Have you heard this tale?
The court ladies speak of a frightful legend.
On the night of full moon...
in the king's harem...
he never fails to appear.
King Yeongjo
His Highness has arrived.
He lusts for the king's Consort.
His mesmerizing beauty negates fear of death.
He survives on human blood.
EPISODE 01
How's the plot of my third novel?
A blood-sucker lusts after the king's concubine.
Won't it surpass the Jiangshi legends of Qing Dynasty?
You want my honest opinion?
No. I'm after your flattery.
Look, why are you wasting your talent writing history texts?
This journey proved profitable.
We now own philosophy texts of Scholar Park Sae-Dang.
The king will participate in the competition
so we should make the theme...
Forget it.
I'll leave everything else to you.
Blood-sucker?
In the West it's a 'vampire'.
I expected you'd have knowledge of western culture.
So, what do you think?
It'd be an epic struggle
between the king and an evil force for a maiden's soul.
But, like the works under your pen-name, Forbidden Quest,
moderate success is likely.
Moderate.
Moderate?
Turn your head to the left.
The first two books I wrote line many bookstore shelves.
I even heard my books improved general literacy.
I'm not like Sejong the Great, but...
Well, I need to report to our great king
and brief him on our journey.
Please excuse me.
Why, you heartless...!
Will you help me with my book?
I'll race you.
The loser grants a favour to the victor.
Alright. I won't go easy on you...
Halt!
Lower your blade. They're palace guards.
Were you following us?
We're following the king's orders.
Let's hurry to the palace, Prince.
His Majesty's been searching for you for three days.
So you sent armed guards after your prince?
We're only following orders.
Scholar Kim, why are you here,
not with the convoy?
No-one is better suited to protect me.
Prince.
That's enough.
You've been winning for years,
so let me win once.
I'll hold onto my favour wisely.
I'm thinking of writing a romance for my fourth book.
If Forbidden Quest writes it,
I'll look forward to it.
Sure, it'll be racy.
And it'll be a true, steamy story
with a Hongmoongwan scholar as the hero.
It happened on a rainy night last month.
Next morning a man and a woman saw the sunrise together.
They must've felt so happy when their marriage
was approved after 6 years.
How many times must I tell you
we were only sheltering from the rain.
Nothing happened...
Of course not.
The boy met her at age 9, and didn't even hold her hand
until he was 24, so how would he find courage.
That boy you speak of...
Yes, alright.
I'll help you with your book.
You're so gracious.
Thank you.
But, Prince...
Yes, I understand.
It must've taken sheer will to hold out until age 24.
Do you know why the king is calling for you?
It probably concerns the royal birthday banquet.
I told him I won't attend, and he seemed disappointed.
You should see Lady Myung-Hee.
The last three days must've seemed an eternity to you.
Our ancestors are turning in their graves.
I raised her as my daughter;
now she'll be my daughter-in-law.
Myung-Hee.
Yes.
Pour your mother a cup.
Chrysanthemum tea will calm your mother.
Yes, Father.
It's hot, Mother.
You're so cruel.
I was against your union
yet you betray our mother-daughter bond.
I'm sorry, Mother.
I missed you.
Here. It's completed.
We only need to plan the wedding.
Father, I'm home.
Yes, good work.
I'm back, Mother.
You must be tired, so rest.
Yes.
Sleep well, Mother.
Myung-Hee, tell the maids to watch out for the stray cat
that crosses the wall every night.
That won't do anything.
Just leave it be.
I'll tell them on my way back.
The maids will drive you away.
If that's worrying you,
hide me in your room before they find out.
I'm not allowed to let in naughty, stray cats.
Naughty?
How naughty?
Here.
Does he hold you like this?
Oreoboni (older brother)!
Or kiss your lips?
He's worse.
He's always trying to hide in my room.
And then what?
Mother will come by soon.
You should rest.
Myung-Hee.
Myung-Hee!
Lower your voice!
Everyone will hear you!
Don't worry.
This stray cat will be singing all night long.
I love you.
I love you, Myung-Hee.
I can't hold on any longer.
[ Crown Prince Sado ]
The Elder has chosen you as the next king.
If you ever defy his will...
Identify yourself!
Run away.
I'll give you a head start.
What are you doing?
I said run away.
Proceed.
Yes, Prince.
Elder has chosen you as the next king.
If you ever defy his will...
Prince.
Leave here.
This is no place for you.
I'd like to use my favour now.
Please tell me now.
For the last 3 months,
why have you scoured stores for books about vampires?
Any why'd the Royal Consort fall ill?
Why are you cremating her before investigating her death?
I was researching for my book
and the royal concubine was stricken by...
I saw the bite wound on her neck.
She had no blood left in her.
I'll explain in 3 days' time.
After that...
Please tell me now.
Be understanding after 15 years of friendship.
That's why I must ask you now.
Why did you write this book?
Does a blood-sucker live in the palace?
He's faster than wind.
He can't be human.
He's not human!
Can you see me?
Let's go.
Such foolishness!
Our convoy will catch up soon.
I'll buy you time, so please flee.
He's here to help me.
Lower your blade.
I gave them a chance to live
but they ignored my warning.
They were as foolish as their king.
Next time I'll feed on your son.
You told him of my existence
but he hasn't arrived after three months.
I have no choice.
Given more time, my son will serve you...
200 years ago!
When Goryeo was close to ruin, your ancestor Taejo came to me
for power to protect his nation.
And when I aided him,
he promised his descendants would serve me forever.
And so I destroyed each of your ancestor's enemies.
And this nation was built.
I built it.
He lives in the palace and controls the king.
He survives on human blood.
So the royal concubines were...
It was the work of Gwi.
He subdues the women to keep the king obedient.
He lets the king watch him.
And what's your role in this?
Your assumptions are correct.
I am also a vampire.
However, I destroy those who break the rules.
I'm a vampire Guardian.
Then why have you stood idle?
Humans summoned Gwi
and humans must drive him away.
I couldn't assist an unwilling king blinded by power.
That's enough.
He's worked on a plan to destroy Gwi for the last 200 years.
Heroes rise from chaos.
You chose a brave and wise subordinate.
He has summoned me; I fear we're out of time.
What is your plan?
Prince, what do you know of this plan?
In two days, a total lunar eclipse will temporarily weaken Gwi's powers.
Come back then when the plan will be prepared.
Don't you regret asking me for the truth?
If I'm to be king,
I have to kneel to him as well.
I will do no such thing.
How can a king build a nation when he serves a dark spirit?
How will I tell my future son to serve that monster?
I feel ashamed.
I'm sorry I told you this before your wedding.
"Sung-Yeol, I'd like to build a world filled with hope".
"Would you help me?"
You told me that when I turned 9 years old.
I've never forgotten
how you strive for a hopeful world, instead of money or power.
You inspired me to search outside books,
and you broadened my horizons.
I detailed our plan to destroy Gwi in my personal journal.
If something happens to me, it will be delivered to you.
You must succeed in my stead...
That will never happen.
I'll protect you with my life.
How can a weak vampire like you be a vampire-killer?
So where's this plan to eradicate me?
Master?
It's been a long time.
I thought I killed you 200 years ago.
Come with me. This place isn't for you.
No.
I plan to live in this world subjugating humans.
It's more fun than killing vampires under your command.
Humans aren't as weak as you think.
You'll end up dying by human will.
Then how will you die, Master?
You murdered countless vampires with this hawthorn dagger.
Now suffer the same fate.
You escaped once with your life.
You should've been more careful.
You fool.
Don't frown. You'll get wrinkles.
Oreoboni!
You don't want anyone to find out
you're housing the stray cat again.
You seem to be worried.
I haven't slept because I was watching you sleep.
I love you, Myung-Hee.
I love you.
Is everything alright?
There's something I must do for the prince.
But I'm worried I might fail him.
You should believe in yourself.
You've never fallen short of any of your goals.
That includes our courtship.
I guess you're right.
You're a great scholar,
and loyal, and my man.
I'm sure you'll succeed.
[Lee Bang-ho, Suh Yang-hee, Jung Choon-soo]
[ Journal of Prince Jung-Hyun ]
"Lee Bang-ho, Suh Yang-hee, Jung Choon-soo".
What's their plot to destroy me?
You'll get nothing out of me!
Then I'll get rid of you
and everyone listed here.
You, go and hunt the scholar.
As you command.
Exterminate all in the palace.
We'll destroy the palace.
Half of you remain here;
the rest look for Kim Sung-Yeol, and arrest him for treason.
Yes, sir.
Prince, please hold on until I return with the plans.
Look here!
What happened here?
Closer.
Closer, even closer...
This is as far as I can help you.
I don't know how much of my abilities you'll acquire...
What have you done to me?
You will inherit my powers
and be the only one who can face Gwi.
Listen carefully.
Remember, my dark garment...
Oreoboni.
My black garb will protect you from sunlight
and free you from Gwi.
What day is today?
It's the first day of June.
Three days have passed...
Who'd believe the prince was involved in such a plot?
The prince plotted against the king?
Your Highness...
Why's the king so cruel?
He even beheaded a loyal officer of the Royal Academy.
Father...
Father.
Father, Father...!
Your Highness...
Your Highness!
If you struggle, the hawthorn will tear your skin.
From your bite wound, it's been three days.
You haven't fed on blood yet.
In that case, you should be dead.
How are you still alive?
Who are you?
Your Highness.
Your Highness!
How's it feel?
Can you resist drinking this child's blood?
It's you...!
Gwi, you won't get away with this!
I'll shred you to pieces with my bare hands!
You're in a rage.
And you rejected blood.
Did Hae-seo create you?
Take your dirty hands off me.
I like you.
Rather than training these frail humans,
you'll serve me better.
Become my subordinate.
Then I'll give you this nation.
You can be king and rule forever!
This country, kingdom and king!
Do you assume rule over all?
The sunlight will kill you
and you only survive on human blood!
Those who sought your strength succumbed to you.
They served you in fear!
However, they were waiting for the moment to strike.
Nothing here can defeat me.
Why?
Because I killed all my opposition.
Even the prince you served.
Prince Jung-Hyun's death won't be in vain.
One day, you'll disappear from this world.
The human race will defeat you!
Stop.
Stop!
Oreoboni.
Myung-Hee!
Myung-Hee.
What's it like to see your betrothed as a vampire?
Myung-Hee!
Myung-Hee, Myung-Hee!
Oreoboni!
If you don't drink her blood, you'll die.
But she's afraid of you.
She won't save a vampire's life.
Humans are weak like that.
Myung-Hee!
Myung-Hee.
Oreoboni.
This isn't your fault.
Myung-Hee.
Hurry... drink my blood...
You must live.
You must fulfil your destiny.
I love you.
Why haven't you ever told me you love me?
Words aren't enough to express how I feel.
I love you.
Myung-Hee!
[ 120 years later ]
Make way.
How do you do?
Out of the way.
Hello.
- Hello! - How are you?
Hello!
Make way.
Yang-Sun!
- Have you eaten? - Yes.
Be careful out here.
Out of the way.
Make way.
Hey, boy!
Where are you rushing?
I finally got an interview with the Scholar.
He might be my big ticket!
You try so hard.
Yang-Sun, you'll succeed.
I heard he only cares about books.
I know.
He's so well read, he's sure to buy more great books.
Why, you brat!
Do you plan to live off selling him books?
Hey, hey!
Share the wealth!
HWAYUNG-GAK - gibang (gisaeng quarters)
I had fun tonight.
Come here.
How much farther? I'm tired.
Um, Scholar?
A little more...
Lift your dress so I can see more leg.
Will this much do?
Want me to burn with passion?
So he likes things besides books.
I should take everything off.
What are you doing?
Sir, I'm bookseller, Jo Yang-Sun.
Sir?
I didn't call for you.
You got the wrong room.
You want the room at the end of the hall.
Right?
I knew this couldn't be it.
A distinguished scholar won't indulge in debauchery.
Excuse me.
SERVANT Ho-Jin
What's that?
This guy hurt his leg.
I'm going to help him.
I read medical texts
so people usually come to me because I'm free.
Can't you leave it behind?
I had no time to waste.
Um, sir?
I heard the Scholar has books from the Royal Library.
Is that true?
I heard he bought numerous books
since arriving three months ago.
Come inside.
GISAENG Soo-Hyang
So you can find any book if it exists?
Correct.
Valuable, old, obscene...
Can you find Crown Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal?
Prince Jung-Hyun's Journal?
It's the first time I heard of it.
Was he a prince of Joseon?
You rascal!
I got you!
He's more beautiful than a woman.
He likes you more than me.
He prefers your company.
PREVIEW NEXT EPISODE
There's deep meaning behind every word.
I'm having difficulty resisting.
You can't keep the best meals for yourself.
I'm Yoon. Lee Yoon.
Find 'Forbidden Quest'.
Do you know where I can find it?
Can you face what's behind the door?
Please help me.
Won't you ask what I want in return?