Her Majesty, the Queen!
Oh, great. I'm screwed!
Miss Shin Chae Gyeong, Your Majesty.
Be seated.
The reason I asked you to come
was to hear your opinion on the engagement.
What?
Yes...
Your Majesty.
I'm talking about the promise between the late King and your grandfather.
As one of the concerned parties, what are your thoughts?
Since you're still a student, it is probably quite burdensome, is it not?
What?
I mean, yes, Your Majesty.
Yes.
Of course it is.
Marriage is a sacred union.
It honors our ancestors,
and creates ties for future generations.
We cannot treat such an important matter in such a way.
Isn't that right?
Actually, I came to tell you that I will marry the Prince.
Is that so?
I thought you were completely against it.
Actually, can I ask you something?
What is it?
I actually don't have a choice.
Maybe you already know,
but my father is unemployed and my mother sells life insurance.
So?
So... I was wondering if my parents would be able to live more comfortably...
It sounds like you want some sort of compensation...
Unbelievable. You don't look the type.
How dare you try to set conditions on marrying into the Royal Family?
It's not really a condition but more like a favor.
That is not for you to worry about.
We will express our respects to our future in-laws.
Really?
Oh, well in that case...
I mean, thank you, Your Majesty.
I'll do my best for this marriage!
Her Majesty, the Queen Dowager.
Miss Shin Chae Gyeong, Your Majesty.
Oh, it's you.
You're much prettier in person.
So, will you accept the ring?
With your permission...
I will.
I see.
What is that on your skirt?
Be seated.
Have a seat as well.
What kind of dye did you use?
I... Yes...
It's five-flavor berry, Your Majesty.
Normally, when you add a white spot to a root, it produces a color like blood.
I see five-flavor berry produces a very natural pink color.
If it's five-flavor berry, it wouldn't stain.
It must contain some chemical.
Really?
Shall we try dyeing fabric with five-flavor berry next time?
It must have been difficult to decide on such a matter so quickly.
How did you come to this decision?
That is, with your pardon...
I... I mean your humble servant...
It's okay.
You are not expected to be familiar with the olden speech yet.
Speak plainly and comfortably.
As a student who has to hit the books, it was totally a bummer.
And my house is in deep cra...
Cra?
We were seriously put through the wringer.
Anyhoo...
Your Majesty, did you understand anything the child just said?
I'm afraid not, Your Majesty.
Except for the articles...
Hit the books?
(Study hard)
It sounds poetic, in a way.
Totally a bummer?
Big, simple, difficult endurance? Is it a proverb?
(Generally at a loss as to what to do)
Please go ahead.
Please enter.
This way.
Why do I feel so dazed?
Did I make the right choice?
Should I have made a fuss and refused to do it?
Did I make a mistake?
Are you okay?
Yes, I'm fine.
You haven't changed at all
from when you were little.
You even resemble your grandfather a little bit.
Excuse me? Have we met?
You knew my grandfather?
Hey, track pants!
Excuse us for a minute, I want to talk to her alone.
Yes, Your Highness.
I didn't want to marry you but I think I made the right choice.
How should I put this?
You're very plain.
Average.
And you seem like fun.
What?
Average? Plain?
And fun?
Pretend you're the heroine in a fairy tale.
What? Fairy tale?
Sir, sir! Where is the car?
If His Majesty had seen her himself, he would have changed his mind.
She is not suitable to be Crown Princess.
It is probably due to her upbringing. How will such a girl and the Prince...
Shall we ask him then?
Please forgive me, Your Majesty.
Her grandfather taught her to write and she writes well.
There shouldn't be any problems with following traditions.
She definitely needs to work on her oratory skills but
she has a clear gaze and a bright and friendly temperament.
Physically, verbally and intellectually there seem to be no deficiencies.
My late husband undoubtedly knew what he was doing.
Though we may not comprehend his full intentions,
we cannot break a promise that he made with such care, can we?
Therefore, it is not for us to argue the pros and cons of this choice.
Hey, Piggy, get your slop.
What are you doing over there? Aren't you going to eat?
I'm going to eat your share all by myself then.
Hey, Piggy!
Knock it off.
She's been like that ever since she got back.
Do something.
Get her to eat something.
Leave her alone.
She just wants sympathy.
She acts as if she's sacrificed herself to a monster or something.
We told her she didn't have to do it. Why did she go of her own will?
Hey, that's your sister's.
Stop eating it all.
I do. I don't.
I do.
It's always the pretty ones.
Hey, guys.
Did you ever think about things like marriage?
- What? We're high school students. - Of course not.
You're going to end up in the loony bin.
Are you stupid? Why are you thinking about marriage?
Our average life span is 80 years.
Let's say we get married now.
Do you know how long you have to live with that one person?
80 - 19...
61 years!
How can anyone live 61 years with the same person? I'd be bored sick.
Yeah.
And. What if you get married and the love of your life appears later?
That's why you can't get married until you find your true love.
- You'll never meet him anyway. - Sure I can.
I'm pretty.
Right! I forgot about that!
Chae Gyeong.
If you look here it says...
It's written right there.
You have to match it.
They're cut in half and you have to put the two halves together.
That's the symbol of proof. That's exactly what it is.
That's the bride-to-be.
Dad, dad.
This marriage is invalid.
Where's the ring?
Where did you hide the ring?
Where is it?
You mean this?
Hey. Princess!
Hey!
Extra, extra! The Crown Prince is getting married.
Extra, extra.
The Crown Prince is getting married.
Oh, my god! Jesus Christ superstar!
I can't believe this.
(Crown Prince Set to Marry Ordinary High School Student)
(Princess Hours)
It looks like we need to move quickly.
We must make the formal announcement as soon as possible.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I will relay the orders.
Let's finish what we started.
This is a list of cultural assets seized from overseas.
The top of the list is what we've already recovered.
The bottom of the list is what still needs to be found.
What's the matter? Is it because we're speeding up the wedding date?
Or is it because you can't imagine how we'll find everything on the list?
Is that what is worrying you?
Princess! Come here and eat something.
Come on, Princess.
Just think of it as following the wishes of our ancestors.
Eat something, please.
Yeah, Piggy. Try some of this.
If you don't, this here Little Prince will.
Hey, don't cry.
I'll stop calling you Piggy.
We know. We know how you feel.
You don't know anything.
I know.
Your mother cried just like you're doing now on our wedding day.
What do I do? What about my life?
Why? Why this picture?
Of all the pictures in the world, why this one?
My junior high school graduation picture.
It was my ugliest and fattest period.
I'm ruined. It's so embarrassing.
How can I ever show my face anywhere?
Who gave them this picture?
Not me.
It was you, wasn't it?
- Not me, either. - Let's die together.
You won't be able to be seen in public either.
Piggy! Get up!
Hurry up, there's trouble!
Get out, I'm tired. I couldn't sleep all night.
There's a commotion outside because of you.
A formal announcement hasn't been made yet. Please don't do this.
Our daughter needs her privacy.
This is really too much. Stop it. Leave.
Piggy, you don't look good. You look blech!
What's going on? Why is it so noisy?
I can't get any sleep around here.
(Blech)
Stop laughing, grandmother.
How can the future Crown Princess be so careless?
I'm trying to think nicely of her but she does the strangest things.
In order to do that, he must carefully consider his future wife,
and ponder in silence over what merits she can bring to our household.
No.
What do you think your grandfather was looking for?
Neither extreme nor lacking,
just an average girl, isn't that right?
What do you think?
There is no precedent, and because the girl is from a common family,
all parties seem to approve of it.
Yes.
This marriage is between the nation's people and the Royal Family.
Look at her eyes. She looks like a frog.
Watch what you say.
Do you really think her grandfather saved the King's life?
That's what they say.
It's not proven though.
What's the real reason?
In any case, she's so lucky.
If only my grandfather had been the one to make the promise.
I could've been in line to be the Crown Princess.
Nonsense. Think of the age difference.
Past or present, it really matters who you know.
Isn't that picture ridiculous though?
Absolutely.
Sir.
Are you speaking of the Royal Family with contempt?
It's because you can't keep your mouths shut that news leaks out.
No, sir. That's not true. That is utterly unreasonable.
Be quiet!
You are now official royal attendants and you've attained Lady of the Court.
How can you be so careless in speech and action and lose your poise?
This kind of behavior is intolerable.
But, sir. We're not the only ones.
Silence.
What do you need to be most careful of within the palace?
Your speech.
Have you forgotten this already?
Recite it immediately.
The mouth invites anger. The tongue cuts our bodies.
Be silent to keep the body strong and steady.
- Are you ready? - Yes. Let's go!
Are you sure about this?
I really don't want to do this.
Okay.
Let's go!
One, two, three.
There she is, she's coming out.
Watch out.
Chae Gyeong! Go on your bicycle!
I want to be a world famous dancer.
I'd have to give that up to be Crown Princess.
I have a zit.
It's smaller than mine.
Gang Hyeon.
Let's go.
Hey, what's going on?
Is it true? Is it really true?
Is it true?
I can't believe this.
He's mine! Mine, I tell you!
You had us all fooled.
You're a terrible friend.
What are you talking about? I didn't trick anyone.
I'm a victim.
Don't cry.
Who was it?
Who told you to wear track pants under your skirt?
Shin!
Shin, who goes along with arranged marriages in the 21st century?
It's absurd.
If you were going to get married, you should've held auditions.
Line up all the hot girls.
Hand out tickets.
Right, you have to hand out tickets.
You're right, I should've thought of that.
What about Hyo Rin?
What's going to happen with you guys? What about your relationship?
Is it going to go from having a secret relationship to having an affair?
Hey, watch what you say.
What? It's fun.
She seduced him.
It's Shin Chae Gyeong.
Chae Gyeong.
- Can we take a picture of you eating? - What pretty eyes.
- Look, it's Shin Chae Gyeong. - Look at her eyes.
Shin Chae Gyeong is a star. Or is it Cinderella?
It doesn't matter. She's not his style.
Never. He'll never accept her.
Hey, Gang Hyeon. Why are you being so quiet?
She's always been quiet.
Remember, she said she ought to put all the Cinderellas out of their misery.
I'm sorry. I love you guys.
I wanted to tell you first
but it was a sticky situation.
- Forget it. - Let's go.
Guys! I have something to say.
You see, I'm... I'm not Cinderella!
I'm a virgin sacrifice!
You guys just don't get it.
Hey, it's Hyo Rin.
Hyo Rin!
See you.
Are you okay?
Didn't you know I was simple?
The only thing on my mind is the competition.
My brain capacity is full.
Same old Hyo Rin.
When are you coming back?
I'll pick you up at the airport.
If I win...
I'm going straight to the Royal Ballet School.
And if I don't,
I'm not coming back.
Where do I go to take the airport bus?
Go left and up the stairs.
Thank you.
We have some surprising news for everyone today.
The Crown Prince is engaged.
Who is the mystery bride-to-be?
She's still a high school student but since she's a senior, it's okay, right?
The Royal Family has a tradition of marrying early,
so it's not a complete surprise.
What makes it surprising is the identity of the Crown Princess.
Yes, the beloved Crown Prince Shin
will spend the rest of his life with a classmate from an average family.
- Watch out. - I'm sorry, excuse me.
Are you okay?
Are you hurt?
I'm fine.
No, actually I'm not okay.
It's late. Who is he?
We still don't know how Shin Chae Gyeong was chosen
to be Crown Princess.
But the Royal Family says they've been preparing for this for a while.
Yes, the country's citizens are happy for the Crown Prince's marriage
and their interest in the veiled Crown Princess Shin Chae Gyeong
is steadily increasing.
Father, it's me, Yul. I'm home.
Your Majesty, the Queen has arrived.
Bring her in.
Since the Crown Princess has been chosen,
we need to make sure the following traditions are carried out flawlessly.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Everything should be prepared in the traditional fashion.
Do not prepare these ceremonies with frivolous formalities.
Let us prepare them as simply as possible.
Yes, Your Majesty. As you wish.
Is it really you?
Your Highness.
Advisor Gong.
Do you recognize me?
Of course I do.
Before you went to England, didn't I carry you around and play with you?
Yes, I remember.
You look exactly the same.
The King and Queen have been worried about you.
How have you been?
Your Highness! Prince Ui Seong!
Nurse.
Your Highness.
Is this a dream or reality?
I thought you were your father.
The Queen Dowager will be pleased to see you.
Let us go to her.
You've grown into a fine young man.
There wasn't a single day I didn't think about you.
Dear Yul.
Why are you here alone? Where is your mother?
Mother is...
Taking care of a few things first. It may take awhile.
Are you back for good?
Yes, grandmother.
You made the right choice.
Where are you staying?
I'm renting a house.
What? You should stay at Yeongmo Palace.
Your father's shrine is there.
I heard it is in need of repairs.
Oh, that's right.
It is quite old.
Isn't it uncomfortable? Come live in the palace.
I'm sorry, Your Majesty.
But according to royal decrees,
all princes besides the Crown Prince must live outside the palace.
Oh, that's right, it does say that.
I'm so flustered it slipped my mind.
Well, we need to see about having you transferred to the Royal School.
Grandmother.
I will not attend the Royal School.
I studied design in England.
She's just having the time of her life.
Look at this.
Isn't she too plain to be the Crown Princess?
She doesn't fit in more ways than one.
Leave it alone.
I'll deal with it.
Hold on a second.
It looks like I'm lost.
Hey, wait a second.
Where are you going?
We need to talk.
I didn't know you liked posing that mug of yours so much.
What? Mug?
- Are you ready? - For what?
To move into the palace.
Someone will be by to get you soon.
Move in?
You don't know?
You need to be trained before you can become the Crown Princess.
Who knows if you'll make it though.
What's that look for?
Who's the one who wanted to get married for the money?
What?
Not that I care. It's even better that way.
Anyway, the training is hardcore, so be prepared.
Don't embarrass me.
Hey! You!
You?
Yeah. You.
Let me ask you one thing.
Why don't you stop being so full of yourself and marry someone you like?
What?
You proposed to that girl that time in the classroom.
What's the deal with saying you'll marry me after all that?
You know, you're something else.
You don't know anything, do you?
Why would I make the girl I like
spend her life trapped inside the palace like a doll on display?
What? Then what about me?
Like I said before.
We are nothing and I couldn't care less about you.
We're just getting married, that's it.
What?
You should be thanking me for agreeing to marry you.
I should what?
So I should be grateful to you for letting me take your girl's place
and be trapped inside the palace?
In any case, keep in mind
that you are going to be the Crown Princess.
And if you're going to be my wife, you better do everything you can
to fit the role or things might be more difficult than they have to be. Got it?
Even you must realize you're not Crown Princess material.
Crown Princess material?
I don't want to be looked down on due to your indiscretion.
Got it?
And take those tacky track pants off.
We might have to get someone to teach you some manners.
Get them yourself, you jerk!
Typical.
(Princess Hours)
He's a complete psycho.
What did he say?
I'll put lace and ribbon on it and
I'll wear it every day until I die. Just this.
You think I can't wear this in the palace? Watch me!
It hurts so much.
You're not allowed to wear that!
What's your major?
Stop right there! I said stop!
What's your major? What year are you in?
You can't wear that! Stop right there!
- Excuse me... - What?
Do you know where the art department office is?
The art department?
It's over there. 2nd floor.
You must prepare to move into the palace.
I'm not done with classes yet.
And my stuff is still in the classroom.
Hurry and have a seat.
Quiet, be quiet.
Come on in.
Hush.
Attention!
A new alien has landed on our planet.
Okay, okay.
His name is Lee Yul.
- He's one handsome alien, isn't he? - Yes.
Great!
You said you moved to England when you were 5, right?
So he might be unfamiliar with many things.
Everyone help him out.
There are no outsiders in our class. Right?
Yes!
Now, everyone take out your books.
Do you want to share?
Hey, now.
So are you here for good this time?
Pretty much.
You look just like your picture.
So do you. You look exactly the same.
I recognized you in an instant.
Do you remember the last time we saw each other?
We were 5.
It was summer, right? I think I remember it being really hot.
It was winter.
I went to England in February.
I'm sure.
Was it?
In any case, I hear you're getting married.
Yeah, it just happened like that.
She must be beautiful.
What do you mean?
With your personality, I never
would have thought you'd agree to an arranged marriage.
There's definitely a price to pay.
I'm milking it for everything I can.
She's not pretty. Don't worry.
How cute.
What? Cute?
Do you have any idea how clueless she is?
I've only met her a few times but you can tell.
One of the reasons I'm going along with the marriage
is to see her drive the adults crazy.
Don't you think it'll be fun?
You're majoring in art, right?
So is she. You guys might even be in the same class.
What homeroom are you in again?
Free the Prince. Free the Prince.
Off with her head. Off with her head.
I need to measure the... Hold on...
Turn.
7.5, 21.
Once the papers found out, it's been like a circus out there.
I understand the reporters that are camping out in front but
what's with the fan club?
I've never seen anything like it.
And what if something happens to Chae Gyeong?
They're yelling at us to cut off her head.
The situation will stabilize when we make a formal announcement.
The Crown Princess will be guarded at all times by Mr. Lee's security team.
You needn't worry.
Mr. Lee?
I guess they're like bodyguards.
Mom! Dad! It's on.
Now we will turn this camera over to the Royal Family's press department.
In an unprecedented move, the Crown Prince will marry
an ordinary citizen, instead of someone of royal descent.
The purpose of this union is to show the Royal Family's desire to be one
with its nation's people.
This move can be seen as laying the foundation for a prosperous future.
- Hyo Rin. - Yes?
The studio is ready for you. Let me know when you want to go.
Let's go now.
Are you sure? You're not tired?
- Hi, how are you? - Hello.
Watch your step. Okay, okay.
Okay, then meet me in the lobby in 10 minutes.
Okay.
The subscriber you have dialed is not available...
Did Ui Seong say why he came back?
He didn't say.
Why?
Is there a problem?
We are the only ones who know His Majesty's health condition.
It is strictly confidential.
How is it that after 14 years of silence,
they return at a time like this?
That's why you came all the way here.
You must be extremely careful when you meet with him in the future.
Again.
Are you sure this is okay?
I'm not sure myself.
But what can we do?
We can't exactly question them.
Why aren't you sleeping?
Mom, my stomach hurts.
Come here, I'll rub it for you.
♪ Mommy will make it better, Princess ♪
I can't believe my baby's getting married.
Are you sure your stomach hurts?
It really hurts.
You almost punched a hole in my stomach.
I can feel it. There's a hole.
Do you want me to put ointment on it?
Dad, I'm not a kid anymore.
And there's no ointment for your stomach.
We'll just have to cut you open then.
Chae Jeon, bring the knife!
No, no. I'm okay now. Dad! I'm fine now.
And Chae Jeon's sleeping!
You still pretend to be sick to get our attention.
Come here, let me clean your ears.
Really?
Q-tip.
You have a coal mine in there.
- Be gentle. - Good thing I'm doing this.
Feels good...
How is it? Is it too tight?
- You look beautiful. - Yes, you do.
You remind me of my mother.
You look so elegant.
Don't skip meals. But don't eat too much. Okay?
Did you pack the medicine I gave you?
Yes.
Hey, Little Prince. You be good, okay?
Don't worry, Piggy.
Next time I see you, I'll show you my muscles.
We must be on our way.
Let's go.
Watch the skirt.
We're sorry, Princess!
I'm sorry I'm such a failure.
I'm not being dragged away.
You're a good daughter. Just like Shim Cheong in the fairy tale.
Fine, if I'm Shim Cheong,
are you her blind father?
And what about mom?
Stop crying.
It was my own decision.
I'll take responsibility for my life. Don't worry!
(Princess Hours)
(Gwanghwa Year 1, 1945)
(Freedom from Japanese Imperialism)
(Seong Jo returns from participating in the liberation movement)
(The Royal Family is reinstated according to the demands of the people)
(The Republic of Korea is established under a monarchical system)
(Gwanghwa, Year 40, 1984)
(Crown Prince Lee Su marries movie star Seo Hwa Yeong)
(Gwanghwa, Year 41, 1985)
(Prince Lee Hyeon marries the daughter of a noble family)
(Gwanghwa, Year 43, 1987 Lee Hyeon's daughter Hye Myeong is born)
(Gwanghwa, Year 44, 1988 Crown Prince Lee Su's son Yul is born)
(Gwanghwa, Year 44, 1988 Prince Lee Hyeon's son Shin is born)
(Gwanghwa, Year 48, 1992)
(Crown Prince Lee Su dies in car accident)
(Prince Lee Hyeon succeeds as Crown Prince)
(With permission from the Queen Dowager Seo Hwa Yeong leaves for England)
(Gwanghwa, Year 49, 1993)
(Gwanghwa Seong Jo dies without naming an heir)
(Gwanghwa, Year 49, 1993)
(Crown Prince Lee Hyeon ascends to the throne)
(New era Inhwa)
(Gwanghwa, Year 47, 1991)
(Seong Jo and Chae Gyeong's grandfather promise to wed their grandchildren)
(Inhwa, Year 3, 1995)
(Shin is installed as Crown Prince)
(Inhwa, Year 12, 2004)
(Lee Shin begins attending Korean Art High School)
(Lee Yul begins attending British Design Art School)
(Inhwa, Year 14, 2006)
(Crown Prince Lee Shin agrees to marry classmate Shin Chae Gyeong)