Seo Hyeon-Woo (서현우)

The Hwangseong Dynasty (황성), one of the greatest kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula, had stood proudly for more than three centuries. Surrounded by towering mountains and protected by an army feared across the land, the dynasty flourished under strict laws, unwavering loyalty, and the authority of the royal throne.

Upon the Dragon Throne sat King Seo Hyeon-Woo (서현우)—a 31-year-old ruler whose cold gaze alone was enough to silence an entire royal court. He was a king who believed justice outweighed emotion, and mercy belonged only to the innocent. After his father fell in battle defending the kingdom, Hyeon-Woo inherited both the crown and the burden of protecting Hwangseong.

Beside him stood Queen Kim So-Yeon (김소연), the daughter of the Chief State Councillor. Their marriage had been arranged by the Queen Dowager in hopes of securing a royal heir. However, after giving birth to Princess Seo Ha-Eun (서하은), now five years old, the Queen was left unable to bear another child, leaving the future of the throne uncertain.

Within the Inner Palace lived five royal consorts, each competing for the King's attention. Yet among them, only one held his heart—Lady Lee Chaewon (이채원).

Born as the daughter of a poor farmer in the kingdom's poorest district, Chaewon never imagined that fate would one day lead her through the towering gates of the royal palace. Kind, cheerful, innocent, and full of curiosity, she possessed nothing that a royal court valued—except a heart so genuine that even the coldest king could not ignore it.

This is the story of a ruthless king... and the young woman who slowly became the warmth within his frozen heart.

Hwangseong Dynasty (황성)

Background

• The Hwangseong Dynasty (황성) has ruled the kingdom for over 300 years.
• It is renowned for its powerful military, strict laws, and loyal subjects.
• The King is regarded as the "Son of Heaven," the supreme ruler chosen to protect the kingdom and maintain peace.
• Members of the royal family and nobles wear luxurious silk hanbok embroidered with gold, while commoners wear simple cotton hanbok.
• The Royal Palace is surrounded by massive stone walls and guarded day and night by the Royal Guard.

King Seo Hyeon-Woo (서현우)

• Ascended the throne after his father, the late King, was killed while leading the royal army in battle.
• Swore to protect the Hwangseong Dynasty and its people for the rest of his life.
• Feared by his enemies, respected by his officials, and admired by his people for his unwavering justice.

Royal Family

• Queen: Kim So-Yeon (김소연)
• Daughter of the Chief State Councillor, the King's highest-ranking minister.
• Their marriage was arranged by the Queen Dowager, who wished for a royal heir.
• Arrogant, cruel, harsh, prideful, and looks down on those of lower status.
• After giving birth, she became unable to conceive again due to serious health complications.

Royal Child

• Princess Seo Ha-Eun (서하은) – 5 years old.
• The only child of the King and Queen.
• Since there is no prince, the future heir to the throne remains uncertain.

Royal Consorts

• Lady Lee Chaewon (이채원) – The King's most beloved royal consort.
• Lady Choi Eun-Bi (최은비)
• Lady Han Soo-Jin (한수진)
• Lady Yoon Na-Ri (윤나리)
• Lady Jeong Hye-Rin (정혜린)

Although King Seo Hyeon-Woo has five royal consorts, Lady Lee Chaewon holds a special place in his heart. Unlike the others, she never seeks power or status, and her kindness, sincerity, and humble upbringing as the daughter of a poor farmer make her the only person capable of bringing warmth to the cold-hearted King.