[♪ pop music playing]
PERFECT CROWN
THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION
CHILD ACTORS AND ANIMALS WERE FILMED SAFELY
-When did I ever ask-- -Stop that.
You didn't see a doctor after what happened, did you?
[chuckles, scoffs]
Don't you think I'd be quite the supportive wife?
[chuckles]
[♪ gentle music playing]
What are you doing?
Stay still.
I saw a camera.
[♪ music ends]
Oh.
[stutters] Is it still there?
[camera shutter clicking]
Should we try that again?
I think we can give them a better angle.
[chuckles]
Maybe like…
Mmm.
-Mmm. -[clears throat]
-[chuckles] -Mmm.
Now.
-Come on. -[chuckles]
[shutter clicking]
PERFECT CROWN
EPISODE 4
[court staff 1] Did you see their kiss last night?
[court staff 2] They're totally in love.
-It kept me up all night. -So romantic.
[Hyeon] Let's just go.
Announcing Grand Prince I-AN.
[♪ tense music plays]
LOVE ACROSS SOCIAL DIVIDES
LOVE DEFYING SOCIAL CLASS…
…I-AN AND SEONG'S MIDNIGHT TRYST
[I-AN] We can no longer delay an official statement.
This matter will cause public unrest.
We should be cautious--
Staying silent now
would only make things worse.
Are you hoping I deny it?
Your honor is at stake here.
A grand prince…
may kiss a woman and then dismiss it as a mere dalliance?
Is this the honor you wish for me to uphold?
That maiden
is a mere commoner of illegitimate birth.
[♪ music intensifies]
[Jeongwoo] Make it public.
[no audible dialogue]
As His Royal Highness stated, this is a scandal by a grand prince.
We must do damage control.
"Damage control"?
With that in mind,
you should confirm it.
However,
you must state firmly that there is no prospect of marriage.
Say that your acquaintance has only just begun,
with no talk of marriage.
That should minimize any uncertainty.
Prime Minister Min.
There's nothing unusual about a young pair falling in and out of love.
If we treat it lightly,
it will remain that way.
[chuckles]
Let it be so.
However…
that maiden should move out of your private residence.
-Why? -Your Royal Highness!
Not only was she pelted with eggs at her own home with private security,
but she is also bearing the brunt of every insult online.
As if that were not enough,
she was photographed behind the palace, under palace security.
If anything happens to her because she was left alone,
will you answer for it?
We may end up parting ways,
or she may become my future wife.
Your Royal Highness, how could you…
My residence is already home to many.
Attendants who maintain the grounds.
The Royal Guard for my safety.
[cat meows]
And there are even cats that roam in my garden.
The addition of my lady to that list…
will have little effect.
[clears throat]
Where will Your Royal Highness reside?
If Ms. Seong is permitted to stay at your private residence for her safety,
then you must stay at the palace.
If rumors spread that the palace is divided…
over a single woman,
it will be a grave matter.
[♪ music ends]
ROYAL SECRETARIAT: OFFICIAL STATEMENT
This was approved? [gasps]
Is this how you chose to handle the matter?
-You must compose yourself. -How can I? [breathes heavily]
[exhales] Even if marriage is ruled out,
once the palace acknowledges them, that woman will gain status.
Public interest is already at its peak.
Should he dare to include her in state matters--
If you knew as much,
you should have exercised restraint.
Had you just left it alone, the matter would've resolved itself.
Criticism was already pouring in.
"Failure to uphold the dignity of his station and proper decorum."
They had plenty of grounds.
However,
because Your Majesty has opposed the Grand Prince,
public opinion has shifted in his favor.
In fact, criticism of Your Majesty has already begun to surface.
Just give your approval.
I will take care of the rest.
Do you have a plan?
There is no shortage of noblemen eager to become the Prince's father-in-law,
and plenty in the business world are eager to keep that woman in check as well.
That is to say,
should something happen, it would hardly be a surprise.
[newsreader] The Royal Secretariat has just released an official statement.
In a royal first, the palace has acknowledged a courtship
that isn't an engagement or marriage.
We'll discuss this with formal royal spokesman, Professor Hwang Wookyeong.
-Welcome. -Hello, it's nice to meet you.
[newsreader] You have always maintained the stance…
Hwang Wookyeong?
Don't you know who that is?
He used to be a royal spokesman before he got blacklisted.
Come on, you must know him. Last year,
he was the one who claimed
the late king's death wasn't an accident, but a murder.
[attendant] A nut who jumps to conspiracy theories.
Be quiet.
Many have noted that this official statement is unprecedented.
What do you think?
I consider it to be very befitting of the royal family.
Castle Group's Seong Huiju is a commoner and businesswoman.
She is far from a traditional royal bride by palace standards.
But it would've been difficult for the palace to deny the relationship.
After all, there were several definitive eyewitness accounts.
[newsreader] So are you suggesting that
-they had no choice but to recognize it? -[chuckles]
-[Wookyeong] That's correct. -[newsreader] Then Grand Prince I-AN…
[I-AN] Seong Huiju.
[newsreader] …and what is the likelihood of marriage?
[Wookyeong] Marriage would be highly unlikely.
Uh, I doubt the royal family would accept a commoner,
-given their sensitivity about lineage. -[scoffs]
[newsreader] Then how do you think the royal family will proceed?
[Wookyeong] I don't expect them to provide any further comments on the matter.
[clears throat]
THE GRAND PRINCE CLIMBED OVER A WALL
I knew this would happen.
I told you we should've tried again.
Well, I just…
-This angle is totally off. Darn it. -[sighs]
What, are we in elementary school?
We look like toddlers smooching.
That's what you care about right now?
-We kissed and-- -Your Royal Highness.
Marketing only works
-when it's unbelievably sexy or shameless. -[clears throat]
"Courtship"?
Wishy-washy words like that will get us nowhere.
A tryst at a hotel!
That's sexy.
Prince I-AN's shotgun wedding!
That's shameless, right?
Doesn't it sound tempting, like junk food?
[sucks teeth]
[exhales]
[♪ gentle music playing]
[♪ music stops]
[gulps]
[clears throat]
The quicker we get married, the quicker we get divorced.
-Okay? -[♪ gentle music continues]
[♪ music ends]
[clears throat]
Royal weddings are meant to be conducted step by step…
Do you have that much time to waste?
[chuckling] I don't.
I mean…
Then what? Should we really make it a shotgun wedding?
-So it's sexy and shameless? -Yes.
When you pursue a venture everyone opposes,
you can't give them time to object.
With that in mind…
Are you free now?
All of a sudden? Why do you ask?
I have a little time.
Can I take you somewhere?
Let's speed things up a bit.
Speed things up?
That's enough.
Do I look like a kindergartner to you?
-[grunts] -Stay still.
Let's show them what we're made of this time.
[grunts, smacks lips] Since when do people show others up with their hair?
You were in sweats in those photos where you were caught sucking face.
[sighs] They must be roasting His Royal Highness for having terrible taste.
It makes me so upset.
What's wrong with his taste?
I mean, he chose me. He clearly has exquisite taste.
And those sweats are super expensive.
[chuckles] Gosh. You must be a bird lover.
Just look at that magnificent bird's nest on your head.
-[grunts] You did that on purpose. You… -Stay still.
You really want me to clear your day? All of it?
I'm just worried for your sake. It'll make tomorrow brutal for you.
And for me too.
She wants to be Princess Diana. What can I do?
Princess Diana?
As in Princess Diana from the UK? [laughs]
Jeez.
All this fuss will die down with time.
That's what the Queen Mother is waiting for.
I won't let that happen.
[attendant] Your Royal Highness.
[♪ hopeful music plays]
Ta-da.
Isn't she stunning? Like an angel come to life.
-Sure… -[chuckles]
-…ly not. -[♪ music ends]
You went for "spoiled princess" and not an actual princess?
[scoffs]
-[grunts] -[stammers]
[grunts] Is he for real?
[chuckles]
[Huiju] I told you this wasn't my vibe!
[whispers] I mean,
he's dressed in a princely suit. What's his problem?
[whispers] That's what I'm saying, bro.
He is beyond difficult.
My goodness.
[grunts]
[♪ upbeat music plays]
Please give us a moment.
-I shall quickly fix this-- -No need.
Sorry about that.
[♪ music ends]
Thank you so much.
[I-AN clears throat]
[clears throat]
[sucks teeth] Perhaps a bit too plain? [chuckles]
Really?
Hmm.
[smacks lips] I see what you mean.
He does look a bit dull and old-fashioned.
[clears throat]
-What the… -[stutters]
-What are you doing? -[chuckling] Seriously?
Are you feeling shy or something?
A royal never feels shy… Oh.
Just lose this.
Losing the pocket square makes it a little bit less dull.
Better, right?
No, I was actually talking about you, Ms. Seong.
-[Huiju] Oh. -[chuckles]
Me?
That's not possible.
How could you ever call me plain?
[yelps]
[exhales]
I'm dazzling.
[scoffs]
So pretty.
[chuckles]
[clamoring]
-Go, Castle! -[fans cheer]
-Let's go, Sharks! -Let's go, Sharks!
-Come on, Sharks! -Let's go!
[♪ Castle Sharks anthem playing]
It's not too late to call the Royal Guard.
We'd be better without them here.
[sighs, clears throat]
[Huiju] Your Royal Highness!
Ooh!
Here we go.
[sighs] Let's see here.
CASTLE SHARKS' LUCKY CHARM
Ooh, I have such a keen eye for detail.
You're 2XL, right?
If we wear matching outfits…
-He cannot. -Why not?
His Royal Highness can't wear uniforms. No expression of political views.
This isn't politics. It's just sports.
"A royal's private life is never truly private,"
is the palace's position.
[scoffs]
Matching outfits would create some buzz.
-Then you can just wear it, Aide Choi. -Really?
-It's so much more fun to cheer in this! -So excited!
[cheers]
Your Royal Highness, remember I have warm undertones?
This is perfect for me.
-Huh? -You're not wearing this.
-Why not? -Hmm?
[fans cheer]
[cheers]
[Taeju] Hey, you!
Why have you been ignoring my calls?
Why you little…
Oh, His Royal Highness?
Your Royal Highness.
[stammers] What brings you to such squalid grounds?
-Fried chicken? -[chuckles]
You're getting ahead of yourself.
We don't speak until His Royal Highness speaks to us first.
Oh!
Huiju has told me a lot about you.
About me?
[mouths word] What?
[mouthing words] You better keep your trap shut.
[stutters] I wonder what she told you.
-Oh, right. -[clears throat]
Yes.
[clears throat]
It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Your Royal Highness.
I am Dayeong of the Han Family.
And your father's name?
He is Jeongseok of the Han family.
Former Minister of Justice.
What a commendable father you have.
[fans cheer]
Oh.
Jeongwoo's throwing the first pitch?
All right. Let's go!
[cheers]
[commentator 1] It appears we have Prime Minister Min for the first pitch today.
[commentator 2] That's right.
He's famous for being a hardcore fan of the Castle Sharks.
I hear he even dreamed of being a baseball player when he was young.
I'm excited to see how his first pitch will turn out.
[cheering]
[commentator 1] That was a beautiful pitch. Do you hear that crowd?
The crowd is going wild for him.
The crowd's love for Prime Minister Min is
through the roof here at Gocheok Sky Dome today.
[commentator 1] I couldn't agree more.
[cheering]
Min Jeongwoo!
[Huiju giggles]
[commentator 1] Up to bat is Gang Suho.
He pulled that one. It's high and deep.
Is it going over?
Over the wall and gone!
Gang Suho pulls off a comeback win!
[in English] Home run!
[in Korean] Nanny Jung!
You okay?
[commentator 2] The Castle Sharks are sinking their teeth in…
Are you all right?
[chuckles]
I am fine, Your Majesty.
But the treat from Lord INPYEONG is…
No need for concern.
[blows]
The corndog is safe.
It certainly is not, Your Majesty!
[commentator 1] If we take a look, the stands are packed
-with fans in Castle Sharks jerseys… -[sighs]
[sucks teeth] Your Royal Highness.
-The Sharks… -Stop it, babe.
-Get lost. -[chuckles]
Let's go, Gang Suho!
You got this, Sharks!
Your Royal Highness.
Jeongwoo.
You didn't leave after the first pitch? I thought you'd already left.
My secretary said not to waste the photo op.
Photo op? [gasps]
[fans cheer]
[buzzer sounds]
[chuckles]
Scooch over, Your Royal Highness. Jeongwoo needs a seat.
Scooch over.
[Huiju] Come sit here, Jeongwoo.
You should have some too.
No, thank you.
You're not hungry?
-I am. -Then eat.
[gasps] Are you a picky eater?
-It's not that… -He can only eat at restaurants.
Why?
Because quality and safety can't be guaranteed elsewhere.
And it's quite unseemly.
[huffs]
Am I expected to do that too?
-[fan 1] Kiss! -[fans] Kiss!
-Kiss! -Kiss!
[commentator 1] On the Kiss Cam, we have the hottest couple of the moment.
-[commentator 2] That's right. -It's them.
Oh, my gosh!
[commentator 1] They really look great together.
But I'm sure it won't be easy for His Royal Highness to kiss
-on the Kiss Cam. -Right.
-Kiss! -No! Stop!
-Kiss! -No! They can't kiss!
-Kiss! -No kiss! Where's the camera?
-Kiss! -Kiss!
-No! They can't kiss! No kiss!
No kiss!
-Kiss! -Kiss!
MUST UPHOLD HIS DECORUM
[chuckles]
Sorry, we can't.
No, we can't!
[mouthing words] We can't kiss.
[cheering, clamoring]
[camera shutters clicking]
[Huiju giggles]
Hold on.
How are we supposed to be photographed if they're covering us like this?
[chuckles]
-Huiju, let's go get dinner. -Yeah?
We had corndogs already.
-That's not enough to fill you up. -[scoffs]
Remember what you wanted last time?
-Last time? -Yeah.
-Mmm. Oh, that! -[scoffs]
[Huiju chuckles]
Your Royal Highness.
Yes?
Back to the palace?
-What? -Go on without me.
I'll have dinner with Jeongwoo.
I shall join you.
Pardon?
We came here together, so wouldn't it be odd if we left separately?
Hmm.
[fans chattering]
[♪ amusing music playing]
Mmm.
[chuckles]
[squeals] Bye!
[exclaims]
Prime Minister Min.
Yes, Your Royal Highness.
Slow day at the office?
Pardon?
[♪ amusing music continues]
Mmm, it looks so good.
Please eat up.
[clears throat]
We can't eat before you take a bite. Please, go ahead.
You should've gone back to the palace.
Hmm? What now? Is there another issue?
This is a restaurant, isn't it?
I know.
A royal shall never consume raw food.
It's the law.
Shall we order some gyeran-jjim or doenjang soup for you?
-No need. -Wait, hold on.
So, raw food? Nothing raw?
Not even beef tartare? You can't have anything like that?
I cannot. The risk of food poisoning is too high.
[grunts]
What a load of crap.
Load of…
[sighs]
-[whispers] A load of crap… -You can't have street food.
Nothing raw either.
Where are you supposed to find the joy in life?
That's why you shouldn't marry His Royal Highness.
Too many restrictions.
What else? What else can't you do?
[imitating siren]
[screams]
[I-AN] Here I am.
[laughs]
Should we do this puzzle?
Hwan, may I try on your Dragon Robe?
Sure.
Let's see here.
Whoa, you look great in it.
-It looks good on me, right? -Yeah.
Father, Hwan said I could…
How dare you mock
the Crown Prince's authority!
[sobbing]
[wailing]
[King] Do not wear red.
That is the king's color.
Do not walk ahead.
[wailing continues]
[King] The king always leads.
Do not question anything.
It is the king's command.
[♪ gentle music playing]
Eat up while you still can.
You won't be able to after the royal wedding.
[sighs]
Mmm.
[sucks teeth, exhales]
Mmm, so good. It's delicious.
Your Royal Highness.
Were you at a raw fish restaurant?
-Do not worry. I did not eat any. -And a baseball stadium?
Do not worry about that either.
No personal show of support.
No security issues.
It was unannounced, so no reporters.
You should have maintained decorum.
I did.
What is the use if you maintain it, when she will not?
Because she has no reason to.
She is not a member of the royal family yet.
[sighs]
Do you truly not see that her faults will soon become your own?
[clears throat]
What on earth were you doing while this unfolded?
We have no other choice.
I shall step in.
And do what?
Your Royal Highness cannot be expected to know a woman's proprieties,
and it would be improper for the Queen Mother to step forward.
That leaves only me, does it not?
I… am afraid I do not understand.
Please allow me
to discipline her.
[both whisper indistinctly]
Even palace attendants who run wild like colts
become well-behaved
after I am done with them.
Rest assured, Your Royal Highness.
Goodness me.
[laughs]
Such excellent news. I am so relieved.
-I have full faith in you. -[Hyeon laughing]
-[chuckles] -[Hyeon] Such excellent news indeed.
[laughing, applauding]
Gosh, are you leaving already? You need to have breakfast.
It's okay. I normally skip breakfast.
That simply will not do. Eat up.
Special apple bunnies for you. Open up.
There's some fuzz here.
-It's okay. -Open up.
[chuckles]
We can skip all this next time--
-Have a lovely day. -Have a lovely day.
Hmm.
Mmm.
[♪ combative music plays]
Oh, right. We met at the palace last time.
I am Jinsook of the Choi Family.
Feel free to address me as Court Lady Choi.
Court Lady Choi.
Where are my manners?
I am Seong Huiju.
I am the head court lady of Anhwadang Hall,
-the residence of the Grand Prince… -[phone rings]
Hey, Ms. Do.
-[chuckles] -Of course, I'm on my way.
Yes, I swear I'm on my way.
I can see Umyeonsan Tunnel up ahead.
I'm almost there.
I see you, Ms. Do.
I'm not lying!
So?
You just got in the car and left?
Yes. Was it something urgent?
Court Lady Choi must be irritated.
[Huiju] Why?
She has been biding her time to teach you.
What exactly would she teach me?
The overall protocols, history, and hierarchy of the royal family.
Things like that.
Good morning, Ms…
That sounds like a waste of time.
Fine. I'll take the lessons.
-I need to go. Bye. -[chuckles]
[laughs]
[in English] Wow.
[in Korean] Are you sure you two weren't close in school?
What? Why?
It's just that
you two make such a cute couple.
[laughs]
[clears throat, sniffles]
[clears throat]
Cute couple, my foot.
What? There's a lot to do today.
You have a lot of meetings too.
You couldn't trim it down a bit?
I did. I trimmed a lot.
[sighs]
Fine, let's hear it. Keep it very brief.
First off, you have a new product testing with the R&D manager in one hour.
You have one hour to do that.
One hour?
-For a new product testing? -Yes.
You have lunch with Gang Taehyun from Castle Pharma at 1:00.
[scoffs]
Why would he have lunch with me?
Isn't he in Taeju's circle?
He joined yours as of yesterday.
[scoffs] All of a sudden?
Didn't you also kiss the Grand Prince
-all of a sudden? -[chokes]
[grunts]
[coughing]
Was he good?
What?
I mean, the cheeks were flushed. Totally blushing for real.
[chuckling] Hey, come on.
[stammers] I was really hot that night.
That outfit is surprisingly warm.
Not you.
His Royal Highness.
What?
[chuckling] Did you get all fluttery too?
[scoffs]
Listen, Ms. Do.
Do I look like a teenager to you?
Why would I blush and get all fluttery over a measly kiss?
Don't make me laugh.
I see. Not so great, huh?
Then again, he has no dating experience.
He has no dating experience?
Really?
He's never publicly dated anyone. No tabloid rumors either.
[sighs] That's what you meant?
You may be wrong about that.
Hmm.
I guess he was surprisingly good.
Yeah, he clearly knew his way around…
Hey. That's not what I meant!
[laughs]
I'm not sure what you meant, but I got it.
Shall we get going now?
Why? What now?
We'll barely have enough time for the tailor as it is.
New clothes?
For what?
Prime Minister Min did?
That's what I'm telling you.
It hasn't…
Could we have some privacy?
Yes, sir.
[Taeju grunts]
It hasn't been made public yet,
but the PR team said he invited Huiju to the roundtable.
But even Father was never invited to that.
Exactly! He threw money and sucked up to them for an invite,
but they treated him like dirt because he wasn't a noble.
[scoffs]
[chuckles] Why would they invite Seong Huiju?
Babe, what would you hate more? Huiju moving up in society
or becoming the heir to Castle Group?
I hate both equally.
But still, out of the two, wouldn't the former be better?
Do you really want to see me bow down and address her as Your Highness?
Babe, you need to step back and see the bigger picture.
She doesn't become "Her Highness" just because she marries him.
We may have to bow down a bit…
[exclaims]
-Hey, Han Dayeong. I-- -But!
She can't run a business.
Royals aren't allowed to engage in economic activities.
No, I still don't like it.
What if she divorces him after she becomes "Her Highness"?
Babe.
Have you ever heard of a royal divorce?
I thought they could.
If that were true,
Grand Prince I-AN should've ascended the throne.
Wouldn't that have made more sense?
Maybe you're right.
-Babe, we should get a gift for Huiju. -What?
We'll back her up and get her married off to the Crown
so you can claim Castle Group all for yourself.
[sighs] I don't know.
Come on now.
Who does Taeju belong to?
To Dayeong.
Who does Castle Group belong to?
To me.
[♪ sinister music playing]
[♪ music ends]
[sighs]
You stopped driving it around?
-What? -The red open-top car.
[Huiju] Mmm.
Huh?
Did the Prince tell you to stop?
[scoffs]
As if I would ever listen.
It's in the shop.
They have a pick-up and drop-off service now.
It broke down?
But you just got that car.
Yeah. Someone hit the bumper and ran.
Who?
How would I know?
But then again,
there are a lot of people who'd like to crash my car.
I'm back.
Her Ladyship is here.
-Let me help you. -Your Ladyship!
-I'll take that. -No, I can carry them.
Just let me.
-Did you go shopping? -Yeah. I can put those away.
Did you have dinner?
I had a light salad.
Get Her Ladyship dinner first.
-No, it's okay. -Sure.
-We made sujeonggwa earlier-- -You are late.
[chuckles]
I know it is late,
but your royal education cannot be delayed.
I ask for your understanding.
Yes, of course.
I understand. I understand indeed. [chuckles]
Do not repeat yourself.
It makes you look frivolous.
Okay.
Dragging out the ends of your words
is also forbidden.
Yep.
Your education will be comprehensive.
For your public role, you will learn royal protocol, royal history,
proper conduct, and the court hierarchy.
For your private role,
you will learn who to meet and whom to avoid.
What to say…
and what not to say.
Let us start with your posture.
Your standing posture
is good.
Please walk.
Up to there.
Mmm.
More energy.
[vocalizes]
[whimpers]
Stand up straight.
Can you not even stand still?
Though you are small in stature,
do not bow your head.
Posture is dignity.
Do you understand?
Yes, Queen Mother.
No, that is not right.
[chuckles]
Let me show you one last time.
Watch carefully.
Like this.
Extend your leg.
Extend…
Oh, dear.
Right here.
-It hurts right here, doesn't it? -Yes, it does.
You have so many knots here.
This must hurt a lot.
-Yes, a bit. -Here too.
-Does this hurt even more? -That is right.
Oh, my goodness.
I've been doing Pilates for ten years,
so I can just tell from someone's posture.
-Now is not the time for this… -No, now is exactly the right time.
Let's try that once more.
-All right. -I'll help you.
-Like this? -There you go. Lift your leg and…
Good.
[I-AN] You said to leave it to you.
Is this how you discipline?
Your Royal Highness!
[♪ emotional ballad playing]
-[♪ music stops] -[both gasp]
Hey.
We have a lot of eyes on us.
Please take her away.
What?
Do you know how much work I have to do?
Must I devote my whole night to posture correction? [chuckles]
[chuckles]
[Lady Choi] Your Royal Highness.
[grunts]
What brings you to your private residence?
I have been away from it for far too long.
And I was curious to see how your royal lessons were progressing.
Please make your return.
The palace gates will soon be shut.
[sighs]
-You should come with me. -Pardon?
Your primary duty is to protect Anhwadang Hall,
not discipline her. Is that not so?
-But Your Royal Highness-- -Do not argue.
It is my command.
[sighs]
[I-AN clears throat]
With the Ancestral Rite concluded,
we will begin planning the overseas tour.
How many stops this year?
It should be similar to last year.
Why? Shall I reduce them?
Won't you stop me?
-What? -My marriage.
I thought you'd try at least once.
[chuckles]
I am not you.
You may be able to decide something
simply based on whether you find something agreeable or not.
But if I do that…
the country would collapse.
Checkmate.
I'd rather you yelled at me.
I handled the Junghwajeon incident.
The Queen Mother should no longer take issue with it either.
In a royal funeral,
the body is cleansed and an ablution is performed at the Place of Passing,
along with the ritual wailing, the fencing, mouth-filling,
and ice-bedding ceremonies.
-The Royal Ancestral Altar-- -They really do all that?
It is discourteous to interrupt.
My apologies. I was just really curious.
Did they do all that three years ago too?
That is correct.
Why don't I remember it at all?
The last public funeral ceremony held by the royal family
was in 2005.
Why?
The mother of the Grand Prince, Queen UIHYEON,
passed away 20 years ago,
in the fourth lunar month of the Eulyu year.
His father, King HUIJONG, passed away seven years later,
in the sixth month of the Imjin year.
[breathes shakily]
[wailing]
[Lady Choi] And just three years ago,
His Majesty's father
and Grand Prince I-AN's older brother, King SEONJONG, passed away.
With tragedies so frequent,
the royal family decided to keep the ceremony private.
[sobbing]
Your Ladyship?
It's just all too much.
-Pardon? -It's no wonder
His Royal Highness has a chip on his shoulder.
I mean, I knew all about it,
but to hear about it one after the other…
Don't mind me.
I just want to be alone right now.
QUEEN UIHYEON PASSED AWAY…
"Queen UIHYEON
passed away in a vehicle rollover accident."
KING HUIJONG PASSED…
"King HUIJONG passed away after a heart attack."
"Could it have been prevented?"
"King SEONJONG tragically met his death in a fire."
And if he suffers indigestion?
You would be wholly to blame.
And if Queen Mother is angered?
Is that why he was so on edge back then?
PRINCE
[line ringing]
Is he working?
Please introduce yourself.
She has been my closest companion recently.
I am Jaegyeong of the Kim Family,
Your Royal Highness.
There is a dinner with the royal correspondents tomorrow.
I cannot accompany you due to my illness.
Take her in my stead.
Her father is the proprietor of Jeongui Daily.
She will be able to aid you.
You have been falling ill quite frequently lately.
Perhaps because I have had a lot on my mind.
Court Lady Im, approach.
What is Her Majesty's ailment?
Pardon?
She has been ill for a few days.
The royal physician must have visited.
What is Her Majesty's ailment?
You have failed in your duties.
Not at all, Your Royal Highness.
Instruct the royal physician
to monitor Her Majesty's condition three times a day.
The illness may spread, so private audiences must be forbidden.
That includes Lord INPYEONG…
and most certainly, His Majesty.
You are unwell, so you should get some rest.
I shall attend the engagement alone.
I feel terrible.
It appears I have upset His Royal Highness.
Do not be troubled.
Hunting inherently requires
patience above all.
[sighs]
That woman by the Queen Mother's side.
Conduct a comprehensive background check on her.
Yes, sir.
No.
Start with Jeongui Daily.
Look into them first.
Understood, sir.
Your Royal Highness.
You have a missed call from Ms. Seong.
Several, actually.
[sighs]
THREE MISSED CALLS JUNIOR ALUM
[phone buzzing]
Your Royal Highness.
What do you need? I'm busy.
Uh, I'm also really…
Let's not get angry.
You must take pity on this poor soul.
Your Royal Highness.
I'm only going to say this once, so listen carefully.
I'm on your side.
What I mean is, I can only succeed if you succeed as well.
Husband and wife stand as one, right?
I'm not saying this because I adore you or anything,
so don't get too excited.
Are you still there?
Hello?
Your Royal Highness?
[line clicks]
Did he hang up?
Oh, he did.
Cool.
[chuckles]
[scoffs]
JUNIOR ALUM
[chuckles]
-Choi Hyeon. -Yes, Your Royal Highness?
I made sure to run over.
Did someone ask you to?
Pardon?
I will head to my private residence in the evening.
Uh, but Prime Minister Min requested you stay in the palace…
But where did he come up with such nonsense? [chuckles]
I shall prepare accordingly.
[sighs]
[chuckles]
[children chattering]
-To the internet café! -Remember last time…
Your Majesty!
-Are you all right, Your Majesty? -Yeah.
Behave yourself before His Majesty!
My apologies, Your Majesty.
You should be more careful.
Yes, Your Majesty. Please get back safely.
-Hey. -Wait for me.
This way, Your Majesty.
What are you doing here, Prime Minister Min?
Today is not Sunday.
I am aware, Your Majesty.
Unfortunately, I must deal with an urgent matter this weekend.
I am afraid I must cancel this Sunday's history lesson.
Official duties must take priority.
Instead,
we will have a lesson today.
Or we could just skip it.
Come this way!
I wish I could play.
Prime Minister Min.
Yes, Your Majesty?
I would like to make a request.
[Lady Choi, in English] One, two, three, four.
Five, six, seven.
[in Korean] We keep a smile on our face.
Smile. With elegance.
There you go.
[in English] One, two, three… [in Korean] Straighten your back!
-Again! -Again. Go.
[Lady Choi sighs]
We once again steady our breathing, while maintaining a smile on our face.
-[in English] One, two, three, four. -[chuckles]
-Five, six, seven, eight. -At this rate, she'll break all the china.
I know, right? They're not cheap, either.
But does that even help?
I've seen it in period dramas before.
-Put your arms down. -I doubt it.
Smile!
There you go, with elegance.
[in English] Six, seven, eight!
One, two, three, four.
Five, six, seven, eight.
-[in Korean] Your Majesty! -There--
Hello, Your Maje…
[chuckles]
So you're saying
you basically played hooky?
How dare you!
I am here to see Uncle.
Did you make an appointment?
Well… No, I did not.
Exactly.
You showed up without even making an appointment.
To play with your uncle.
That's what playing hooky is.
[chuckles]
Well done.
You only live once.
You should play hooky at least once.
Shall we?
What do you want to do?
He has been a bit overwhelmed recently.
He's still young.
If only there were an age limit for being king.
It's too bad.
[stammers] Yes…
Sorry.
My husband just wouldn't let me go.
Hmm. You two dated for years, and you still like each other?
Of course. I like him more every day.
He gets more handsome every day.
And he treats me better and better every day.
[all chuckle]
As you should. You abandoned your family to marry him.
What?
I mean, everyone knows you made your father collapse when you got married.
He threatened to disown you and ban you from using the Han name.
It caused quite a stir.
Stop that.
Nobody talks like that anymore.
Oh, please.
Everyone still judges people by status and pedigree behind closed doors.
We're just jealous.
People like us would never dream of marrying for love.
[chuckles]
I guess you have no idea what's happening in the world
because you're always cooped up in your chambers.
My sister-in-law, with her lowly pedigree,
is dating the Grand Prince.
Haven't you heard?
[chuckles]
-[screams] -What's wrong?
That witch!
Kim Jaegyeong was like that in school too.
She's just so nasty.
Maybe I should've just dragged her out of there by her hair.
You should have.
What? Can I do that?
Why not?
Make sure you grab it next time. I'll cover the settlement.
My sweet husband.
Of course. Money comes before dignity.
This is why you make money.
Here I go.
Done.
Good.
All right.
Now…
you get three chances to hit this pebble.
One, two, three.
If it lands inside this circle,
all this land becomes Your Majesty's.
-Easy, right? -It is.
Jeongwoo!
Min Jeongwoo!
Yes? What do you need?
Jeongwoo…
Prime Minister Min, you will be the referee.
Me?
The loser has to grant the winner's wish.
Rock, paper, scissors. [squeals]
I won.
Here we go.
That's one.
[all exclaiming, laughing]
-Got you! -[exclaims]
-I got someone! -My goodness!
[laughs]
Green light… Red light.
Youngseon, you moved.
Green light…
One, two, three.
-Four, five, six, seven. -Five, six, seven.
-One, two. -One, two.
-Four! -Four, five!
One, two!
[cheering]
Well done, Your Majesty!
Wow!
I won!
I said I won!
[cheering]
You did not forget, right?
What?
You promised to grant me a wish.
I said that?
Are you a man of virtue or of profit?
[chuckles]
I remember.
This is your wish?
I saw it when I arrived.
I have always wanted to ride one with the wings.
You cannot, Your Majesty.
It is not an approved vehicle.
But it is a car with wings!
It's the only one in the country!
Observing protocol is a matter of customs.
It is the duty of a man of virtue to uphold propriety and decorum.
Have you forgotten?
Why are you all saying I cannot do anything? Why?
I am the king!
-I should be able to do what I want! -My goodness, Your Majesty.
[I-AN] What did you just say?
His Majesty is at your private residence with Prime Minister Min.
What's he doing there?
How would I know? [chuckles]
[sighs]
You will be back before the palace gates are shut, right?
Be sure to keep your eyes on the road. Don't forget your seat belt.
Call me later, sir!
Hmm.
You must keep the windows closed at all times.
Yes, I'll be sure to keep them closed.
Must you be the driver?
It's the only one in the country.
I don't want anyone else driving it. [clears throat]
[chuckles]
I will be in the escort vehicle ahead of you and clear the road.
You must not go above 60 km per hour.
And you must stay on the phone with me.
If, by any chance,
an unexpected situation arises…
Don't worry.
I will put His Majesty's safety above all else.
[chuckles]
-And the rear security detail? -Have them follow me.
-I will follow behind Ms. Seong's car. -[door closes]
You will?
If security details surround her car, people will assume it's a motorcade.
It might attract spectators.
If they discover His Majesty inside--
No, that cannot happen!
[gasps]
[Jeongwoo] May I borrow a car?
Something discreet.
[official] Are there any issues?
No, we're fine.
We're going too slow. That's the issue.
Can we not go any faster?
[chuckles]
-Let's go! -[chuckles]
What's wrong with this?
[gasps] Your Majesty!
Damn it.
Your Majesty.
You have your seat belt on, right?
[horns honking]
Seong Huiju, what's wrong?
Jeongwoo!
-The brakes aren't working! -[crying]
Your Majesty, close your window.
[horns honking]
[panting]
[breathing heavily]
-[grunts] -[horn honks]
[horn honks]
-[yelps] -[horn honks]
YANGSEO-GYO BRIDGE
[grunts]
[breathing heavily]
Hang on tight, Your Majesty.
[grunts]
[gasps]
[crying]
[crash]
[Huiju breathing heavily]
[♪ romantic music playing]
[gasps]
PERFECT CROWN
You even hurt your face?
When that's all you have going for you?
[I-AN] Someone messed with your car.
[Hyejeong] Let's reconsider this.
This marriage.
There has been nothing but trouble since Prince I-AN entered your life.
Let's call off this marriage.
What the hell are you doing?
[Huiju] This is how you protect someone.
Just marry me instead.
Are you trying to protect that maiden?
SAY IT TO MY FACE
You never learned to bend.
Do not bend to their will.
Do not back away and do not compromise.
That's how you and I both
get what we want.
EPILOGUE
-Kiss! -No! Stop!
-Kiss! -No! They can't kiss!
-Kiss! -No kiss! Where's the camera?
Should we speed things up?
Be sexy
and shameless?
-Kiss! -Kiss!
MUST UPHOLD HIS DECORUM
Sorry, we can't.
We can't!
[mouths words] We can't kiss.
Translated by Justin S. Kim
PERFECT CROWN