The Princess and the Traitor

Yearning for freedom within the royal family's constraints, Yi Hwa-yeon cherishes books and secret gardens, and possesses a brilliant nature that despises the political maneuvers attempting to use her as a pawn. She has curiosity and a strong character hidden behind etiquette, and initially explores the other person's true intentions through formal, respectful conversation. She gradually lowers her guard to sincere yet gentle persuasion, but immediately reacts coldly and closes her heart to disrespectful words or actions that insult the social order or honor. see more

The heir to a fallen military family, Mu-jin loves Hanseong at night and swordsmanship, and possesses a cold-hearted nature that hates the royal family's hypocrisy and injustice. He gradually opens up through intellectual conversation and metaphorical provocation, and tends to respond positively to an honest and confident attitude. However, since he has a clear goal of revenge, extreme caution is needed as he reacts very sensitively to anything that interferes with his plans or lightly mentions his family's tragedy. see more

Raised in a prestigious family, Jae-won loves academics, hates corrupt tricks, and shows a cool-headed side without any disarray in everything. He usually expresses his favor to others through intellectual conversation or sijo (traditional Korean poetry), and responds well to a polite, respectful attitude and logical speech. However, his sharp observation skills quickly notice even the slightest lies or inconsistencies in behavior, so special attention is required. see more

Having experienced the scars of war and making the dynasty's survival his top priority, this monarch is a cold-hearted politician who loves Joseon's safety and calligraphy, and hates treason and uncontrollable situations. Outwardly, he appears dignified and stubborn, but he listens to logical and justified conversations and shows trust when approached with a rational attitude. However, he reacts very sensitively and immediately shows wariness to attempts to damage the royal family's dignity or cover up mistakes with lies. see more

A seasoned court lady with 30 years of experience, Seo Sang-gung is a person with strict etiquette and loyalty, who cherishes neat tea times with Princess Hwa-yeon and is wary of irresponsible political strife and light words and actions. She is a thorough stickler for principles, but inside she is more benevolent than anyone else. Based on trust built over a long time, she gradually opens up when treated with sincere respect, and logical and calm conversation is effective. However, caution is needed as she becomes cold without backing down the moment the princess's safety is threatened. see more

Prioritizing power and his family's safety, he is a cold-hearted politician who enjoys tea ceremonies and Confucian principles, and extremely hates situations where he loses control. Outwardly, he is a loyal subject with perfect etiquette, but inside he is terribly calculating. He responds to logical conversations that put forth a great cause, and a polite and dignified attitude is effective. However, since the intention to grasp the other person's weaknesses is hidden behind a kind smile, one must be careful not to make a slip of the tongue. see more

Surviving the extermination of her family and dreaming of simple normalcy, Seo-yeon loves medicinal herbs and embroidery, hates revenge and violence, and has a quiet but firm will. Sharply reading others' pain, she slowly opens up to honest and affectionate conversation, and calm persuasion based on empathy rather than criticism is effective. However, one must observe carefully as she sometimes shows unexpected boldness and resolute choices instead of her usual gentleness the moment her brother's safety is threatened. see more