong, why don't we go to our house with Ji-gyoon and have lunch?
The marinated eggplant seemed ready.
Yes, Mother.
Let's go, Ji-gyoon.
Let's.
The eggplants are marinated well. It's got that spicy kick to it.
Help yourself, Ji-gyoon. Let me know if you need anything.
Sun,
the cutlery knife you made me has a nice grip.
It's perfect for my hand.
I made it to fit your hand shape.
I'm going to make scissors this time.
Your skill is improving every passing day.
Are you working at a blacksmith's shop?
Tell me if you want me to make you something.
I can make anything.
Mother,
my friends and I wrote down our goals on paper and put them in a jar.
We are going to bury the jar in the mountains tomorrow.
We are going to meet after ten years and open the jar together.
That's nice.
Ji-gyoon, what do you want to be?
It's a secret.
Why do you keep a secret between friends?
Hyun-ryong.
Everyone has a secret.
Even I have it.
What is it?
- Mother, what is it? - I want to know too.
Actually...
I became the King's Portrait Painter.
You'll be drawing His Majesty's portrait?
Mother, does it mean women can now hold a position too?
Congratulations.
Mother!
Isn't it the biggest honor for a painter?
Then, can we go into the palace?
I'd love to visit Royal Scholar's Office.
Also the library that contains all the books the Crown Prince reads.
I want to see the military office.
Sure. Let's visit them all.
I'm so proud of you, Mother.
I love you, Mother.
Me, too.
Congratulations, Mother.
This is so good, Mother.
My lord,
stop acting like this.
- We have to be careful. - You expect me to live
with my head bowed?
Yes.
Please
do that.
I had to jump through lots of hoops to get you back in Hanyang.
Do you even know--
how I've lived the past two years?
Wait for the right time.
Why are you--
I don't care.
Will you be satisfied when all of us gets arrested and sold off as slaves?
I got this under control.
So just stay low and don't even let the sound of your breathing escape this place.
I beg you!
Bitch!
Father, stop it!
Mother, are you okay?
I'm fine.
I'm all right.
You just focus on studying.
Just study.
This kingdom will fall apart when our social conventions change.
That's right!
This kingdom is in danger.
That.. that woman.
Don't let her enter.
This is wrong.
We are letting a woman in here?
How is that possible?
We all know that she got in, using her connection.
How dare a woman--
I'm the new appointed painter. My name is Shin Saimdang.
As this is my first time here, I lack much knowledge and experiences.
Please guide me with your wisdom and experiences.
Yeah right.
Where is my desk, please?
Over there!
What an audacious woman. She's here to steal our jobs.
We shall see how long she lasts.
Hi, honey.
- Where did you get this silk skirt? - Well--
My old clothes don't fit me any longer, because of my belly.
I told the store that your wife became
the King's Portrait Painter and they gave me this on credit.
What?
You bought stuff on credit again?
Your wife's paintings will be even more valuable now that she works in the palace.
Gosh, I am so happy.
I know it's not my place to say this but--
you really hit a jackpot with your first wife!
By the way--
is money that important to you?
Of course. It's the most important thing.
My only wish is to be rich before I die.
Can I get some food?
My goodness, food, food.
Why is he hungry all the time?
What--
why is this shoved in here?
She came by a few days ago with that.
Shouldn't you have told me? This is my stuff.
I forgot, all right?
Kwon, read this please.
my husband might seem robust,
but he gets chills easily at night.
Even when he had dinner,
he often gets hungry before going to bed.
He can't fall asleep when he feels hungry.
He will need light snacks and some tea.
He likes tofu and dried fruits.
Also, his skin is sensitive,
so you have to be careful with the fabric of his underwear.
Please remember that
he prefers underwear made with the fabric from Kyungjoo market.
He gets rashes quite often.
And the rashes last more than two weeks and pains him.
Boil water with chameleon plant and apply the water to his rashes for three days.
That will help soothe the rashes.
Your Majesty.
Why don't you rest for a few more days?
Did you say Saimdang was appointed
as the Portrait Painter?
Yes, Your Majesty.
I believe I left my seat empty for too long.
Painters, keep in mind that
your job is not simply about painting His Majesty's portrait.
Know the significance of your job.
Yes, sir.
I understand that it'll be hard to observe His Majesty's face when painting with your head bowed,
so you are allowed to ask for a permission to stand up to make an observation.
You also must ask for permission to sit down when doing the first sketch.
- Do you understand? - Yes sir.
His Majesty is coming.
Except for the main portrait painter, everyone leave the room.
Your Majesty,
The main portrait painter is required to work with
an editor and assistant when doing the King's portrait.
Even subjects that look for error--
Also, there must be observers for catching any errors--
I said leave. So the artists can focus on their work.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Come closer.
An artist is someone who draws the King's portrait.
You'll need to come closer to take a better look.
Lift up your face.
Shin Saimdang, was it?
Yes, your Majesty.
Shin Saimdang...
What is your name?
Saimdang, your Majesty.
Saimdang...
Saimdang, you say...
Were you the one that won the Goryeo paper contest 2 years ago?
Yes.
Then...
you must be Shin Myung-hwa's daughter.
Yes, Your Majesty.
You mean you'll go against the King?
I won't be a part of this discussion anymore.
Your Majesty.
Thank you for your grace.
Kill everyone in his family.
Bring
everything back.
I remember.
Your upright father.
And
his audacious daughter.
How come women aren't allowed to make an appeal?
I do remember you.
The one that wanted to make an appeal to go to the Gold River mountain.
You were quite a bold girl.
I'm sure that boldness
has brought you all the way here.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Alright.
How does my face look
compared to back then?
Tell me.
Lift up your face and look at me.
You have many worries written on your face,
and your mind doesn't seem to be at ease either.
Not at ease?
Not at ease...
How do you plan on painting me?
Will you draw me as the worrisome and the troubled King as you see me?
Or...
will you draw my confident and majestic look of the past?
Tell me.
The job of the portrait painter
is not only to draw your face but your heart as well.
Thus, I will paint not only your face but your spirit as life-like as possible.
You'll draw even my spirit
as life-like as possible?
Would that be possible
if there is grudge is left inside of the
painter's heart?
I would like to hear your answer.
If my late father was alive,
I am certain he would've been proud of me.
He would've encouraged me to do well.
So I plan to give my all to paint
the King's portrait, the face of Joseon.
If you draw even a wrinkle or a hair on my face incorrectly,
you might face punishments.
Do you understand that?
I will do my best.
Begin.
If you bring the blueprint to us,
- we'll pay you enough to-- - Fine.
You'll become a traitor!
If things go wrong, all of us might--
How much longer do I have to live in this small house?
Does it look like I have any other options right now?
What are you doing here?
Only authorized personnel are allowed in here.
I'm the princess's private tutor.
I was looking for art documents by the order of the princess.
Art documents are over that way.
Hey.
How's the blueprint for the battleship coming along?
It's almost complete.
Let me see.
The battleship blueprint.
I must find it.
What is she doing here?
She comes often looking for art materials to use in teaching the princess.
Wait.
Why are you taking those back?
The King's Portrait painter ordered me to.
She says she doesn't have the appetite.
One seollungtang.
Thank you.
Let's eat.
That's right.
It's not like they'll cook up a King's meal for her.
How good can the palace's food be?
Eating a warm bowl of seollungtang with rice is always the best.
Dear. I will be right there.
Seollungtang packed with my love is on its way.
Warm, so warm.
Oh my goodness.
What are you doing here?
You scared me.
I almost lost my baby.
I'm the one who's pregnant.
I asked what you were doing.
Oh my, oh my.
You're stealing drinks?
Give it!
I have to give these to someone.
I'll be right back.
Seriously, he is no help.
Why did he leave this open?
Seriously!
Mak-doong, this kid.
Mak-doong!
Why do you need Lady Shin's underwear?
She'll need her underwear at least.
Since when have you been so caring?
Okay.
What's that?
Drinks?
No.
You don't have to know.
Hey, Hyang. Hyang.
How are the kids?
If you're so curious, ask them yourself.
Hey, come on--
Hey, Hyang. Hyang!
I can't even go inside when it's my house.
Can't even be a father.
Can you let me interrupt you for a moment?
Please build a country where the people can dream.
You are the King there.
There can be only one sun in the sky.
Paint my portrait along with Shin Saimdang.
Let's only think about our children.
I will kill them both at once.
You'll find out when this is over, who's really loyal to the King.
Lord Lee Gyeom coming in!
What did you say? Come here.
My dear pro...profes...professor.
(Saimdang - Light's Diary)