My Royal Nemesis (2026) s01e01 Episode Script

MY ROYAL NEMESIS
ANNALS OF THE JOSEON DYNASTY
ANJONG, YEAR 6, VOLUME 12, MAY 23
A STAR WITH A RED TAIL APPEARED
AND DID NOT VANISH FOR TWO MONTHS
FAMINE AND PLAGUE BROKE OU
ACROSS THE NATION
THIS WAS WHEN LADY KANG
A MERE CONCUBINE
WAS APPOINTED TO THE RANK OF BIN
TO PREVENT DISASTER
AND HEED HEAVEN'S WARNING
PETITIONS FROM THE MINISTERS POURED IN
INJEONGMUN GATE
"By royal edict, the order given
shall now be carried out."
"Royal Consort Hui of the Kang clan,
of the Inner Court,
has committed a heinous crime."
"The crime of disrupting
the Inner Court's hierarchy."
"The crime of adultery."
"And the attempted assassination of
the Firstborn Prince and Consort Gyeong."
"Thus, Royal Consort Hui is
hereby sentenced to death by poison
to set right the Crown and the state."
Royal Consort Hui shall come forth
and receive the royal command!
Your Highness, you must go outside.
You need not hasten me.
It is finished.
Plum blossoms in bloom
amidst the bitter snow of winter.
Are they not captivating?
Flowers that blossom
on a gentle spring day are never…
Sufficient to content the heart.
- Your Highness.
- Your Highness.
Your Highness.
Let us go.
Have you gathered
to revel in this spectacle?
At the mere rumor of my death…
Those who would dance upon my grave
come swarming like ravenous hounds.
They say no blossom endures
its bloom forever.
BUREAU OF SHAMANIC RITUALS
HYANGSEON HALL
It ought to have been delivered by now.
Yes.
It is past noon, so the royal edict
must have been delivered, Your Majesty.
The rot has been cut away.
No need to sever the limb now.
However, Your Majesty,
amid the famine wrought by drought
and the advent of that ill-omened star,
the people grow restless.
You must swiftly root out the remnants
who followed Lady Kang.
Minister, do you seek
a bloodbath the like of that
which befell in the Year of Gihae?
Let the ministers speak
of this matter no more.
Go in peace.
You will not see me depart.
Did you think
I would acquiesce in silence?
How dare you!
Pray tell, what precisely is my crime?
Restoring order
to the Inner Court's hierarchy?
Daring to stand above the daughters
of noble families despite my low birth?
Or is it…
That I contended for my life
in this treacherous palace,
where all conspired against it?
If that be a crime…
Then you all stand guilty of the same sin!
Such insolence!
How dare you cast aside the poison
bestowed by royal command!
Go and tell His Majesty
that this rusted blade
yet has words for him.
Until then…
I shall not so much as take a single sip.
Hear me. Bring forth the poison.
How dare you!
Why you…
Make her drink.
Let go!
How dare you lay
your filthy hands upon me!
Let go!
Let go!
Shamaness, are you all right?
What should we do?
It is raining! Rain is falling!
Your Highness.
My powers are weak.
This was the only way.
I humbly pray for your health and peace.
Even the heavens take heed,
now that the wicked vixen is gone.
The rain we prayed for has finally come.
Wait, this is frost, not rain.
What? Frost in the middle of summer?
What is that?
The sun…
What is going on?
The sun just disappeared.
Is this how…
I depart this world?
Perhaps…
This is my…
Royal Consort Hui of the Jang clan
shall drink the poison!
Am I…
Not dead yet?
My goodness.
I must have lost my senses for a moment.
Why is the sun so close?
How much of that poison did I drink?
I keep seeing things.
What are all those people doing?
Cut! That was great. Really great.
Let's turn it around.
What's next?
- Props, we're resetting.
- Director, about our next scene…
It's scene 18.
- Full shot first.
- Yes, sir.
Full shot first.
Was the audio okay?
CHWISEONDANG HALL
Wow, that stand-in is really great.
She did the death so believably.
It wasn't even meant to be that dramatic.
Did Ji-hyo really need
a stand-in for this scene?
She said she's allergic to
the herbal medicine used for the poison.
- What can we do?
- Jeez.
That's good.
All right, let's go again. Right away.
What is going on here?
The way those people are dressed…
They do not even wear
their hair in topknots.
In broad daylight, that woman
so wantonly lays bare her limbs.
Such insolence.
Here we go.
Okay, let's go again. Right now.
- Ready? Let's go.
- Okay, roll sound.
Camera, go!
Ready, action!
Royal Consort Hui of the Jang clan
shall drink the poison!
Jang clan?
And now you err even in my family name?
I am of the Kang clan!
Hey, keep it rolling.
I knew a wench like you
would not submit in peace.
Guards! Pour the poison
down this wench's throat!
A wench, you say?
They ought to tear you limb from limb!
Is Shin Seo-ri crazy?
Look at her improvising
when she's supposed to be my stand-in.
- Who does she think she is?
- I know, right?
Isn't she just an extra?
Seize! Seize that wench at once!
You must not value your own neck.
You, a mere officer,
dare to run your vile mouth
before a Senior First Rank Royal Consort!
Seize her!
Stand back, you scoundrels!
Before I have your filthy hands cut off.
Seize her! Make her drink the poison!
Damn it.
Damn you!
All of you, get her!
- Get her!
- Get her!
How is she so strong?
MY ROYAL NEMESIS
EPISODE 1
THE VIXEN AND THE BEAS
A video showing
CEO Cha Se-gye abusing his power
was released this morning, branding him
the worst third-generation
chaebol heir in the nation's history
and fueling debate
over corporate succession.
Mr. Cha Se-gye, the grandson
of Chail Group founder Cha Dal-su,
who now runs startup Biojei
after resigning from the group,
is mired in another abuse
of power scandal.
There he is!
A ruthless M&A butcher.
That's what everyone calls Cha Se-gye.
A savage abandoned
by the business world.
A vampire, a money-grubber,
a monster of capitalism.
I understand it's your company's custom
to never dismiss a single employee.
So, convince me.
Why should I bother
to protect that damn tradition
when I could just sell the company off,
shredding it piece by piece?
This differs
from the agreed acquisition terms.
If you're going to change
your tune like this, I can't sign.
You're going to have to.
This is your first and last chance
to get even a pittance
for that measly company of yours.
Oh right.
If you intend to secure FDA approval
for your cosmetic ingredient
as a pharmaceutical-grade product
to inflate its value,
you can just forget it.
But that's confidential information
My very capable lobbyists
are always working hard.
It's going to be rejected
due to safety concerns.
Mr. Cha.
Let's just call this deal off. All right?
I figured you'd do that,
so I brought an extra.
Mr. Cha, what the hell
do you think you're doing?
I'm giving you a choice.
Either go bankrupt from rumors
of your material's side effects,
or restructure, hand over the company,
and at least walk away with your shares.
Now, the price drops
by a billion won every ten seconds.
You can't be serious.
You just lost a billion won.
PURCHASE PRICE: KRW 5,620,400,000
All right, two billion is next.
This isn't some flea market
where you can just haggle.
What kind of negotiation
And you've lost three billion.
PURCHASE PRICE: KRW 3,620,400,000
What will it be? Do you need more time?
No. I'll sign.
Took you long enough.
You just threw away three billion won.
Hello, this is Handy, your friend at noon.
I'm sure you've all heard
about the once-in-300-years eclipse.
They say our ancestors called
an eclipse a natural disaster.
Maybe a natural disaster
would get me a day off.
This eclipse is special
because it's a collab
with a comet that returns every 300 years.
We'll be able to see the comet
with our own eyes!
This afternoon's cosmic show,
300 years in the making.
- Don't miss it.
- It'd take an alien invasion
to get a day off.
Sir, did you enjoy your meal?
Of course I did.
Getting revenge on that bastard
made it all the more satisfying.
You could've gone easier on the CEO.
He came out crying.
Mr. Son, those were all crocodile tears.
Do you know
how many subcontractors went under
after he swapped in cheap materials?
When I think of the three billion won
he cost me back in the day…
I should've stripped him clean.
Damn it.
But when he realizes he got ripped off,
it should sting a little.
And so your infamous reputation
gets renewed once more.
So what if I'm infamous?
Being infamous is
the best bodyguard there is.
Taking ten, everyone!
Are you okay? Can we keep shooting?
I am fine. Now, seize that man at once!
How dare you insolent fools
defy my command?
Hey! What's gotten into you?
Even if you're mad at Yoon Ji-hyo,
you can't just recklessly cause
a scene like this.
You insolent wench.
What? "Wench"?
You dare raise your voice
before your superior?
You did mention you were feeling chills.
Have you actually lost your mind?
You're burning up!
Okay, this is serious.
That wench, to the very end…
Guards! Seize that wench at once…
This place…
Where in the world am I?
The way these people are dressed…
It was so heavy earlier.
The women wear no head coverings
and converse with men outside their kin.
Yellow hair?
Yellow hair and blue eyes?
Could that be a Westerner from the tales?
Westerners are roaming
the palace in a horde.
Did I end up in a foreign land
while I was unconscious?
Excuse me.
Your performance was incredible.
You can speak the Joseon tongue?
Joseon?
You mean Korean?
Yes, a little.
A picture together, okay?
What… in the world is this?
My face. Why does it look like that?
This looking glass is strange.
What are you doing?
Shin Seo-ri, are you nuts?
My face…
I've aged so horribly.
What are you saying? Hey!
Hey! Give me my mirror back!
You worthless bastards!
Must I waste my time
because
of bastards
like you? Damn it!
What the…
- Mr. Son.
- Yes, sir.
Is this me?
It's a deep fake video. Seamless, isn't it?
So my face was maliciously edited
to be posted all over the internet,
and I had no idea?
Don't worry, sir.
Our legal team filed a lawsuit.
The PR team also released a statement
condemning the malicious deep fake.
No, Mr. Son. What are you talking about?
We should be rewarding them,
not punishing them.
Pardon?
Domestic tech has gotten so good
that even I was fooled.
Is this really the time
to be filing lawsuits?
Get the legal team on the phone now
and set up a meeting with them.
I'm going to acquire this company too.
Understood, sir.
This really is amazing.
What in the world has befallen me?
My blood?
What purpose do you have for my blood?
Your Highness must die in order to live.
If I wish to live,
I must offer you my blood?
The cut has disappeared.
Hwang most certainly drew my blood.
There is no way
it could have healed overnight.
Which means…
That cannot be.
Have I been placed in another body?
Your Highness must die in order to live.
So when she said I must die to live…
This is what she meant?
"After changing his clothes,
Prince Edward…
2026 CHAIL E&C
CHILD SPONSORSHIP EVEN
…put on the crown
and became the new king."
"Tom the pauper was rewarded handsomely
for all his help."
"And Edward became a great king
in the end."
His looks, his character…
He is the very embodiment
of noblesse oblige.
Exactly.
Our team is doing a special feature titled.
"The State of Korea's Chaebol Heirs."
We'll also be covering the massive layoffs
from four years ago that caused.
Chail Group's stock to plummet.
Care to comment?
The video hasn't been verified,
so I have no comment.
But I can tell you this.
Se-gye has a strong sense
of responsibility.
I consider his swift resignation
four years ago to be indicative
of his management skills.
It's also the secret
to Se-gye's successful startup.
There are rumors about his mother,
'90s star Han Hye-seon,
and his humble beginnings.
Some even call him a "half-breed chaebol."
Sir.
Perhaps I wasn't your first choice?
Pardon?
I just feel like an alternate.
Not at all. I'm honored
to be interviewing someone
so well respected for his kind leadership.
That was a joke.
- Please continue.
- Sure.
Was Hwang always this powerful?
What in the world is going on?
Hey, you brat!
Ms. Hong is furious right now.
She's ready to tear you apart!
Such insolence!
How dare you speak to me that way?
No, I should just keep quiet
and observe the situation for now.
Why'd you stop?
Then again, you must also be
embarrassed by your own behavior.
You just threw someone down
out of nowhere.
Then you terrorized Yoon Ji-hyo.
I seriously thought you were possessed.
Possessed?
I fear my spirits ran high today,
leading me to make a slight misstep.
Pay it no mind.
Hold on. Seo-ri, you've been talking
really strangely since earlier.
You keep talking like you're from Joseon.
Whatever do you mean?
I am from Joseon, so I speak like one…
No.
Her speaking our tongue does not guarantee
she is from Joseon.
Judging by your attire,
you seem to be a palace maid or servant.
Whom do you serve?
- Are you from the Qing dynasty?
- What? The Qing?
Somewhere farther?
Then again, with all these Westerners
swarming about like dogs…
Perhaps, Cheonchuk?
Cheon…
Do not tell me it is Daesik.
What are you talking about?
- What's wrong with you?
- Shin Seo-ri!
Hey.
You…
And who are these two
with faces like vipers?
I just ran out of a meeting
with the production company over you.
What is wrong with you?
Just look at this creature.
Her face is just plastered
with pure spite.
Judging by her facial features,
she is a wench who lives to dominate.
In that case,
and you're here chatting away?
My situation is far from calm,
but I am glad it appeared so to you.
"Glad it appeared so"?
I don't like
that tone you're using at all.
Just because your contract
is terminated, you think
you've nothing left to lose? Is that it?
Ms. Hong, please calm down.
I told you she's been acting strange.
And who are you, wench?
"Wench"?
Look, I know you're angry and all,
but this is too much.
Dismissive, now even cursing?
Are you so pissed you've lost your mind?
- I see now.
- Someone else's booth…
Look at her,
smugly playing the peacemaker.
I see…
Did your pride take a blow
being my stand-in?
Because you were once
the "Nation's Pebble"?
This wench has a gift for veiled insults.
And that's my specialty.
I see. So this was you.
Such unremarkable features.
I failed to recognize you at first glance.
Maybe… you…
Maybe you should watch what you say?
Shin Seo-ri, you owe me a proper apology.
Seeing how worked up this wench is,
it appears I have won this round.
I cannot apologize
for something I did not do.
So instead of swarming in
and threshing me down to a husk,
perhaps you should mind your trap first.
Let us go.
Is she insane?
Seo-ri, I was so impressed just now.
I've never seen you this confident before.
This girl is quite perceptive
for a servant.
I must be more mindful of my words.
I have a plan.
I have decided to take a new path in life.
Is that why you're talking like that?
I see now.
Whatever it is,
it seems like a good strategy.
Stick with it, okay?
Just a second.
Hello?
How is there music coming
from her undergarments?
- Chairman.
- Yes?
A video of the young master's power trip…
What?
That damn brat again?
Just be honest.
Is the chairman still spying on me,
waiting for me to slip up?
It's not spying. It's love.
It's spying.
Keeping tabs on me
because he doesn't trust me
to run a petty shop after moving out.
Is something going on?
What's with this traffic?
There's some sort of solar eclipse show.
It's been chaos all morning.
Unbelievable.
Are we living in the Joseon era?
As if that's such a big deal.
This is why when the news says
people are struggling,
it's a complete lie.
If you're truly struggling,
you're too weak to complain.
I'm exhausted.
She just has me standing
in the hot sun like a statue,
waiting for her.
Just wait until she gets back. I shall…
A branding iron
and even knee-crushing tools…
Is there
a state interrogation underway?
No… this cannot be.
With that many criminals…
This must be…
Come on, there's no time! Hurry up!
A rebellion!
GEUNJEONGMUN GATE
A rebellion! A rebellion is afoot!
How are you all so calm?
What in the world…
Pavilions soaring into the sky,
strange attire…
And even palanquins
that run faster than any horse…
All of it is strange and unnatural.
What is this strange new world?
CHA SE-GYE, WHO IS HE REALLY?
CHAEBOL HEIR'S POWER TRIP
A disgrace to the nation.
Can we impeach chaebols?
Punish the violent chaebol.
Boycott Biojei and Chail Group.
Real chaebols have so much class.
He's a half-breed chaebol
with celebrity blood. So low-class.
No easier targets than chaebols.
Sorry? Take it easy?
Easy… Never mind. Just watch the road.
- What was that?
- It was a person…
Are you okay?
Hey, miss. Miss?
Oh, no.
What happened? Did we hit her?
The light changed,
and we were about to go,
when she suddenly collapsed on her own.
Collapsed on her own?
Let's call an ambulance first.
Hell!
Stop right there.
What are you trying to pull here?
Stop right there!
Damn it.
Sir. Wait…
I'll move the car.
Hey!
Where do you think you're going? Damn it.
Have I truly died?
Have I fallen into Avici Hell?
Hell.
Hell… this is hell.
Are you trying to get yourself killed?
And who will they blame?
You think I was born yesterday?
What are you talking about?
Ranting about impeaching chaebols
and filing pointless petitions.
Half-breed chaebol,
national disgrace, or whatever.
Who knows what they'll try
to pin on me next?
"Pin on you"?
How dare you.
You scoundrel!
How dare you run
that filthy mouth of yours!
I think that couple's fighting.
I have never seen such a degenerate.
Where is your sense of propriety?
Even in Avici Hell,
how can you harass a woman like this?
Do you not fear King Yeomra?
King Yeomra? You've got to be kidding me.
You're trying to pull a scam.
Cosplaying like some crazy Joseon woman
to plead insanity.
Just forget it. How much do you want?
Is one bill enough? Or two?
Damn it.
You dare take me for a mere money-grubber?
You good-for-nothing degenerate!
- Have you lost your mind?
- That hurts!
If I am a money-grubber…
- What are you
- …then you are a lecher!
- You rotten bastard!
- That hurts!
That hurts!
Why, this woman…
That hurts! This woman is totally insane.
- He's fighting back!
- Mom.
Look, they're beating
the crap out of each other.
Hey!
Die! Die already!
Okay, wait a minute. Stop.
Wait! Stop! Freeze, that's enough.
What's with that woman?
I get that you're crazy. I really do.
I lost my mind for a second there too.
This is embarrassing for both of us,
so let's just stop.
I can admit
I'm at least partially responsible.
Just send the medical bill to my company.
What is this?
I assume you have no insurance.
Go get all the X-rays
and MRIs you want while you're at it.
And we'll call it even. Deal?
Damn it.
Damn.
That woman's insane.
What the hell?
Cha Se-gye?
It has a name on it.
Is this some kind of
paper identification tag?
That woman was totally crazy, right?
Right in the middle of the road,
in broad daylight,
she beat me senseless.
I bet she faked that fainting too.
Trying to pull some pathetic scam. Jeez.
She must've panicked
once she was cornered.
Maybe she was trying
to blackmail or scam you?
And the way she talked?
Does she think she is
the queen of Joseon or something?
It seems the New Year's fortune
I saw for you
was right after all.
Why are you looking up
my fortune, Mr. Son?
I'm with you 365 days a year, sir.
Of course I have to.
The shaman said that this is…
A very unlucky year for you.
You must be careful
of water, fire, and women.
Especially women.
Whatever.
I gave that woman my business card,
so you handle the rest.
Just handle the hospital bills.
If she causes more trouble,
hand it over to the legal team.
Yes, sir.
Take responsibility
for abusing subcontractors!
Take responsibility
for abusing subcontractors!
Take responsibility
for abusing subcontractors!
What's that about?
Remember that controversy
over abuse of power against
a packaging subcontractor a month ago?
Where the logistics agency made them
install equipment on a whim,
before ending the contract.
Oh, that? That hasn't been resolved yet?
It's all been resolved.
It wasn't a head office matter anyway.
Sir, the director
from Kaiserman Capital has arrived.
Let's go.
Do they not use
Chinese characters here at all?
It is nothing but vernacular script
and squiggles.
Thank goodness I learned
the vernacular script.
I could have ended up illiterate here.
My goodness.
My word. Goodness me.
Goodness.
The pain feels too real
for this to be hell.
Wait.
SUSEONJEONDO
Yes, this is it. Right here.
What a welcome sight.
- What is this place?
- Come on.
Here we are.
All right, everyone.
We're going on a trip back in time
to the Joseon dynasty.
Hold hands and follow me.
- Okay.
- Okay.
Joseon?
TIME TRAVEL TO THE JOSEON DYNASTY
This painting is a national treasure
from the Joseon dynasty's royal court.
An ink-and-wash painting
from the early reign of King Anjong,
about 300 years ago.
That painting…
Records show
these plum blossoms in the snow
were the work of Queen Onjeong
of the Mun clan.
- Despite her difficult early days…
- But I painted that.
…amid the power struggles,
Queen Onjeong remained composed.
That is not true. The queen?
Who told you
that painting belongs to the queen?
- "Who told me?"
- It is all a lie.
That painting is mine.
How could they say she created it?
Well, historical perspectives
can vary from person to person.
But there's no doubt
this painting belonged to Queen Onjeong.
It's a fact recorded in the Annals.
The Annals?
Do you mean the Annals of the Dynasty?
The Annals are not something
the common people are allowed to see.
If you truly have,
did you see a record of Royal Consort Hui?
A record of Lady Kang Dan-sim?
- Kang Dan-sim?
- The villainess.
Is she looking for attention?
- A villainess.
- Well,
women's names aren't
in the official Joseon historical records,
but Lady Kang, who was executed
by poisoning and stripped of her title
during the Gyeongsul Political Purge,
is pretty well known.
"Stripped of her title"?
"Executed by poisoning"?
So I really died?
In any case, no records or artifacts
from royal concubines have survived.
Okay, everyone, shall we head this way?
Follow me.
Nothing at all?
TIME TRAVEL TO THE JOSEON DYNASTY
Stripped of her title. Death by poisoning.
Have I truly died?
Excuse me.
Excuse me!
I overheard your refreshing insight
on Royal Consort Hui of the Kang Clan.
I'm writing my thesis on reinterpreting
the infamous villainess, you see.
That's why I was so excited
to hear you speak.
Are you a graduate student?
Tell me, what do you know
of Royal Consort Hui of the Kang clan?
Gosh, the way you speak…
Your dedication is on another level.
It's not in the official records,
but according to unofficial histories…
They said she was second
only to the king
and that the world was hers.
But that commoner's time will soon be up.
Do you not agree, Your Majesty?
Despite her low birth, she'd often beat
the noble-born concubines.
She was notorious as a wicked woman
who taught them harsh lessons.
Have you heard anything?
Well, Lady Kang claims she's praying
for the royal family's fortune.
But who knows for sure?
It could be a curse meant
to bring about the Queen's death.
Oh, my.
That is what I am saying!
This blasted drought!
It is all because of that wench,
that Royal Consort Hui!
Since that concubine took power,
every man has been chasing skirts.
With a wicked woman
manipulating the throne,
the barbarians grew restless,
the harvests failed, plagues spread,
and the droughts became deadly.
They were like…
These are the end times.
Right? She is nothing but lowborn.
Just another lowborn.
She was disliked on a cataclysmic level.
Kang Dan-sim?
Well, women's names aren't
in the official Joseon historical records,
but Lady Kang, who was executed
by poisoning and stripped of her title…
I have no name to call my own,
and my body is already dead from poison.
And I have become a villainess
even children mock.
After 300 years,
is all that remains of me in Joseon
a stigma that will not wash away,
even in death?
According to them…
Even if I were stoned to death
a hundred times,
I am a wench who deserved it all.
My goodness, Your Majesty.
What brings such an esteemed person here?
Do you recognize me?
You have the face of a queen.
Do not even mention
that word in my presence.
The throne alone
does not confer regal bearing.
Just like how merely occupying
the role of father does not make him one.
Did you say 400 years?
It has been 300 years.
My body died, leaving only my spirit.
Are you saying
you can reverse 300 years of time?
I have heard all about necromancy
from the royal shamans.
Logically, if you can summon one,
then sending one back
should not be impossible.
Yes, about that…
Actually, in this line of work,
it's a fairly common occurrence.
From Goguryeo, Baekje,
Silla, Joseon, you name it.
Someone from each era shows up
just when you've forgotten.
- From each era?
- Yes.
It's a classic tale at this point.
It's a story we hear
time and again, you see?
Just 20 years ago,
there was a princess
who flew in from Buyeo.
It was called Thousand Years of Love.
"I am Princess Buyeo Ju
from Southern Buyeo!"
Gosh,
that show was a huge hit 20 years ago.
Maybe that's too old for you?
In that case,
how about Rooftop Prince?
Or maybe Queen In-hyun's Man?
Good heavens! How dare you?
A man other than the king?
Do you have a death wish?
You know, I was just saying.
I didn't mean anything by it.
You don't seem to understand
how things work around here.
No, I had my suspicions.
I have read books
like Yongjaechonghwa and Eou Yadam.
I have also read my share
of tales about mythical creatures.
I figured there was more to this world
than what meets the eye.
I have had such suspicions for some time.
Your Majesty, pardon me for a second.
Your Majesty,
this isn't spirit possession.
Possession, time travel.
I believe it's more like time wandering.
Possession, time wandering?
What is the difference?
Well, if you want to get technical,
there is a difference. A big one.
But the fact that your spirit
is living in that woman's body
makes them more or less the same.
Your Majesty, do you understand?
How wondrous it is indeed.
My current situation
is just like an old folktale.
Pardon me?
Zhuangzi dreamed he was a butterfly.
Was Zhuangzi the butterfly,
or was the butterfly Zhuangzi?
My 20 years of life…
Are now a bygone tale from 300 years ago.
You're a genius.
To grasp such a difficult concept
in one go.
Your adaptability is at max level.
You scoundrel!
How dare you run
that filthy mouth of yours!
I have never seen such a degenerate.
Those posts went viral a while ago.
The ones about how to date a chaebol.
A method like that exists?
How to date a chaebol. It's simple.
Find a chaebol.
Slap them. Date them.
What on earth is
the mechanism behind that?
Why would you suddenly start dating
someone who slapped you?
"You're the first woman
who's ever treated me like this."
"It's refreshing."
"It's thrilling."
- That's ridiculous.
- Hold on.
Come to think of it,
that woman from before
hit all three in one go.
Find a chaebol, slap them.
Date…
- Mr. Son.
- Sir.
I'm warning you.
Don't you ever even breathe
a word about that woman again.
When I was in full bloom,
I thought I would stay
that way forever.
So beautiful.
Looking back,
my life was but an empty dream.
A fleeting, beautiful moment.
I lost my way.
Cast out into a new world,
neither paradise nor hell.
Is this, then, a punishment
from the heavens?
Right now in downtown Seoul,
an unforecasted shower
is suddenly pouring down.
And because of that,
our message board is flooded
with complaints from listeners
who forgot their umbrellas.
It seems this surprise sun shower
on a dull afternoon
isn't very welcome.
But did you know?
An unwelcome sun shower
can represent unspoken feelings.
You all know the origin
of the sun shower, don't you?
A fox was marrying a tiger,
and a cloud that loved her
shed tears of sorrow.
But they say there's another,
truer meaning.
COMET FOR FIRST TIME IN 300 YEARS
The true meaning of a sun shower is…
I am cold.
I am alive.
I survived.
I do not care if this is
a reward or punishment.
What does any of it matter?
I am filled with profound gratitude
simply to be alive thus, rather than dead.
No, this is not a curse.
Let me think of it as a rebirth.
Not a punishment, but a second chance.
It may be wretched, but I survived.
So in this life…
I shall live as I please.
And consider this a reward.
I'll go when the rain eases.
Excuse me. If I wish to find
the owner of this identification tag,
what must I do?
The true meaning of a sun shower is
that it comes so that the one you love
may live a new and happy life.
It's a blessing sent
while shedding tears of sorrow.
The rain has stopped, and like a gift,
a rainbow has appeared over the city.
The misfortune of the rain.
The good fortune of the rainbow.
Which of the two would you choose?
Even without any powerful backing,
I rose to the top of the Inner Court.
Here, there is no king,
shamaness, or minister
to do my bidding.
Then there is only one way
for me to survive here.
He may be an ill-mannered degenerate,
but he looks like
he has never bowed down to anyone.
Everything from the arrogance in his eyes
to the tone in which he speaks,
and even the way he carries himself,
practically oozes wealth.
I am certain he must be
a man of considerable influence.
Starting today,
I shall use you as my sword and shield.
Mr. Son. It's the chairman.
Mr. Chairman, I wasn't told
you were coming
Swinging a bat? What are you, a thug?
You stormed out on us.
So why are you trashing Mun-do's company?
I was actually going to tell you
at your birthday party later.
Grandfather, it's a deep fake.
It's doctored.
Give me a break, you punk!
Look here. That is clearly your face.
I was shocked at first too.
I thought I had amnesia or something.
It looks so much like me.
Do you hear yourself right now?
That you're even confused is the problem!
You always said
a businessman finds
opportunity in a crisis.
I already made them an acquisition offer.
We're meeting this week.
Their tech is on par with Hollywood.
You money-grubbing punk!
Everything's an acquisition
or a sale to you.
You go on matchmaking dates
and just talk money.
I never told you to do that.
But I have to.
Marriage is a crucial merger in life.
SONGHWA MULSAN
My father is
also a businessman, like you.
You've heard of Songhwa Mulsan, right?
Yes. He was on the news yesterday,
in a wheelchair.
Embezzlement and breach of trust?
If you're looking to use marriage
to fill the void while the chairman
is in the slammer,
then I'm all for that merger.
I'll give you three days.
I guess you enjoy dark humor?
SQ RETAIL
The company promotes
an eco-friendly image,
but its chairman's daughter
is a fur lover?
Is that polar bear fur? Growl.
It's a proposal
for my company's new brand.
Our relationship will depend
on the size of the investment.
Your dream is to be
a stew-cooking housewife?
I prefer toast to stew.
And a business partner to a doting wife.
So keep your stake in the holding company
even after we get married.
Or better yet, sign it over to me.
Do you know what they call you
behind your back?
Marriage-alliance wrecker!
That's still better
than "half-breed chaebol."
My mom provided me
with only a humble background.
Me looking to marry up?
It's only natural, Grandfather.
I plan on selling myself
to the highest bidder.
Once this launch is a success,
women will be flocking to me.
Why you little…
Unbelievable.
OPEN CASTING CALL FOR MODELS
SEEKING THE QUEEN OF DYNAESTIE
It appears they will accept
any riffraff here.
Whether in Joseon or here,
the powerful ones…
Are all the same.
May I help you?
I have come to meet your superior.
Please inform him.
The CEO?
And what is your name?
Kang Dan-sim…
Shin Seo-ri, are you nuts?
- Seo-ri, you've been…
- Shin Seo-ri, you…
Shin… Seo-ri?
Ms. Shin Seo-ri?
What time is your appointment?
I did not make an appointment,
but I was told to come
with this paper identification tag.
DYNAESTIE MODEL CASTING CALL
So that's why you're talking like that.
The audition is around the corner.
Just follow the other applicants.
SHIN SEO-RI
I wish you luck.
Thank you.
Sir.
My head is spinning right now.
Next time my grandfather shows up,
tell him I'm out.
Yes, sir.
What about the audition?
Director Jang is running it,
and he asked if you'll be observing.
Do I really need to get involved?
Have the team screen them first,
then bring me the finalists.
Understood.
Sir, about that protester from earlier
Can it wait?
I need to make a call.
Yes, sir.
STAND UNITED AND FIGH
SHIN SEO-RI
My word.
He is no king,
yet he summons people at will.
How many hours must I wait?
Damn degenerate. He must be
more powerful than I thought.
I have come to the right place.
- Oh my, are we a bit late?
- It's Yoon Ji-hyo. It's her.
- It's Yoon Ji-hyo.
- I'm so sorry. Traffic was terrible.
Did she have someone tailing me?
What are those two…
Sir, if you have a moment,
can we have a quick chat?
YOON JI-HYO
Shin Seo-ri, what are you doing here?
If you are late, do not cut in line.
Go to the back.
You ditch a shoot in the morning
to show up for an afternoon audition?
Seo-ri, you are one busy bee today.
I think that as well.
Isn't it a bit pathetic
to be so two-faced?
You used to criticize actors
for selling out for commercials.
But now that you're without an agency
and totally washed up,
you're ready to hit the ground running?
You are right.
I do need to hit the ground.
I am here to properly ground myself.
So let us just mind our own business.
Seeing your face
does not exactly brighten my day either.
I don't know how you've hidden
that sharp tongue until now.
But Seo-ri, this whole audition thing
isn't something you can win with bluffing.
Has this wench lost her damn mind?
She has been picking fights
over every little thing.
Look. All the aces from every top agency
in the country are here.
I'm almost worried
that you might be too relaxed.
I just came to see a degenerate.
Why would I need to be tense for that?
You worry about the strangest things.
Damn, she's so confident.
You know what they say.
"Everyone has a plan
until they get smacked in the face."
So I applaud your reckless courage.
A staring contest? I cannot possibly lose.
"When the work is done, retire."
Wise words from Tao Te Ching.
I will gladly applaud you as well.
Now,
begone!
The next group can go in now.
I'd like to ask
what sort of mindset led you
to come to this audition at Biojei today.
"Where there's a will, there's a way."
I'm here with the spirit of a rookie.
I'm here today,
feeling pleasantly nervous.
I feel excited
as if I were meeting my first love.
Ready to risk it all.
A matter of life and death.
I have come prepared to die
if this is not my path.
Gosh, there's no need to go that far.
Well, having such strong resolve
isn't a bad thing.
All right. Can you tell us
where you see yourselves
in ten years?
I think I'll be
with my loving husband and children,
cooking up soybean paste stew for them.
I mean, I'm sure I'll still be working
in the entertainment industry.
To be honest, my childhood dream
was to be a good wife and a wise mother.
Even a queen, in front of her family,
is just an ordinary person, right?
To be born a woman,
only to squat by the kitchen stove
and dream of serving up stew.
What a pathetic excuse for a dream.
"Pathetic"?
"Good wife and wise mother.
Ordinary person."
It will all be in vain.
The world has changed so much,
yet you would volunteer
to be a kitchen maid.
If our foremothers like Heo Nanseolheon
and Shin Saimdang were to hear this,
they would rise from their graves weeping.
Gosh, don't you think
that's taking it a bit too far?
But didn't the scholar, Im Yunjidang,
say as much?
That the natures of men and women
are not inherently different.
As for me, in this life,
I would choose to remain unmarried.
And I would devote myself to my studies
to rise to the top
of whatever field it may be.
Sounds like a Gen Z manifesto.
You scoundrel!
What are you doing here?
I have come to offer you a deal.
- Do you know her?
- No, not really.
Don't mind me.
Just continue with what you were doing.
My moniker is the Lion Dog of the Annex.
Once I sink my teeth in, I never let go.
What now?
Do you have more business with me?
Did I not tell you
I have a deal to offer you?
Normally, in a deal,
you first need to have something
the other person wants.
But you…
SHIN SEO-RI
You, Ms. Shin Seo-ri,
seem to have absolutely nothing.
Do you judge people by appearances alone?
Managing your own image is a skill too.
"Image-ma"?
You wish to use fancy words? Very well.
They say the art of compassion
is itself a divine art.
If you only judge people
by their appearance,
how will you ever recruit talented people
and become the most powerful man
in this country…
That scoundrel.
Hey! I was speaking to you!
Such conduct would be deemed
improper in any culture.
If I'm not getting anything out of this,
isn't this just a waste of time?
I have not even begun
to state my business.
You can run, so you're able-bodied.
And judging by your audition,
you seem to be of sound mind.
Instead of trying to make some shady deal,
why don't you try doing
some actual work for a change?
It is like talking to a brick wall.
You should get lost now. Let's go.
Hey! Hold on.
Wait.
Where is this murderous aura coming from?
Hold on!
Stop. You must not get in that palanquin.
If you don't stop,
I will report you for stalking.
I just sensed an assassin's presence.
Someone nearby is after your life!
Get down!
This woman is unbelievable.
Get her away from me.
Miss, that's enough.
Do you have any idea who this is?
You scoundrels! Unhand me at once!
You cannot!
I told you to get down!
You scoundrels must search the vicinity!
Damn it.
Wait.
MY ROYAL NEMESIS
I am the one who saved your life.
You dare forsake your savior?
Find out everything you can about her.
In this place,
it seems even breathing
causes money to drain away.
You don't think
someone put her up to this?
There's no shortage of people
who want to see me crash and burn.
Welcome, Se-gye.
Poor educational background,
a tragic family history…
It all makes sense now.
In this life,
I will do what I must to survive it.
Are you going to get paid?
We're sold out!
- It's sold out!
- Sold out!
Found you.
Shin Seo-ri.
Subtitle translation by Justin S. Kim