Subtitles by DramaFever
[This program is provided by the MCST and the media contents of the KCCA.]
[This drama is loosely based off of historical figures and events.]
Mother, what should we have for dinner tonight?
What would you like to have?
Hello, there.
What about fried zucchini?
Yes, that sounds good.
This looks good.
Choose some.
Look who it is.
Isn't it Lady Shin?
It's been a long time.
Have you been well?
I think she was around that age.
The girl with the ribbon at Woonpyeongsa.
Move out of the way now.
It's been a long time, so I'm just saying hello.
Why are you being so cold?
This is not Woonpyeongsa, after all.
Get out of my way.
Do you want to go into exile again?
Or...
do you want to be put to death by poisoning?
It's been a long time, Lee Gyeom.
You are still following this lady around.
Do you really want to die?
My lord.
We should head back.
We shall meet again.
What an evil man he is.
People like that ought to be put in jail.
Hey!
How absurd.
Welcome back, my lord.
Did something happen?
He ran into Saimdang and Lee Gyeom and there was a small incident.
What?
Thankfully, it did not become anything bigger.
You should be careful, as well.
By the way, were you and my mother friends since childhood, my lord?
Mae Chang.
Friends?
Yes, we were friends.
Very close friends.
What was my mother like?
Was she a quiet and reserved person
but someone who still said everything that was on her mind?
Quiet?
Quiet... I suppose so.
She did climb over the walls around people's homes very quietly.
Climb over walls?
- Yes. - Mother, is that true?
- Come on. - Mother, tell me.
Is it really true?
He was eating well even yesterday.
I do not know why he's suddenly so unwell today.
How is His Majesty's illness?
His Majesty is weak and lacking strength.
I will increase his medication to help with his strength.
I understand. You may go now.
Are you awake, Your Majesty?
Seeing how weak the king has become...
I felt like the sky was falling.
I can remember when he was as strong as a great mountain.
Do not worry so much.
He is a strong person. He will get through it and stand again.
I have a favor to ask of you.
You must do it for me.
I would like to have a portrait done of the king looking strong to comfort him.
I would like you to take charge of the Dohwaseo.
[Dohwaseo: Office in charge of all things related to drawing.]
I know.
You do not like to be tied down to a government post.
When the king was healthy...
he could not do anything against the ministers.
My future days are dark and bleak.
I do not have any of my people within the palace.
Come back in now. Be a source of strength to me.
Before we hold the memorial rites for the ancestors
we will move forward with the king's portrait.
I will appoint Lee Gyeom to run the Dohwaseo.
In order for the government to flourish for a long time
I believe your intent is good, Crown Prince.
However, all things must follow proper procedure.
That is my opinion.
The rule is that the portrait should be taken on by a royal family member.
Doesn't that make Lee Gyeom the right person?
He is the leader of the Legendary Bird and he is a royal family member.
What more do you need?
I will give Lee Gyeom authority over the king's portrait.
Find his likeness in the archives and complete your task.
Thank you for this task.
Your Majesty.
I wish to choose a new artist for this portrait.
Not the artists in the Dohwaseo?
[Dohwaseo: Selection Notice]
They're choosing new artists at the Dohwaseo.
What? Are you going to try the test?
Wouldn't any artist want to be in the Dohwaseo?
But they say it's harder than getting a star out of the sky.
We will now start the test for the Dohwaseo.
Bamboo trees, landscapes, people, animals, creatures, and plants.
Paint two of any of these and submit them within the time allotted.
All right. Start now.
[Lee Mae Chang: Saimdang's daughter]
From the first round, the highest scoring work is...
this one here.
Where is the person who painted this?
It was me.
Then how can I see the world most clearly?
I think you already have eyes that do.
The person who scored the highest with this painting
already has enough talent to be accepted into the Dohwaseo.
But we still have the second round left.
Use the remaining time to paint a great picture.
Yes, I will.
Doesn't this look just like you?
What do you think?
The contours and dimensions are well defined.
The features are depicted very well.
You were able to paint facial features well.
It is very good.
Right? My artistic skill is getting so good.
I'm in my prime.
I think I'm especially talented in capturing people's faces.
Should I try painting the king's portrait?
I'm sorry, but...
I do not think that a woman can become a Dohwaseo artist.
What kind of law is that?
Over here!
What's the problem?
I believe this person...
is a girl.
Give me your identification.
You already checked the identification.
Come now. I told you to hand it over!
Lee Seon who lives in Soojin Room...
Is this really you?
Yes, I am Lee Seon.
No, I am sure that she is a girl.
Take a close look at her face.
No, I'm not.
All right.
Then take off your top.
What?
It won't be a problem if you're a boy.
What are you doing?
Take it off now!
Take it off.
They are having a competition to pick new artists for the Dohwaseo.
Would you like to take a look?
Should we do that?
Let's do that.
Let me go. Let go!
Let go of me!
Gosh, I told you girls can't be here.
It was my painting that got the top score.
How could you drag me out so heartlessly just because I am a girl?
I was first place, but I can't participate because I'm a girl?
That makes no sense.
If you think that's unfair, the be born again as a boy!
What kind of nonsense is that?
What kind of girl keeps talking back like this?
It's the law, so what am I to do?
How did your mother raise you that you have such poor manners?
Did you just insult my mother?
Yes, I did. So, what?
Hey!
- You little... - What's going on?
This girl tried to enter the Dohwaseo competition.
Wait... aren't you Mae Chang?
My lord.
She is Mae Chang, daughter of Yangryu Village's Lady Shin.
You are Lady Shin's daughter?
This is the Crown Prince. Greet him.
My name is Lee Mae Chang.
Tell me what is going on.
They say I cannot work at the Dohwaseo because I'm a girl.
It was my painting that received the highest score.
But now I can't participate because I'm a girl.
This is not right.
If you're choosing the best artist in Joseon
shouldn't you judge based on talent?
It is truly unfair.
It is a very strange world!
What a bold child.
But she is not wrong.
Children.
- Mother. - Did you have a good day?
You're home.
You worked hard today, Mother.
Yes, is your blacksmith work going well, Seon?
Yes, I am making knives lately.
I don't see Mae Chang though.
Was she not with you, Mother?
I thought she went to meet you like last time.
No, she did not come.
What?
She left early this morning and we haven't heard from her all day.
Shouldn't we report this to the police?
I think she was around that age.
Get out of my way.
Is anyone here?
Lady Shin.
Have you been doing well?
What brings you by?
My uncle asked me to deliver this letter.
Thank you.
Today, Mae Chang dressed up as a boy and took the test at the Dohwaseo.
I don't have the power to change the nation's laws overnight.
I can only feel frustration.
Mae Chang.
I wish status, gender, and age would not matter.
I long for a world where everyone can use their talents for the nation.
Please comfort Mae Chang.
Mae Chang.
Mother.
What are you doing here?
Wondering what kind of world I live in.
I was just thinking about that.
So, have you found an answer?
No.
I do not really know.
Mother, you never said "no" because I was a girl.
You never stopped me rom doing something.
However, the outside world is different.
No matter how well I paint...
I cannot become an artist at the Dohwaseo.
It is all because I'm a girl.
I wanted to become the most famous artist in Joseon.
Someone like you, Mother, and like An Gyeon...
I wanted to get recognition as the best artist.
I was more talented than anyone sitting there.
So why must I give up on my dream because I'm a girl?
Why does spring only bloom flowers for men?
It is so unfair.
I thought the same thing at your age.
Living as a woman in Joseon can often be very stifling.
You will find things unfair.
However, don't you think someday the world will be a better place?
I only see dark nights ahead.
What if I never see a better world?
I'm sure the night will be long.
Someday, I'm sure you will get married and have children.
That child will have a daughter too.
That child's child will also have a daughter.
The sun will shine around then.
Until then, can't we make the nights a little brighter for those children?
What about me? What am I supposed to do?
You are a genius artist, but you live in pain because of Father.
And you live like this.
Mother...
were you truly happy?
Mother...
were you truly happy?
They say I cannot work at the Dohwaseo because I'm a girl.
This is not right.
We are selecting a person to paint the king's portrait.
We will not only be considering artists from within the Dohwaseo.
Anyone who has the skill and talent...
submit your work.
What is this saying?
Gosh, you can't even read that?
Let me take a look.
Oh my! They're choosing an artist for the king's portrait.
They're choosing from outside the palace.
There's a new wind in the Dohwaseo.
What are you talking about?
The artist who will paint the king's portrait.
Oh really?
If Saimdang went out, she would get it for certain.
- Yes. - That's true.
Can a woman do it too?
Since Lady Shin is so pretty, she may just win.
Look at all the paintings of the applicants.
Why are they all so low in quality?
They are all the same.
Let's take a look.
Isn't that Lady Shin?
- Lady Shin? - Lady Shin.
I think you're right. It is.
What brings you here?
My name is Shin Saimdang.
Saimdang.
I came to apply to paint the king's portrait.
Isn't it very good?
It does stand out in my eyes too.
The soft brush strokes and delicate depiction.
There is a calmness to it and the colors are beautiful.
It is a very deep piece.
Take a look at that painting.
[Lotus and White Heron] There is a depth to it, and detail.
That painting got the most votes.
Is that right?
Then let's see who painted it.
Yes.
Sh... Shin Saimdang?
Lady Shin, who drew the grapevines?
Minister, this cannot be.
Last time during the test
her daughter dressed as a boy and caused a commotion.
Dressed as a boy?
How insolent of her.
If she is going to behave poorly, why not do it in her own home?
She made a mockery of the Dohwaseo.
This will not do! We need to vote again.
- Let's do so. - We must.
- We have to. - Let's do it.
There is no need for that.
Just a moment ago, you all said this was the best.
That's because...
This is unprecedented.
Then this will be the first time.
The first time for such a scandalous issue to affect our government.
You will make a joke out of our memorial rites ceremony.
Letting go of the best artist for a reason other than her talent...
that is the real joke.
In the notice put up searching for an artist to paint the portrait...
there was nothing in it about disqualifying women.
It is nonsense.
Painting the king's portrait is part of the Ministry of Culture's work.
It is against the law to allow a woman to work in the government.
Then I will use the Bangwaehwaseo.
I am speaking as the person in charge of the king's portrait.
Bangwaehwaseo?
I will not use the Dohwaseo.
I will use an external department for the king's portrait.
It will not be a government entity, so it will not matter who paints it.
Also, we will not receive any payment.
What do you mean by that?
That is not even worth discussing.
The whole world feels off balance right now.
This portrait should be taken on very carefully.
How can you allow a mere woman to do it?
I do not understand it.
She is not a mere woman!
She was chosen as the winner of the contest for the king's portrait.
I only want the best artist to paint the king's portrait.
Crown Prince.
If you go down this path, she will want to take the civil exam.
Then she will want a government post.
You need to cut this off at the root.
Please reconsider this matter.
Please reconsider!
Crown Prince.
I am trying to appoint the most talented person to the task.
The authority over the king's portrait...
has already been given to Lee Gyeom.
- No, you cannot. - Crown Prince.
I am using my power...
to authorize it.
Crown Prince, no!
Your Highness!
Get Lady Shin to paint the king's portrait.
Crown Prince, no!
Please reconsider!
No! Please.
Crown Prince!
Oh my.
What's this?
- My lord. - It's Lord Lee Gyeom.
Lord Lee Gyeom is here.
Shin Saimdang, come forward to receive a royal command!
- Royal command? - What royal command?
- What's going on? - Hold on.
Shin Saimdang.
You will attend the Dohwaseo to paint the king's portrait.
You will be responsible for that duty.
- The king's portrait? - The king's portrait.
It's where she'll paint the king's portrait.
Our lady?
Thank you for this great benevolence.
Stand up.
I sincerely congratulate you.
Please drink.
Thank you.
What made you think to apply?
You surprise me.
I didn't think I would really win.
By any chance...
You're wondering if I had anything to do with you winning.
Is that what you're thinking?
I'm hoping you did not.
You were entered into the contest anonymously.
I am worried that you may be in a difficult position because of me.
The best artist was chosen.
However, the path you will have to walk...
will be very rough.
I am prepared for it.
The king's portrait is too important to be put in the hands of a woman!
This is unacceptable!
This cannot happen! It cannot be put in her hands!
She cannot do it!
Changing the way people are selected for jobs.
If he acts this way, even with the king alive
The Crown Prince will get rid of us all once he takes over the throne.
That is right and he publicly announced it.
We need to move quickly.
We're here to see the king.
He is unwell today. You cannot see him today.
It is urgent. We must see him.
We only need a moment.
He has taken medicine and is asleep.
It will be impossible.
Goodness sakes.
I'll become a writer.
Then I will become the king of the sea.
I will fight pirates and collect lots of gold.
"Yin Mak Bool Eun Shik Seon Neung Ji Mi."
There is no one who doesn't eat.
There are few people who truly know how it tastes.
I'm going to become a food reviewer.
A food reviewer? What's that?
Do you know what made me most angry when I first came to Hanyang?
Food that was uselessly expensive and yucky.
It is an insult to good food.
I will expose them all.
That is the work a food reviewer would do.
You all wrote yours?
Let's put it in this jar.
Aren't you Ji Kyun?
It's Ji Kyun!
Hello.
Yes, it's been a long time.
I'll get going now then.
- Ji Kyun. - Mother!
- Hello! - Tae Ryong, Hyun Ryong!
- Hello. - Hi.
- Hi, Ji Kyun. - Ji Kyun.
- We'll go eat. - Bye.
- Bye.
Hyun Ryong, should we go eat dinner at home with Ji Kyun?
The eggplants in the yard have ripened very well.
Let's do that, Mother. Come on, Ji Kyun.
Yes, come on.
The eggplants are very fresh and delicious.
Eat up, Ji Kyun. Tell me if you need anything.
Yes.
Seon, the new knife you made me is very good.
The width of the handle is perfect for my hand.
I made it to fit your hand size.
I'm thinking of making scissors this time.
My Seon's skills are improving daily.
Are you a blacksmith?
Tell me if you need anything. I can make it for you.
Mother, my friends and I wrote down our dreams and put them in a jar.
Tomorrow, we're going up to the mountain to bury it.
We're going to meet in 10 years and open it together.
Really?
Ji Kyun, what is your dream?
It's a secret.
There are no secrets between friends.
Hyun Ryong, everyone has secrets.
Even I have a secret.
- What is it? - What?
What is it?
Your mother...
will be painting the king's portrait.
You'll be painting the king's portrait?
Mother, has a path opened for a woman?
- Wow. - Congratulations.
Mother!
That is the greatest honor for an artist.
Then can we visit the palace too?
I would like to see the Hall of Worthies.
I would like to see the Crown Prince's men too.
I would like to go too.
Yes, let's all go.
I am so proud of you, Mother.
I love you.
Me too.
Congratulations, Mother.
Your food will get cold. Eat first.
- Yes. - All right.
You too, Ji Kyun.
Mother, it's very good.
My lord, you cannot do this.
- You must be careful, very careful-- - As if I'm dead?
You want me to bow down and live?
Yes.
Please live like that.
I did everything in my power to bring you back to Hanyang.
Do you know what life was like for me in the past two years?
Wait for the right time.
What are you thinking--
You insolent girl.
Will you feel better once you see your family dragged off as slaves?
I will do it all.
If you are going to be this way, just don't breathe and stay put.
Please.
You!
Father! Please stop.
Are you all right, Mother?
I'm all right.
Study and do not be swayed.
Just study.
If our laws are destroyed, our nation will fall!
It will fall!
Our nation will fall!
It will be destroyed.
A woman in the Dohwaseo. Does this make sense?
They discussed an external department, but she got in through connections.
How dare a woman come in--
My name is Shin Saimdang and I will be painting the king's portrait.
It's my first time here, so there is much I do not know.
As you are my seniors here, please help me out.
"Senior," yeah right.
Where should I sit?
Go over there.
Why is she so confident?
She's here to steal our living.
We'll see how long she lasts.
Oh, you're home?
- Why do you have a silk dress? - Oh...
My stomach is getting bigger and I don't have anything that fits.
I told people that your first wife was painting the king's portrait.
So the dress shop out front gave this to me on a tab right away.
Tab? On a tab again?
Once she completes the portrait, her paintings will go up in price.
It makes me so happy just thinking about it.
I shouldn't be saying this.
But you sure did marry a great first wife.
Do you really think money is that important?
It is important. It's most important.
It's my wish to strike it rich.
Give me some rice.
"Rice, rice." Every time he opens his mouth.
Does he have a beggar in his stomach?
What's this?
Why is this down here?
She dropped by some time ago.
You should've told me if it was my belongings.
I forgot!
Lady Kwon, please read.
My husband may look healthy.
However, he tends to get chills easily in the middle of the night.
Even if he has had dinner
he always gets hungry right before he goes to bed.
He has trouble sleeping when he is hungry.
He will always need a simple snack to tide him over.
He likes to eat tofu or dried fruits.
Also, he has sensitive skin.
You will need to take care when it comes to his undergarments.
When it comes to his undergarments
he prefers the ones bought in Jeoja, Kyungjoo, and Pomok, so remember that.
His eczema often flares up.
He can suffer for over a month once it starts.
If you use chameleon plant for three days
the swelling will go down.
Your Majesty, why don't you rest a few more days?
The artist who will paint my portrait...
is Saimdang?
Yes, Your Majesty.
I have left my throne empty for too long.
The king's portrait is not simply about painting His Majesty's likeness.
I want the artist and all of you to remember this.
Again and again.
- Yes. - Yes.
It will be difficult to look at the king while bowed down.
You will need his permission to stand and look at him.
You will need permission to sit down.
- Do you understand? - Yes.
His Majesty, the king, is entering!
I want everyone to leave except for the artist.
Your Majesty.
When the portrait is being painted, the attendants usually need to be here.
They will need to help out.
I want her to be able to focus.
I want you all to leave.
Yes.
Come closer.
You are the artist who will paint the king.
You will need to come closer and look into my eyes.
Lift your head.
You are Saimdang of the Shin household, is that right?
Yes, Your Majesty.
Saimdang from the Shin household.
What is your name?
My name is Saimdang.
Saimdang.
Saimdang, you say.
The winner of the goryeoji competition two years ago?
Yes.
Then...
you are Shin Myung Hwa's daughter.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Are you saying we should commit a crime?
I cannot be part of this discussion.
Your Majesty.
You are a benevolent king.
Get rid of anyone who received that poem and leave no trace.
Recover them all.
I remember.
Your father, a good man.
And his bold daughter.
Why can't a woman even send in an appeal?
I remember you.
You said you would make an appeal to go to Mount Geumgang.
You were a very bold young girl.
That boldness...
must have brought you here.
It is by your grace.
Yes.
Compared to back then...
how do I look to you now?
Lift your head.
Look at me and speak.
You seem to have many worries.
Your disposition does not seem comfortable.
Does not seem comfortable?
Does not seem comfortable.
How do you plan to paint me?
Will it be what you see?
A king with worries and an uncomfortable disposition?
Or will it be a confident and stately king?
Will it be the king of the past?
Tell me.
Painting the king is not only about painting your image.
I must also paint your heart.
Therefore, not only your image, but your soul.
I will try to capture your spirit in my painting.
My soul?
Paint to capture my spirit.
However...
what if the artist has even a small grudge against me?
Would that be possible?
I would like to hear your answer.
If my father were alive now...
I know he would be proud of me.
He would also cheer me on to do a good job.
So I will do my very best.
I will paint Joseon's face, the king of this nation.
If you make even one error on one wrinkle or hair on my face
you could be punished for it.
Do you realize that?
I will do my best.
Then begin.
If you give us the plans for the new warship
- you'll have enough for life. - Sounds good.
It is treason.
If things go wrong--
How long am I supposed to live in this tiny house?
Do you think I have any other choice?
What are you doing here?
This place is restricted to outsiders.
I am Princess Jungsoon's private teacher.
She ordered me to get some paintings for her.
You can find those over there.
How are the plans for the Turtle Ship coming along?
- I am almost done. - Let me take a look.
Turtle Ship.
I've finally found it.
Why is she coming out of the Dohwaseo?
She said she needed something for Princess Jungsoon's classes.
She comes by often.
Wait.
Why are you coming back out?
She has refused the food.
She does not wish to eat.
Here is the beef and rice stew.
Enjoy your food.
Let's eat.
The beef and rice stew...
Hey. Have a drink.
It's not like she'll get fed a king's meal.
How good can palace food be?
This kind of hot stew is the best.
Homemade beef and rice stew is so good.
Wife, wait just a bit.
I'll bring you some beef and rice stew made with love.
Oh my.
What are you doing here?
You scared me. I nearly lost the baby.
I'm the one with the baby.
I asked you what you're doing.
Oh my goodness.
You can't even help out and now you're taking alcohol?
- Give it back. - No.
I just need to give it to someone. I'll be right back.
Seriously, he is so terrible.
Why is this open? Really?
Hey, where is my brother?
Why do you need Lady Shin's undergarments?
Someone should take them to her.
Since when are you so caring?
All right.
What is that?
- Alcohol? - No.
You don't need to know.
Hyang.
How are the kids?
Ask them yourself if you're so curious.
Hey, you... Hyang, Hyang, Hyang!
I can't even go into my own house.
I can't even be a father.
I'll give you a moment to rest.
Subtitles by DramaFever
Please make a world where people can have dreams.
You are like a king in that place.
There should only have been one next to me.
You should paint my portrait along with Shin Saimdang.
Let's just think of our children.
I will get rid of them both at once.
Once this is over, the king will know who is loyal to him.
Lee Gyeom is coming!
Gosh!
What did you say? Get over here.
Okay. Cut.
Ah!
[Why isn't Lee Gyeom coming out...]
I admired you, Prof... Profess...
Yes, yes. We love you, Professor.
[The set of "Saimdang" is filled with laughter.]
[Saimdang: Light's Diary]