PERFECT CROWN
THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION
CHILD ACTORS AND ANIMALS WERE FILMED SAFELY
All rise for His Majesty the King!
Let us begin the discussion on abolishing…
the monarchy.
PERFECT CROWN
So… No, no.
He should have told them by now, right?
Yes, he should have.
The court historians must've recorded it by now, right?
Once it's in the records, it's set in stone.
We're in trouble now.
This won't do. I'll call Hyejeong… I mean, Aide Do--
Just shush!
Tomorrow, you'll be His Majesty, and not His Royal Highness.
You'll also be Queen tomorrow,
and not the Grand Princess.
What will you record first in the Annals?
On the day the newly crowned king first enters the Throne Hall,
all are assembled, from the Cabinet to the royal family.
Like a traditional ceremony of sorts?
With all the court historians too.
Yeah.
I didn't even know this was a big deal.
I've seen so many gatherings.
That's because we caused them a great deal of trouble.
So?
What will be your first proclamation as King?
Words that…
carry great weight.
The backlash could be severe.
But still, I'm sure you…
I will understand you.
I'm going to abolish the Crown.
Inherited titles and status
can become a privilege
or a constraint.
It all stems from the Crown.
I thought it was treason.
Turns out it was a revolution.
Your dream.
You've just attained this title.
Are you ready to let it go?
I never said I wanted status.
I was just pissed off about the opportunities it cost me.
That's when I knew.
That you'd be…
my revolution.
Your Majesty.
Abolition of the monarchy?
You cannot mean what you say.
Every year, most nations with constitutional monarchies
revisit the question of their own abolition.
But that is…
Prime Minister Min.
Yes, Your Majesty.
What about our country?
We conduct formal opinion polls, but opposition remains high every year.
I believe the divide is not so vast.
For a decade now,
that gap has steadily narrowed.
The Crown does not exist to prove its worth.
Its value lies in its very existence.
"We do not need a king who lacks the people's support."
I believe those were your words.
Have you forgotten?
Kings may come and go…
but the Crown endures.
You're saying the Cabinet and Royal Relatives
will oppose it, no question?
Yes.
Most of the establishment is connected to the Crown.
The monarchy and the political world have always sustained each other.
The Royal Relatives go without saying.
So His Majesty has nothing to rely on
but public sentiment.
- There he is! - He's here!
Is it true there are talks of abolishing the monarchy?
Is this your first time hearing about it?
The people of this nation
have nothing to worry about.
Please say more!
One more statement, please!
The release of the 34th monarch's first agenda
has triggered a major stir.
This agenda starts the discussion on the abolition of the monarchy.
As Prime Minister Min left the palace,
he reassured the public…
He just ascended the throne.
Why would he abolish the monarchy?
I know, right?
Do you think Father knows about this?
Damn it…
How dare you show your face here?
I wanted to see for myself
the gravity of the sins I have committed.
Do you even realize what you have done?
I'm asking if it feels good to cast aside your own father and son.
Have you no pity for that poor boy,
now cast into the shadows like some relic of a bygone age?
That poor boy…
knew everything all along.
He knew the full measure of my sins,
and he silently shouldered that heavy burden.
What are you saying?
Do you know how I felt
when I learned of your sins?
When you so proudly claimed
that it was all for my sake.
Do you know how that made me feel?
So…
may this mark the end of your sins.
From this day forth…
you have no daughter to claim.
Your Majesty!
Prime Minister Min, that bastard…
He knew about the explosion
when he drew the Grand Prince to that place.
You must stop either the Grand Prince or His Majesty.
Do whatever you must.
Let me escort you
back to the palace.
MY SON
There he is.
Father.
Is it true what they're saying about abolishing the monarchy?
- They're not, right? - Are they?
How can they abolish the Crown?
Father, say something.
My brother-in-law just became King.
How can they abolish it already?
- "Brother-in-law"? - Why? What's wrong?
He is my brother-in-law, right?
Address him properly.
You don't want to get people talking.
Let's not kid ourselves.
There's no title to speak of if there's no Crown.
You just became Lord JUNGHWA. You're finally a lord--
Taeju!
For the time being,
watch your backs.
Our backs?
Why would you say something like that, Father?
You're scaring me.
Wait…
There will be another discussion on the monarchy's abolition next week.
His Majesty will seek to leave that decision to the people.
The Cabinet will oppose it.
I'll need you to voice your objection there.
I am powerless.
I'm not asking you to exercise power.
Simply hint that the abolition of the monarchy
is His Majesty's own pursuit, not the will of the Crown.
And if I refuse?
What will happen then?
Do you wish to see your only son follow in your father's footsteps…
and be branded a criminal as well?
Your Majesty.
Prime Minister Min is not holding back.
The palace budget has been put on hold.
I knew he'd try to rein us in, but I expected a different approach.
Snipping the purse strings was a low blow.
This will immobilize the Queen's Quarters first.
The royal finances are under the Queen's jurisdiction.
She just became Queen and is already set to come under fire.
What's the most pressing issue?
The palace attendants' salaries.
The Royal Guard and administrative officials…
Excuse me.
I'm Seong Huiju.
The only money problems I've had were,
"Gosh, how am I ever going to spend all this money?"
That's it.
So what? Will you donate to the Crown?
Yeah.
What?
What's the point of having wealthy in-laws if you can't make use of them?
- Let me see. How short is the budget? - Well, this is…
I appreciate the sentiment, but no.
We need to think long-term.
We can't think long-term right now.
I already told you.
When you pursue a venture everyone opposes,
you can't give them the time to object.
PRIME MINISTER MIN JEONGWOO
The Crown must've been up in arms. Thank you for handling that.
Actually, sir…
The palace turned down funding for the second half of the year.
But they won't be able to operate without it.
Castle Group has made a donation to the Crown.
The amount they received exceeds their annual budget.
Look at His Majesty making use of his in-laws.
How petty.
GREMLIN
Hey, Dayeong.
I'm a bit busy right now.
What's going on? What summons?
Is this intel from your family?
Yes.
It's a slush fund probe.
They say a formal summons will be issued within a day or two…
This is clearly
a direct attack on me.
If you know that, don't play into it.
I won't.
It's a threat to deter us from funding the Crown.
Why give them the satisfaction?
What's with that face?
Dayeong.
Can you check who is leading the investigation?
Why do you ask?
I'm going to change the narrative.
From slush funds
to abuse of power.
Well, in that case…
I'll go in for questioning, Father.
Are you nuts? Why would you do that?
Father's blood pressure has been acting up and all.
The stress from all the questioning might just push him over the edge.
And it's only right for the successor to handle these matters.
- Babe, are you still drunk? - Don't be absurd--
Go ahead then.
What?
A bit of media exposure wouldn't be the worst thing.
Father.
Is that all, Father?
I've actually been meaning to say this for a while now.
Right now, I'm offering to take your place in the investigation,
out of pure filial devotion.
I'm not asking for tears of gratitude, am I?
But maybe a little praise?
Or at least a warm…
What? Too far?
I'm off.
Wait.
Don't just sit there. Escort her back to the palace.
Me? Escort who?
Her?
You shouldn't be out alone.
What? What now?
Castle Beauty's legal team is highly capable.
What?
Let me know if you need help.
You worried about me?
You must be insane.
That's not it.
You're going in Father's place.
So do it right.
Don't give them any ammunition.
Hey, I have years of experience as a wealthy heir too.
You're the only one who belittles me.
Just you.
I'll try to be less harsh now.
Brother.
"Brother"?
Wait, what are you going to do?
What was it?
You're doing what now?
"I'll try to be less harsh now."
No way.
Your Majesty, the Queen has arrived.
Show her in.
What's wrong?
I'm exhausted.
I went to see Father today.
Your father?
Nobody told me that.
I slipped out alone without telling anyone,
so don't give Aide Choi a hard time.
You went alone?
I had no other choice.
I was feeling too restless.
Why?
As early as tomorrow,
prosecutors will begin investigating Castle Group.
Hold on. Get up--
Father told me not to play into their hands.
Seong Taeju volunteered for questioning with his chest all puffed up.
It was so annoying.
Why couldn't they just get angry?
That would've been less awkward.
Seong Huiju.
Then again, you know…
I mean, like…
I didn't exactly hate it.
It felt a bit reassuring,
in a way.
You should do that for me too.
You should hold your ground
and puff out your chest,
so I can feel reassured.
I will.
Do it again.
- Super reassuring, right? - Yeah.
Do you wish to see your only son follow in your father's footsteps…
and be branded a criminal as well?
What is that supposed to mean?
I'm referring to three years ago,
when you disposed of the late King's royal edict.
I do not know what you are talking about--
If it's revealed you defied a royal decree to seat your son upon the throne,
the abdicated King
will go down in history as a criminal.
Not as a king or even a royal.
Just a criminal.
For eternity.
How dare you…
I've only kept my mouth shut
because I was worried the Crown would crumble.
You worry that much about the Crown…
yet you tried to kill I-AN?
I am willing to do whatever it takes…
as many times as necessary.
How difficult it is…
just to keep you safe.
There he is!
Is it true that Castle Group maintains
a slush fund in the hundreds of billions of won?
Can you explain the donation you made to the Crown?
Has the Queen reached out to you at all?
Let's all calm down first.
- Castle Group's slush fund… - Let me just say this first.
Well, you know, the Crown and the Cabinet
just happens to be clashing at this moment.
The timing of this seems just perfect, doesn't it?
But still,
I pledge to fully cooperate with the investigation.
Do you have something to say?
No, Your Majesty.
What is it?
Perhaps you'd like to visit the Queen Mother's Quarters?
I believe you should if you want to persuade the Office of Royal Relatives.
Let her rest.
She has only just ended her battle.
Can you imagine it?
This nation without a monarchy.
I am curious.
Are you not afraid?
Are you afraid, Mother?
That's surprising.
What is?
I heard she's barely left her quarters recently.
Is that so?
After what happened with Lord INPYEONG,
she probably finds it difficult to face the court attendants right now.
Are you asking me for help?
Yes.
The royal family
still listens to what you have to say.
I had wondered why His Majesty withheld his punishment.
It appears he had his reasons.
It is me.
You made the right decision.
I have reviewed the petition you have submitted.
The royal family called upon me
to safeguard the realm and the dynasty.
And the Cabinet implored me to fulfill my duties as the King.
Is that correct?
We were simply speaking on behalf of the public, Your Majesty.
Did you bother to ask?
It is my understanding…
that the people were never surveyed.
Your Majesty.
- The Cabinet was chosen by the people-- - So?
You intend to make every choice for them?
"All people are equal."
It is stipulated in our Constitution. However, the existence of the Crown
only serves to reinforce class divisions
and undermine equality, does it not?
Your Majesty, that is--
Shielded by royal privileges,
royal family members run amok,
and the nobles aligned with them
flaunt their power before the people.
What do you think of this?
What you seek to preserve
is neither this kingdom
nor the monarchy.
It is merely your precious noble status.
Your Majesty.
Having lived a life sheltered by privilege in an unequal world, you may not be aware.
But the Crown's contribution to the nation is not just financial.
Economy, diplomacy, and culture.
Its influence extends--
So?
Is that why you tried to kill him?
Economy, diplomacy, and culture.
Did the threat of abolishing such an influential monarchy
compel you to attempt to assassinate…
the King of this nation?
Seong Huiju.
Your Majesty.
RECORDING 1
Do you wish to see your only son follow in your father's footsteps…
and be branded a criminal as well?
What is that supposed to mean?
I've only kept my mouth shut
because I was worried the Crown would crumble.
You worry that much about the Crown,
yet you tried to kill I-AN?
I am willing to do whatever it takes…
as many times as necessary.
The day I went to visit my father…
Let me escort you
back to the palace.
MY SON
This is what Prime Minister Min had come to tell me.
His Majesty cannot bring himself to forsake mercy.
However, you are different.
When it comes to Prime Minister Min,
no blow will cut deeper
than one that comes from you.
Is this…
all true?
Answer me!
Your Majesty, perhaps we should verify the facts first--
I asked the prime minister.
- Please excuse the royal family-- - From now on,
anyone who defends the prime minister…
shall be deemed an accomplice
to the one who sought my life.
Your Majesty.
Go…
and protect His Majesty.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Jeongwoo.
Did you really…
try to…
Try to kill you?
Yeah.
Why?
I begged you.
I begged you to push Huiju away.
I told you I'd protect you if you did.
Time and time again.
It's your fault…
I turned out this way.
It's your fault for thinking…
I took her when she was never yours.
Are you okay?
What about you?
You did well.
For the first time in constitutional history,
a nationwide referendum
on the future of the monarchy commenced at 8:00 a.m. today.
This vote, which stands to fundamentally reshape the relationship
between the monarchy, the government, and the people,
is being widely regarded as a defining moment for the nation.
Following extensive negotiations, the Crown and the government have agreed
to put the question of abolishing the monarchy to a public vote.
Ultimately, His Majesty's principle
that the people must decide whether the monarchy is retained
or abolished has prevailed.
What would you want to do first
if it passes?
Hmm.
My name.
Your name?
Do you know my name?
You think I don't know my own husband's name?
You've never used it.
That's because royals…
Exactly.
So…
if it passes, I want you to call me…
by my name.
I will.
It's the weekend.
You should go to the private residence and rest too.
Well, I'm most at ease at the palace.
The thought of abolishing the monarchy
must make you a little sad.
Why?
The palace is home to you.
Come on. Your family doesn't change just because you move.
I'll still have His Majesty and Her Majesty.
And you
will be there as well.
Right?
Hyeon, you have something here.
Come closer.
Why? Am I moving too fast? Bad idea?
Good idea.
Oh, my goodness.
That's youth for you.
My goodness.
Let's go already!
So cute.
That hurts.
How about
when spring comes,
we go see the cherry blossoms?
Sounds good.
You're so short.
When we go see the cherry blossoms, I'm going to lift you up
and carry you around like this.
Just like this.
Thus proclaims the King.
THUS PROCLAIMS THE KING
For many years,
this nation has maintained stability through the Crown.
At times, it offered protection.
At others,
it hindered progress.
The people have spoken and have decided to bear full responsibility themselves.
In light of their decision,
the Crown
can no longer claim justification.
By the final authority
vested in me by the Constitution,
I hereby proclaim the abolition…
of the monarchy.
The 34th King,
Lee Wan.
Huiju!
Wan!
Lee Wan!
- Let's go. - Okay.
THREE YEARS LATER
Over here!
It has been three years
since Ms. Seong left her company for the palace.
She has now returned to the board to resume
a frontline management role.
Industry insiders believe
her return will significantly impact Castle Group's succession dynamics.
As the nation's last queen
and a leading figure in the abolition of the monarchy,
there is growing interest in what changes she will bring to Castle Group.
CASTLE BEAUTY CEO SEONG HUIJU
How have you been?
I missed you so much.
Are you really that happy?
Move.
It has been far too long.
Let's just say you've been on sabbatical.
Don't you think I work too hard abolishing the monarchy
for it to count as one?
What? Hold on.
What is all this?
Senior Managing Director Seong's projects.
You asked me to organize all related files.
Why are there so many?
He worked on a ton of projects.
What in the world?
ADVERTISEMENT MODEL, SEONG TAEJU
He made himself the face of the brand?
Who in their right mind would buy this?
- Hello, sir. - Hi, Ms. Do.
- Taeju. - Yes?
I'm currently reviewing your project proposals, you see.
- This is… - No need to thank me.
Can you just do me a favor?
You're going to ask for a favor too?
I need you to manage Castle Card as well.
What?
Then, what will you be doing?
Did Father ask you to go to Electronics?
Don't kid yourself. He's not retiring anytime soon.
Then why?
How do I say this?
Listen.
My Dayeong is pregnant.
What?
You're going to be an aunt, kid.
- Congratulations. - Thank you.
So?
What do you mean? I need to go on paternity leave.
She can't do all that by herself.
Have you lost your freaking mind?
- Get back here! - I'll take that as a yes!
Thanks, I appreciate it!
You should just give up on cooking.
Clearly, this isn't your strong suit.
Hey, like you were so great from the start?
Yes, I was actually.
Really?
By the way,
when are you planning to go back to work?
I mean, you set up a whole foundation after sorting out the royal assets.
Are you just never going to show up for work?
I just need a little longer.
I used to work day and night.
I can take a bit more time off.
I can review the key documents from home.
But you know,
most women aren't into guys who don't have a job.
- Really? - Of course.
I mean, look at how hard your wife is working at her job.
While you…
If you just bum around the house all day, it's not a good look.
Hey, I'm not "bumming around."
I'm resting.
That's the same difference… sir.
Why, you…
Unbelievable.
Hey, Huiju.
I'm cooking dinner.
Are you on your way home?
I don't think I can join you for dinner today.
Why not? Did something happen?
No, it's nothing like that.
I actually have another call coming in.
Ms. Do won't be able to join you either.
You two should eat without us.
I have to go now.
Wait. Hold on, babe.
You're telling me this now?
Hello? Babe?
Why? Is she too busy for you?
Yeah. Ms. Do also can't make it.
I didn't see her yesterday either.
I didn't either.
Hello there.
I worked hard on that dinner.
Why are we eating out?
Wan, check your conscience.
Who'd eat that? You want diabetes?
- Why you little… - Do you want to try that?
- That one? - Yeah.
Mmm.
What's with that face?
What?
It's nothing. I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Is it tasty?
It is.
Hold on a second.
That's new.
It's nothing. Hyejeong kept saying
she wanted this to celebrate our third anniversary.
You like it?
It's not bad.
- Wait, your third anniversary? - Yeah.
You guys should be hitting it soon.
No, we're past that.
When did you two start?
Start?
Come on. You know it was all fake in the beginning.
Watch it!
It wasn't all fake.
It wasn't all real, either.
Maybe you can redo the proposal?
Pro…
- Proposal? - Yeah.
You don't even have a wedding band.
Proposal…
Hello, Court Lady Choi. I mean, Jinsook.
I'm listening.
Wait, where are you?
Come in.
Father?
I spoke with Taeju.
Just prove yourself.
I'll make sure the cards
aren't stacked against you.
Huiju.
I never wanted you to lose.
I just wanted you to stop fighting everyone.
Now…
I won't stop you.
Why would you
gift us a bed?
Just come.
- Try sitting on it, Your Majesty. - Stop calling me that already.
Here we go.
A bed…
It's quite soft.
- Oh. Ooh. - Ooh.
Is it not comfortable?
It is.
I hear it will help you sleep very well.
He sleeps fine now.
It has been over three years since your marriage,
but there is still no news of an heir.
I was hoping a precious bed could lead to some precious news.
Precious news.
There will never be precious news. They're both DINKs.
- Choi Hyeon! - DINK?
Well, Huiju just started working again.
And I…
Is there something wrong with His Majesty?
I said, I'm not a majesty!
Follow me.
No, wait… And also!
I'm in tip-top shape!
Oh, my gosh!
You scared me.
Why aren't you sleeping?
My wife wasn't home.
How could I, as your husband, just sleep?
Sorry. You can go to bed now.
Hold on.
Did you need something?
No, I…
Seong Taeju told me he's going to take some time off.
I might be a bit busier now.
All of a sudden? Why?
He said Dayeong is pregnant.
What?
You know how professional executives in this country are a dime a dozen?
But he just had to…
He just had to pick me
and ask me to take over.
Brother? More like a pain in the ass.
You seem excited.
Castle Card has all the cash in Castle Group.
I'm going to wash up.
Should I get one?
What?
A ring.
What ring?
You know…
Most husbands
wear a wedding band.
Well…
Why bother?
What?
Why bother?
Seong Huiju.
Huiju.
Babe.
Ms. Seong. Ms. Junior Alum.
Hello?
Seong…
You're asleep.
He was fussing over the cello last time.
Now, it's the violin?
He doesn't like the piano or the cello.
Can't seem to find what he likes.
Maybe he doesn't like music?
My Yun will become a musician.
Don't say such things.
You know it's not that easy.
Let me buy this one for him.
Tell him it's a gift from his uncle.
Then, please buy this one for him.
- We'll take this one. - This one?
Hold on… How much is it?
I'll ring it right up for you.
Thanks.
DREAM INSTRUMENTS
We can have dinner together when Yun gets out of school.
No. He has to go to his math academy.
He attends an academy too?
Right, as he should.
He should. He's almost out of elementary school now.
Get back safely, Wan.
Thanks. You too, Irang.
HYEON'S GARDEN
So, you're going to propose to her again?
You made a good point last time.
I see.
We could get new rings.
A fresh proposal would be nice too.
Huiju. Behind you.
What?
Did you hear that?
Did you bring up the ring last night because of the proposal?
I mean, you know. It was more like…
For a second there, I thought you were suddenly into jewelry.
You don't want to wear a wedding dress?
Why bother?
You know,
you've been saying that a lot recently.
But to say "why bother" about our wedding?
There's no room for "why bother"s!
But we already did all that. Why would we do it again?
But back then we were…
That's when I started having real feelings.
What?
I guess it wasn't the same for you.
Babe…
Hold on. Babe.
Wait, you're saying that's when you started?
That late?
We kissed and stuff way before then.
When did you start?
What?
When did you start having real feelings for me?
From the start.
You didn't know?
I started liking you way back when.
Way back when?
Exactly how long ago is way back when?
When you first told me your name.
Who goes there?
Your name.
It is Seong Huiju.
Back at that archery range?
You were like a bright ember in the dark.
I wanted to run after you.
Since you were so popular,
I kept hearing about you at school
and even after graduation.
I thought we'd run into each other eventually,
but it never happened.
- Then, I saw you at… - The Royal Birthday Banquet.
You were just as bright an ember that day.
So you ran after me?
Yeah.
As fast as I could because I was afraid of losing you.
THE CROWN'S FINAL DUTY
It was not mine when I wanted it.
It was mine…
when I did not want it.
But in the end,
it was my choice.
I feel relieved.
Babe!
Sorry!
I'm sorry. Work took forever.
Are you done with the exhibit? We can look at it some more.
No, it's fine.
Let's go.
I'm going to eat this in one bite.
Wan, over here!
Hurry up.
Ms. Seong!
Hmm.
Let's wear them too.
The jersey? You want to wear one?
Yeah. I like jerseys.
Let's go.
- Hi! - Let's go.
Huh? Okay, let's go.
ALL SEATS SOLD OUT
It's starting.
- I have one too. - Like this?
Castle Sharks! Yeah!
Let's go!
Are you kidding me right now?
You must be joking!
Shark attack! Let's go, Castle Sharks!
Why am I not getting any?
- What the… - What?
That's us!
Us? Let's do it.
Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!
- Kiss! - Kiss!
Sorry.
Should we speed things up?
We don't need to maintain decorum now?
Yeah. No more decorum.
One more time! One more time!
- One more time! - One more time!
PERFECT CROWN
Translated by Justin S. Kim
PERFECT CROWN