(Inhwa, Year 14)
What is it?
I do not know how to tell you this, Your Majesty.
What is it? Speak.
It is vertigo, Your Majesty...
Vertigo?
Yes, Your Majesty.
It usually occurs before a stroke.
Such terrible news...
How did this happen?
It is terrible, Your Majesty...
Gwangha, Year 49,
the Emperor is generally healthy,
but he suddenly passed away before he could do anything,
and the year before,
the Crown Prince faced an untimely death.
If I think about the troubles in the palace during that time,
I am filled with regret and pain.
It is time to prepare for the future of the imperial household.
By that, I am referring to the Crown Prince's marriage.
This is an honorable household.
Keeping to the traditional rules,
we must prepare for the Crown Prince's wedding.
This matter is related to the safety of the imperial household.
By using this crisis as an opportunity...
I will try to establish firm ground for the future prosperity of our family.
(Princess Hours Episode 1)
Whoa, so this is from the palace?
Yeah, at the birthday of His Majesty.
When they opened Geunjeongjeon Hall at Gyeongbok Palace?
Yeah, they were giving it out for free in front of Gwanghwa Gate.
Wow...
I saw both the Crown Prince and the Queen Dowager that day.
I can't believe it! I should've gone too.
Let's have a look!
- It's my turn. - Wow!
Shin Chae Gyeong! You can't do that...
Go away...
You're going to rip it...
It ripped...
Chae Gyeong!
Wait a second! Oh, no...
Really!
I'm Shin Chae Gyeong.
I'm a senior at Korean Art High School.
I'm a bubbly student majoring in design.
Why were we talking about princes?
You're wondering about the Crown Prince and his mother, aren't you?
(What trick is this?)
Even in the 21st century,
countries like England and Japan
have a... What was it?
Oh! A monarchy.
(A ruler reigns but doesn't rule)
(Who was it that said this?)
The Royal Family is just a symbol,
but they are still loved and respected by the country's citizens,
and continue living in a beautiful palace.
But what does our palace look like?
Unfortunately, the royal bloodline ended,
and our palace became a place devoid of any people,
just an empty space.
So, I'm asking you to imagine this.
Let's put some life back into the palace.
In Gyeongbok Palace, there's a handsome prince every girl
can't help but fall in love with.
How's that? Aren't you curious?
(A fantastic tale to stretch the imagination)
(No negative comments please By Shin Chae Gyeong)
(In 2006, Korea is under a monarchy!)
Wow, look at this. Look at this. It's when the prince was a baby.
He looks like a raccoon.
He's still handsome.
He was cute even as a baby.
I wish I was that teddy bear.
Oh, goodness.
That royal bloodline.
Those killer good looks.
Be quiet, you Cinderella wannabes.
Hey.
Hi.
He's so gorgeous.
Knock, knock.
- Anyone home? - Hey! Watch it.
Hello.
Why do you always wear things like that?
Seriously.
Don't you think my hybrid fashion sense is amazing?
- Not quite! - What is this?
Hey, Chae Gyeong. Did you finish your homework?
Homework?
The watercolor painting.
It's due today?
Oh, right. Is it noon now?
Oh, no.
What's wrong? Why don't you keep going on about your prince?
Lee Gang Hyeon, stop that.
What's wrong with Cinderella?
With girls like that... You need to put them out of their misery.
What?
They're so pathetic.
They're gold-digging freeloaders!
I told you.
Don't do that at school.
But, Your Highness.
There could be someone dangerous among these students.
Wait outside the gates.
Your Highness, our orders are clear. We must guard you at school.
Even inside the palace, we must stay by your side. We...
Yes, Your Highness.
Art, Music, Dance, Drama, Film...
You can learn any subject in the arts at my school.
But I don't like projects!
Everything is great but these projects drive me crazy.
What is this? Start drawing.
This is good enough.
- It's art. - Okay.
It must be another royal procession. It's so noisy.
Wait, but is he...
Is he looking at us?
He's looking at us, right?
- Really? - What do I do?
What do I do?
- Are you sure? - Oh, my goodness.
I can't breathe.
I don't think I can breathe.
Your Highness! I'm single!
He's not looking at you. He's looking at me.
Good afternoon, Your Highness!
Why isn't he attending the Royal School? Why is he here?
And all the VIPs are there too.
The airline CEO's son
and the shipping company CEO's son.
And isn't that the 2nd son of that CEO?
And with the Crown Prince, that is some group.
Perfect birds of a feather flock together.
It's disgusting.
This school thinks it's high class.
I'm right here.
Me too, Your Highness.
Who's that drooling on the 2nd floor?
I'm pretty and sexy.
Your Highness, I love you!
Hey, isn't that Min Hyo Rin?
No wonder.
So that's where His Highness was looking.
Good afternoon.
Are you guys really not going to watch your weight?
Awake or asleep, what?
Watch your weight.
What will we overcome?
Spare tires.
Gather in front of the scale.
But...
Every 0.1kg is 1 hour of practice.
Oh, no.
I'm sorry, let me get that for you.
Oh, it's really wet.
That's enough.
I said that's enough!
Throw it away on your way out.
Hey!
Who do you think you are?
I'm not your maid!
In my house, I'm a princess too!
Oh, my god. No one talks to the prince like that.
Chae Gyeong, you're in trouble now.
You're the first girl to ever defy me.
It's quite cute...
I like you.
What just happened?
Some prince. More like prince of jerks.
I think it was your fault.
As the eldest daughter in my family,
I went go easy on him. For my family's sake.
He should consider himself lucky.
I got it first!
I'm going to put it up for auction.
Not if I do it first!
(Princess Hours)
♪ A child has seen it ♪
♪ The rose blooming in the field ♪
♪ Entranced by the fragrance ♪
♪ The child gazes at the flower ♪
♪ Rose, rose ♪
♪ Blooming in the field ♪
Shin Chae Gyeong!
This is the annex that film and dance majors use.
It's completely different from the building us art majors use.
And because the Crown Prince is a film major,
they changed all the windows to bulletproof ones.
Wow.
We're students at the same school. It's so unfair.
Marry me.
What?
Didn't you hear what I said?
I just proposed to you.
Isn't that the Crown Prince?
You know, we're still students. High school students.
What do you mean marriage?
You're kidding, right?
The Crown Prince is proposing to a student?
Oh, my god. This is big news.
The 19-year-old Crown Prince dreams of marrying a young classmate.
Oh, my goodness...
This is unbelievable!
Look at this mess.
You can't even see the floor.
What a mess...
It's a pig sty. She drives me crazy.
She's made a mess again.
If you throw something out, she brings it back.
It's like a game of hide-and-seek.
So is this fun for you?
No...
Chae Gyeong...
Leave her alone.
We'll talk to her when she gets home. You can make a fuss then.
It's tradition for royalty to marry early.
And since I'm the Crown Prince...
If I don't choose someone myself,
I might have to marry someone my parents choose for me.
Instead of marrying someone I've never seen, since we're friends...
I don't want to change our long friendship.
And I don't want the responsibilities that come with living in the palace.
You know I want to be a famous dancer.
I've done really well up until now, and I don't want to give up.
If I become the Crown Princess, don't I have to give all that up?
She's pretty cool.
Not that I'd be any less cool. Who would want to marry that jerk?
Look at that sorrowful gaze.
How sad.
Uh-oh, I'm in trouble now.
What do I do?
Who's there?
Stop!
Who are you?
♪ A child has seen it ♪
A child has seen what?
Turn around.
♪ A child has seen it ♪
Your voice is strange.
Did you overhear our conversation?
What did you hear?
I didn't hear anything.
Did you want me to hear something?
After being rejected so pitifully,
why would you want anyone to hear it?
Stop right there!
Track pants! I said stop!
She's not picking up.
Calm down.
When did you start caring?
Would a caring father bring this home?
Should I read it to you?
Overdue bills, a court summons, a credit card bill...
Loan the wrong person money and now we have no house.
Do I have to pay for your food and beer too?
I want a divorce. I can't live like this anymore.
Let's end it for good this time.
Aren't you tired of saying that? You always say you want a divorce.
What if they come after us? This is the second time this month.
They keep calling too.
Who is it?
We're from the palace.
The palace?
Did you order Chinese again?
These people...
I said I'd pay at the end of the month.
Jade Palace? Dragon Palace?
(Our family motto: Too much is as bad as too little)
I see.
Drink...
My daughter. My father.
This is proof of the promise made between the late King and your father.
This?
It really is the same!
My goodness.
His will was real.
I guess he wasn't kidding.
The Royal Family is waiting for the engagement ring.
You've kept it safe, I presume?
Of course.
Of course. Is there any doubt?
We guard it like a treasure.
Where is it?
Today we are going to learn about key lights.
If you raise the light to this height,
and shine it at this angle,
then you get an effect like...
The Crown Princess will be chosen according to the Royal Family laws.
Since the late King already made a choice,
the Crown Prince must prepare to meet this lady.
Stop it.
He's so cool. I think I'm going to faint.
I wonder who he's going to marry?
Do you want me to tell you who he's going to marry?
Marry? What are you talking about?
Who is she? She's dead.
That's right? Who does she think she is?
Chae Gyeong, how would you know?
Well, I did see and hear something.
But... I can't tell you.
- What? - What did you hear?
I want to tell you too.
The King has donkey ears!
Hey! Hey!
Shin Chae Gyeong!
Hello.
Your Highness, this is your schedule for today.
The Royal Family Scholarship Meeting at the KOEX Convention Center.
When you get to the palace, you have studies and training.
When you are finished, you will have lunch,
then horseback riding and archery practice,
and in the evening, a concert of traditional Korean music.
Stop the car.
It may be gossip to you but it's a very sensitive matter to me.
Why are you doing this? I didn't tell anyone!
So you did hear something.
Listen carefully, if you go around spreading rumors,
it'll be dangerous for both you and me.
What are you doing?
- No pictures! - No pictures.
Do not take any pictures.
I'll leave first. You leave a little later.
I'm warning you.
Keep your mouth shut.
What a jerk. Crown Prince of jerks.
Queen Dowager, the Queen has arrived.
Is His Majesty well?
Yes...
Why do you speak in such a manner?
His Majesty says he is well.
But it does not seem as though he is.
It must be the upcoming wedding. We must carefully consider the matter.
Each person has his or her own role.
Make sure nothing goes wrong.
I understand.
Do you think it is extreme?
We have no choice in the matter.
This is the only way.
I understand, Your Majesty.
The wedding is not far off.
No word from Hwa Yeong or Ui Seong in England?
My apologies, Your Majesty.
I have heard they keep in touch with the elders from time to time.
(London)
Sleeping again?
Up all night reading again?
Shin is getting married.
What? Really?
Yes, I just heard.
I don't know why it was decided so quickly but something is going on.
You go ahead. I'll finish things up here first and then go.
We waited 14 years. It's time to move.
Did you decide?
Decide? On what?
To meet the Crown Princess.
Does it matter what I decide?
Would you please put that down?
What kind of friends were they to make a promise like this?
He was his only true friend.
Can a King have a true friend?
How can you say something like that in front of your father?
You're right. It is lonely and difficult being King.
That's why it is so important to have a friend by your side.
Your grandfather was lucky to have had such a friend,
and so he wished to give him a present of some sort.
That is why he had 2 rings and symbols made and sent to the friend.
Along with the letter in front of you.
A promise to wed the Crown Prince with his friend's granddaughter.
And that's me?
Not technically.
That is, it wasn't then.
As you know, your uncle was the King,
and so the next heir was Yul, not you.
But because he passed away so suddenly, I became King,
and the promise passed on to us.
Your opinion is important. We won't force this on you.
(Princess Hours)
I'm home.
Why is the house such a mess?
The atmosphere is all fuzzy.
Repossession notice?
What's this?
Mom, are you trying to divorce dad again?
Mom, don't do this. Every time you do this my poor heart can't take it.
I have no strength left. You're heavy.
But, mom. What's this? Repossession notice?
The loan sharks are just trying to scare us. Don't worry about it.
Mother! I will succeed in life, and free you from this misery.
There will only be happy days from now on. Believe in me!
Okay, Princess. How do you plan on succeeding?
As a designer!
A world-famous designer!
Not that again.
Yes, ma'am.
But mom, how about this.
Buy me a sewing machine, please? Pretty please?
Don't you see the state we're in? Don't make things more difficult.
We welcome you like family.
This is insurance salesperson Lee Sun Rye.
Are you here? Nope.
Are you here?
- Dad! - You surprised me.
Are you playing hide and go seek?
This time I'm on a treasure hunt.
I can't find it though.
It's like Jack's beanstalk, but I can't find it. We're ruined.
Why? Did you lose something?
A ring. Your grandfather gave it to us before he died.
Ring?
Oh, that?
You put it there when we moved.
There?
It was here somewhere.
Here it is! Here.
Pick it up.
Put your back into it.
I found it! You put it here, remember?
What's it for?
Chae Gyeong, we found it!
Honey, we found it!
What? Found what?
Let me see.
Chae Gyeong, we're saved! We're saved.
We're saved. Princess, we're saved!
Goodbye suffering, hello happiness!
Hooray for our princess!
And my beautiful wife!
Hooray!
This is a picture of your future wife.
I don't know if it's chance or fate but she goes to your school.
What?
She goes to my school?
Yes, she's an art major.
No way!
Give me the ring.
And give me that symbol thing.
I'll give it back to them.
Which bus goes to the palace?
You mustn't do that, Your Highness.
That's right. Right, dear?
You are to refer to me as "Your Majesty."
What are you all doing?
Dream on, everyone.
Chae Gyeong!
The Crown Princess mustn't act this way. Give it to me.
Who in the world marries like this?
And how old am I? I'm still in high school.
Chae Gyeong. I'll buy you a nice sewing machine.
A sewing machine is not the problem.
Have you lost your minds?
How can the Crown Prince marry me?
What do you mean? Didn't you hear the phone call?
He agreed to the marriage, Your Highness.
I don't know why he said that.
But he has a really pretty girlfriend.
I saw him propose to her.
What? Who?
The Crown Prince?
To who?
She's the only daughter of a rich family and she's pretty and good at ballet.
Then we don't stand a chance.
He's probably not in his right mind.
He went crazy because he was rejected.
He was rejected?
Who? Who rejected him?
In any case, this marriage is void.
Just forget it!
Honey...
Her Majesty would like to petition Your Majesty.
She can understand reducing the scale of the security forces but
there is too much danger outside the school walls.
Is it because of the upcoming wedding?
If so, married life for you won't go smoothly.
As advice coming from one who has assisted you for 14 years,
please try to understand.
Did she say anything else?
I'm afraid she also expressed concern over the future Crown Princess.
She did not study at a top school. She might not fit with the Royal Family.
Do you also think this?
It is not my place to think about such things.
Isn't it funny? That the next Queen is chosen in such a way...
I was getting bored anyway.
If this ill-fitting girl comes into the palace...
Things might just start getting fun around here.
2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
Reverse.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
This is top secret but
the Crown Prince is getting married.
Really? Says who? Where did you hear this from?
My dad works in the palace.
So it's true?
And there's more.
What?
The girl who's going to be Crown Princess goes to our school.
Who is it?
Even I don't know that much.
Oh, my gosh.
She goes to our school?
Then it must be me.
Please. Go exercise at the bar.
What does that mean?
There's a rumor saying you're marrying a girl from our school.
You said you'd keep it secret until we went to college.
It's not you. Don't worry.
What?
I just found out too.
It's not you.
Who is it then?
Things that can't be explained often happen with the Royal Family.
This is one of those things.
Like overhearing your future husband propose to another girl.
Unexplainable things like that.
Then...
If we're going to get married, should we just do it sooner than later?
No, we can't. I'm too young. My future is so bright.
But you don't get many chances like this. Should I just grab it?
I need to be reasonable. Stay focused.
Should I?
Or not?
Princess, are you ready for your interview with Her Majesty tomorrow?
Do you think I'm crazy? Why would I go meet her?
But a promise is a promise.
Whatever! I never made any promise.
It doesn't have anything to do with me.
That little...
Should I?
Is this some sort of game?
You're the number 3 girl in Korea. Why are you doing that?
What do you mean?
The Queen Dowager, the Queen, then the Crown Princess.
You, the pig!
Stop being immature and stop calling your sister a pig.
Only if you marry the Crown Prince.
You think that'll make me marry him?
Just do it. I'm tired of climbing up and down and if you leave,
I can have this to myself.
It's good for you too. I won't bother you anymore.
You little brat.
You won't be any nicer even if I do.
If you don't, I will. I'm prettier than you anyway.
You pig, you're a total hog.
You're dead meat.
- My precious. - Stop there!
You look so pretty.
I told you I wouldn't do it. What is this?
I know we're poor.
You have no job and mom is selling insurance.
You work hard to pay for my lessons and
send me to an expensive art school.
You save and work hard in order to raise us...
I know all that!
But...
But?
Will you really feel better if you sell your daughter off like this?
Fine, forget it then.
Are you crazy?
We can't sell our daughter.
It's marriage. Is money so great? Is money all there is?
It's great. It's all there is.
You're too young to understand
but for women, nothing is better than marriage.
I don't want you to suffer the way I have.
That's why we want you to do this. We don't want to sell you off or use you.
I guess everyone lives their own lives.
Forget it. Let's forget it.
Get the...
Wow, what's this?
It's the latest model.
But you don't have any money...
Why did you buy something so expensive?
Found it!
Why are you looking for something we threw away?
Give it here. Or throw it out. I'll melt it down.
You can't, I already told all my friends about it.
What? You...
What about me? You buy her a sewing machine.
I want an mp3 player!
They must be from the palace.
There's nothing of value here.
You want to move out of the way?
Honey, it's all my fault.
I trusted the wrong person.
I don't want to hear it.
We don't have the money right now but we're giving you all we have.
We'll pay it back, even if we go into debt. We promise.
Oh, my goodness.
You can't do that.
What do we do now?
You should've paid on time. Then this wouldn't have happened.
You charged 5 times the interest!
How do you expect us to pay it back?
Threatening us into signing things,
you guys are corrupt loan sharks!
Lady, you're asking for it!
You think you're so brave?
Watch what you say in front of the kids!
Yeah!
This situation is all your fault.
Watch what you say.
Really?
Hey.
Why, you...
What do you think you're doing?
Chae Gyeong, be careful.
You don't know who you're dealing with. Hey, you gangsters!
Gangsters?
Why I oughtta!
You should be careful when you're out at night.
Why I ought to...
Really, just...
What are you looking at?
The ring!
Princess, stop! Where are you going? Your hair is a mess!
Please sit down.
Yes, please have a seat.
Thank you.
The Queen is on her way.
Please keep etiquette in mind when meeting with Her Majesty.
Above all, do not meet her gaze, and only speak when spoken to.
And at the start and end of every sentence, you must say, "Your Majesty."
She will be here shortly. Please wait.
Yes, thank you.
This is five-flavor berry tea. Enjoy.
Thank you.
Five-flavor berry?
Wow, it's so pretty.
The colors and fabric are so pretty.
I've seen this before.
Close call.
Oh, great. Now what?
Her Majesty, the Queen.
(Princess Hours)
I came to tell you that I will marry.
Really?
You can't marry unless you meet someone you love.
Right.
Where's the engagement ring?
This?
Oh, my god!
We need to make the formal announcement.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Enough! The formal announcement hasn't been made yet...
Now what do I do?
We can do this!
She just doesn't seem up to par.
Mind your own business.
Hey, it's Hyo Rin.
Hyo Rin!
If I'm accepted, I'm not coming back.
Dad, it's me, Yul. I'm back.
Is it really you? Your Highness...
Not a day has gone by that I didn't think of you.
I will not attend the Royal School.
What's wrong with your uniform?
Stop right there! I said stop!
Stop being so arrogant and marry someone you like then!
Why would I make a girl I like spend the rest of her life
stuck inside the palace like a doll?
What about me then?
It was my choice.
I'll take responsibility for my life.