Lee Young is known as the Crown Prince Hyomyeong of Joseon Dynasty who was born in 18 September 1809 but later died on 25 June 1830. He was born with Yi Yeong as his name who later called King Munjo. The prince was the eldest son of King Sunjo, husband of Queen Sinjeong and father of King Heonjong.
In 1817, the prince was admitted to the Sungkyunkwan. In 1819, he was titled Crown Prince of Joseon. A genius in literature and the arts, he created several court dances (정재) and used court ritual and the arts to validate and augment the King's control over the government. Known to have pursued various political reforms, the prince served as Regent in 1827 until his death 3 years later at age 20.
There is totally no history record of Crown Prince who met a woman Eunuch in the palace. However, there is a record regarding the riot lead by Hong Gyeong Nae. King Sunjo ascended the throne at a young age. Despite King Sunjo’s efforts to reform politics, the fundamental principles of government deteriorated. The state examination became disordered and corruption in the government personnel administration prevailed. This resulted in disorder in society and various kinds of riots broke out among the people, including the revolt by Hong Gyeong Nae.
With those facts in the history, there are some guesses as how the story will revolve;
- In the end of the episode, Lee Young (played by Park Bo Gum) will die in his young age, because he is fated right from the start that he doesn't have a long life. Do you remember the Prime Minister called upon a fortume-teller who stated that Crown Prince Lee Young doesn't have a long life as a King? I think that was one hint given to us.
- Lee Young will get married to Jo Ha Yeon (played by Chae Soo Bin) eventually, who later become Queen Sinjong of the Pungyang Jo clan. I know the history might not be changed at all, though I really wish they wouldn't end up together because I really like the interaction between Lee Young and Ra On.
- There is no record of Hong Ra On (played by Kim Yoo Jung), so I bet both of our main lead would not end up being together. More, Hong Ra On seems to be the daugther of Hong Gyeong Nae, though there is record mentioning her name on the history. In any case, there will be no riot or revolt anymore lead by Hong Ra On. It seems we are going to see the details on the history as to how Ra On will let go on the revenge and finally be able to live her life well.
- This story would end up as a melodrama story since the love of our main lead won't end up as a happy one. Right from the start, do you remember the book that Yeong was reading? It's written, the unkown love story of Joseon. Thus, there is of course no record of it. Don't you think the writer is so creative and awesome for creating such story with historical record this much? More, Ra On keeps hinting about there is no right or wrong in confessiong the true feeling. Even more, a proper farewell is also considered as sincere as love. Ra On will then live her life remembering that she's loved and so that's the source of strength in her life.
Was very curious as to how the writer will end the story. I know this is a historical fictional drama. But so far, they've been properly following the history. I guess it's hard if they don't go with the way history goes. Thus, although I am hoping that the writer will end the story with different ending, but somehow I am pretty positive that the ending would be a sad one. Prepare your heart and tissue!
