If you want to save Chunchu's life, let them go right now.
Can you really harm Chunchu?
Gwimun warriors are my brothers and my children.
If you lead in slaughtering them, I will kill your son with no problem.
Father.
Let them go.
We can't do that.
I will take full responsibility.
No.
The sangdaedeung's orders were to...
Anyone who refuses my order will be dealt with by military discipline.
Let them go.
You got what you wanted. Let Chunchu go.
If you want to save Chunchu, follow me by yourself.
Chunchu!
- After them! - Nobody will go after them!
I will go by myself.
Yusin, take the wounded and the children and go in the middle.
Is Chunchu going to be alright?
Bihyeong will take care of him.
That way.
Anyone who isn't injured will watch our back.
Hurry!
Why did you become a loyal court dog of the corrupted court?
It was to save Chunchu. I had no choice.
You volunteered for this to preserve your family?
You mercilessly slaughtered all those innocent people.
Is your son's life more important than the fate of Silla?
You chose your path. I only chose the path I believed was right.
We might have different mothers, but I always thought of you as my brother.
I believed you would take the place of the dethroned king.
I believed you would be the king I would serve.
But I was wrong.
You are just like all those other corrupt officials.
Quiet!
Where is Chunchu?
If you want to save Chunchu, kill me.
Chunchu will die if you can't kill me.
Father!
It's not your place.
It's something the two of them have to settle on their own.
Father...
Kill me and save Chunchu.
No!
This cuts off our ties as brothers.
The next time we meet, you are just a loyal dog of the court and
I am just the leader of bandits.
Father!
Father.
Chunchu.
Father.
Yongchun led our soldiers in annihilating Gwimun.
He eliminated a great concern of ours,
You helped overcome a crisis and achieved great merit.
I award you with a formal-dress sword.
Now that Gwimun has been annihilated, we should rush the national wedding.
National wedding?
A marriage between Gukban and princess Deokman has been decided.
That is absurd.
If Gukban succeeds the throne, you know it will cause great chaos.
You are the one who wanted to appoint a successor as soon as possible.
Did you change your mind?
It can't be Gukban.
That isn't acceptable.
Do you have an alternative measure?
An opposition would only divide the court.
It's the royal family's decision, so abide by it.
Gee...
Are you really going to marry Gukban?
It is to preserve the royal blood and to unite the court.
It is the fate of women born to royalty.
You married Yongchun, the son of the dethroned king,
for the sake of unity in court.
But this is Gukban.
There aren't any feelings of love between you.
It's too cruel.
How about talking to your father about this again?
I'm a woman. I'd like love.
But if this marriage could unite the court,
I could wish for nothing more.
The headquarters was burned down and many of our soldiers died.
What will happen to Gwimun?
As long as the exploitation continues, Gwimun will not disappear.
We will reorganize and fight again.
Won't you join me in cleaning up the court and saving the people?
I'm not sure yet.
Come any time you decide.
You can contact me through Cheongwan.
You didn't get Bihyeong's head.
Did you save him because he is your stepbrother?
Of course not.
He took Chunchu hostage.
Since you annihilated Gwimun, I will protect Chunchu as promised.
I will never forget this.
I heard about a scheme to have Chunchu adopted as a stepson,
so he can become the crown prince.
Are you behind that?
Of course not.
I'm only grateful to be in court. I have no ambitions for politics.
How can I believe that?
Please believe me, Your Highness.
Make the marriage between Gukban and Deokman happen.
Then I will believe you.
Chunchu, what are you doing?
Some of the people who were slaughtered were only my age.
How can they accuse such children of being bandits?
We are all people of Silla.
why do some people live in luxury just because they are royalty?
Why do others have to work like sick cows and horses
and starve to death or be slaughtered for being bandits?
Who came up with such ranks and classes?
I'm embarrassed that as royalty, there is nothing I can do for the people.
I am very ashamed.
Don't blame yourself.
You volunteered to be Bihyeong's hostage and saved many lives.
But...
When we become successful, let's create a world where the people aren't exploited.
A world where people aren't killed because of low status.
I am going to create that world.
I will do my best, too.
I asked you here to announce the marriage of Gukban and princess Deokman.
Congratulations, Your Highness.
Congratulations, galmunwang.
Thank you.
Pajinchan, you don't seem very happy about my marriage.
This national wedding is important in deciding the royal line.
I cannot approve of a unilateral announcement that ignores the court's will.
What?
I cannot approve either.
Neither can we.
If this wedding is pursued, we will resign from the court.
I know why you are against this wedding.
Accepting Chunchu as the king's stepson and designating him crown prince
will destroy the structure of the Golpum System.
It is for the future of our country.
Chunchu has the qualities to be king. Please consider him to succeed the throne.
Pajinchan!
Even Chunchu's father doesn't want that.
Where is Yongchun?
Clearly show where your loyalty lies to the court.
As a member of the royal family and as a loyal servant of His Majesty,
I approve of the marriage between galmunwang Gukban and princess Deokman.
I will not have my son, Chunchu, become His Majesty's stepson.
I do not want Chunchu to be mentioned in the succession of the throne.
To keep that promise, I swear my full loyalty to galmunwang Gukban.
Me and my family will not challenge Gukban's authority at all.
We will be submissive.
If I do not abide by this oath, kill me with this formal-dress sword.
We will be punished with death for our betrayal.
I accept your loyalty.
Did you have to swear loyalty to Gukban?
You abandoned our cause for the security of your family.
Is that your great cause?
If Chunchu becomes the crown prince,
how long do you think he could keep that position?
He'll get shot with an arrow at the hunting ground.
He'll get poisoned.
He might go to sleep and never wake up.
Would you put your son in a position like that?
Installing Chunchu as the crown prince isn't a personal matter.
The fate of Silla depends on it.
Have you forgotten our oath to reform the court and achieve peace?
Forgive me.
This is all I can be.
Father.
Is it true you swore loyalty to galmunwang Gukban?
Yes.
In my humble opinion, he is not fit to be a king.
Do I have to be loyal to him, too?
There is somewhere we have to go.
King Jinji's tomb (25th king of Silla)
Father, you can't be in the royal shrine because you were dethroned.
I am so sorry.
I will put Chunchu on the throne and make up for your unjust treatment.
The great cause you couldn't achieve will be accomplished.
But it's not time yet.
In order to survive until then,
I will kneel to galmunwang a hundred times if I have to.
I will swear loyalty to him again.
Please look over Chunchu until that time comes.
Chunchu, do you trust me?
What?
What are you talking about?
Volunteering to annihilate Gwimun and swearing to Gukban...
It might look to you like I abandoned my cause and only care for my family.
If you trust and follow me, you will know my intentions some day.
Because Yongchun swore loyalty, the wedding can't be avoided.
What will we do?
If Gukban takes the throne, there will be no reform in court.
The fate of our country will be ruined.
We will be fallen leaves.
Then...
We must prevent this wedding even if it means we all have to resign.
Some of the officials are talking about resigning because of your marriage.
The wedding is causing more division in court.
I'm more worried about Baekje attacking.
Baekje?
Goguryeo is taking measures to defend against Sui.
The border south of Hansu is being neglected.
Baekje could attack. We must plan measures.
You are right.
But even if I give an order to build a fortress and raise military power,
there is nobody who will obey my order.
~ Baekje palace ~ There is internal dispute in Silla over the successor.
They are fighting among themselves.
Bandits are roaming about in Seorabeol and public sentiments are lost.
This is the perfect opportunity to attack Silla and recover our land.
King Mu of Baekje.
He implemented policies to strengthen royal authority and
continued to attack Silla.
Goguryeo and Sui started to fight over control of northeast Asia.
King Mu took that opportunity to attack Silla.
The first place he attacked was Gajamseong.
It is presumed to be today's Goesan or Geochang area.
The Baekje army surrounded Gajamseong. What should we do?
It is the first gateway to Seorabeol.
If Gajamseong is taken, the Baekje army will advance to Seorabeol.
We must postpone talks of the national wedding and
send reinforcements to defend Gajamseong.
I agree with the pajinchan.
Sangdaedeung, send reinforcements to Gajamseong right away.
Your Majesty, we can't send reinforcements.
Why not?
What are you talking about?
If we send our soldiers to Gajamseong,
Gwimun will raise an army and attack the palace.
You want to lose a strategic fortress because you're afraid of some bandits?
The Gajamseong fortress lord is brave and has great tactics.
He will defeat the Baekje army. They are always exploiting us.
This isn't simple plundering.
If Gajamseong is taken, a large Baekje army will attack.
Pajinchan!
Do not cause concern by exaggerating.
What?
That's enough!
Who is the king of this nation?
We are sorry.
Stop fighting and come up with a plan to save Gajamseong.
Do you think you are the only loyal servant?
If you are so worried, take your servants and save Gajamseong.
Just listen to him.
How did the court come to this?
What brings you here?
I have a favor to ask you.
A favor?
Take me with you when you go to fight at Gajamseong.
I might not be that good, but I can ride a horse and use a sword.
I would like to serve the country in any way I can.
Hwarangdo will not be going to Gajamseong.
What?
Why isn't Hwarangdo fighting in a battle that will decide the fate of the nation?
Hwarangs obey the orders of the royal family and the court.
Has it been decided whether I can be accepted or not?
You have been rejected.
You should go now.
Is it because of my father?
What was my father's crime?
What do you mean?
What did he do that was so bad that I can't join Hwarangdo?
You are a close friend of my father's. You must know!
You'll find out in time.
I have to know now.
Tell me.
Fine, if you really want to know, I will tell you.
The sangdaedeung cut off his ties with his daughter because of your father.
He did?
594 AD
Your father was a Jeonbang Hwarang with a high reputation.
He was the first man from Gaya to be considered for the pungwolju position.
How dare someone from Gaya want my daughter?
Are you showing contempt for my family?
I am a descendant of Gaya royalty.
I will not move until you approve of my marriage to your daughter.
How brazen.
Get out of my house right now.
A man doesn't go back on his word.
I will not move even if it means that I have to die here.
What?
You...
Do I have to shed blood to make you wake up?
Father, no! Please calm down.
This isn't your concern. Leave.
Father, please approve of our marriage.
What?
What are you saying?
I am already his.
His baby is growing in me.
What!
You dared to violate my daughter?
It was my will.
Please, I'm begging you.
Please approve of our marriage.
Take her away right now.
Lock her in her room and don't even give her any water.
Father. Father! Father!
Seohyeon!
Manmyeong, if you leave with him, I will cut off all my ties with you.
You will never set foot in Seorabeol again.
If you come back right now, I will forgive you.
Manmyeong.
Mother...
What will you do?
Do what you want.
I will abide by your decision.
Forgive me, father.
I will go with Seohyeon.
Oh...
Your father was removed from Hwarangdo and he could never return to Seorabeol.
His Majesty felt bad that they were wandering in the border area.
He appointed Seohyeon as the viceroy of Mannogun.
The sangdaedeung still considers your father to be his enemy
for coming between him and his daughter.
That's why you can't join Hwarangdo.
Father, what will happen to Yusin?
He will have to accept his fate or overcome it himself.
Nobody can do it for him.
The national wedding must not be postponed because of Gajamseong.
Do you think the pajinchan will resign if the wedding goes through?
What are you worried about?
People are lined up with bribes to get a position on court.
We can change the court.
You're right.
This will be a good chance to tame the officials who follow the pajinchan.
Let's drink.
Who's there?
Who are you?
I am Kim Yusin, the Mannogun viceroy's son.
What?
The Mannogun viceroy's son?
Then you're...
I have something to tell you.
The people of Gajamseong are in danger because of Baekje.
Why don't you send reinforcements?
How can you sit around and drink?
What!
The food and drinks you are enjoying are from the blood of the people.
Aren't you ashamed to face the people of Gajamseong?
Give the order to send reinforcements.
How dare you?
Like father, like son.
How dare a lowlife from Gaya talk to me like that?
My father guarded the border from Baekje all his life.
What did you do for the people?
Who is the more loyal servant?
Do you have a death wish?
Hwarangdo is a place that nurtures loyal servants of the country.
Why are you getting in the way of my loyalty
because of an old grudge?
You are a leader in court. Is this all the man you can be?
Shut him up right now!
Stop!
I will not forgive anyone who touches even a hair on his head.
Are you Manmyeong's son?
Yes, she is my mother.
You have a fine spirit.
Sangdaedeung, let him go.
He has contempt for me and the court.
Are you going to harm your own blood?
If you're going to punish him, you'll have to punish me first.
I understand your intentions. Leave for now.
I will contact you.
Why did you embarrass me like that in front of the other officials?
He is your blood.
Who do you think will lead our family in the future?
Forget about the past and accept him.
Did you forget what happened?
I will not accept a Gaya seed. Over my dead body!
What brings you here at this hour?
I'd like to see the Gwimun leader.
What are you talking about?
He said I could contact him through you.
You want me to take you to Gajamseong?
Do you think you can save Gajamseong by yourself?
Just take me there.
I'll take care of the rest.
Forget it.
I admire your courage, but that's like jumping into fire with hay.
If you refuse, I will go by myself.
Do you plan to achieve merit to make up for not getting into Hwarangdo?
Do you want to show the sangdaedeung how brave you are?
It doesn't matter why.
My heart is going to explode if I just sit here.
If I take you there, will you join Gwimun?
I promise.
Fine, I'll take you.
Come to Seocheon before the sun rises tomorrow.
You must keep your promise to join Gwimun.
Thank you.
If I return alive, I will join Gwimun.
Who is he?
Kim Yusin. Remember him.
He will be a hero who sets the country straight.
Kim Yusin...
What?
Bihyeong is taking Kim Yusin to Gajamseong?
I'm sure.
It seems like all Gwimun warriors went.
- Mocheok. - Yes.
Send a secret message to general Gyeru of the Baekje army.
What?
What are you going to do?
I'm going to use Baekje and get revenge against Bihyeong.
Yusin.
You went and yelled at the sangdaedeung?
It just made me feel more frustrated.
What are you doing?
Weapons are important in battle. I'm sharpening my spear.
Battle? What battle?
I'm going to Gajamseong.
Are you crazy?
It has been surrounded by the Baekje army. How will you get through?
I won't let you go.
You don't trust my skills?
This is no time for jokes.
If there is a will, there is a way.
Wait and see.
I'm going to achieve merit.
I will set an example for the greedy court officials.
Hwarangs who have no sense of duty.
Nobody will be able to look down on me for being a Gaya descendant.
Then I will go with you.
Fulfilling your loyal duties here is what you should do.
Yusin.
You are a descendant of a dethroned king and
I am the descendant of a royal family of Gaya that fell.
But a day will come when we achieve our ambitions.
Yusin.
You must come back alive.
I will be sure to return alive.
Yusin is late.
Do you think he will come?
He will come.
Over there.
Am I late?
You're just on time.
Is it just us?
The others will join us in the north.
There's no time. Let's go.
Princess.
Chunchu, what brings you to the palace?
I have a favor to ask you.
A favor? What is it?
I heard Gajamseong is in danger.
The court slaughtered innocent children accusing them of being bandits.
Why aren't they sending reinforcements to save Gajamseong?
The people hate the court and are disappointed with the royal family.
Who will want to be loyal to a country like that?
Princess.
I'm begging you.
Please send reinforcements and save Gajamseong.
I know how you feel.
I'm ashamed.
~ Baekje camp outside Gajamseong ~ What?
Reinforcements are coming from Seorabeol?
Yes.
They are elite Gwimun warriors. Even the Silla court fears them.
Do you think I'd be afraid of some bandits?
The sangdaedeung's grandson is among them.
The sangdaedeung's grandson?
Is that true?
If you take him hostage, you will achieve more merit than taking Gajamseong.
What is the reason you are telling me this?
I have a debt to pay to the Gwimun leader.
Give me his head.
I hear you're worried about Gajamseong.
The court is being slow about sending reinforcements.
If the king's orders are ignored and the court officials decide everything,
what's the use of having a king?
It's all because the royal line isn't properly established.
Your authority will be strengthened after the national wedding.
Rush the national wedding.
Measures to save Gajamseong are more urgent right now.
The national wedding is more urgent.
Do as I say.
Princess, how are the wedding preparations coming along?
Your Highness, I will not marry galmunwang Gukban.
What?
What did you just say?
I said I will not marry him.
Are you going against my wishes?
The marriage was to strengthen the royal family's authority and
to unite the divided court.
The fate of our nation is in danger because of Baekje.
Bur royal orders are being ignored
and the court is even more divided because of the national wedding.
I will not go through with such a wedding.
What?
How dare you show contempt for me?
Many people are unhappy about Gukban succeeding the throne.
If he saves Gajamseong, the court officials and the people will praise him highly.
If the wedding is held then, the court will be united and so will public opinion.
How dare you?
She seems to be right.
What if something happens to him?
I'm sure Buddha will protect him for the sake of Silla.
The princess wants to shove me in a tiger's mouth?
What a bold wretch.
Isn't she, Yongchun?
If that's what she wants, I'll show her.
Are you sure this is the place we're supposed to meet?
Yes.
It's an ambush!
Bihyeong, all your soldiers have been killed.
General Gyeru is going to be generous and spare your life.
Are you the sangdaedeung's grandson?
I am a descendant of the royal family of Gaya!
Attack!
Subtitles by KBS World
Please save the people of Gajamseong and protect Yusin.
We've been here for ten days.
Please hurry to battle.
If you die instead, I will forgive your father's crimes.
Will you die instead of him?
I'd like to live.
The people of Gajamseong were loyal to the royal family.
Why is the king abandoning us?
Galmunwang Gukban does not qualify to succeed the royal line.
If the princess won't accept the wedding, you should make her go down.
You might be a bandit, but you are a Silla person.
Why are you being a spy for the Baekje army?
You can't go.
Yusin.
Yusin!