About this season
A re-imagining of the legendary tale of the troubled father-son relationship between King Yeongjo and his only son Prince Sado. While his father insists on a strong and centralized government, Crown Prince Sado promotes social justice and equality throughout the kingdom. Throughout eight fateful years, the strain on their relationship — both familial and political — eventually evolves into a total breakdown, ending with one of the most tragic stories in Joseon history.
Episodes (24)
1. Episode 1
Aired 22 September 2014 • 58 min
A document, thought long destroyed, tying King Yeongjo's ascension the throne to the Noron Faction, resurfaces. Crown Prince Sado distrupts the government by proclaiming the creation and distribution of books by commoners legal.
2. Episode 2
Aired 23 September 2014 • 59 min
Heung Bok's body is found and the conspiracy to cover-up his murder begins.
3. Episode 3
Aired 29 September 2014 • 59 min
Unsatisfied with the result of the investigation into Heung Bok's death, Crown Prince Sado re-opens the case, personally heading it himself.
4. Episode 4
Aired 30 September 2014 • 59 min
Prince Sado succumbs to all evidence painting Heung Bok as a traitor, that is until Ji Dam approaches him with proof to the contrary.
5. Episode 5
Aired 6 October 2014 • 58 min
With Ji Dam's help, Prince Sado delves deeper into the conspiracy behind Heung Bok's death.
6. Episode 6
Aired 7 October 2014 • 59 min
Ji Dam hides out in a brothel while Prince Sado discovers the meaning behind Jung Woon's dying message.
7. Episode 7
Aired 13 October 2014 • 58 min
Prince Sado seeks out the identity of the man Heung Bok's final royal painting.
8. Episode 8
Aired 14 October 2014 • 59 min
An investigation into yet another death leads Prince Sado to suspect one of the people he trusts most.
9. Episode 9
Aired 20 October 2014 • 58 min
Prince Sado is accused of murder.
10. Episode 10
Aired 21 October 2014 • 59 min
Teacher Park Moon Soo makes a deal to try and save Prince Sado from prison.
11. Episode 11
Aired 27 October 2014 • 58 min
Prince Sado becomes suspicious of his father's role in the document.
12. Episode 12
Aired 28 October 2014 • 59 min
King Yeongjo appoints a new Prime Minister and sets out to enact new tax reforms while Prince Sado struggles with what to do about his father.
13. Episode 13
Aired 3 November 2014 • 61 min
King Yeongjo unleashes his punishment on the booklenders.
14. Episode 14
Aired 4 November 2014 • 59 min
King Yeongjo strips Prince Sado of all governing power. Three years later, Prince Sado begins a secret plan beginning with taking Kim Taek as his new teacher.
15. Episode 15
Aired 10 November 2014 • 61 min
In order to get his governing powers back, Prince Sado begins difficult negotiations with the Qing.
16. Episode 16
Aired 11 November 2014 • 62 min
Kim Taek sets a plan in motion to oust and replace Prince Sado.
17. Episode 17
Aired 17 November 2014 • 61 min
Prince Sado returns to the regency and sets out to make the country a better place for all classes.
18. Episode 18
Aired 18 November 2014 • 61 min
King Yeongjo and Prince Sado clash over allowing commoners entrance to the civil service exam.
19. Episode 19
Aired 24 November 2014 • 60 min
Prince Sado faces the fallout of allowing commoners take the civil service exam.
20. Episode 20
Aired 25 November 2014 • 58 min
The Noron set a new plan in motion to oust the Crown Prince.
21. Episode 21
Aired 1 December 2014 • 62 min
On the eve of the new Queen announcement ceremony, the Prince discovers a plot to assassinate the King.
22. Episode 22
Aired 2 December 2014 • 62 min
The Noron set out to discover why the Prince has been sending funds to the North.
23. Episode 23
Aired 8 December 2014 • 62 min
24. Episode 24
Aired 9 December 2014 • 61 min