OK he didn’t drink coffee out of a paper cup from a coffee shop chain, but he does come across as a king who wants to be modern and in touch with the people. He often leaves the palace incognito to see for himself how the people live and what they think of him as their ruler! In the drama an army of low class men ( the Geomgye – sword fraternity) form to help other members of the powerless low class such as runaway slaves.īut whilst the political factions only seem concerned with their wealth and status, King Sukjong is genuinely concerned about helping his people. The lower classes are struggling due to high taxes and corruption. The eunuchs in the treasury have been filling their own pockets and not paying the workers. In episode 22 we hear about issues with the lack of copper to make coins and the misappropriation of funds in the royal treasury. So as she rises to the top of the concubine ranks in the palace, her supporters in the Namin faction rise to the top, too.īut it seems that the officials are more intent on their own agendas than doing anything to help the citizens of Joseon.

The Seoin are in power at first and so King Sukjong brings in his favourite concubine (and our drama’s baddie) Jang Ok Jung (later Hui Bin) who is supported by the Namin faction. In the drama officials are so ambitious that they even murder members of their own party to get to the top! The story begins in the 7th year of King Sukjong’s reign.ĭuring his reign there were some serious battles for power between various political factions. At this point the political fighting is between the Namin (Southerners) faction and the Seoin (Westerners).

Dong yi soundtrack