[♪ pop music playing]
PERFECT CROWN
THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION
CHILD ACTORS AND ANIMALS WERE FILMED SAFELY
[♪ majestic music playing]
[Jeongwoo] On behalf of the people and the Cabinet,
I offer
my most sincere congratulations on your union.
[all] Congratulations.
Thank… [coughing]
Seong Huiju.
[♪ suspenseful music playing]
Seong Huiju.
[Huiju breathes heavily]
[guests gasping]
Seong Huiju!
-Huiju. -Ms. Seong?
Escort His Majesty.
Your Majesty.
-Summon a royal physician! -[Im] Yes, Your Majesty.
We shall leave the palace.
From this moment forth…
anyone who dares to lay a hand upon my wife shall face my wrath!
Choi Hyeon!
[Lady Choi] Your Royal Highness!
Ms. Seong.
-Send word to her father. -How did this…
-[I-AN] Choi Hyeon! -Yes, Your Royal Highness!
Huiju.
Seong Huiju.
PERFECT CROWN
EPISODE 8
[reporter] Can you confirm whether a plan has been established?
Do you care to comment, Ms. Seong?
Can you tell us anything?
Are you all right, Ms. Seong?
Castle Hospital. As fast as you can.
Seong Huiju.
[♪ suspenseful music playing]
[clamoring]
GRAND PRINCESS SEONG FAINTS MID-WEDDING
Hold on…
Are you all right, sir?
Contact the Ministry of Transport for traffic control.
Yes, sir.
The escort vehicle must reach Castle Hospital without any delay.
Understood, sir.
How much of it was broadcast?
It was stopped after her collapse.
Let them know an official statement will be issued by day's end.
Work with the Royal Guard on hospital crowd control.
Yes, sir.
[sirens wailing]
CASTLE HOSPITAL
[doctor] Patient status?
-Looks serious. Let's check her vitals. -Yes, Doctor.
[doctor] HR 32, BP 80 systolic.
Breathing is weak.
HR in the thirties. Prepare atropine.
[nurse] Yes, Doctor.
[♪ sorrowful music playing]
Please wait outside, Your Royal Highness.
[doctor] Injecting 0.5 ml of atropine.
[nurse] No response to the atropine.
Her pulse is dropping, Doctor.
[breathes heavily]
You're going to the hospital, right? We'll go too.
No, all of you will stay put.
How can we? Her Ladyship collapsed.
We need to go and--
Everything Ms. Seong consumed or wore today must be secured.
Don't dispose of anything. Keep it exactly as is.
What? But why would we do that?
From this moment on, no one, myself included,
is to leave the private residence.
[♪ suspenseful music playing]
How did this happen?
[doctor] Your Royal Highness.
The blood test results are back.
[sighs]
[machines beeping]
[doctor] She has digoxin toxicity.
Toxicity?
It's medication used to treat arrhythmias,
but an overdose
can be fatal.
What? Fatal?
What does that mean?
Fortunately, we gave emergency treatment before it hit peak levels in the blood.
She's being treated with an antidote now.
It'll take a few hours for her to stabilize.
So she's not dying, right?
-Yes. -[Taeju] You should've started with that!
Gave me a real heart attack there.
Come on, babe. Don't be like that…
They're leaving already? Shouldn't they explain more?
[Dayeong] Stop it.
[Taeju sighs]
-I was so shocked. -[Dayeong] Calm down.
-[gasps] -[Taeju exclaims]
What are you doing?
[I-AN] Stop!
Step back.
[♪ tense music playing]
Surely, you won't just let this slide.
I have…
no intention of letting this slide.
It was due to drug toxicity.
Toxicity?
The attending physician…
Are you saying someone tried to poison her?
-Where is the Grand Prince right now? -Sir.
-But now is not… -Where is Grand Prince I-AN right now?
I knew…
you would fail to protect her.
She collapsed as soon as she became your wife.
You couldn't even keep her safe for a day!
[breathes heavily]
That's why I'm here.
[scoffs]
Investigate the palace.
What?
From its staff to the royal family.
Investigate them all.
[scoffs] Do you realize what you're saying--
I do.
So just do it.
Effective immediately…
I hereby authorize a public inquiry…
into the palace.
You cannot.
The dignity of the Crown will be sullied.
Is that what you seek?
This incident occurred on palace grounds.
This investigation is imperative, not only for you and His Majesty's safety,
but for the Crown's dignity.
The Royal Protection Branch can handle that.
An investigation without privilege is required.
Are you saying…
the royals will be questioned as well?
The Grand Prince authorized it.
I-AN is not the king!
But he serves the Crown…
[♪ tense music playing]
…as its regent.
So, Your Majesty,
please allow the police to enter the palace.
Before we begin,
we would like to express our deep concern and regret
over the unfortunate incident that occurred during the royal wedding.
The Grand Princess was hospitalized after a medical emergency at the ceremony.
She is presently undergoing treatment and showing signs of recovery.
You mentioned a medical emergency. Was there a preexisting condition?
Are external factors being ruled out?
We will take questions once the statement has concluded.
While the investigation remains ongoing,
concerning factors preclude us
from deeming this a simple accident.
Accordingly, at the Crown's request and in the interest of the public good,
the government will launch
a public investigation encompassing
the possibility of intentional harm or terrorism.
The investigation will proceed with the Ministry of Justice and the NPA,
and will be conducted thoroughly and transparently.
No political or external pressure will be permitted to influence
the pursuit of the truth.
[♪ suspenseful music playing]
She didn't eat anything at the palace that day.
Then, do you remember everything she had at the private residence?
Uh… She didn't have much of an appetite,
so she only had half an apple in the morning.
I heard she normally has trouble sleeping.
I wouldn't exactly call it that.
She just doesn't sleep.
She doesn't sleep?
She works through the night in the study.
PERSONAL DETAILS LEE AREUM
MOTHER: PARK MALJA
[Jeongwoo] No sacred exceptions in the pursuit of truth.
The palace
will certainly not be exempt.
In the eyes of the law…
Prime Minister Min can be so scary.
It's definitely a bold move.
Isn't this the first time the Crown
is being investigated?
It is.
What?
Are royals untouchable in investigations?
-Inviolable. -Right.
Not exactly. It's more like…
But are you two ever going home?
Father told us to stay until she wakes up.
Father is worried…
Wait, I think she moved!
What?
[gasps] Huiju, can you hear me?
[Hyeon] Ms. Seong!
It's me! Hyeon!
-Ms. Seong is awake! -[sighs]
Thank goodness.
Does His Royal Highness know?
[♪ gentle music playing]
KING HUIJONG THE GREAT QUEEN UIHYEON
[I-AN] Father…
[whimpering]
How dare you mock
the Crown Prince's authority!
Was I being too greedy again?
Hence…
Is this your wrath,
reminding me not to covet?
How much longer…
Your Royal Highness.
They say she is awake now.
Please slow down, Your Royal Highness!
Your Royal Highness.
Please slow down.
You will hurt yourself, Your Royal Highness!
You must be hungry.
Your Royal Highness.
You're okay, right?
Are you okay now?
Are you crying?
[crying]
I thought you were dying.
I thought I lost you.
I really thought…
[I-AN breathes shakily]
[crying]
I'm okay.
But…
why did I collapse?
[music ends]
[door opens]
This will be a joint investigation between the NPA
and the Royal Protection Branch.
Today, we are questioning…
It must be me.
You stay here.
Me?
Stay with Seong Huiju.
Never leave her side.
Yes, Your Royal Highness.
Leave everything here to me.
[Huiju] What?
Toxicity?
Me?
I barely even take sleeping aids anymore.
[sighs]
[sighs] Just spit it out already. Why won't anybody tell me anything?
It looks deliberate.
It's not a medication you normally take.
Even if it were, the amount found in your system…
Ah.
You don't need to worry.
The investigation is underway, and the government…
And His Royal Highness?
The medication he usually takes…
Did you check those?
SEOUL METROPOLITAN POLICE AGENCY
Did Her Royal Highness mention
any abnormal symptoms prior to collapsing?
No.
Any preexisting conditions or allergies?
Did you not review the report prepared by my wife's attending physician?
Her blood test results
confirmed digoxin toxicity.
By chance, are you familiar with this medication?
That's not a question we agreed on beforehand.
I am familiar.
Your Royal Highness.
It is a medication
I have taken on occasion.
Have you checked or not?
Huiju.
[sighing]
I made a mistake.
The robe was so heavy, and I tripped.
I fell against the table.
Ms. Do put the goblets back in place.
That's when they were switched.
Our goblets.
Where is he right now?
Huiju.
What are you doing? Calm down!
He's in danger right now!
I believe I was the target.
Your Royal Highness.
May I ask why you think that?
My wife, who doesn't normally take that medication, survived.
However, had I taken it…
I would have died.
It would've been a fatal dose.
Why are you here? What about…
Please go back inside.
No, I need to--
His Royal Highness commanded that
your safety be placed above all else.
Please go back inside.
[Jeongwoo] You stay here.
I will go…
to His Royal Highness.
[sighs]
[♪ piano playing: "Gymnopédie No.1"]
And Grand Prince I-AN?
He is currently giving a statement with Mr. Jung in attendance.
At this hour?
They've already started searching his private residence too.
All items used for the wedding,
even the vehicles that transported them,
are said to be subject to search and seizure.
Take care of any potential issues early.
Make it clean, no loose ends.
Do not worry, Your Majesty.
[♪ suspenseful music playing]
Sir.
These are the personnel files you asked for.
They include the attendants' family ties, changes in assets, and their whereabouts
and call history over the past month.
And the Grand Prince's medical records?
Everyone who accessed it recently
are physicians at the Royal Seoul Hospital.
Less than ten total.
Is Her Majesty's brother one of the ten?
Yes, sir. Both of them.
When will the Royal Seoul Hospital, including them, be investigated?
Well…
Start now.
Yes, sir. Understood.
[sighs]
[music ends]
You should head to the palace when you're done here.
My wife is at the hospital.
[Jeongwoo] When the day breaks, she will be escorted to the palace.
The palace will be safest for both of you.
It is also the place where you hold complete control.
I shall handle
all the matters beyond it.
[♪ dramatic music playing]
Your Royal Highness, are you doing all right?
The Grand Princess shall reside in Anhwadang Hall.
Pardon? But the private residence is where she must--
I will also assign new palace attendants.
Royal security will also be reinforced.
Prepare accordingly.
Pardon?
What we need is a fortress.
A CATASTROPHIC DEBUT AT COURT
[Huiju sighs]
Talk about a main character moment.
[sighing]
The sun's up. It's already morning.
-[phone chimes] -Hmm?
PRINCE: THE QUESTIONING WENT WELL
PRINCE
-[I-AN] Did you not sleep? -Where are you? Are you okay?
Wait. Is Jeongwoo there with you?
No, he's not.
I mean, why would you leave your aide here?
There are plenty of royal guards as it is.
That should be a fun car ride.
What?
Come to the palace. Both of you.
CASTLE HOSPITAL
[♪ tense music playing]
[Dayeong] Huiju.
[sighs]
-Hello, Aide Choi. -Hello. You're back.
Why are you even back?
I heard you're off to the palace soon.
Is she really okay to be discharged now?
Yes. The detox is complete, so there shouldn't be any issues.
Still, it would be best to keep her on ECG monitoring
at the palace for about two more days.
I see. Thank you.
-Thank you, sir. -Sure.
The palace has been notified, right?
Yes. Anhwadang Hall already has--
[Huiju] Excuse me.
Dayeong.
Father sent me.
[clears throat]
His Royal Highness also asked me for help.
He did?
[♪ whimsical music playing]
Your right-hand woman too.
CASTLE HOSPITAL
Gosh, you look so pretty even when you're sick.
Do I really look very pretty today too?
Yes. Always very pretty, all the time.
Geez, I can't believe this.
Couldn't my beauty have taken a break today?
Do you have a cushion on you?
-Cushion? -This cushion.
[sighs] You weren't lying.
How exhausting.
What are you doing?
The whole country saw me collapse live.
I can't be this pretty when I'm discharged.
I checked the news early this morning.
Online trolls are spreading some bullshit about me being a jinx
who brought bad luck to the palace or whatever.
[inhales sharply] Ah.
The last time Taeju was in hot water, the sympathy card worked best too.
Let me.
Hmm.
Huiju.
Try putting on a pitiful expression.
Like this.
Why go that far?
[Dayeong] Why not? Just try it.
-You might as well go all out. -Mm-mmm.
-There she comes! -Here she is!
[♪ pop music playing]
The Prime Minister's office suggested a possible targeted attack.
Can you give us an update on your condition?
Why were you not treated at the Royal Seoul Hospital?
-[coughing] -Hold on. My goodness.
Careful, Your Royal Highness.
[clamoring]
[coughing]
[Hyejeong] All right.
It might feel a bit awkward, since this isn't our usual approach.
We're going for weak and feeble, not tough and strong.
But it shouldn't be that difficult.
As the CEO of Castle Beauty, she was a rich conglomerate heiress.
But at the palace, she's just a lowborn outcast.
A CATASTROPHIC DEBUT AT COURT
Make her out to be a tragic heroine.
One that you'd totally want to root for.
[passerby 1] What's going on?
VISIBLY GAUNT, COUGHING CONTINUOUSLY
[passerby 2] My friend who works at the palace
told me she collapsed there once before.
The Queen Mother is so hard on her.
[passerby 3] If she didn't marry into the royal family,
she'd be living large as an heiress.
I feel bad for her.
[♪ suspenseful music playing]
[scoffs]
[door opens]
Your Majesty.
The Royal Secretariat submitted this month's official schedule.
It seems the duties assigned to the Grand Princess
are being redistributed.
They are wondering how much Your Majesty is willing to take on in her stead…
Inform them I shall assume all her duties.
Pardon? All of them?
We must present ourselves as sisters-in-law
in perfect accord.
How shocked you must have been.
I hear you will be staying at the palace for now.
As it happens, I have just ordered that all duties
assigned to you be transferred to me.
Just attend to your recovery.
[chuckles] It appears Her Royal Highness is feeling faint.
[Hyeon] Goodness. Are you okay, Your Royal Highness?
[♪ tense music playing]
Your Majesty, Her Royal Highness--
I heard.
Please make your way inside.
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
[♪ melancholy music playing]
[official] The Queen Mother shall lend
her cooperation in preparing
a statement today, and His Majesty by tomorrow.
However,
Her Majesty has indicated
she will be present for His Majesty's statement.
The request is denied.
Her Majesty
holds the dignity of the palace above all.
I do not intend to take issue with that.
However, I wish to ease His Majesty's burden as much as possible.
But His Majesty is--
He should be capable of that much.
He is the sovereign of a nation, after all.
[door closes]
Your Majesty?
Aunt.
Are you feeling all right?
I heard you were sick.
Ah, were you worried about me?
I heard the police
are coming into the palace because you fainted.
[chuckles] It is because they are curious.
They want to know if indigestion was to blame
or if someone pushed me.
No one pushed you.
[chuckles] Yes.
They are investigating because they want to know those things.
Aide Choi, they are asking you questions too, right?
Pardon? Yes, of course.
They are asking me. Court Lady Choi too.
You too, right?
Even the street cats will be questioned, Your Majesty.
Might you be a dummy?
Pardon?
Cats cannot talk.
-[laughs] -[laughing]
-Your Royal Highness. -Uncle!
Uncle.
Your Majesty.
[♪ uplifting music playing]
-[gasps] -[gasps] Ms. Do!
-Hello. -Wait.
Now, you're Aide Do of the Grand Prince's office.
Right.
Hello.
Regarding Ms. Seong…
It's just refusing to stick.
[chuckles] I know, right?
Thank you for helping out with the discharge of Her Royal Highness.
It was nothing. We're family, after all.
Where is Her Royal Highness?
[music ends]
[I-AN] My wife still does not know her way around the palace.
She will require the most attentive care.
I will bear that in mind, Your Royal Highness.
Until new palace attendants are assigned, the only people permitted in her presence
shall be you, Aide Choi, Aide Do, and Ms. Han Dayeong.
-Yes, Your Royal Highness. -Furthermore, my wife
-has trouble sleeping-- -Your Royal Highness.
Yes? Are you feeling unwell?
I'd like…
some alone time with you.
[echoing] Is that not allowed?
[stammers]
No?
Right.
Leave us.
Leave!
Yes, sir.
[♪ light music playing]
We must be understanding.
They are newlyweds, after all.
Newlyweds.
[sighs]
-My goodness. -[laughs]
[music ends]
[sighs]
Is this why you wanted to be alone?
You know,
I really thought I could remain unfazed by my new title.
But now that everyone is calling me, "Your Royal Highness"…
I can't help but be a bit cautious.
It feels like I should be the epitome of elegance every second.
Everyone is monitoring me, both at the hospital and here.
Not monitoring. Protecting.
And the questioning? Did it go well?
[sighs] Well… I almost fell asleep.
But it was fine.
Listen, I've been thinking about it…
And I think you're the one who needs protection,
not me.
[chuckles]
I know.
What?
How are you so calm?
-Because I'm relieved. -About what?
I would be terrified right now if you were the target.
But if I'm the target…
I thank the heavens.
[♪ gentle music playing]
-[grunts] -Ah!
Have you lost your mind?
And if you make me a widow? What then?
Why are you thanking the heavens?
You expect me to live in the palace alone? Without you?
Stop it already.
If something terrible happens to you…
I can't even get divorced.
[laughs]
You think this is funny?
You have a dramatic way of expressing concern.
Just lie down.
You're a royal now.
So what?
Do I have to keep quiet even if I'm being targeted?
You must exercise your royal powers.
Which are?
INVITATION TO ROYAL ACADEMY 80TH ANNIVERSARY
SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC EVENTS
-[Hyejeong] Fashion Week. -[Hyeon] Oh, Fashion Week?
[I-AN] In grand assemblies, you shall embody the pride of the realm.
[Hyeon] Right.
[I-AN] And in places of honor,
you shall embody its glory…
to be loved?
Hmm?
Who would dare harm a person who is the nation's pride and glory?
Does that belief embolden you to be so reckless?
Because you are "the nation's pride and glory"?
[scoffs]
I was never reckless.
I just sometimes
do what I want to do.
[gasps] Oh.
-I don't know what to do. -About what?
Earlier, the Queen Mother
said she'd perform my public duties on my behalf.
[chuckles] Oh, that?
It's fine.
I denied her request.
There is to be no change to my schedule?
His Royal Highness
stated that all public duties will be duly fulfilled,
and that Your Majesty does not need
to worry herself.
[scoffs]
It appears the Grand Prince refuses to exercise any caution.
[court lady] Your Majesty, Lord INPYEONG has arrived.
[♪ tense music playing]
Show him in.
[sighs]
You should refrain from visiting the palace for the time being.
I fear it may give rise to unnecessary misunderstanding.
Your Majesty
would do well to exercise some caution.
Do you care to elaborate?
I meant nothing by it.
I…
only fear it may give rise
to unnecessary misunderstanding.
[music fades]
[door closes]
Sir.
They discovered traces of digoxin in a goblet used in the wedding rites.
FORENSIC EXAMINATION REPORT
PHOTO 1: GOBLET CONTAINING TRACES OF DIGOXIN
[Huiju] They were switched then.
Our goblets.
The medication he usually takes…
Did you check those?
What are you doing? Calm down!
He's in danger right now!
-[knocks on door] -[door opens]
[assistant] Sir, Ms. Lee Areum has arrived.
[Huiju] What? You're really that swamped?
There you go with that nagging again.
I swear I'm perfectly fine.
Stop worrying for no reason.
[sighs]
[♪ pop music playing]
[sighs]
Oh…
-[Hyejeong] Hello? Ms. Seong? -Hey. I'm here.
Yeah.
Are you okay?
Yeah, so nice. I mean, it's fine.
See you tomorrow.
It's our first night as a married couple.
Are you ready?
[machine beeping]
[Hyeon] No way.
I'm sure no one knows their way around the palace better than me.
That only shows you the main pathways.
If you want to follow that,
you should be prepared to walk 12,000 steps.
Are you sure?
You should trust me.
If you go this way,
you'll be in your room in ten minutes.
When did you start working at the palace?
What?
I mean, you're still pretty young.
But you know everything, like you were born here.
From the staff to the pathways.
I'm not exactly sure. I think I was five or six?
What?
I'm an orphan, you see.
I heard I was abandoned in front of the private residence.
[whimpers] Sorry.
Pardon?
I shouldn't have asked. Right?
Oh! No, it's perfectly fine.
You see,
I'm really grateful to my parents.
I grew up surrounded by love at the private residence.
Of all places, I just happened to be abandoned right in front
of the Grand Prince's house.
You could say I'm sort of a "lucky guy." [laughs]
[♪ gentle music playing]
[heartbeat thumping]
What are you doing? We need to make it in 10 minutes.
Right.
What's wrong with you?
[machine beeping]
[sighs]
[clears throat]
Will you not even consider the sofa?
[I-AN] No.
This is perfectly fine.
The sofa would be perfectly fine too.
Then you should go.
That'd be perfect.
I'm the patient here.
[I-AN mumbles]
[sighs]
Seriously?
Just sleep already.
Want everyone to think I was cast aside on our first night?
[machine beeping]
[sighs]
Should we turn that off?
Just leave it.
[sighs]
But it's so loud.
It's proof you're alive.
[♪ soft pop playing]
I like the sound of it.
I'm just reassuring you.
I'm right here.
[sighs]
Both her blood pressure and pulse are stable.
[Lady Choi] Thank you.
Ms. Do--
Aide Do!
[Hyeon] Yes?
I didn't call for you.
I know, but you should ask for me for the time being.
I will be the chief aide of the Grand Princess for now.
-Why? -Mmm,
because you'll need an experienced aide
well-versed in royal duties by your side
to facilitate your swift transition.
Th-Then what about my Ms. Do?
Where is my Hyejeong?
-What did you do with her? -She's safe.
Hyejeong!
It's a Royal Academy event, so security shouldn't be a major issue.
It's a small-scale event that will be held indoors.
[I-AN clears throat]
You should be familiar with most of the guests.
They're all former students.
Anyone I should be mindful of?
Prime Minister Min Jeongwoo.
He is set to deliver the opening address.
Your Royal Highness will present the scholarship.
[chuckles]
There are a few protocols you must follow during official duties.
First, you must never walk ahead of His Royal Highness.
Hold on. This was something I mentioned for the Inner Court Banquet as well.
Court rank is very important in official events.
I understand.
Yes. Thank you. [clears throat]
You will sometimes come across people who hand you flowers or letters.
You should accept all of them.
-All of them? -Yes, all of them.
And your photo could be taken at any time.
So try not to appear
expressionless or put on that face you just gave me.
There you go again.
You cannot do that.
Also, you must observe rank when offering a handshake or initiating a conversation.
His Royal Highness is first. You come second.
Does that mean no one can speak to me if I don't speak to them first?
Correct.
And you can never show bare feet.
If there are no slippers available, please keep your shoes on.
Crossing your legs while seated is strictly forbidden,
so please be careful.
No peace signs or finger hearts when being photographed.
Cheek hearts? Definitely not.
Then what exactly am I supposed to do?
Something simple.
Maybe a simple wave?
[sighs]
Ah…
I should wear this one today.
I should do my part to boost our affiliate's revenue again.
What do you think?
[in English] Good choice.
[in Korean] So pretty. Hmm.
Ready to go?
[chuckles]
I will be after you change.
Why? Do I look weird?
It's our first official appearance as a married couple.
Our outfits should look coordinated.
[clicks tongue] Such a gloomy outfit. Right?
-My thoughts exactly. -Mmm.
-Just look at it. -[gasps]
[in English] So shiny!
Wow.
[in Korean] We must leave a record of this. Right?
All right now. Here we go.
Look right over here.
-Let's try smiling. -[giggling]
Oh, my gosh.
-Oh, my goodness. -[Huiju] Shall we?
Shall we take this to the hallway?
Come on now. Here we go.
Does it look gloomy?
Absolutely not. You look so cool right now.
"Gloomy"?
[scoffs] How could she say that to the world's most handsome man?
-Sir. -I was actually just on my way out.
You need to take a look at this.
Criticism of the Crown will be unavoidable.
What do you think?
[breathes shakily]
[♪ upbeat music playing]
[crowd cheering]
Aren't we going inside?
Enough of that. Take my arm.
Why? I'm busy being loved.
[chuckles] Go on without me.
They look so affectionate.
I know, right?
[clears throat]
[Hyeon] I made it so crystal clear
that you can't do these finger hearts… [laughs]
Please stop that.
Come on now.
P-Please stop, Your Royal Highness.
[Hyejeong] Yes, sure.
Thank you.
[call end tone]
Your Royal Highness, that was the prime minister's office.
He's going to be a little late.
-Really? -Jeongwoo is?
Can you…
stop addressing him like that?
I'm not supposed to call him by his name?
-"Prime Minister Min." -[Hyejeong] You should first review this.
Why?
They sent over the opening address.
Since he is presenting the scholarships,
wouldn't it be nice if you delivered the opening address?
[♪ gentle music playing]
[chuckles]
[cheering]
Hello, I am Seong Huiju.
Being back at my alma mater,
I feel like I should be introducing myself by saying,
"I am Seong Huiju of Jujak House."
Another part of me wants to celebrate my success since graduating
by presenting myself as Seong Huiju, the Executive Director
of Castle Group.
However, I am sure all of you would most like to hear,
"Hello,
I am Grand Princess Seong Huiju."
Am I right?
[crowd laughing]
-[laughs] -She's unbelievable.
-She's so good, isn't she? -[phone buzzing]
[sighs]
[♪ tense music playing]
[Huiju] Eighty years ago,
when the Royal Academy was founded,
the Crown pursued but one ideal.
Any who aspired to become something
shall be allowed to do so,
without regard to background
or gender.
I, too, was a beneficiary of that mission,
and as you can see,
I managed to make all my aspirations a reality.
[crowd laughing]
Your Royal Highness.
[♪ suspenseful music playing]
A PERSON OF VIRTUE TAKES RIGHTEOUSNESS…
TAKEN AS FOUNDATION
There is an emergency, Your Majesty.
What is it?
If there is something that you want,
do not hesitate…
-[phones buzzing] -…and claim it for yourself.
As your senior alum and patron,
with ironclad resolve…
-[crowd murmuring] -[clears throat]
With ironclad resolve…
-[door opens] -[reporters clamoring]
[reporter 1] Your Royal Highness!
Do you have anything to say for yourself?
[reporter 2] Did you deceive the people?
[reporter 3] There was a confidentiality clause. What are you hiding?
EXCLUSIVE: THE ROYAL COUPLE'S MARRIAGE CONTRACT LEAKED
[♪ tense music playing]
[reporter 4] Is it true that that the marriage is contractual?
[reporter 5] Is it true you plan to divorce in three years?
Please respond!
Was there consent from the royal family?
What has Castle Group promised the Crown?
[clamoring fades]
[clamoring]
What are you doing?
Keep your eyes on me.
[clamoring fades]
[♪ soft pop playing]
[reporters clamoring]
[clamoring fades]
PERFECT CROWN
[reporter] Is it true that the marriage is contractual?
[Hyeon] This is about to blow up in our face.
[Yun] You thought you could protect yourself with that measly contract?
I shall set the record straight myself.
Can Your Majesty prove it?
Do you think I'm oblivious to your scheming?
Your Royal Highness!
[Jeongwoo] You said it was all for show.
You and the Grand Prince.
[Huiju] I like him.
A lot.
HUIJU
[Jeongwoo] His Royal Highness remains unaware.
[Yun] How does it feel?
[Huiju] What do I have to do?
[I-AN] Are you scared?
[Huiju] I'm scared I might end up
ruining you.
EPILOGUE
[machine beeping]
[♪ uplifting music playing]
Your Royal Highness, it is Court Lady Choi.
[Huiju mumbles]
[Lady Choi] Your Royal Highness.
[groans]
[Lady Choi] Your Royal Highness!
Are you awake?
[sighs]
-Should I just go in there? -[phone buzzes]
Would that be okay?
IF YOU WAKE UP THE GRAND PRINCESS…
-Your Royal High-- -Stop.
He says to keep it down.
Pardon me?
He says if we wake the Grand Princess… [sucks teeth]
…there will be hell to pay.
[chuckles]
-Should we go get some breakfast? -Shall we?
What are you craving?
There's a place with amazing pajeon right by here.
Translated by Justin S. Kim
PERFECT CROWN