When the morning sun shines down
I hear the water flowing
The birds sing
Step aside.
Let us through.
Tape it off!
(Police)
(Crime Scene Investigator)
(Police)
- What is that? - What is it?
Breaking news. A person's skeletal remains...
were found in Ehwa Palace.
Park Hyun Ah is at the scene. Reporter Park.
I heard a necklace was found with the skeletal remains.
That's correct. The necklace...
was confirmed to be the sapphire necklace that Emperor Lee Hyuk...
gave to the Empress.
It is an extravagant piece with 150 carats of sapphires...
and 80 diamonds.
A previous emperor purchased it for 2.2 million dollars...
from a French jeweler as a wedding gift,
and it had been passed down from empress to empress.
(The Last Empress: Episode 1)
(1 year ago, 2018, The Korean Empire Year 121)
Salute!
I just returned from visiting five countries in Africa...
to negotiate the safe return of a Korean vessel...
taken hostage in an African strait.
Let me start by telling you the result.
I got them to promise to release the captain...
and all 23 shipmates by the end of the month!
(Ko Hyun Kook)
You were able to successfully negotiate a difficult situation.
I'm curious as to what you agreed to give in exchange.
Having every citizen of our empire returned unharmed...
was the objective of my negotiations.
The Royal Family...
will provide the funds required for their release.
It was an urgent summit among leaders of nations.
Why did the Emperor...
and the Empress Dowager go, excluding the Prime Minister?
- That's... - Some say the Empress Dowager...
has greater political influence than the Prime Minister.
What do you think about that?
Some say this is the Empress Dowager's regency.
Did you know that?
The Empress Dowager's regency?
The Imperial Family does not participate in politics.
Mr. Prime Minister, His Majesty must be tired.
We will end the Q and A session.
The Imperial Family's office will send you the details.
Give me a break.
Your feelings must have been hurt.
I was careless.
You held your tongue well, Your Majesty.
Everything is thanks to you, Mother.
You were the one who planned the visit.
What would you like to do first when you get to the palace?
I told Ms. Min to redecorate my room.
I wonder...
how it looks now.
You redecorated the Emperor's chamber?
Let's go.
I'm sorry! I'll clean that up!
We have no time. I'll help you.
(Finding Mr. Fate)
Why are they so tight?
What if it rips?
I need to look pretty.
Where's Sunny?
The stage light turned off!
Go fix it!
Sunny!
I'm so busy. Why is he calling me again?
I'm a musical actress, not a handyman.
- Sunny. - Yes?
- Did you fix the stage light? - Yes.
The show starts tomorrow. Let's do this right, okay?
And here. Take these.
What...
Put up posters on your way home. Sell tickets, too.
Of course.
The lead actress should do it all.
Come watch this.
(Finding Mr. Fate)
I'm coming, Your Majesty.
Do you like it, Your Majesty?
I tried to decorate it according to what you like...
How would you know what His Majesty likes?
He is more sensitive to colors than anyone.
How dare you change his bedroom without my approval as you please?
It seems to me Ms. Min's taste isn't...
on a par with yours.
You should have discussed this with me first.
Change it back to how it was before.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Is the event ready?
Yes, Your Majesty.
These are the profiles of people invited to the luncheon with you.
Over 3,000 people applied for the luncheon this year again.
Five applicants were selected among them.
I hope you selected people that will help the royal family.
Of course, ma'am.
You must ensure that this event does its job in promoting the family.
You must be tired. Please go in and rest up.
You're working upon our arrival without taking a break.
How could I, your mother, be at ease resting?
I feel relieved only after checking everything myself.
I'm sure you know that.
Ms. Choi.
Was someone in my room?
Except for the court ladies in charge of cleaning,
Ms. Min was in here.
She said she bought flowers that you like.
Min Yu Ra.
What is this witch after?
- You jerks. Let me go. - No.
Let go of me!
I just want to see her. That's it. Why can't I go inside?
Goodness, you're making me angry.
Darn it!
(Apply to Become an Imperial Guard for the Korean Empire)
Become an Imperial guard?
They're as weak as kittens. They're useless.
"Healthy citizens of the Korean Empire".
"Applicants must weigh under 140kg." "Under"?
This world only likes those who are skinny.
How unfair.
Watch where you're going.
Why are you staring at me like you've seen a bear?
No, no. I'm very sorry.
- Why are you sorry? - I'm late.
I'm sorry. Goodness.
You can't go inside.
You may go in!
What just happened?
His Imperial Majesty is here.
(Luncheon with the Emperor)
Nice to meet you. I'm Lee Hyuk, the Emperor of the Korean Empire.
Nice to meet you.
Welcome.
He's suffering from a rare muscle disease.
It's an honor to meet you.
No, it must have been difficult for you to make the trip here.
I'm sorry.
(Guest: Oh Sunny)
Is Ms. Oh Sunny not here yet?
I'm sorry that I'm late. I'm sorry.
Your Majesty.
Oh, no.
Are you all right, Ms. Oh Sunny?
What? Yes.
- Princess! - Princess!
- I want to wish you - I want to wish you
- A Merry Christmas - A Merry Christmas
- I want to wish you - I want to wish you
- A Merry Christmas - A Merry Christmas
- I want to wish you - I want to wish you
- A Merry Christmas - A Merry Christmas
- From the bottom of my heart - From the bottom of my heart
Are you all right?
Are you hurt?
Do you remember, You Majesty?
Of course, you left a strong impression.
Ms. Oh Sunny?
Thank you.
- Ms. Oh Sunny. - Yes?
Use this.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Come on, seriously?
How inconsiderate. Goodness.
What's this about?
- Are you Mr. Ko, the reporter? - Yes.
I have a tip regarding corruption of the Imperial Family.
May I ask for your business card?
Sure. Hold on.
Call me whenever it is convenient for you.
You must write only good things with this precious hand of yours.
Who are you? Did the Imperial Family send you?
I'm going to...
What are you doing?
This chip allows us to track you and listen to you at the same time,
so you should live to help the Family from now on, right?
Ms. Oh, you're a musical actress?
Yes. That day, you said you hoped to meet me again...
when I became a famous actress. That helped me a lot.
For the first time in my career, I'm the main lead.
If you have time, come and watch the show.
(VIP Invitation, "Finding Mr. Fate")
Don't feel obligated.
I just thought it would be really great...
if you could come.
I'll check my schedule. I'll try to make it if I can.
- Thank you for the invitation. - Really?
Mr. Na Wang Shik is looking for you.
(13 Missed Calls, Na Wang Shik)
Yu Ra! Right here! It's Yu Ra!
Hey, why aren't you answering your phone?
I told you I knew someone inside. Look at this.
Her position is way higher than yours. Say hello to her.
How dare you visit me here? Come with me.
It's not what you think. I couldn't reach you for a month.
I was busy.
What kind of a job makes you work this much?
Hey, you should just resign.
Or you should just marry me.
But Yu Ra, you lost so much weight.
Is your job that hard?
Seeing you is harder than working.
So please stop calling me.
Hey.
Are you seeing someone else?
I can put up with everything,
but I cannot allow you cheating on me with another man.
No matter who that guy is, I'm going to end him.
You know my temper, right?
I'm swamped with work. What are you talking about?
I can't leave my post for long. You should go home today.
I'll call you. Okay?
Okay, my beauty.
Goodness, how long has it been?
Isn't this nice?
Your Majesty, may I take...
- a selfie with you? - Of course.
Okay.
- Okay. - Ready?
Okay.
[Kocowa Ver] SBS E01 The Last Empress "A Luncheon with the Emperor" -♥ Ruo Xi ♥-
What's going on?
Your Majesty.
Everyone, don't move!
Put that down. 1, 2, 3.
Everyone stay still!
You are all being fooled by the Emperor.
I'll show you his real face behind the mask.
Who are you?
Don't ask questions, you jerk.
Just answer my questions.
My brother Kang Joon Sung!
He went missing from the palace.
What did you do with him?
Emergency.
- Oh no! - Send in the guards! Get on it now!
Send in the Special Forces!
- Oh no. - Emergency!
Get in there now!
I think something happened to His Majesty.
Go back!
Yu Ra.
What is it?
Yu Ra.
Yu Ra! Let go.
- Yu Ra! - You can't go in.
I have solid evidence that the Emperor was involved.
So tell me the truth.
If he's dead, at least let me retrieve his body!
I don't know who that is!
Don't play games with me, you jerk!
How do you not know the name Kang Joon Sung?
You called him into the palace every night!
Don't move!
Oxygen.
See that oxygen tank?
If you don't tell the truth,
all of us will die!
You over there!
Take a video with your phone.
- Me? - Get over here!
Record it all!
Okay, I'll do it.
Hurry! Come closer!
Closer!
Say it into the camera.
Where is my brother?
If you have a complaint, take it up with me.
Let everyone else go!
If you beg for forgiveness now, I'll show mercy.
Otherwise, you won't walk out of here alive.
If you don't tell the truth,
I'll cut off your head!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty! Are you okay?
What are you waiting for? Get in there right now!
There's a fire and a risk of explosion, so we can't go in!
Break that door down!
The Emperor is in danger,
and you can't open the door because of some fire?
What are you waiting for? Shall I break it down myself?
No, Your Highness.
We're going in!
Break it down!
Now!
Flash.
Your Majesty!
Oh no!
What...
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty. Are you awake?
Don't just stand there. Take His Majesty inside!
Yes, ma'am.
Your Majesty.
Okay. She'll live.
I'm fine.
I saved His Majesty.
How could you let this happen?
How dare he take His Majesty hostage,
our great Emperor?
I'm sorry. I had stepped out for just a moment.
Do you call that an excuse?
Why weren't you guarding the Emperor?
I have no excuse.
It is all my fault.
The perpetrator came in using someone else's information.
How could just anyone be let into the palace?
Why did no one check his face?
Were you involved in this?
No. Definitely not. I could never...
The three assailants were killed on the spot,
and the one in a hospital gown is being interrogated by the police.
How could they get through palace security?
I will cut off his head and hold it high...
in the center of the market.
It turns out, he is the older brother of a palace guard...
who went missing seven years ago.
- A guard? - Yes.
He was your guard.
Your Highness, I will take care of this.
I will go to the police station right now...
and find out why the culprit did this.
How would you accomplish that?
I can't stand the sight of you, so get out.
Are you awake?
Your mother almost died from shock.
How could this happen to you in broad daylight?
Kang Joon Sung.
That guy's name from seven years ago was Kang Joon Sung, was it not?
Pardon?
Where is the assailant?
I will meet with him myself.
He seemed to know something.
He said he had solid proof.
You cannot.
It is too dangerous.
They are lunatics. Talking will not work with them.
I cannot take this any longer.
You know what kind of a jerk Joon Sung was.
You know what he made me do.
I will put an end to it this time.
You need to rest first.
The police will investigate.
Trust me.
Your Majesty!
How could this have happened?
How could someone attack you?
I'm okay now, Grandmother.
My gosh.
You look totally fine.
I thought you were stabbed or something.
Princess, watch your mouth.
I heard there were shootings and all sorts of mayhem...
at the annex.
I thought something terrible had happened.
This is terrible. How is it not?
Are you disappointed that the Emperor wasn't shot?
How could they entrust the Imperial Shopping Mall to someone like her?
The mall is doing very well,
so do not worry, Grandmother.
Okay, then. Since I saw that the Emperor is doing well,
I will go to work.
Your Majesty.
You must take care of your health.
And you must find a new empress as soon as possible.
Do you realize...
what a bad grandson you are being by not having children yet?
If you will not take action,
I shall make a public announcement to marry you off within the year.
Yes, Grandmother.
Here is your eel.
What is this?
We didn't order eel.
What do you mean?
You clearly ordered three orders of eel.
Whatever. I refuse to pay.
That punk Wang Shik broke my arm, so we'll call it even.
Your son gave me a bloody nose too.
I see.
I'm very sorry.
If you think this is unfair, cover our medical bills.
Don't nag us. It'll ruin my appetite.
You little...
Wang Shik! Wang Shik!
How dare you come here and cause a scene?
Are you asking me to finish you all?
Wang Shik! Wang Shik!
- Hey. - Hey!
Hey, what are you doing?
You're done for!
Wang Shik, go easy on them!
Gosh, this is going to cost me a fortune!
- Hey! - Wang Shik.
- Switch with me. - Get out.
I told you to stop, you brat!
What? I thought he was in Seoul. Hey, let's go!
You come back here. You jerks.
- Hey, run. - Let's go!
Where are you running off to, you dimwits?
Make sure I don't see you.
Or I'm going to separate your bones and crush them!
You.
How dare you beat up my customers?
They were so rude! You want me to just let them be?
I didn't need your help. You think I couldn't handle those minnows?
Gosh, look at you, Mom. You're exuding your scary presence.
I'm not going to get into fights now. I'm sick of it.
When this beach gets developed,
they'll give us a new house for free.
We ought to live a fancy life too.
Hey, nothing comes free in life.
Wang Shik, what took you so long?
Gosh, can't you see that I've been waiting for you forever?
Gosh.
They said he wasn't from the palace. How will I return this?
(Na Wang Shik's)
"Na Wang Shik's". Na Wang Shik?
The Empress Dowager is here.
Goodness. Gosh.
You all must have been shocked by this sudden incident.
I apologize on behalf of the whole Imperial Family.
Excuse me. Is the Emperor okay?
Is he hurt?
His injury isn't severe. He will recover quickly.
That's such a relief.
By the way, why did those assailants attack him?
He was a schizophrenia patient.
He was delusional and attacked the Emperor.
He deserves to die.
The Emperor hasn't done anything wrong.
Even we can't get over this shock.
This must have shocked him severely.
Exactly. My goodness.
I thank you all for caring so dearly about him.
The Imperial Family...
feels greatly responsible for today's incident.
Therefore, we have prepared...
a small amount of money for consolation.
"Consolation money"?
I risked my life, and it's paying off.
Goodness.
I hope you make good use of the money for your treatment.
No, that's all right, Your Majesty.
Emperor was the one who got hurt. We're fine. We didn't do anything.
I don't need money at all.
He's right.
We're grateful that the Emperor is all right.
I cannot accept this. Please take this away from me.
I...
I also...
completely agree. Right.
- Oh, my. - I am very grateful...
for your affection and find it very heartwarming as well.
I will personally tell the Emperor of your caring.
Then please rest here as much as you need...
and leave when you're ready.
Wait, how could you not even offer me one more time?
I've gone mad. I've lost it now.
Why did I turn that down? I really must have lost my marbles.
Gosh, the money. The money...
(Episode 2 will air shortly.)
(Episode 2)
What on earth happened?
Did you even hear about assailants?
They suddenly started a fire, used that skewer,
and pointed a gun at him.
I dodged all of those vicious assailants.
I hugged the Emperor and jumped into the pond.
Hold on. You fell into the water?
Hey, you don't even know how to swim.
By the way,
did the Imperial Family give you monetary compensation?
You even fell into the water. Did you come back empty-handed?
They did offer it, but...
My goodness. Look at her. Did you take it?
I didn't take it. Everyone didn't accept it.
- You're unbelievable. - Goodness.
Come on. Does your pride put food on the table?
Humiliation lasts only a moment. Don't you know that?
I know. It's killing me too!
But the Emperor and I both lived. Then it's all good.
What are you talking about? You should've taken the money.
This is unfair.
I got a text message.
Dad, where are you going? Your daughter is hurt.
Where do you think? To the evening service.
"Evening service"? What about your restaurant?
My daughter is hurt. My restaurant isn't important right now.
I should at least go and pray.
Oh, my goodness.
I've got peace like a river
Doesn't this look somewhat familiar?
Yes.
- We did it. - It's a geol.
- You can do it. Go for it. - What was that?
- Let's go! - Get a mo!
- Mo! - Mo!
I just need a mo.
Mo!
Mo! It's a mo!
- Yes! - No!
- What is this? - Freeze! Or we'll shoot.
What's going on? What is this?
Let go of me. Hold on!
This is my 1st time. I'm serious. It's my 1st time here.
- Stop lying. As if. - This is your first time?
How could you gamble with yut now?
What is this? Did you two fool me?
Goodness, you gave me a scare!
(Ddobong's Fried Chicken)
Hey, what's that?
(Traditional fried chicken)
"If I don't receive 10,000 dollars by tomorrow,"
"you'll lose a hand. From Happy Loan Service."
- What's this about, Dad? - Well, that's...
Did you borrow from a loan shark?
To gamble? Is that it?
You must've lost your mind! No way!
Are you trying to gamble away the deposit on this house too?
Yes! I deserve to die!
I should just cut off my hands or something.
- I'm going to cut them off. - No, Dad!
Don't just talk about it. Do it!
Why aren't you doing it? Go ahead.
We won't stop you. Do it!
Hel Ro. Why are you getting so upset? You're scaring me.
You said you were done with gambling!
If you can't quit, I'll quit being your daughter.
I don't have any money left now.
I'm so sick of paying back the money for you.
You're not family, but a pest!
Stop it, Hel Ro.
Let go of me. Someone who takes money...
from her younger sister's wallet shouldn't talk.
From now on, I won't give you a cent.
Get your hands cut off. Or go to the slammer.
Pay back your debt yourself!
- Hel Ro, you know... - Move!
Hel Ro, where are you going? Hel Ro!
Hel Ro. Gosh, I'm going crazy. How am I going to fix this?
I'll try to get you the money.
May I get a cup of coffee?
Sure. Looks like we'll be here a while, anyway.
Hey. What's wrong?
- Go after him. - Yes, sir.
Hey.
He's at the police station, right?
The assailant died while being interrogated.
He died?
- What was the cause of death? - I think...
The Empress Dowager had him killed.
Close the doors.
How dare you say that?
What do you know? How dare you suspect my mother?
The Empress Dowager's assistant, Ms. Choi, was at the station.
10 minutes after she left,
the assailant died.
That's enough.
If she had him killed,
it means she would be the most harmed...
if he spoke, does it not?
Enough!
Shut your mouth before I kill you.
The Empress Dowager is keeping you under surveillance.
Do you really not know why I wanted...
to redecorate your bedroom, Your Majesty?
Every item that she had brought in...
had hidden cameras installed within them.
They were impossible to pick up with scanners,
so it took much effort to find them.
Your Majesty. Are you all right, Your Majesty?
Answer me, Your Majesty!
Are you all right? Answer me, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty!
Is anyone there?
Get the key and open this door at once.
Now!
What is it,
Mother?
I must have had a nightmare.
I thought something had happened to you.
How is your wound?
Is there any reason something would be wrong with it?
I am glad.
I am always worried about you, Your Majesty.
You must be exhausted after such a horrendous experience.
Please, get some sleep.
The assailant died from a heart attack at the police station.
Why are you not surprised?
Did you know already?
You just told me.
He did not have an illness. Why did he suddenly have a heart attack?
He was punished.
Come to think of it, he said something strange.
He said I called Joon Sung to the palace every night.
Is that not odd?
Did something happen seven years ago...
that I am unaware of?
There was no such thing.
He deserved to die.
Do not concern yourself or think about it anymore.
Why are you still here...
instead of going home?
Since His Majesty is injured,
I am standing by just in case an emergency arises.
There is no need.
You are fired. You are no longer the Emperor's personal assistant.
Is that His Majesty's wish?
My wish is His Majesty's wish.
Pack your things and get out.
If I see you again,
you will not walk out of the palace alive.
Mother had me under surveillance.
For what?
Why?
Number 15.
I don't need this.
Want it?
Here!
[Kocowa Ver] SBS E02 The Last Empress "You are The Emperor's Personal Assistant" -♥ Ruo Xi ♥-
You didn't even bring the guards. It is dangerous, Your Majesty.
I shall escort you to the palace.
I don't need it.
The Empress Dowager...
just fired me.
I wanted to thank you for everything until now.
You are the Emperor's personal assistant.
In other words, only I decide whether to use or dump you.
The Empress Dowager...
has no authority to fire you.
As long as I don't fire you, you are mine,
so do as I say!
I will not return to the palace tonight.
I am going to Bichido right now.
There is an Imperial Family vacation house there.
If we cross this line,
what will I become to you?
Your personal assistant?
Your lover?
Or...
a one-night stand?
That...
depends on you.
Did you have a good night's sleep, Your Majesty?
Why didn't you wake me up?
Why did you cook? The palace must have been in an uproar.
Please don't worry.
Luckily, you were supposed to train in the mountain this morning.
I turned off the tracker in your vehicle.
They cannot trace you through your phone either.
You came all this way to this island.
How about taking some time off even if it's just for a day?
A day off?
Doesn't your stomach hurt?
I prepared some hangover soup.
Please, try some.
(Mom)
Where's the wrap?
Hold on.
Yu Ra!
When did you get here?
Come on. Sit down. Take a seat.
You should've told me you were coming.
We almost missed each other.
I was just about to go to Seoul to give you some side dishes.
I told you not to visit me at my house.
Why are you bothering me?
It's because I miss my baby.
Wang Shik is so clueless because he takes after you.
I'm so sick of him.
That's right. He does take after me.
Anyway, what about breakfast? Did you eat?
I came here because I needed to tell you something.
I'm going to break up with Wang Shik.
What... What?
I'm grateful that you raised me for all these years,
but don't ruin my future because of that.
If you care about me,
don't try to force Wang Shik into my life.
Yu Ra, what's gotten into you?
Do you not understand me?
I'm so sick of this family!
I want to forget that I was an orphan.
So please I'm begging you. Let me go.
What about Dong Shik?
You can't cut your own son out of your life.
Why are you bringing him up?
Are you using Dong Shik to threaten me?
This is everything I have.
This is for raising me.
Take this, and let's end it here.
Yu Ra, you can't do this.
I don't want to hear that.
Okay, okay.
I made some side dishes you like. Take them with you.
I won't eat your food now.
My goodness.
Yes. I'm on my way.
I was just out for a walk.
Your Majesty.
I know that you never sleep with...
the same woman...
more than once.
You think you know all about me.
What's important is...
I am here with you.
(Mother)
Weren't you supposed to play chess with Empress Dowager today?
I don't get why she wants to play that boring game.
Then what interests you the most, Your Majesty?
You.
Your Majesty.
Find out where the Emperor is. Now!
- How did you find me here? - Was it because of that guy?
You wanted to abandon your child and us was...
all because of that guy?
That guy... The man over there...
is the Emperor, right?
You must not tell...
a soul about what you saw today.
Especially to Wang Shik.
Do you understand?
Mom!
This is driving me crazy.
Mom!
Hold on.
I understood you crystal clear.
Why can't I tell him? I'm not afraid of anything.
Where on earth did she go?
Please, stay still.
Let go. I'm going to Wang Shik.
I'm going to tell him what you and the Emperor did.
Let go!
Mother!
Where is she?
Mother!