Episode 1 Fateful encounter
Proud iron infantrymen!
With the blood you shed, Silla conquered Sabiseong.
We received King Uija's surrender.
But the pro-Tang factions in Seorabeol want to give your credit to the Tang emperor.
I will kill all of the Tang emperor's dogs and unify the three kingdoms.
Are you prepared to give your lives to unify the three kingdoms?
Loyalty will be divided today.
Advance to Seorabeol!
Kings who established Silla and achieved prosperity,
I, Kim Chunchu, accept the will of the heavens and pray.
Look over me so I may unify the three kingdoms.
Kill all the dogs of Tang!
Kim Yusin, why did you raise an army and attack the palace?
Baekje which was conquered by your loyal soldiers and
Goguryeo will be stepped all over by Tang.
I will not allow that even if it means I have to die here and now.
Trust me.
I will use Tang's power to conquer Baekje and Goguryeo,
then I will drive Tang out and Silla will enjoy an age of peace.
Now is the time.
Break off the alliance with Tang and give the order to kill Tang soldiers.
Kill the men who are puppets for the Tang emperor.
Kim Yusin, are you going to commit treason?
Are you refusing the king's order?
Your Majesty!
Why are you trying to quash your dream to achieve peace through unification?
I gave my life to crown you and served you with my full loyalty.
If you intend to make the people of Silla servants of Tang,
I will drag you off the royal seat myself.
Kim Yusin, you are not my servant.
You are just the leader of a band of traitors.
I will kill you myself.
Instead of being a hero, will you really disgrace your name as a traitor?
I will kill you to achieve your grand dream.
In the early 7th century,
Goguryeo and Sui were about to fight over the rule of east Asia.
Baekje and Silla were at battle over the Hangang area.
During King Jinheung's reign,
Silla occupied the Hangang area and some parts of Goguryeo and Baekje.
King Jinji took the throne after King Jinheung,
but the Seorabeol nobility wasn't happy with his reform policies.
They dethroned him and crowned young King Jinpyeong.
Queen Sado, King Jinheung's wife, acts as regent in King Jinpyeong's place.
King Mu sought prosperity for Baekje.
He took Silla's instability as an opportunity and continued to invade Silla.
It has been over 30 years since King Jinpyeong was crowned,
but the legitimacy was constantly questioned.
Because there wasn't a crown prince,
the Seorabeol nobility overwhelmed the king's authority.
The people of Silla left to avoid battle and plundering by the nobility.
They went to Goguryeo, Baekje and even Wae.
Silla was facing a crisis.
AD 609, Mannogun, outskirts of Silla (today's Jincheon, Chungcheongbuk-do)
Baekje soldiers! Baekje soldiers!
Capture them all!
Run! Hurry.
We have to cross the border before the wind gets stronger.
Move faster!
Get up!
Get up now!
I said get up! Get up! Hurry up!
It's the enemy!
- It's the enemy! - It's the enemy!
It's the enemy!
- It's the enemy! - It's the enemy!
You're just a little baby.
I'm Kim Yusin, the oldest son of the viceroy of Mannogun.
I came to save my people.
What courage.
If you beg for your live, I will spare it.
A general of Silla might die, but he never surrenders.
Don't humiliate me and fight!
If you want.
Attack!
Kill all of the Baekje bandits!
Hurray!
Honey, Kim Yusin achieved great merit by killing the enemy leader.
We should celebrate.
How can you call reckless bravado by a child great merit?
How can you say that?
I told you not to behave rashly.
Why did you be so foolish as to take your life lightly?
Mother, if the Baekje soldiers took our artisans,
many of our people would have died by the catapults they make.
You still don't know what you did?
Is running around recklessly and almost dying a way to save the people?
That's enough. I'm sure he understood.
Ask for forgiveness.
I'm sorry I caused you concern.
Go and reflect on your behavior.
Wasn't that too harsh of a scolding?
I'm worried he'll be dispirited.
The heavens blessed him to be a great man.
It's time to think about his future.
What?
You want me to leave?
I discussed it with your mother.
Choose an auspicious day and head to Seorabeol.
I still have a lot to learn from you.
If you really want to serve the people,
join Hwarangdo and become a pillar of this nation.
Hwarangdo?
A real man shouldn't seek his ambitions in a little pond.
You might have been born and raised in the outskirts,
but you are a descendant of the Gaya and Silla royal families.
Never forget that the fate of Gaya is in your hands.
Seorabeol, Silla (today's Gyeongju)
Baekje is invading more and more. What will we do?
There are always little confrontations in the border area.
We will send more soldiers. There's no need to worry.
Sending more soldiers is just a temporary measure.
We need to come up with basic measures.
Basic measures? Like what?
Designate a crown prince to increase royal authority and unify public opinion.
That will suppress Baekje's ambitions to conquer Silla.
The king is still young. How dare you think of a successor?
How dare you disgrace His Majesty like that?
He should be punished.
If we can't give advice, what's the use of having this meeting?
What's the use?
That's enough!
He's right.
Designating a crown prince is an important matter.
Plan measures for the installation of a crown prince.
Seorabeol is like a different world.
Cheongwan, how about spending tonight with me?
Jeonbang Hwarang! You must be drunk.
You will be punished if you taunt a god's daughter.
Any punishment if worth having the most beautiful woman in Seorabeol.
A real man shouldn't taunt a woman.
What's this smell?
Don't poke your nose in other people's business and get lost.
You really...
Are you going to have to see blood to wake up?
What are you doing?
The fate of the nation hangs by a thread.
Hwarangs should set an example, not be drunk in broad daylight.
What is this country becoming?
You're just a descendant of a dethroned king.
- Stop acting like a crown prince. - Jeonbang Hwarang!
If I was the crown prince, I would give you a good spanking.
What?
Yeah! He's right.
- That's right! - Yeah!
He's right.
Let's go.
It looks like you're from Gaya.
If you came to study, you should study, not get involved in such violence.
What?
Your parents gave you all their money to send you here.
Think about that.
You want Chunchu to be the crown prince?
You shouldn't joke like that.
If we want to control the court and suppress those who are monopolizing
the court for their selfish interests, that is the only way.
Chunchu is not of the 'seonggol' status. He could never be king.
He can achieve 'seonggol' status if His Majesty adopts him.
What?
Do you think that's possible?
Reform can only be achieved if the fight is won.
I am prepared to make a sacrifice for our country.
I'm sure you are, too.
Chunchu isn't suitable to be a king.
I'll forget what I heard today.
You have a guest from Mannogun.
Mannogun?
You have grown into a fine man.
How is your father?
He is fine.
He said to give you this.
Thank you.
This is a gift from my mother.
She has fine skills.
The son of an old friend is my son, too. Be comfortable as if this is your house.
Thank you.
Father, can I come in?
Sure.
Good. Say hello.
He is the son of the viceroy of Mannogun.
You're...
Did you meet already?
We passed in the market.
Hello, I'm Chunchu.
I'm Kim Yusin.
Everyone's ready.
[Gwimun headquarters] It looks like there will be internal dispute over the installation of the crown prince.
[Gwimun: Group of vagabonds who don't have any status in the 'golpumje' system] The Seorabeol faction seems to be turning its back on the royal family.
Who is being mentioned as the candidate?
Alcheon is trying to install Chunchu as the crown prince.
Chunchu?
He's only interested in his own ambitions
regardless of who takes the throne.
This is your chance to kill them all and become the king.
I have no intention of being king.
If I took the throne, even the people would defy me.
Who says only certain people can become the king?
Give the order to raise an army.
Gold Fox, our cause isn't for personal interests.
It is to set the crooked fate of the country straight.
Don't forget our cause.
Bihyeong is too weak.
He has elite men who could slaughter the court, but he can't decide.
It's probably because he has royalty in his bones.
A person who distinguishes high and low doesn't qualify to lead Gwimun.
- Then... - When the time comes,
I'll eliminate him and take over.
After that, I will become the king.
There is talk about installing Chunchu as the crown prince?
That is ludicrous.
There was a suggestion to strengthen royal authority by designating a crown prince.
You can't do that.
Have you forgotten only someone with a 'seonggol' status can be king?
The law was created by King Beopheung and all Seorabeol clans agreed.
That is the only way to keep the royal family blood pure.
The only man with a 'seonggol' status to take the throne now is Gukban.
- He is very ill. - Don't you know who Chunchu is?
He is King Jinji's son. I dethroned King Jinji.
If he becomes the king,
the 'golpumje' order will be destroyed and this nation will be in danger.
- But... - It just can't be.
Don't forget who made you king.
Yongchun.
Are you worried about installing Chunchu as the crown prince?
Do you have eyes and ears in court, too?
Father's throne was taken unjustly. You should get it back.
You want me to commit treason?
It's not treason. It's a just act of recovering what was taken unjustly.
When will you take out the dagger hidden in your heart?
You won't get another chance like this.
Watch what you say.
I might have been born from a woman of low class,
but we both have the blood of the former king who was dethroned.
I am going to get you back the throne.
If you don't want it, I'll get it through Chunchu.
Quiet.
If you are going to have a traitorous mind like that, don't ever come here again.
That's Bihyeong. Capture him.
Tell the sangdaedeung* to come to Gwimun if he wants my head.
*Sangdaedeung: Highest government rank in Silla General.
You let him get away?
He is so elusive.
If Bihyeong and Yongchun join forces, they'll be like a tiger with wings.
He must be captured.
Yes, sir.
This is the home of Hwarangdo.
Hello, sir.
How are you?
I came to recommend a talented man.
Say hello. This is Horim, the Pungwolju.
I'm Kim Yusin.
You have a fine spirit. Whose descendant are you?
My grandfather was the magistrate of Sinju during King Jinheung's reign and
my father is the viceroy of Mannogun.
You mean you are Kim Seohyeon's son?
That is right.
May I have a word with you?
Sure.
Wait here.
What do you mean you can't accept him?
Since when did Hwarangdo care about politics?
I'm sorry, but I have no choice.
The Gaya faction will play a large role in protecting this country.
His grandfather contributed to the prosperity of our country.
It's not because he's from Gaya. It's because of what his father did.
That was a long time ago.
You're going to ruin his future because of his father's past?
But the sangdaedeung hasn't forgiven Kim Seohyeon yet.
Bumpkin!
What are you doing here?
I came to join Hwarangdo.
We'll be training together. Let's forget about the other day.
I'm Kim Yusin from Mannogun.
Mannogun?
Mannogun... Mannogun...
You're the viceroy's son.
Do you know my father?
You could never become a Hwarang because of your father's sins.
What?
How dare you disgrace my father?
That's enough!
Let's go.
I can't be a Hwarang?
Let's postpone it for a while.
I'll discuss it with the other officials. Don't be anxious.
Galmunwang, how do you feel? [Galmunwang: Title for king's male family members]
I am honored that you came to see me.
I brought you a medicinal decoction.
Take it and get stronger.
You have to be healthy for the royal family to be strong.
I should get up and help my brother.
Oh...
You treacherous wretch! Are you trying to poison me? Huh?
Please don't kill me.
Let go of me!
What are you doing?
Grandmother, don't you hear the spirits wailing?
Leave us.
Galmunwang, snap out of it.
This is karma for your deeds.
It's because you dragged innocent uncle off the throne!
Galmunwang isn't sound.
More people will want to install Chunchu as the crown prince.
Over my dead body.
A descendant of King Jinji will not have the throne.
Do you see another way?
Seeds of future trouble must be eliminated.
Bihyeong's men are protecting Yongchun and his son.
That will be very difficult to do.
One power is used to eliminate another.
I will send someone. Make plans.
Princess, you played the drum for national prosperity and the welfare of the people.
I'm touched with your loyalty.
Father.
Why do you look so worried?
The regent queen is mad about the installation of the crown prince.
I'm upset.
Establishing the royal line is an important matter.
If Chunchu has qualities to be a ruler, you will have to make the decision.
The regent queen won't look on idly.
You are the king of this country.
Show your dignity for our people.
Make a decision for the future of our country.
I will support your decision.
I wish you were born as a prince.
You could never become a Hwarang because of your father's sins.
You have good spearsmanship.
Are you jealous? Do you want to learn?
No, thanks.
I'd rather study a word by a sage than train in martial arts.
A man shouldn't be so weak.
How many soldiers could you fight with good sword and spear skills?
If you study military tactics, too, you could fight tens of thousands.
The Gaya nations had brave generals and elite iron soldiers.
Why did they fall?
It's because they only revered martial arts and distanced literature.
Are you disgracing Gaya people?
The rise and fall of a country isn't in military power.
It's in politics.
If the ruler has the virtues of a sage and rules properly,
he can create a country that doesn't fear an elite army of hundreds of thousands.
The weapons can be melted into farming tools for a peaceful age.
Am I wrong?
Let's go in.
Hello, Your Highness.
Are you Gold Fox?
I am Gildal. You wanted to see me?
Can I trust you?
Of course.
If you do as I say, you can live a life of wealth and honor forever.
Just give the order.
You don't look too well. Are you feeling ill?
I've been having dreams. I didn't get much sleep.
You've gotten weak.
I'll get a decoction made for you.
I keep seeing her in my dreams.
It's time you forgive her.
Manmyeong is our only daughter.
She's not my daughter!
She abandoned her family and ran away with a shameless Gaya man.
Don't ever mention her to me again.
But...
I'm waiting to see someone. Leave me.
Sure.
We're going to see the regent queen. Why do you look so unhappy?
She unjustly dethroned the former king.
Watch what you say.
If you say something like that in front of her, it will be the end of our family.
Do you understand?
Yes, mother.
I have something to tell you.
What is it?
I'm thinking of going back to Mannogun.
Did you forget why your father sent you to Seorabeol?
I know, but I don't want to join Hwarangdo.
What?
If being a Hwarang is getting drunk in broad daylight and taunting women and
ridiculing someone's family,
I'd rather go back home and protect the people there.
I know you're upset, but don't be so rash.
What brings you here?
I came to thank you.
I bought food for the people with the money you sent.
You don't have to thank me.
I only returned to the people what the greedy Seorabeol officials took.
People fear you saying that you are the leader of ghosts.
They will be surprised if they knew you were this kind.
Who sent you?
It's Gold Fox's sign.
That means Yongchun and Chunchu are in danger.
Find and protect them.
Chunchu, do you know why your grandfather was dethroned?
What?
Do you know why he was dethroned?
I heard it was because he was too dissolute.
A ruler should accumulate virtue.
The dethroned king was obsessed with power and lost his qualities as a ruler.
You should remember that as the descendant of a dethroned king.
You must fulfill your duties as a servant, so the king can rule well.
I don't believe the former king was a tyrant.
What?
He didn't discriminate because of the 'golpum' system. He saw talent.
He shared the wealth of the royal family and enjoyed a reign of peace.
What you are saying are groundless rumors that you made up.
Chunchu, how dare you be so rude?
Your Highness, I apologize for my son.
He has the blood of a wicked king who was dethroned.
Leave now.
Tell him I'm sorry I didn't say goodbye.
Where are Yongchun and Chunchu?
They're both away. What's wrong?
Their lives are in danger. I have to find them.
Stop!
- Clear the path. -Yes, sir.
That's strange.
That wasn't here earlier.
Assassins! Protect them!
I am a royal princess. How dare you?
I know.
Just hand over your son and your life will be spared.
If you refuse, everyone will be slaughtered.
Are you committing treason?
- Are you alright? - We're alright.
Look!
You think a piece of stick like this can kill me?
I'll cut you into pieces for the crows.
Subtitles by KBS World
Cancel this fancy banquet and give the people rice for relief.
Are you going to watch that boy have contempt for the court?
If I could change the world, I will collude with the court again.
Why did you kill someone who didn't have the power to fight?
You saved Chunchu, right?
I am going to suppress Gwimun.
Yongchun is leading the soldiers.
If you don't stop slaughtering everyone, I will kill Chunchu.