Original subtitles

THIS DRAMA IS A WORK OF FICTION BASED ON REAL FACTS OF HWARANG

IN THE ERA OF KING JINHEUNG OF SILLA

Let me take a look.

I'm sorry

for avoiding you.

I know you did it

to protect me.

I thought I was going to go crazy because I...

I wanted to run to you so badly.

In times like these,

I don't know

what to say.

I love you.

I love you.

I am

the King of Silla!

The King of Silla!

What do you mean a child? I'm single.

You're single?

Of course!

I've been living a pure life.

I have never been married!

Oh, my.

I had no idea.

But please.

Go to him.

What are you doing?

Do you think

I will take you in?

The world

is still so beautiful, isn't it?

In what way?

The world is dark and depressing.

I don't even know why we live.

I'm so annoyed.

You startled me.

Hey.

Your brother and Ban-ryu returned safely.

What is it?

I haven't heard from Ban-ryu since he returned from Baekje.

He must have lost his feelings for me, right?

Tell me the truth.

Did he meet a woman in Baekje?

Look.

We had no time for things like that, okay?

Then why is he being like this?

When it comes to a man-woman relationship,

there are good times and bad times.

Sometimes the sun shines, and sometimes it rains.

That's how it is.

Just trust me and wait.

Everything will be fine.

Really?

Don't you listen to Master Young-shil

or can't you listen at all?

Get lost.

I have never felt this way before,

but I feel sorry for you now.

What do you mean?

Take a look. I want to see it too.

YOU WORKED HARD, BUT IT WAS OF NO AVAIL

Look at that.

"You worked hard, but it was of no avail."

Your father seems to have discarded you.

Shut your mouth.

You're done for.

Master Young-shil no longer has any expectations from you.

None whatsoever.

I told you to shut it!

I have never seen our Ban-ryu look this way.

You look so scared.

Miss A-ro.

How do you feel?

I am fine, thanks to you.

Come in. Let me look at your wound.

Is it the season for weeds?

That clueless punk.

Here.

This is the arrow that was lodged in your shoulder.

My goodness, that hurt a lot.

I heard you took the arrow for my brother.

Well...

I only did my job.

Even if you're friends,

it's not easy to do that.

Thank you.

I didn't know the arrow would hurt so much.

But...

have we never dated before?

We haven't.

That's so strange.

I thought I dated all of Soo-yun's friends.

Well, you may not be my type,

but you're not that bad.

I am here.

Are you here,

Your Majesty?

How are you feeling?

I'm all right.

Why are you talking like that?

Me? What do you mean?

Let me take a look.

It feels a lot more painful than before.

She's taking good care of you. You're such a crybaby.

Maybe I became weak.

Should I exercise more?

Thank you.

For what?

For this and that.

Now I feel like we're finally back.

Did you think we wouldn't come back?

Yes.

Actually...

I thought it would be okay as long as you're fine.

I have someone who would risk his life for me.

I was happy enough to know

that I have someone who cherishes me.

I thought, "Even if I die now, I have no regrets.

So, please...

don't let him die."

That was what I hoped for.

If you die,

I die as well.

If you're not fine, I won't be either.

No matter what happens,

you will come before me.

If you really care for me,

please take care of yourself.

Promise me.

What a good girl.

You're a good girl.

You're not a good brother in my eyes.

You're right. I'm no good.

Let's go.

What are you doing?

Those two are no longer siblings, right?

What are you talking about?

Since when did you start being so nice?

That's because he learned how to treat sisters from Su-ho.

Even still, they're not siblings.

If Seon-u is the King,

that means they are not siblings.

Well...

Is that how it works?

What are they then?

Can you make it?

What do we do?

Hold on.

There is something in your eye.

Master Ahnji's son claimed that he is the King?

He fought with his life on the line

and saved the subjects to return home?

What are your thoughts about that Hwarang?

What I think of him is not important.

It's up to me to decide whether it's important or not.

He is just and fearless.

He has the leadership to lead others.

By any chance,

do you like him?

That's not possible.

You take after me too much.

That scares me.

Prior to Hwarang, there was Wonhwa.

WONHWA SYSTEM HAD TWO MAIDENS LEAD A GROUP OF YOUNGSTERS

Hwarang became too strong.

The people praise and follow Hwarang,

but I can't get a grasp on them.

Hence,

I plan on making you a Wonhwa.

Do you know what fate

Wonhwa faced?

Both of them

ended up facing death.

Aren't you scared?

No.

Because I take after you.

Today's lesson is about Book of Odes.

Book of Odes includes songs that were passed down by words of mouth

from many years ago.

It encompasses the laments of people's tough lives

and their positive attitude despite the hardship.

Also, there are hatred and pity toward the weak King.

I will introduce you to an ode today.

Its title is

Big Mouse.

Who would like to recite it?

Ji-dwi.

Go ahead and read it.

"Dear big mouse.

Don't eat my barley.

I took care of you for a long time,

but you don't care for me.

I will leave you for certain

to a better land,

to a happy land.

I will find righteousness there."

Here, the mouse refers to the ruler.

In this poem,

the ruler did not care for his subjects

and just hid and wasted food.

He is similar to someone we know.

If the mouse keeps on eating into the subjects' lives,

all of them will end up leaving him.

A monarch without his subjects is not a monarch.

Do you understand the meaning and symbols this ode encompasses?

Yes, Master.

What brings you here, Commandant?

The Queen would like to reward the delegates

that went and came back from Baekje.

Only the delegates?

Yes, that is right.

What about me?

I led Hwarang and saved the delegates from danger.

Isn't she aware of it?

I guess it can't be helped.

Okay, you can leave now.

Nothing can beat an epidemic.

They are on empty stomachs,

and medicine is nowhere to be found.

You should leave.

You might get the disease at this rate.

Didn't you say

that there is a way to get medicine before?

Where is it?

Even if we get the medicine,

I might not be able to bring it here.

What do you mean?

"A peasant can't go inside the capital."

Do you know why there is such a rule?

That is to protect the Bone-rank System

while avoiding peasants from coming inside.

You are too naive.

This is Silla's goldmine.

The Royal Family and Master Young-shil's gold

all came from here.

In order for them to solely take the gold that the peasants collected all day long,

the peasants must not know

how valuable gold is.

Does that mean...

they are isolating this place on purpose for gold?

It's not for gold but for power.

In other words, militia.

It will be Silla's throne in the future.

You should go back.

Staying here won't solve anything.

Or...

do something

and bring the medicine here.

Why must I come along?

Master Seon-u, please go inside.

There were two Wonhwas before Hwarang.

Their names were Nammo and Joonjung.

These two led the disciples.

I heard your sister comforted the subjects in Baekje.

That is why I plan on making your sister

a Wonhwa to assist me.

Wasn't it enough...

for you to use me?

I plan to use her to get the best out of you.

I know that she has the power to move you.

If you pretended to be the King,

keep on acting like one.

That is what monarchy is about.

You have to fool the world, the subjects, and yourself.

I would do anything to protect Silla's throne.

I have nothing to fear if my son takes the throne.

I'm ready to fool you, my son,

and the world.

Hence, you should do the same

if you don't want to lose your sister.

What is taking him so long?

Did something happen?

It must have been a while.

They must have a lot to talk about.

That's not the feeling that I'm getting.

Why have you been making that face all day?

Did something happen?

Mind your own business.

You are on edge again.

Right, where is His...

Where did Ji-dwi go?

He must be here from the toilet by now.

What are you doing here?

Even court ladies don't know this place.

I took a wrong turn.

It's impossible to get here by accident.

Unless you came here on purpose.

How would I know my way in Wolseong Palace?

I couldn't even find the toilet. That's why I ended up here.

Then...

Sam-maek-jong.

Is that you, Your Majesty?

You're mistaken, Princess.

Stop.

Why didn't I recognize you before?

How long

have you been living like this?

For a time you can't even imagine.

We came all the way here, but we can't even see the Queen?

It's the Queen.

Are you well?

By any chance,

were you injured?

I'm fine.

At least for now.

The more you go against my word,

the more it will get difficult for you.

Don't you see it?

I think she looked at me.

I better go greet her.

I will show her that I, Kim Su-ho, came back alive.

Can we just go?

Your Highness.

You left this behind.

I'm Hwarang Kim Su-ho.

Following your orders, I came back from Baekje safely.

Please take good care of Seon-u, Su-ho.

Everyone thinks that you're the King.

I will use you as bait.

You will be put in danger instead of my son.

You must endure it.

Stay alive if you can.

I hope you will last as well.

That way, both my son and I

can buy more time.

What did he talk about with the Queen?

Is it because he said he was the King?

Where is he?

YOU WORKED HARD, BUT IT WAS OF NO AVAIL

Look at that.

"You worked hard, but it was of no avail."

Why didn't I recognize you before?

How long

have you been living like this?

If we are to meet again,

I will finish my hunt,

King Jinheung.

What are you thinking about?

Nothing.

I was thinking that Hwarang House will not be as it was before.

What do you mean?

I'm going to go fishing.

I need to think.

Here you go.

Ban-ryu.

It is I, Soo-yun.

I was waiting after I heard you had returned safely.

Well, I'm not saying I resent you.

I just thought I should come myself.

From now on,

don't like me anymore.

Ban-ryu.

I won't see you again.

Ban-ryu.

Ban-ryu.

Ban-ryu!

Who is doing what?

What are you doing?

I apologize.

Is this your response to failing your mission?

Please don't discard me.

Please.

Please give me another chance, Father.

I considered you the next king,

but I have changed my mind.

I must become king myself.

I can't trust others.

Then...

I shall help you.

Are you saying that you will help me become king?

Yes. I shall.

Even if I must grind up my bones for you,

I shall help you.

Are you sure you're determined to help me?

The King?

The King.

Goodness.

You should drink alcohol before it cools down.

You must not know how to enjoy alcohol yet.

I never said you could sit.

There is no better friend than a drinking friend.

Since I'm also alone, I would like to drink with you.

Is that all right?

Please leave.

I heard that you're the King.

Is it true that you beat the Crown Prince of Baekje

to a pulp?

The people are happy

because they heard the King is within Hwarang.

They say the world will change.

However...

what if that king is not the true King?

They will be greatly disappointed.

If you can change the world,

would you consider becoming the real king?

I can make you that king.

It will be a long time before the sun rises.

But I do feel like I have caught something.

That king should not be king.

And the people?

What about the people?

They shall pay for their crimes with their lives.

That's not right!

I'm...

the King.

I'm the King

of Silla!

Look who is here.

You're a huge mouse.

A huge mouse who could not tell

the enemy's Crown Prince

that he is the King.

You're correct.

I'm not qualified to become king.

Being afraid and hiding in case someone would catch or recognize me

was not enough.

When the enemy's Crown Prince asked who the King is,

I could not step forward.

I'm just a coward.

I'm a coward who is always ready to hide and cover his face.

I don't know if my words would help,

but there are many cowardly kings in this world.

However, not many kings would admit it that they are cowardly

because stating that they are cowardly takes courage.

Do you think...

I could really take the throne?

Your Majesty.

Endure it.

Whatever it may be.

Whether it is a high or low place, dirty or beautiful,

dangerous or safe.

If it's something you must do as the King, please...

Please endure it all.

That is my answer.

If you have the power to change the world and if that is the right thing to do,

why hesitate?

Will you lose your friend

while climbing over the wall again?

What brings you here?

I heard you bought all of the medicine

that is being used for the epidemic.

Who is spreading such false rumors?

Why would I do that?

Please give me woodland peony, star anise, and ginseng.

Even if I have them...

I can't just give them to you for free.

I am not here to negotiate.

As a physician who never charged for my services,

I am sitting before the highest official in Silla

who must attend to his people.

If we can't stop the disease,

the capital will not be safe either.

Just wait a while longer.

People are not afraid enough

to give up their entire wealth and buy the medicine.

Once the epidemic spreads some more,

I will give you some of the medicine.

Are you saying...

you will let the epidemic spread more

in order to raise the price of the medicine?

Wait for four more days.

If there is no change, wait for another two more.

If things still don't heat up enough, wait ten days.

People don't die that easily.

Is that the man who said Sam-maek-jong was his son

and made him a Hwarang?

The people are agitated.

If we don't act,

we may end up watching King Jinheung take the throne.

I'm sure you're stressed out.

How many True Bones do you have left in your family?

The family keeps dwindling down.

What True Bone would want to marry into our family?

Please keep your promise.

If things go well,

please make sure

that you and I become in-laws.

That won't be a problem if things go well.

Nine hundred ninety-one.

If you die nine more times, that will be 1,000.

That is

unfair.

You are skilled in sword-fighting,

and I don't like things like this!

What is fair to you?

I said 1,000.

If you can't beat me once before then,

I will leave this family forever.

What...

-What am I supposed to do? -Don't whine.

You made a promise as a man.

Don't complain later.

Again.

I wonder why the Queen wants to see me.

She will probably complain about you sending a bribe to the Crown Prince.

What bribe?

The Royal Family of Baekje and the Park Family

have been friends for over 100 years.

How can you bribe a friend? That is absurd.

My apologies.

What did you just say?

I said I will step down.

Why are you suddenly stepping down?

You always told me to leave the throne,

but you don't seem pleased now.

What is she up to now?

I'm sure you know Jinheung beat Baekje's Prince Chang.

He returned after performing such a great feat.

I have no reason to remain here on this throne.

It's over.

I won and you lost.

The King returned and became strong on his own.

You saw, didn't you?

His Majesty's boldness.

The Royal Family will become stronger now.

There is nothing left for you to do.

If King Jinheung takes the throne now,

everything we planned will be for nothing.

I didn't expect that the Queen would do that.

Even if you step down,

it's unreasonable for His Majesty to run the country.

Step down?

I will not step down.

I must make Park Young-shil believe that Seon-u is Sam-maek-jong.

That way, he will never look at Sam-maek-jong again.

-Then... -Sam-maek-jong is just a child.

What can he do if he took the throne now?

But would Master Ahnji's son agree to it?

You know what he's like.

No.

He can't deny anything I say.

He will not breathe if I tell him not to

since I hold his life in my hands.

Do you feel okay?

Yes, I do.

I was just exhausted from working too much lately.

By the way,

if you can't get the medicine,

what happens to those people?

We must save them somehow.

I'm glad you returned safely.

I was very worried.

Father.

I'm worried about Seon-u.

He stepped forward, saying he was the King, to save me.

And now, people think he is King Jinheung.

I think he enraged the Queen because of it.

He didn't even come home on his day off. I'm really worried.

Why are you here?

And you?

I had nowhere to go.

Me neither.

I'm pretty handsome for a king, am I not?

Everyone else says you're the King,

but you still seem to think that I am.

Did you live like this all your life?

That King, I mean.

Worrying if someone will try to kill him,

worrying if people around him will get hurt.

Was he too worried to sleep?

It was like that for me.

That can't be all.

If not?

Would he think about how to make the world more of a mess

and if it's possible for just the King to fill himself?

How could the King, who was never treated like one,

ever think of things like that?

Then, can that King...

relate to the people?

He may not know the people,

but he probably lived like one of them.

I heard that King who lived like his people

kills anyone who sees his face.

That is right.

Probably.

He may have found out later.

He may have passed by without even realizing it.

But most of the time,

he probably didn't know someone died because of him.

Because he's stupid.

He's foolish.

He's also too weak to say

not to kill them.

And what can he do?

Can he change the world?

Why must he still be alive?

Why must he still be alive?

Do you want to kill him?

Then kill him.

Didn't you miss me?

I have missed you so much.

My apologies. I thought you were my brother.

What brings you here?

I need to ask you something.

If I say I like you very much

and thus I want to farm with you,

have children,

and live as an average person...

would you live with me?

I won't be able to do anything for you.

I have no wealth.

I don't have silver, which you like.

I may not even have a decent house.

However...

What I'm trying to say is...

I will trade the throne of Silla for you.

Will you go with me?

No.

Please go with me.

It's fine if he's not your brother.

It's fine even if you liked him.

But...

come to me now.

I will live as your man and not as anyone's king.

Are you trying to use me as an excuse to run away?

You have lived your days,

asking yourself

why you must become the King.

You knew why you had to become the King

and what you must do once you become the King.

That's why you overcame the hardship,

weariness, and fear.

What do you know?

You can tell if someone has given up

when you look in their eyes.

But you...

You have never given up.

Your Majesty.

You have lived for way too long.

He is by the pond.

Make a sound and this will pierce your throat.

-Who are you? -Me?

The true owner of the bracelet.

The man you sought so dearly.

The King in hiding.

I thought

Master Ahnji's son was the King.

No.

It is I.

I am

your King Jinheung.

Did you come to kill the King?

Strike him.

-Here. -Are you okay?

This is Hwarang House of Silla.

How dare you come in here?

Master Wehwa!

Master Wehwa!

What is it?

-We're in trouble. -What is?

We're in trouble.

There is no need. I'm the one they are after.

Nonsense.

They came in here, so they are attacking us!

Dog-Bird!

Protect Seon-u.