All language subtitles for Inglés_en_0_청일전쟁과 여걸 민비(1964) _The Sino-Japanese War and Queen Min the Heroine(480P)

The Sino-Japanese War
and Queen Min the Heroine

Excellent.

You did very well.

You did the country a great service.

I will report this to His Majesty and
ask for a generous reward for you.

Forgive me for saying so, sir,

but we didn't win this battle today.

The enemy has only withdrawn temporarily.

If they invade us again
with a large force,

I'm afraid we won't be able to
hold them off on our own.

What do you mean?

First, they have
technologically advanced equipment.

To defeat them,

we must be equipped with
equally good guns, cannons, and warships.

We need to start making

weapons immediately
to prepare for another invasion.

Spoken like
a truly distinguished commander.

That is very generous of you.

I'll teach these impudent outsiders a lesson!

- Listen, General LEE.
- Yes, sir.

Issue a ban on Christianity.

Arrest all believers
of the sinister Catholic cult

and the Western missionaries
who spread it and execute them.

Stamp your feet harder.

Miss. Miss!

What's the fuss?

Hide! Royal Secretary CHO's son
has just arrived from Seoul.

What? Young Master CHO?

Is it true?

Welcome, Young Master.

How have you been?

Let me take a peek.

You go ahead, too.

No, no.

It is so nice of you to come.

Don't be shy. Come in.

Thank you.

It must have been very challenging.

The whole world is clamoring
about your great military prowess.

Oh no, not at all.

How have you been, Madam?

Everything is fine with us.

Young ladies!

By the way, where is Elder Brother?

He spends every waking hour fishing.

- Brother!
- Oh.

What is the matter?

Brother, he is back.

Who?

Oh, it must be Jung-gu.

- Did you catch a lot of fish?
- Yes, I did.

Oh, my.

They took the bait very willingly,

probably knowing
your fiancé had arrived.

Oh, please.

Good thing you're here.

Take these home and make
some dishes for drinks, will you?

And will you tell Jung-gu to come out
and get some fresh air?

I will.

Giddy-up! Oh!

Oh, no.

Stop. Stop!

Giddy-up!

Miss MIN.

Miss MIN!

Oh, dear.

Are you hurt?

The horse has disrespected me
because I'm a woman!

I should lash it as a punishment.

How dare it snub its owner!

Is it for me?

Miss MIN. Miss MIN!

Is it going well?

Yes, sir.

No. They are too exhausted.

Replace them with the ones
drafted from Jeolla Province.

What is all this racket about?
What is it?

Unhyeongung Palace

Don't worry.

It would be a shame if the MIN clan
couldn't afford a daughter's wedding.

I will ask His Highness to help them.

- How kind of you.
- His Highness is here.

- Is Seung-ho here?
- Yes, sir.

- It has been a while.
- Are you done for the day, sir?

- Have a seat.
- Thank you.

He was telling me his sister in Yeoju
is old enough to get married.

- The daughter of the late MIN Chi-rok?
- Yes.

Did he not have a son?

No, which is why my cousin here
was adopted into the family.

Who is the fiancé?

CHO Jung-gu, son of
Royal Secretary CHO from Yangju.

- CHO Jung-gu?
- Yes, yes.

I heard he did an excellent job
at the Battle of Ganghwa recently.

- Is she well-behaved?
- Yes.

She is well-mannered in every way

and her writing is
intelligent and mature.

She is an impeccable young woman.

I see.

- And no father or brother?
- No.

- Seung-ho.
- Yes?

That younger sister of yours.
Bring her to Seoul.

To Seoul?

What will you do with her?

- Don't say a word.
- What?

- Just bring her.
- What?

Yes, I will.

And you must let me meet her.

Magistrate! Where is he?

Shh, be quiet.
He is not feeling well.

He is unwell?

- I heard a strange rumor.
- What rumor?

That Miss MIN, his fiancée,
has been selected as the Queen.

- What?
- Impossible.

Be quiet.

- It is you.
- Magistrate.

MIN Seung-ho is here.

MIN Seung-ho?

How have you been?

No!

Honey.

What is so great about being the Queen?

I won't break off my engagement
just to be royalty!

You silly girl.

You can't refuse a royal marriage.

How can you possibly
resist a royal decree?

Besides, have you thought about
the consequences for this family?

Once you become a queen,

you will bring the greatest honor
to this once-prominent MIN family.

Your brother will get a government post

and the MIN clan will become powerful.

What is there to complain about?

But I can't give up Young Master CHO.

No, no, no!

How can you be so selfish?

Your ancestor may be
the father of a queen,

but no one will notice you

or respect you properly
in this backwater!

I understand
you've become fond of Jung-gu,

but you have no way to refuse
the marriage and wed him instead.

If you do that,

you will end up harming him.
How can you not see it?

Don't protest anymore
and prepare to enter the Royal Court.

Come on.

So the Daewongun (the king's father)
will appoint you the Intendant of Ganghwa.

Report to the Royal Court at once
and accept the decree.

You mean making me the Intendant
of Ganghwa for breaking off my engagement.

Even you're making a fool out of me!

What else can you do, then?

There are plenty of
young women in Joseon.

Why must they insist on my fiancée

- and snatch her from me?
- Mind your tongue.

Being stubborn is useless.
Give it up.

You will only end up getting hurt
if you defy the Daewongun.

Your obstinance
will kill your entire family.

- I don't care.
- Even if all your kin are slain?

Please, I beg you.

Relay my plea to the Daewongun

and ask him to return her to me.

No matter what, keep this in mind.

In normal cases, you're right.

However, asking for the return of a lady
designated to be the Queen

is the highest treason.

I'm telling you for your own sake.
Think about it carefully.

Welcome, sir.

- Is the Mistress in here?
- She left for Seoul.

She left?

The Minister's entourage
came to fetch her.

She must be
in Unhyeongung Palace by now.

I took a shortcut to
get here fast, and...

I'm sorry to hear that.
Please come inside.

Miss, the Young Master
wishes to see you one last time.

What should we do with him?

He is standing in the pouring rain
waiting for you helplessly.

- Please care for his feelings.
- No, I can't.

My royal wedding is coming up.

Tell him to leave and return home.

But...

Why must you also torment me?

Yes, I must destroy his affection for me.

Go outside and
give him my message.

- Did you tell her?
- Yes.

And what did she say?

She said she had no idea
you were such a sore loser.

She wants you to leave at once
or risk your life.

What?

Please, you must leave.

- Still?
- Yes.

- Is he still there?
- I'm afraid so.

How insolent.

At this hour, how dare he trespass
on the future Queen's quarters?

He is a menace.

He may cause further trouble.

There is no other way.

I'll have the Royal Investigation Bureau
execute him with poison tomorrow morning.

Magistrate.

- Magistrate!
- Jung-gu.

Miss MIN. Miss MIN!

Brother!

Don't cry.

Although I'm taking a queen,
how can I forsake you?

Come on. Dry your tears
and show me your smile.

How could I not understand?

Yet I can't stop the tears
from falling endlessly.

Just wait and see.

I promise you, you will never
have to shed a tear again.

Your Highness, my life and death
depend solely on you.

Please have mercy on me.

All right, all right, I see.

Come on, show me your pretty smile.

Come on.

Smile for me.

Good.

An urgent report from
the Governor of Hamgyeong Province.

Your Highness, a Russian warship
has sailed into the coast of Wonsan,

threatening us to open our ports.

While our troops are fighting them,

they are helpless
against their powerful cannons.

What? Invasion by a Russian warship?

Yes, sir.
Their brutality is heinous.

The dire consequences await
if we fail to swiftly expel the enemy.

What a disaster.

How shall we stop these barbarians
from violating our land?

How could the Governor of Hamgyeong
fail to defeat a small group of bandits?

Pathetic.

Court Lady HA. Court Lady HA!

Is His Majesty coming?

- Court Lady HA.
- Yes, Your Highness.

Is the King staying
in Yeongbodang House?

Then extinguish the lights
and retire for the night.

You must be exhausted
after a hard day's work.

Your Highness, you're too generous.

If she had a shred of decency,

Lady LEE would have shown gratitude
for your profound benevolence.

Court Lady HA.

Stop crying.

Why is a seasoned royal aide like you
behaving so inappropriately?

Forgive me.

Back then, I was so thrilled
you were to be the Queen.

You wouldn't be going
through all this

if only you could marry
Young Master CHO.

I guess I'm paying for my sins now.

Give him a post in Gwangju for now,

but replace him if he fails to pay
30 thousand nyang in three months.

Yes, Your Highness.
He was already told so.

Who is this?

What is this?

I'm asking how someone I don't know of
was given a government post!

His Majesty sent a message
through one of his ladies this morning.

I thought you were already aware of it.

I'm the one who wields power.

Not that I'm opposing the King.

But things must be done properly!

- Yes, sir.
- Next.

A rice shortage in the Tribute Bureau?

It was all spent on rebuilding
Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Where is all the toll money
collected at the Four Gates of Seoul?

- The collection is not going well.
- What do you mean?

The gatekeepers are pocketing it
behind your back, are they not?

I'm not sure.

"I'm not sure?"

You're ministers of a country!
Is that all you can come up with?

- I apologize.
- I apologize.

I will go see things for myself today.

You're supposed to pay one more mun.

- Didn't I just pay?
- What is this?

Take him.

Mom, help me!

It's not like we are taking
the toll money for our sake.

It all goes to the Daewongun
so he can rebuild Gyeongbokgung Palace,

so cough it up.

Must a little kid like him pay, too?

Everyone must pay one mun
every time they pass through the gate.

Sheesh. Here you go.

It's not like the palace
is for the common folk.

How mean of the Daewongun.
Let's go.

What an impudent woman.

Arrest those people and jail them.

Here comes the King.

- She delivered safely?
- Yes, Your Highness.

Your Highness, Lady LEE delivered a son safely.

What?

- She had a son?
- Yes, Your Highness.

I will go get some air.

His nose looks exactly like his mother's.

But his eyes are as brilliant
as his father's, Your Highness.

So he takes after both his parents.

But none of that matters, does it?

He is the son of a lowly woman.

Who will hold him dear?

You still don't know the law very well.

The status of the son's mother
does not matter.

Just wait and see.

You will be honored immensely.

I always feel guilty toward the Queen,
as if I've offended her.

You bore me the son
she was not able to have.

She will give you credit for it.

Please sleep
in the Queen's residence tonight.

Well...

Should I inform her
you will be with Lady JANG?

The mother is being so touchy!

Your Highness, you must give birth
to a son as soon as possible,

or you will continue
to be treated unfairly.

Lady LEE of Yeongbodang House is devious,

and even the Daewongun
adores her like nothing else.

- Court Lady HA.
- Yes, Your Highness.

I have a sudden craving for a drink.

Have the kitchen
serve me some good drink.

A drink, all of a sudden?

They say liquor frees your heart
and helps you forget your sorrow.

Your Highness.

Men bring in female entertainers
to spice up their drinking parties.

Will this be enough?

We should, at least,
bring in some performers.

Your Highness, you're drinking too much.

I want to drink
until I can forget about everything.

Come have a drink.

It tastes bitter, but the feeling
of intoxication is delightful.

Here. Take it.

I dare not, Your Highness.

The Queen, Court Lady, whatever.
drop all these cumbersome titles.

You and I are both lonely women
trapped in the mighty royal palace.

Let us share our resentment
over some drinks.

Take it.

Come on.

Don't cry.

Pour me a cup after you're done.

Does drinking invite more drinking,

or does an anguished heart
need more drinking?

We didn't win
the battle in Wonsan at all.

They only withdrew
because they were tired.

If they invade us again,

how in the world will
we stop them?

Yet the Daewongun is gloating
about our supposed victory.

How pathetic!

It is all right
to reject Western barbarians,

but his slaughtering of
innocent Catholics is devastating.

It is very disturbing.

The King is indulging in
the ladies-in-waiting at a time like this.

Who will govern this country?

King must take his power back
as soon as possible,

which means you should see him often
and remind him.

Be careful about what you say.

The Daewongun is already wary of us,
afraid that the MIN clan

will seize power from him.

You could end up in harm's way.

- We shall keep that in mind.
- We shall keep that in mind.

And?

They said the King must take back power
as soon as possible.

Every night, the MINs engage
in heated discussion

in front of the Queen at her residence.

I should sentence these bastards to death
by a thousand cuts!

I chose a girl who had no brothers

so there would be no in-laws
meddling in state affairs,

and now she brings in her ragtag cousins
to get rid of me?

What does it say?

The Daewongun will visit
Donggureung Royal Tombs tomorrow.

So we will ambush him on the way.

Eo-hwa-dung-dung, my love
Eo-hwa-dung-dung, my love

The fairest maiden
in the world, my love

The finest damsel
in history, my love

Walk away
Let me see your backside

Come here
Let me see your front

Totter like a baby
Let me see you walk

Smile
Let me see your mouth

You and I are sweet on each other

We can't be more fond of each other

Tranquil is the water of the long river

Infinite is the sadness of the traveler

As I can't see you off at the bridge

The river and the trees feel sorry for me

We are a match made in heaven

Our love won't fade for ten thousand years

Eo-hwa-dung-dung, my love

Love, love, love, my love
What a love, my beloved

It is love, my love

You are my love
Seol-ma-dung-dung, my love

The autumn moon shines on the vast plaza

And our love towers over the mountain

The sun sets slowly
I roll up the blinds

And I see my love, as pretty as a flower

In the dusky evening, the crescent moon
smiles happily over our love

Heaped up like piles of grain
in the south and the north granaries...

Miss MIN. Miss MIN!

Miss MIN!

Good job.

Come closer.
I will pour you a drink.

I don't deserve it.

- Come on.
- I dare not.

- Please allow me to pour you one.
- You will?

All right.

Are you husband and wife?

Yes, Your Highness.

I see you're
as happy as two lovebirds.

Thank you.

Here you are.
Pour it to the brim.

It's my honor.

Impudent!

Your Highness, bringing vulgar commoners
into the palace

and drinking with them
is unheard of in royal history.

Please expel them immediately
so you won't be disgraced.

You're the Mother of the nation
and the Queen.

The Queen?

The Mother of the nation?

What is so great about being the Queen
or the Mother of the nation?

After all, I'm but flesh and blood.
And I'm much less happy than they.

I envy you.

They may scorn you
for being a performer,

but you can hold hands with your man
and live happily ever after.

How lovely is that?

A woman's greatest happiness
comes from her husband's love.

You got what even the Queen
couldn't have.

That makes you a happier woman
than I am.

I envy you so much that I hate you.
I want to kill you.

Jeong-ran, go and bring
the performer back here.

- What?
- Now.

Yes, Your Highness.

Come up here closer.

Yes, Your Highness.

Come on.

Don't be so apprehensive.
Come closer.

Yes, Your Highness.

How do you like it?

You don't have to travel around.

If you serve me,
you will get a government post

and enjoy wealth and glory.

Will you comfort this lonely woman?

Your Highness.

The person in front of you
is neither Your Highness nor the Queen.

I'm just a woman
who longs for a man's embrace.

A lonesome, desolate woman.

If you wish so...

Will you be with me from now on?

I will.

Then you will have to
leave your wife.

I will ditch her right away
at your command.

As long as I can be adored by someone
as noble as you, I will...

How contemptible.

- Hear me!
- Yes, Your Highness.

Is anyone out there?

Here I am, Your Highness.

Drag him out right now
and behead him.

- Yes, Your Highness.
- Your Highness!

Get up.

Your Highness,
please forgive me just this once.

Your Highness, please forgive me.
Your Highness!

Your Highness, forgive me just this once.

I deserve to die.
Please forgive me.

Shut your mouth.

You beast.

Do you want wealth and
glory that badly?

I can't have mercy on a man like you

who would forsake his wife
over something so fleeting!

- Do it!
- Yes, Your Highness.

Your Highness, Your Highness.

I beg you to calm down, Your Highness.

Human life is precious.

It is not right to kill a man
like you squash an insect

just because he was unethical.

Who do you think you are?

How impudent.

How dare you run your mouth
in front of me?

Your Highness, life is precious
even for a lowly vulgar commoner.

I beg you to calm down
and show some compassion.

How audacious.

Who are you to lecture to me?

If you dare preach to me again,
I will have you beheaded, too.

I understand.

Behead me
if you wish to, Your Highness.

What is your name?

I'm HWANG Jung-won.
I've just been appointed as a Royal Guard.

- HWANG Jung-won?
- Yes, Your Highness.

You were right.

Of out everyone,

you were the only one
who risked his life to speak up.

I was just testing all of you.

And I was teaching him a hard lesson
so he wouldn't abandon his wife.

- Listen.
- Yes, Your Highness.

Even when she lives on wild plants
in a shabby house,

a wife is happy
as long as her husband loves her.

Ruining that happiness for a little money
is the worst thing you can do.

- Do you understand?
- I do. You're merciful.

I deserve to die. Please...

If you do, leave now
and go comfort your wife.

Yes. I will leave now.

How do you think, Officer HWANG?

Am I good enough to
be the Queen now?

Your kindness is amazing.
I don't know how to thank you.

It's reassuring to have someone
like you around.

- You're very kind.
- Your Highness!

What is it?

- There's trouble in Jongmyo Shrine.
- What do you mean?

Please go inside.

Leave.

- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.

How dare you make a scene here
of all places?

Get out now!

Did you not hear me? Leave!

We're following the Daewongun's orders.
Let us through!

There's a valuable national treasure
buried here.

Even the King can't just take it.
What are you doing?

I won't move even if it kills me!

What did he just say? Impudent!

Fire him
and have him executed right away!

They are digging up the silver
buried in the backyard of Jongmyo?

That is right.

This is what I've been waiting for.

Get ready.
I will go to Jongmyo Shrine.

- Yes, Your Highness.
- Yes, Your Highness.

Good. Dig them out.

- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.

Over there, Your Highness.

What are you doing? Hurry up!

- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.

Here comes the Queen!

You thieves!
How outrageously brazen of you!

Arrest them all and put them to death
by dismemberment!

Yes, Your Highness.

- You.
- Get moving.

Why are you blaming us?

Stop whining.

We were just following orders.

Oh, Father.

I'm the one
in charge of the government,

so I suggest you stay put.

Running a country takes money,
and we're running out of money.

What else can I do?

Not even the King
can touch the treasure at will.

What gives you
the right to dig it up?

The wind is cold at night.
Please go back to your residence.

No good has ever come from
a queen meddling in politics.

I'm the father of the King
and the regent who acts in his place.

Therefore, politics is solely my business.

I suggest you stop interfering.

- Proceed!
- Yes, sir!

Please, Your Highness.

Here comes the Queen.

What brings you here?

Please tell everyone to leave.

Leave us alone.

- Yes, Sire.
- Yes, Sire.

Why the sudden visit?

The country is in a devastating state,

so I had to ask for your audience.

What is wrong with this country?

Your Majesty.

As I feel responsible

for any bad decisions
during your rule,

so I need to be honest with you.

So, what is it? Pray tell me.

I regret to inform you

that the Daewongun is digging up
the Royal Hoard from the Jongmyo Shrine.

What? The Royal Hoard?

The story is that

when Qing invaded Joseon,

King Injo defied
the enemy at Namhansanseong Fortress

until he was forced to surrender
to Emperor Hong Taiji.

The Crown Prince and Prince Bongrim
were taken as hostages, but King Injo

passed away without having a chance
to avenge the shame as he always wanted.

Later, when Prince Bongrim returned
and inherited the throne as King Hyojong,

he made proactive plans
for the Northern Campaign.

First, he wanted the military
to be expanded.

Second, he wanted to fill up
the country's money.

Third, he wanted to
make more weapons.

To prepare for an all-out war,
he made everyone, rich or poor,

pay gold, silver, copper, and iron
once a year to support the campaign.

Sadly, he passed away
without achieving his goal,

leaving a will stipulating
the Royal Hoard shouldn't be touched

unless we were at war.

All kings have kept it safe
to this day

even when money was tight.

However, the Daewongun
dug it up at will,

abusing his power as the regent
and without reporting it

to Your Highness, the Queen Mother,
or to Jongmyo Shrine.

He has deceived the King!

He has crossed a line,

deceiving his King
and insulting the dynasty.

How can we ever face
our ancestor kings now?

He even ordered the gatekeeper
who tried to stop him to be killed,

and admonished me sternly,
saying that women shouldn't get involved.

The country and the government
are in crisis.

It is most distressing.

But it was not my choice
to be a figurehead, was it?

He might even replace me
as King if he wants to.

You should be careful too.

Don't openly criticize
or go against him.

Your Majesty, this country belongs
to you and only you.

Even if he is your father,

is it not time for him

to resign as the regent
and give you back control?

Of course I know that.

But how can I just order
my own father to give up power?

He is the first living Daewongun
in 500 years of this monarchy,

and no regent has ever ruled
for almost ten years before.

He abolished private institutes,
insulting intellectuals.

He massacred
countless innocent commoners,

expelled foreigners from developed
countries like they were animals,

cut off all travel, and
isolated the country from the outside.

Examples of his misrule abound!

It is all because you're so
devoted to your father

that you haven't claimed
your rightful power as the ruler.

I beg Your Highness to consider this.

When loyalty and filial piety clash,

loyalty to the country must come first,

and filial piety comes after.

You're right.

I've always wanted someone
to tell me this,

and I'm so grateful
to hear it from you today.

To be frank,
I'm only King in name,

a puppet who can't
even choose officials.

Your Majesty,
if that's how you feel,

you need to move quickly to
make your father step down.

Move quickly? How?

The road ahead will be tough.
We can't fix everything at once.

I may not be the most capable,

but I promise to
support you all the way.

My Queen,
I have full confidence in you.

Thank you.
I shall always be loyal to you.

Stop right there!

Who are you?

Take this!

Spare their lives. Listen.

Yes, sir.

Capture them alive
and lock them up.

Yes, sir.

Permit me to tell you about
my older brother CHO Jung-gu.

He won the Battle of Gangwha and
was engaged to Queen MIN.

Instead of rewarding him,
the country took his fiancée away,

and as if it were not enough,
they cruelly killed him.

Can't you see how unfair that is?

So, you tried to kill me for revenge?

My biggest regret is failing to
kill you quickly and get my revenge.

You scoundrel!

He's got guts.

Tell the truth.

Someone's clearly behind this.

Don't be foolish. Tell the truth.

Twist his legs until he confesses.

His Highness says to twist his legs.

- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.

Sir, we've got a problem.

The Queen Mother wishes to see you.

Here comes the Daewongun!

The Queen Mother,
what is going on?

Daewongun, you will drink it with me.

I heard you dug up the Royal Hoard
from Jongmyo Shrine.

How can we face
our ancestor kings now?

Even His Majesty is so ashamed
he wishes to atone for it with his life

and now there's a cup of poison
in front of him.

How dare we old folks
dare to keep living?

You and I will die today.

Your Majesty!

Father, I'll beg our ancestors
for forgiveness with my life.

Your Majesty.

I deserve to die a hundred times over.

- The Queen Mother.
- Please stop.

All officials are waiting in the palace.

They may come in.

You may come in.

- Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty.

- Your Majesty.
- Your Majesty.

Is Chief Secretary LEE Il-mong here?

Here I am, Your Majesty.

Listen.

I've striven to fulfill my duty
to the Queen Mother and my subjects

to strengthen the country
and please our ancestors.

How dare you, a mere official,

insult our ancestor kings
by digging up the Royal Hoard?

How treasonable!

Why did you commit the horrendous crime
of deceiving our ancestors?

This humble servant of yours

owes an immense debt of gratitude
to you and His Majesty,

so I dare not deceive you in the least.

I just followed the Regent's orders,
that's all.

Daewongun, how dare you do
something so hideous?

Impudent!

You ignored me
because I'm a widow.

What will become of this country?
Who can I trust at all?

I learned today
how wise His Majesty was.

Pray use your judgment

to punish the Regent
and the Chief Secretary severely.

- Chief of the Royal Investigation Bureau!
- Yes, Sire.

Release the gatekeeper HA Dae-ryeon,
who is to be executed today, right away.

Yes, Your Majesty.

- And Minister.
- Yes, Sire.

Remove Secretary LEE Il-mong from office
and exile him to Gapsan.

As of today, the Regent will resign

and I will rule directly.

I expect
your loyal assistance and support.

- As Your Majesty wishes.
- As Your Majesty wishes.

Your Highness.

- What do you want to say now?
- Is there enough liquor?

Joseon might be small,
but why would the palace lack liquor?

I just wanted to check if
I need to bring some from Unhyeongung.

Come in.

Your spirit and courage are impressive.

It is remarkable that
you were brave enough

to kill me with your swords.

And instead of cowering
when facing death,

you stand firm like real men.
What impressive spirit.

But there is something you don't know.

Your brother CHO Jung-gu
was my most respected general.

Back then, I didn't even know
he was engaged to Miss MIN.

It was the Queen's brother
MIN Seung-ho who approached me

and suggested his sister
as a candidate for Queen.

Oh, goodness.

Look at me.

Also, because she wanted to
be Queen instead of an official's wife,

she insisted on breaking her engagement
and offering herself as a candidate.

I was planning to
take this secret to my grave.

I could've you killed right away!

But instead, I'm sparing your life
and telling you everything

because I understand
how righteous young men like you feel.

If you truly wish to avenge
CHO Jung-gu's death,

stop being so rash.

Start by showing your loyalty to me.

Your Highness.

Why are you out here alone?

Rumor has it that the Daewongun
is waiting for a chance to retaliate.

What?

I beg you to be careful
for your safety.

He must be going senile.
Why is he after my life?

I didn't do anything wrong!

Who killed CHO Jung-gu
and forced me to become Queen?

Who dragged me into
the bloody strife of the Royal Palace

where they kill their sons, brothers,
and nephews just for power?

Did I ever want to become Queen?

But the King lacks the resolve
to act decisively.

You must stay strong and save
the country from this state of decline.

Right now, I couldn't care less!

How could you say that?

I'm a miserable woman.

I'm one person,
but my heart is split in two.

How I wish I had married
CHO Jung-gu back then.

Your Highness,
you shouldn't say such things.

Looking back,

I was happiest when I spent
time with him innocently in Yeoju.

It is inappropriate, Your Highness.

Please retire to your bedchamber.

Please allow me to leave.

One moment.

Yes, Your Highness.

- Minister, let me ask you something.
- Yes, Your Highness.

Joseon's military
is in dire need of reform.

Will you tell me
how Japanese troops are trained?

First, we dress them in uniforms
worn in advanced European countries.

Second, we give everyone a gun.

Indeed! Continue.

Then, we train the troops
to march in step with their guns

and to run and roll left and right,
forward, and backward.

This way, you can make a million soldiers
move perfectly together with one order.

Is that so?

Can you teach our soldiers
to do the same?

Do the same? Of course!

You have very loyal young men
in your country.

They will become an excellent troop
once they are properly trained.

What a peculiar rifle.

The Japanese envoy left it as a gift
when he left.

We need to make weapons
like this soon

to strengthen our national defense.

You're absolutely right, Your Highness.

Should I try shooting it?

- You, Your Highness?
- You, Your Highness?

How do I shoot?

First, you load the gun.

Then, you use your shoulder
to aim it at the target.

And then, you pull the trigger.

Turn back!

One, two, one, two.

March in step!

Damn, aren't we all soldiers here?

While they're acting
high and mighty,

why are we treated like nobodies?

- That's right.
- Hell.

They've brought in a Japanese coach
and ignore you if you're not nobility!

Are these rifles as good
as Japanese ones?

Yes, Your Highness.

Indeed.

Are these the newly made cannons?

Yes, Your Highness.

What matters isn't how they look
but how well they work.

You are right, Your Highness.

So how many did you make?

A couple hundred,
but we are so short on budget.

If only we had the silver
buried in Jongmyo Shrine...

- That is right.
- That is right.

I see. Do the best you can.

Yes, Your Highness.

I hear they're making guns and cannons
on a tight budget these days.

And they are stopping
because they can't afford it.

What does she know?

Ridiculous.

Just wait.

Something good will happen soon.

Not soon, Your Highness.
The good news will come today.

Good news?

I can't just sit around
and do nothing, can I?

One moment.

Damn it! They work us like slaves,

owe us a year's pay,
and still they treat us like dirt!

Ridiculous.

Listen up, everyone.

We can only give you a month's worth.

So line up and take your rice.

If you're paying, pay us properly!

A month's worth?
You owe us a year's worth of rice!

My wife had our first son
but I couldn't even feed her right!

Things weren't this bad
when the Daewongun was around.

What can we do, man?
We've got to take what we can.

Listen, man.
Fill it up, will you?

Come on, open your sacks.

Next. Next!

- Isn't the rice rotten?
- The rice is rotten?

If you don't want it, get out.
Nobody's forcing you!

Hey, this isn't rice.
It's sand!

Look, look.

These damn bastards.

Who took all the good rice
and mixed sand with the rest?

They rigged the measuring container, too!
Do they think we are blind or what?

What can we do?
Their bosses are thieves to begin with.

How dare you!

Shut your mouth
if you don't want to die!

You stole our rice first!

What gives you the right to
steal our rice and yell at us?

Look at this with your own eyes.
Look!

Damn you!

You idiots!

Who killed Minister MIN's servant?
Who is it?

- I did.
- And who else?

- I did.
- I did, too.

We're as good as dead now.

We might as well make our death count.

- That's right!
- That's right!

This is it.

Your Highness.

Listen to the noise outside,
Your Highness.

The soldiers seized the Police Bureau,

burned down to Minister MIN's house
and killed his family,

and killed the Japanese instructor
at the Hadogam training facility.

Very good.

The voice of the people
is the voice of Heaven.

Go back outside
and get the angry mob

to burn down the Japanese legation.

That will back Queen MIN into a corner.

We will attack Changdeokgung Palace
and finish her off right away.

Wait. Act with caution.

Any mistake like before
will be the end of me.

Find Minister MIN, the Thief!

The Legation of Japan in Joseon

Your Highness, the rebels
have already invaded the palace.

Don't be afraid.

- We have guards here. No way...
- Your Highness.

You must prepare to escape.

I'm more worried
about the King's safety.

Open the gates!

This way, Your Highness!

That way. Please go in there.

No, I must go to the King's residence.

- Please hurry.
- No!

Catch Queen MIN!

Who is it?

Stop right there.

Queen MIN, right?

No. She is a Court Lady.

Show me your damn face.

How do we know it's her?

Forget it.
Just stab all the blue skirts!

No! She is not Queen MIN!

- Jeong-ran. There you are.
- Officer HWANG.

Look, this is my sister.

They thought Court Lady HWANG
was the Queen

and tried to kill her.

Hey, guys. We're supposed
to stick together.

Why the heck did you
try to kill my sister

when we are all suffering
under the Queen?

Is she really your sister?

I told you so.
You silly girl!

Why did you hang around
and put yourself in danger?

What good does it do to
follow the Queen around?

Stay home, damn it!

Then you must know
what the Queen looks like, Officer.

Of course. She was running
toward the mountain over there.

We will be killed unless we kill her!

- Let's go!
- Let's go.

Impudent!
How dare you come here in a mob!

Leave now!

Your Majesty, the Queen is
squeezing the life out of your people.

Let us take her.

- Your Majesty!!
- Your Majesty!!

Heavens. The situation is dire.

What should I do, Chief Secretary?

Lynch him!

Catch him!

It is getting out of control.
Go to Unhyeongung and bring Father here.

Yes, Sire.

My shoes.

Jeong-ran!

- Officer HWANG.
- We need to run.

- Hurry.
- How can I ever repay your kindness?

Please hide in
YUN Tae-jun's house for now.

Her Majesty can hardly walk.

We must hurry,
so allow me to carry you.

Please ride on my back, Your Highness.

- Please.
- No, I'm all right.

Your Highness, let him carry you.

- No.
- Please, now.

Follow us closely.

Who is it?

Stop!

Jeong-ran.

No way!

Jeong-ran!

Oh, no.

Let me carry you again.
We must hurry.

You must be exhausted.
Put me down.

I'm fine, Your Highness.

- Your shoes.
- I'm thirsty.

Officer.

Your hair is a mess.

Hurray!

Stop.

We are in the King's presence. Silence!

Silence!

Father, please save the country
and the people.

Don't be concerned, Your Majesty

Please go to your chambers and relax.

Let me take care of everything.

What are you doing?
Take His Majesty to his quarters!

Yes, sir.

- What happened to the Queen?
- No one knows.

- Did the rebels invade her residence?
- Yes, they did.

She'd be very lucky to be alive,
but we dare not hope.

The rebels probably killed her

and she died unnoticed
in some hole somewhere.

Hear me!

His Majesty has just bestowed me
the authority to handle all state affairs.

Hurray for the Daewongun!

The Queen you're looking for is dead.

Hurray!

Hurray!

Your Highness, I went way too far.

Please forgive me.

I wish you a long and happy life.

Your Majesty. Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Please stop, Your Majesty.

An angry mob is still out there.

They are staying put
only because they believe she is dead.

However, if her body is found,

the people will surely snatch it
and defile it.

I suggest you drop it and
hold a national funeral.

How am I supposed to hold
a national funeral with an empty coffin?

It's all for your own good
and for your people.

You just need to sit back and watch.

What did she do to deserve this, anyway?

The people have spoken.

Their deep anger has moved heaven.
How can she not be at fault?

How lamentable.

Your Majesty.

Wait.

Court Lady HA.

Here.

Jeong-ran.

Jeong-ran, you were alive!

What happened to the Queen?

She's hiding in Janghowon.
Please don't ask more

and deliver this to the King.

A letter from Her Majesty?

Yes. Please hurry.

All right.

What? The Queen is alive?

Yes. She fled to Janghowon
in Chungcheong Province.

She did? And she is alive!

Your Majesty, I'm so concerned
about you that my heart aches.

I'm to blame for the uproar
in the palace and I should die for it.

But the country in danger
must be put back in order.

The only way

is to dispatch EO Yun-jung to Qing China
secretly to ask for help.

Heaven helped me!

The Queen is alive!

Let me pour you a drink.

- Have a seat here.
- Thank you.

You did an excellent job this time.

I shall reward you well.

Your late brother
would be happy for you, too.

Of course.

Wait a minute. He looks familiar.

Hey, is he the one who killed Queen MIN?

He sure is.

He is CHO Sun-gu,

the younger brother
of the late Magistrate CHO Jung-gu.

No. Let me see.

You treacherous wretch.

Don't you care about your brother?
How could you do that?

You swore to the Daewongun
you'd avenge your brother.

How dare you let her go?

My brother was killed by the Daewongun.

The Queen...

Beat him up!

Traitor!

Listen, the Queen is innocent.

We were fools.
The Daewongun is our enemy.

He just used us.

He used us to kill the Queen.

Is that why you let her go?

If I die, at least
I won't be ashamed to face my brother.

Do you think I haven't learned
that you killed your fellow men

and went to the Queen's residence
to drink and flirt?

You rascal.

I found out everything
from the ladies-in-waiting.

You were seduced by her beauty
and betrayed our cause.

How dare you talk back to me?

I'm right, am I not?
If not, say something!

Sun-gu, you bastard!
I could kill you traitor a thousand times!

Your Highness, the Chinese fleet
has arrived at Incheon.

Admiral WU Changqing's troops
are entering Seoul.

- The Chinese fleet?
- Yes, sir.

Curse that wicked woman.

Someone told on us.

- Listen.
- Yes, sir.

- I'll go to the Royal Court.
- Yes, sir.

My utmost gratitude to you
for coming such a long way.

It's my honor.

I came here on the Emperor's orders.

I'm to find out
why the people rebelled

and who dared to start such a thing

so I can end the whole affair.

But the rebellion is already over.

Who was responsible for the rebellion

and what happened to the culprit?

Did you catch the person?

Queen MIN's lack of virtue
is the only reason for this uprising,

but since she's already dead...

Even if she lacked virtue,
she was the Mother of the nation.

I don't understand why
you're leaving the killers alone.

If we punish the rebels
for the murder of the Queen now,

the people will revolt again
and the country will be in chaos.

We have no choice
but to do nothing.

Don't worry about it.

The Chinese Imperial troops are brave.

I will have them handle the aftermath,
so don't worry.

I brought exquisite food
and drinks from Beijing,

so please come to my barracks tonight.

I'd like to have a drink with you.

- You must come.
- I will.

Here comes the Daewongun!

Admiral WU has been waiting for you.

No troops.

This is Admiral WU
of China's residence.

Joseon troops can't enter.

Stand by.

- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.

Only His Highness may enter.

Please come inside.

Please.

Now.

Here comes the Daewongun.

How come are you drinking alone
without your guest?

Welcome.

I'd love to try the fancy liquor
from your country.

Here you are.

- Your Highness.
- What is it?

I need you to go to Beijing yourself

and explain the details of
what happened to the Emperor.

You want me to go to Beijing?

You're being unreasonable.

If you don't want to,
we'll take you there.

Joseon may be a small country,
but I'm the king's father.

How rude of you!

What are you doing?

- Come get him.
- Yes, sir.

- Do it.
- Yes, sir.

Let's go.

Let go of me!

I'm acting on
the Chinese Emperor's orders!

How loyal of you.

Captain.

Yes, sir.

What did you do with that LEE Gyeong-ha?

I had him arrested at the gate.

Search Unhyeongung Palace
and catch the rest of his people.

I've already sent the troops there.

Let's go.

Let's go.

Sit down. Move!

Aim!

Fire!

How have you not found him yet?

Officer HWANG is the man
who saved my life.

And you don't even know if he is alive.

What have you been doing all this time?

- Your Highness.
- Your Highness.

We searched every corner of Seoul,
but he was nowhere to be found.

We think he was killed by the rebels.

- What?
- If he is alive,

why wouldn't he show up
to be honored as a hero?

Your Highness.

Did you find anything?

Your Highness, I've found out
about HWANG Jung-won.

Where is he?

Please tell everyone to leave.

Leave the room.

- Yes. Your Highness.
- Yes. Your Highness.

And you, too.

- Yes, sir.
- Yes, sir.

So?

HWANG Jung-won was an alias.

His real name is CHO Sun-gu,
the younger brother of CHO Jung-gu.

CHO Jung-gu's brother?

Yes, he used a false identity to
get revenge for his brother's death.

He approached you and feigned loyalty,
looking for a chance to hurt you.

Worst of all, he was one

of the Daewongun's henchmen
who tried to kill Your Highness.

I heard he was captured with the others
at Unhyeongung and taken to be executed.

How can that be?

Are you certain it is him?

I'm very certain, Your Highness.

No. If he were after my life,

he could have easily done it that day.
Why would he save me?

I can't comprehend why,

but I'm absolutely sure
he was loyal to the Daewongun.

I beg you to forget about him.

Go to the execution ground,
stop his execution and bring him here.

I must question him before he dies.

- Your Highness.
- Now!

- Go.
- Yes, Your Highness.

It is the criminal CHO Sun-gu.

Come closer.

Bring him closer.

Yes, sir.

I thought you were killed
in the rebellion.

I'm tremendously delighted
to see you alive again.

Tell everyone to leave.

Yes, Your Highness.

- Leave for now.
- Yes, sir.

Leave this place.

But how come a hero like you

was called a rebel
and sentenced to death?

Is it true you're CHO Sun-gu,
the younger brother of CHO Jung-gu?

Yes, Your Highness.

Is it also true you attempted to kill me
to avenge your brother's death?

Yes, Your Highness.

Then why did you save me
instead of killing me?

I deserve to die, Your Highness.

I wish to die by your hand.

Your Highness, we are supposed to
return him to Admiral WU now.

Tell the Admiral this.

This man is a subject of my country.

Whether he lives or dies
is our business.

I can't, Your Highness.

Why not?

I fully understand how you feel,

but you must put aside
your personal feelings now.

These days people love to gossip,
whether it is out of good will or malice.

If someone starts a scandalous rumor,

there is no telling
how much harm will do to you.

Your Highness, we are surrounded
by many enemies.

They are willing to fabricate lies
to slander and ruin you.

If you save his life,

there is no telling
what lies they will tell His Majesty.

Moreover, I'm worried our ally
Admiral WU might hear about such a scandal.

It is a time to be careful.

I beg you to avoid anything that might give
others a reason to attack you.

Why are the country's affairs
in such a mess?

And why am I the Queen of a nation

that's too weak to decide
its own fate?

Your Highness, please understand
I'm speaking out of loyalty.

I can't say what I want to say.

I can't do what is right.

How I resent being the Queen!

Officer HWANG.

Let me call you Officer HWANG.

You're not CHO Jung-gu's brother.

You're the Officer who saved me.

You're the man who
carried me on his back.

I only wish to think of you this way.

But it is CHO Sun-gu they want to execute,
not HWANG Jung-won.

Why could you not remain
Officer HWANG to the end?

I shall never forget
Your Highness's words.

Now I can die without regrets.

Please don't feel distress for me.

I can die with a smile, Your Highness.

Officer HWANG.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, please.

I want you to live.

Don't die resenting me like he did.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Take the criminal to the execution ground.

Yes, sir.

Ready.

Aim.

At ease.

Aim!

Your Highness,
I feel no resentment or sorrow.

I wish you a long and happy life.

- Who are you?
- Don't ask.

Come on.

What is going on?

The Queen ordered them to save you,
so they misfired on purpose.

What?

And if you stay in this country,
you'll just die in vain.

So she wants you to go to Japan,
to study their advancement,

and contribute to our nation's
development in the future.

Here's your travel money.

I've arranged for you
to board a ship at Jemulpo.

- Let's go.
- I can't believe...

Your Highness, how can I ever repay
the immense kindness you've shown me?

I had given up on life,

but since you want me to leave,

I will go as you wish.

My body will depart,
but my heart will always be with you.

Your Highness, may you be blessed
with a long and happy life.

May you be blessed
with a long and happy life.

Your Highness!

First, the government of Joseon
must pay 500,000 nyang

to compensate for damages Japanese citizens
suffered during the rebellion.

Second, the government of
Joseon must pay

for building and repairing the barracks
for the Japanese forces in Joseon.

Third, the government of Joseon
must send

an official to apologize
to the Emperor of Japan.

We strongly protest these demands.

Your Majesty,
I expect a responsible answer.

Minister of Japan.

It's unfortunate that this incident has strained
relations between our two nations.

I will respond to your government's
demands in three days.

You may leave.

(Japanese) Let us leave!

Please send a letter immediately
to YUAN Shikai, the Minister of China,

to counter the ambition and arrogance
of the Japanese Empire.

If we involve China again
because we despise Japan,

Chinese forces
will interfere in our affairs again.

Your Highness, if Japan gains influence,
the MIN clan will be exterminated.

What is more important, the MIN clan
or the 500-year-old dynasty?

To be honest, I made a grave mistake
by bringing in the Chinese military,

although I had no choice back then.

Your Highness, the situation is dire.

If this continues,
Japan will grow stronger

and who knows
what they'll demand next time?

That, I agree.

Then why are you still hesitating?

Gentlemen, are you certain
you can handle the aftermath?

After that, who will help us
defeat China?

I'm afraid
we haven't thought that far ahead.

Don't be hasty.

We still have time.

Let us think it over.

I do have some ideas.

- Is Lord YUAN coming?
- Yes.

- Here you go.
- I don't want it.

Please.

Is the King even aware
of your grave condition?

I'm so resentful of him.

Be quiet.

Don't mention him.

Here comes YUAN.

- YUAN.
- Are you very ill?

How are you feeling?

I came because I heard you weren't
doing well and I was worried.

Thank you.

YUAN, don't worry about my health

and let me return home
as soon as possible.

To be honest, the Queen of Joseon
is becoming friendly with Russia lately

while distancing herself from China.

How treacherous of her!

Indeed! Is that so?

So the government is taking the steps
to send you back to your country.

Thank you, YUAN.

Just let me go home
as soon as possible.

The moment I arrive in Seoul,

I will do everything I can
to restore order to the country.

Jemulpo is over there.

Deploy troops to Unhyeongung Palace

and forbid everyone to enter or leave,
regardless of their social status.

Yes, Your Highness.

Not a single soul must be seen
near the premises, you hear me?

Yes, Your Highness.

How is it going?

They are not biting much today.

If they don't,
you will have to wait until they do.

Are you going to wait forever
until they do?

What else can I do?
I must keep waiting.

Your Highness,
what will become of this country?

The house is doomed
when the hen crows instead of the rooster.

Then we must take it out.

You and what army?

If the hen ruins the house,
we must get rid of it.

But moreover, we must remove
the roosters that surround the hen.

You're right, Bong-jun.

But how?

If I start an uprising in Jeolla Province
and lead the people to Seoul,

will you help me, Your Highness?

If I help you,
will you rise up strongly?

Yes, your support will be
worth a million troops.

Oh, I got one.

Go!

Down with Tyranny
Save the People

Father, JEON Bong-jun is thriving,

taking over Jeolla, Gyeongsang,
and Chungcheong Provinces.

Good.

When things get bad,
the King will send for you.

- You talk too much.
- I understand.

I promise I'll keep quiet.

The Provincial Offices of
Jeolla and Chungcheong have reported

that 500 out of 700 troops
from Yeonggwang

lost in Jangseong and fled,

the Provincial Office in Jeonju was taken
and the officials abandoned it and fled,

Gongju was taken and
the south of the town was blocked,

and the government troops there
are trapped.

The situation is dire.
What should we do?

We have no choice
but to ask China for troops.

Your Majesty,
I beg you to be cautious.

The Tianjin Convention that followed
the 1884 Gapsin Coup prohibits

both China and Japan
from sending troops to our country.

Therefore, if China sent troops
at our request,

Japan would certainly
send their troops, too.

Wouldn't that lead to a big war?

- That is right.
- Your Majesty.

What's there to hesitate about?

I suggest you meet with YUAN Shikai
and request troops.

Both China and Japan
are malicious neighbors to us.

Let us use this opportunity to seek help
from Russia and other distant countries.

"Befriend remote states
and strike neighbors."

We make them fight each other

so none of them
can advance to our country.

Stop!

Everyone to your positions!
Fight to the last man!

Your Majesty,
which country do you think will win?

A small island nation won't defeat
the great Qing Empire of China, will it?

I disagree.

The Qing dynasty is
too old and corrupt.

Your Highness.

Japanese troops landed
on Rongcheng Bay

and captured Weihaiwei on February 2.

Even the Chinese fleet
in Liugong Island was destroyed

and Admiral DING Ruchang of China
took his life after surrendering to Japan.

They won the war,
just as I had predicted.

If China cedes Liaodong Peninsula
to Japan,

the arrogant Japanese
will certainly encroach on us.

If that happens,
how will I stop them this time?

How?

Why can't I find
capable people to assist me?

How I need men of ability.

Your Highness.

Goodness, Officer HWANG!

Your Highness,
you've reached a critical point.

Please stay strong and healthy.

You're right.

I have too many enemies.

You're the only person I trust.

Please, don't leave my side.

I also wish to be at your side
my entire life.

Come closer.

I must not.

Why? What are you afraid of?

There's a river between us
that can never be crossed.

Shall I take off this attire
and swim across it?

You can't take them off
even if you want to.

Why not?

These damn clothes.

Your Highness.

- These clothes. These clothes!
- You must not, Your Highness!

- Your Highness!
- The clothes, the clothes!

If Japan succeeded in taking
Liaodong Peninsula from China,

they would then fight hard
to take control of this country.

Then there would be
no more peace in Asia.

The only way to maintain peace in Asia

is for you gentlemen
to appeal to the international community

to drive Japan away
before they encroach on this land.

Gentlemen, what do you think?

- You're absolutely right.
- You're absolutely right.

Present arms!

Present arms!

Order arms!

The Russian Minister has arrived.

- (Japanese) Welcome.
- (Russian) Hello.

(English) Welcome.

(English) Welcome.

Your Majesty, my deepest gratitude to you
for holding such a splendid banquet

to celebrate the victory
of the Great Japanese Empire.

I'm very much delighted myself.

Your Majesty.

It is time you gave up

and implemented radical national reforms
with Japan as your country's sole partner

so Joseon won't be isolated.

Your Highness, you must no longer
hold the Empire of Japan in disdain.

I see.

If Japan secures its grip on Liaodong
and expands its influence,

I will change my mind.

Of course.

As long as Liaodong Peninsula is ours

and our brave Imperial forces
are stationed there,

no other state will be able to interfere
in your domestic affairs or threaten you.

What a lovely girl.
What is your name?

Hanako, Your Highness.

She is pretty, isn't she?

I'm very grateful.

She is a girl of modest abilities,
but if you wishes,

she will serve you and entertain you
with Japanese songs and dances.

- Of course, why not?
- Thank you.

This will be a good opportunity for me
to learn Japanese customs from her.

I'm very honored, Your Highness.

Then, will you start serving me today?

- Yes, I will.
- Your Highness.

We just received news.

Japan is forced to return
Liaodong Province to China.

- I knew it.
- What?

Your Excellency.

Your Excellency,
we have been given an order.

- An order?
- Yes, sir.

Please excuse us.

It says Triple Intervention has forced us
to return Liaodong Peninsula to China.

What?

Please return to the legation
to plan our next steps.

I will.

It was a delightful evening.

However, I must excuse myself.
I've been given an urgent order.

Minister.

What happened to Liaodong Peninsula?

Please excuse me.

Serves that arrogant island country right!

I believe the Emperor of Russia
exerted his authority most generously.

I'm most grateful.
Your wisdom was indispensable.

But if we assassinate
the Queen of a country,

wouldn't we be humiliated and condemned
by the international community?

Foreign Minister.

We sacrificed numerous sons of the Empire

and spent an immense fortune
on the war

only to have the prize
taken from us overnight.

Who's to blame?
Who's behind all this?

I agree with
the Army Minister's proposal.

How about you, Minister?

I completely agree with the Army Minister,
but the question is how.

Since we have reached a consensus
on removing her,

we can find a way later,
can't we?

I do have a good idea.

There is a young Korean patriot
who defected to Japan about ten years ago.

He is a pro-Japanese figure
who was close to the murdered KIM Ok-gyun

and is looking for an opportunity
to strike back.

So you want me to assassinate Queen MIN.

That is right.

If you succeed,
we will make you a baron.

- Don't you like the offer?
- Excuse me.

I was overexcited.

- Then...
- Of course.

How can I let someone else
take this chance from me?

All my life, I've wanted
nothing more than to murder her.

Getting a Japanese title
for avenging my brother

would be killing two birds
with one stone.

Thank you for entrusting me
with this important mission.

(Japanese) Good.

I knew it.

- (Japanese) Waitress!
- (Japanese) Coming.

The legation of Japan

The Daewongun is living a lonely life
in his second house in Gongdeok-ri.

But if he is given the power,

he'll depose Queen MIN and
even the King to install a new one.

You're right.

It will damage our diplomatic relations
if we lead the coup directly,

but no one will complain
if the Daewongun acts as our proxy.

- Oh, General.
- Yes?

This is Mr. SUZUKI
who will lead the shock troops.

(Japanese) Nice to meet you.

- And that is Mr. OKAMOTO
- (Japanese) OKAMOTO, sir.

The Minister of Japan is waiting
for you to grant him an audience.

What is the matter with him?
Tell him to drop all formalities,

come over here and watch the dance.

You.

Where are your manners?

Dozing in the presence
of a foreign diplomat?

I have an illness that makes me drowsy
when I have a lot on my plate.

It's serious, and you have good medicine
in your country, right?

- I would like some.
- (Japanese) What?

What do you take me for,
a Japanese medicine peddler in Joseon?

I'm a proper diplomat
of the Great Empire of Japan!

(Japanese) What the heck?

A message for the Minister of Japan.

The Queen asked
what your urgency was about,

suggesting that you adjourn for today
and come watch the dance performance.

Watch the performance?

Please.

There is the Minister of Germany.

- Your Majesty, have you been well?
- Welcome.

Wait.

This is Major AOYAMA Hideo,
the new military officer of the legation.

Years ago, he left Joseon

to study military science
at the Army Academy in Tokyo.

Aren't you Officer HWANG?

I am, Sire.

How glad I am that you've
become such an outstanding man.

How is he alive?

I'm overwhelmed with happiness
to be in your presence, Your Majesty.

- I saved him.
- What?

- You studied military science in Japan?
- After all,

he saved my life once.

There has been no news of you for years.

I'm so happy to see you again,
Officer HWANG.

It is incredible how you have changed.

I must have changed so much, too.

It breaks my heart to see your face,
Your Highness.

The country's turbulent and bloody history
has worn deep wrinkles on me.

It must look ugly.

Not at all.

You haven't changed at all.

Is it my karma from my previous life?

Why has fate brought so much
misfortune to one woman?

Your Highness.

Your Highness, I have a request.

What is it?

I beg you to grant it.

- Tell me.
- Yes, Your Highness.

Please purge all the corrupt conservatives
around Your Highness,

employ honest and progressive people,
and reform the entire government

with guidance from the Japanese.

Otherwise, the country will collapse
and you'll be in danger.

I implore you to consider my proposal.

So you came to me today
not because you missed me

but because you wanted to
persuade me on behalf of Japan.

The Japanese government and
the public are plotting to murder you.

In fact, I've been
assigned that mission.

What?

If I don't take this job,
they will find someone else,

which would put your life in jeopardy.

So I pretended to accept their offer.

- I'm feeling pretty hungry.
- Oh, yes.

So am I.

Who is it?

Officers, I noticed some suspicious people
watching Asojeong House.

- What?
- So I've come to inform you.

- Where are they?
- Under the old tree over there.

Let's go.

Where are they?

Good evening, Your Highness.

You!

It must have been very disheartening.

Say no more.

You managed to come at this hour.

Sir, Minister MIURA of Japan

would like you to come
to power again.

(Japanese) Please read it.

You must be mad.

Your Highness, should you agree,

the two of us and the Japanese legation
will handle the rest.

"Handle the rest?"

Are you plotting treason?

On the day of the coup,

you will enter the palace
and rule the country with His Majesty

while we deploy our guards and troops

to remove all wickedness
from the Royal Palace.

Your Highness, please don't hesitate.

Looks like I will have to trust
the Minister of Japan once more.

Please trust me.

How remarkable
that music can come out of a box.

I hope this country can make
something like that someday.

This is your reward
for entertaining me today.

Take it.

Come on.

I'm most grateful.

The people in the palace are discontented

because you favor a foreign girl.

But she is just a kid.

I thoroughly enjoyed this evening.

But you look unwell tonight.
What is the matter?

I'm not sure.

Perhaps it is
because I've gone through so much.

Every autumn, I feel nervous
for no reason and I can't sleep.

You mustn't, my Queen.

Nothing will happen to you anymore.

I've endeavored to assist you
in restoring order to the government

so our people can live prosperously
like those of other advanced nations.

Yet, I haven't accomplished much,

and I'm left
with a profound sense of emptiness.

How can a heroic woman like you
say such a thing?

Are you sure?

I saw it with my own eyes.

Let's gun him down right now.

That is not the problem.

The secret has been leaked,
so we must strike before she does.

Get everyone ready.

It's the best ointment patch in Japan
for treating boils.

Indeed?

Hanako applied an ointment patch
on a boil on her forehead.

So make sure you slay every woman
with a patch on her forehead.

(Japanese) Understood.

Stop for a minute.

Fall back a little bit.

Yes, sir.

Proceed.

Stop here.

Here comes the Daewongun.
Open the gate.

Open the gate now.

Open it immediately!

Isn't it the Daewongun?

I've received an urgent report
of an impending Japanese attack.

Yes, sir. I will report to His Majesty
and request his instruction.

Please wait a minute, sir.

It is an emergency!
What are you waiting for?

Open the gate! Now!

I beg you to wait some more.
A message will come soon.

I can't wait. Step aside!

Your Highness!

Fire! Fire!

Fire! Fire! Fire!

Fire!

(Japanese) Hey, there's a fire!
Get out, everyone!

Court Lady HA, who's firing the guns?

The Japanese seem to be attacking
out of spite.

- What? The Japanese?
- Your Highness, I beg you to flee.

Go to the King's residence
and see if he's alright.

Yes, Your Highness.

Go.

(Japanese) Fire!

Is that you, Hanako?

What are you doing here?

I was scared, so I came out.

Jeong-ran, how did it go?

Your Highness.

How scary.

Your Highness, it is an emergency.

The Japanese troops are attacking.
Please flee.

No. Let me go to the King's residence.

I will die in his presence.

- Please, Your Highness.
- Please, Your Highness.

They have surrounded the place.
We can't get there.

- Please flee.
- I won't.

- Let us go to His Majesty.
- You must not, Your Highness.

The patch. It has to be removed.

Your Highness.

How dare you violate this place!

(Japanese) Let's go.

You must flee, Your Highness!

What happened to the King?

It is the Japanese!

You island bandits!
I'm the Queen MIN you're looking for!

You may be able to kill me
but you won't take this country!

Come on, you bandits!

No.

Officer HWANG.

How come it was you I shot?

How could I have shot you?

- What a trick fate played on us!
- Please flee.

Now.

I don't regret dying by your hand,
Your Highness.

I admired you.

Perhaps it was a sin
for someone like me

to admire someone
so noble and exalted

and I must pay with my life.

But I have no regrets.

You must flee now.

Please, please save this country.

Never have I heard
such words in my life.

And all I wanted to hear my entire life

were these very words.

Please flee, Your Highness,

or you will be in danger as well.

Let us flee together. Come on.

Come on.

- Wake up.
- Your Highness.

You're risking your life.

Let me stop the blood.

Come on.

Let us go.

- That way.
- Yes, sir.

Goodness, no!

Pull yourself together!

(Japanese) Who are you?

(Japanese) There they are!

Officer HWANG. Officer HWANG!

That's Queen MIN.

(Japanese) All right!

Your Highness!

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

(Japanese) Hurray!

We got the Queen!
We got the Queen! Hurray!

We got Queen MIN! Hurray!

Go tell the others.
(Japanese) Hurray!

- (Japanese) Hurray!
- (Japanese) Hurray!

Your Highness.

Jeong-ran.

To think that the Queen is killed
by foreign invaders in her Royal Palace...

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

No!

- Take her!
- Your Highness!

Your Highness.

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

- Pour the gasoline now!
- (Japanese) Yes, sir.

Pour it.

Your Highness.

Your Highness!

Good, good.
Pour some more over here.

Your Highness.

October 8, 1895

January 1897, posthumous coronation
as Empress Myeongseong

February 1898,
demise of the Daewongun (age 78)

February 1904, the Russo-Japanese War

November 1905,
the Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty

July 1907, Emperor Gojong's abdication
over the Hague Secret Emissary Affair

August 1907,
Emperor Sunjong's accession to the throne

October 1909, AN Jung-geun's assassination
of ITO Hirobumi at the Harbin Railway Station

August 1910,
the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty

November 1919,
demise of Emperor Gojong (age 67)

March 1919, an anti-Japanese
independence movement across the country

A 1964 SHIN FILM Production

Queen MIN by CHOI Eun-hui

The Daewongun by KIM Seung-ho
CHO Jung-gu by KIM Jin-gyu

CHO Sun-gu by PARK No-sik
King Gojong by NAMGUNG Won

The Minister of China by LEE Ye-chun
The Minister of Japan by HWANG Hae
Japanese ronin by HEO Chang-kang

MIN Yeong-ik by LEE Sang-sa
Emperor Meiji by CHOI Nam-hyeon

MIN Seung-ho by CHOI Seong-ho

LI Hongzhang by JU Seon-tae
JEON Bong-jun by CHO Hang

MIN Gyeom-ho by KIM Chil-seong
Minister by JANG Hun

The gatekeeper by SEO Wol-yeong
HAN Jong-sang by LEE Gi-hong

HAN Seok-jin by IM Jong-hun
HONG Gye-hun by SONG Il-geun

Emissary of Japan by LEE Hyang
Admiral DING Ruchang by BAEK Song

WOO Beom-seon by LEE Ye-seong
The Second Vice Minister by JI Bang-yeol

Court Lady LEE by LEE Min-ja
Jeong-ran by JEON Gye-hyeon
Hanako by SEO Ae-ja

Court Lady HA by HAN Eun-jin
The Queen Mother by JEON Ok
Queen MIN's mother by GOH Seon-ae

Lady JANG by RA Ae-sim
Lady AN by JEONG Deuk-sun
Country girl by PARK Mi-yeong

All members of the Acting Department
of SHIN FILM

Guest Appearance
Dancers KIM Mun-suk KIM Yeon-jae

Original Story LEE Seo-gu
Screenplay IM Hui-jae
Adaptation KIM Kang-yun

Cinematography KIM Jong-rae LEE Gye-chang
Lighting MA Yong-cheon

Audio JEONG Gi-chang
Effects HWANG Gu-hyeong

Music JEONG Yun-ju
Art dorectpr SONG Baek-gyu

Development and Printing
The National Film Production Company of Korea

Editing OH Seong-hwan
Photography LEE Hyeong-jin
Management CHOI Seung-min

Costume LEE Yeong-hak
Makeup LEE Gi-hong
Props YANG Jae-hwan

Directors
LIM Won-sik RHA Bong-han

Executive Producer
SHIN Sang-ok