3. The Masterpiece Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo - The Iconic Scenes: The Study of The Human Condition

3. THE MASTERPIECE

MOON LOVERS SCARLET HEART RYEO

THE ICONIC SCENES

THE STUDY

OF

THE HUMAN CONDITION

3. THE MASTERPIECE MOON LOVERS: SCARLET HEART RYEO  THE ICONIC SCENES THE STUDY OF THE HUMAN CONDITION SBS’s Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is not only Asia’s most well-loved historical drama but also the best South Korean historical drama of the second decade of the 21st century. The 2016 drama, an adaptation of Bu Bu Jing Xin, a Chinese novel, celebrates Lee Joon Gi’s amazing portrayal of Prince Wang So, the splendid directing and the cinematographer’s visual splendour. It is stating the obvious that Lee, who dominates the numerous iconic scenes of the drama, has emotionally impacted the audience. Some of the iconic scenes resemble those from movies while others, which are emotionally disturbing, pick apart the human soul.   Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo can be considered to be a study of the human condition, particularly in the waxing and waning of Wang So’s life. Wang So’s journey through the different stages of his life, crises, external and internal struggles are brutally examined.  Needless to say, as in the case of most human beings, there is a duality in Wang So's character. The good and dark sides. His humanity - his loving and kind instincts. His insecurities and his need to be loved.  His savage side and his lapse into moral degeneration.   The drama is brilliantly insightful in questioning the viewers about what it means to be human and the meaning of life; it also notes the inevitability of death. There are about 15 deaths in the 20-episode drama. It is difficult to pick and choose Lee Joon Gi’s best iconic scene in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. He has so many iconic scenes that one wants to emphasize and accentuate, so what is there left to minimise? In his passionate, intense, chilling and sometimes, sensitive portrayal of the vulnerable Fourth Prince, Lee Joon Gi has the power to surprise, shock and fuel an adrenaline rush. Raw emotions. Pulse-quickening tension. The build- up of emotional empathy. Lee makes the audience cry, rage, rave and swoon. All these define his performance. Many have taken to the Internet to rave about Lee Joon Gi as they are convinced that it is the superstar who has singlehandedly taken the drama to the top and made it a super hit in East Asia, South-east Asia, North and South America, the Middle East and elsewhere.  It does serve as an important and clear indicator of his amazing acting prowess.   The fans of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo mostly want the reunion of Wang So (Lee Joon Gi) and Hae Soo (IU) in the 21st century and feel the excitement and magic of their collaboration again. But, do they actually want a continuation of the Goryeo tale and see the entire cast of the historical fiction drama again?   Perhaps, the audience want something fresh and original. Outrageous ideas are better than recycled ones. Why, a romantic comedy would be fun. What about Lee Joon Gi showing some singing, dancing, modelling and martial arts skills in his new drama as well?

LEE JOON GI ICONIC SCENES MOON LOVERS: SCARLET HEART RYEO 2016

EPISODE 1

THE SOLAR ECLIPSE AND THE HOMECOMING SPECTACULAR MOVIE-LIKE SCENE. The first movie-like scene, the solar eclipse, is a spectacular and exciting introduction to the character of Prince Wang So or the Fourth Prince. You cannot praise the cinematography enough. The rider is silhouetted in the blazing eclipse and the amazing snowy white landscape. There is a stupendous long shot of the silhouette of the mysterious rider, Prince Wang So, who is framed against the scarlet solar eclipse as he races back from Shinju to Songak. One can imagine the horses’ hooves thundering over the sandy undulating ground and the sparse white landscape. However, the prince and the convoy of horsemen are compelled to make a stop on a rugged mountain top overlooking Songak. The snow-capped landscape is quite a breathtaking sight before it is enveloped in eerie semi darkness.   ANOTHER SPECTACULAR SCENE. Upon arrival at the palace, Wang So is determined that he would not return to his hostage life in Shinju. When the Fourth Prince whips out his sword, those around him surge back out of the way. His masculine figure is silhouetted in the sunlight. To the shock of those present, Wang So, with a sudden, mighty thrust, strikes down his black stallion. In a flash, his sword is dripping with fresh blood. Abysmal savagery. The horse that had served him so well has been vanquished in one lightning move.   The savage scene is visually stunning. The explosive atrocity of the violent and gory act stirs up a burst of emotions within the chest, sending chills racing down one’s back. Wang So’s violent act signals a new chapter in his life. The savage killing of his horse would further fan the flames of gossip that Wang So is a ruthless beast to be feared! BORN OF ROYALTY. The next scene is that of the lone dark figure of Wang So, cloaked in his swaying black robes, walking with a measured stride across the vast palace grounds. The masculine way Wang So moves conjures the image of a tiger. It is the impressive regal stride of a man who is determined to chart his own life. Lee Joon Gi uses his body to show Wang So's royal birth. The Fourth Prince is highborn, not a wolfdog of lowly origins, as perceived by others. The camera follows him as Wang So’s body sways in rhythm with his determined strides across the palace complex. There is one stunning moment when Wang So stops, framed against the towering doors of the palace grounds. He stares at the main palace, shrouded in grey clouds, an otherworldly scene. With the eyes of one who feels his place is in the Goryeo palace, the Fourth moves purposefully towards his goal. One notices the striking feature of the drama as the story unfolds - the beautiful close-ups of Wang So / Gwangjong and the other characters. Their facial expressions, which are clearly studied, make the story come alive. Some critics, who are mired in a certain narrow mindset, pontificate on the negative and never see the positive.

EPISODE 2

WANG SO AND THE NARYE CLEANSING BATH VULNERABILITY. Choi Ji Mong, the royal astronomer, suggests that Wang So should take his cleansing bath before the Narye purifying or exorcism rite. The ever-cautious Wang So surveys the pool area before removing his clothing. When Wang So removes his half mask, it reveals a pair of gorgeous, smouldering black eyes, and a scar, which is perceived to be his weakness. Unexpectedly, as if by magic, Hae Soo, the 21st century maiden, emerges from the water. She has somehow got into the pool with the ill-conceived and ridiculous plan of returning to the 21st century.   AMAZING CLOSE-UP DETAIL. The facial expression of the Fourth Prince is astounding. Wang So flinches; there is a sharp intake of breath. A gasp escapes Hae Soo’s mouth. She physically recoils from him. Gaping at him, Hae Soo is oblivious of everything that is physically charming about the Fourth Prince - his masculine assets including his attractive physique and gorgeous black eyes. She only notices his facial scar. Embarrassed by the exposure of what he thinks is a physical flaw, Wang So freezes for a moment. His brain is a vortex of swirling confusion. He has the look of a wounded animal; there is a deep hurt in his eyes. The tears that well up his eyes show his emotional turmoil.  Seized by mounting panic, Wang So grabs hold of Hae Soo’s neck and bellows, ‘Have you seen it?’  Wang So’s tone is unmistakably strident. He warns her to forget what she has seen. The incident has addled his brain but he is sufficiently sensible to quietly leave the pool. Hae Soo is grateful that he has not strangled her. The vulnerable and hurt look in Wang So’s eyes has burnt itself in the viewers’ memory. Hurt. Anguish. Pain. In a cruel twist of fate, Wang So’s vulnerable spot has been revealed to Hae Soo but, she is the young woman who would soon change his destiny. THE SHAMANISTIC NARYE CLEANSING CEREMONY The Narye preparations are already underway. Decorations with dragon symbols and colourful lanterns adorn the great hall of the palace. When rumours swirl around that King Taejo intends to abdicate in favour of Wang Mu, the Crown Prince, Queen Yoo and Wang Yo are forced to act swiftly. Spinning with excitement, the mother-son pair discuss another assassination plan which would be put into action that very night. SYMBOL of A BLOODBATH. Queen Yoo's private bathing pool is startlingly eerie; it is bathed in red and resembles a blood bath.  Does it foreshadow the massacre that is soon to come? The Wang princes are scheduled to perform the shamanistic Narye mask dance as part of the shamanistic exorcism rite. The ritual cleansing dance is aimed at warding off evil spirits. Like the other Goryeo princes, Wang So would wear the benign red and white Jin Ja mask.   Bangsangsi Mask of the Exorcist The Crown Prince, who plays the exorcist, the most important role in the religious ritual, wears the grotesque Bangsangsi mask. One interesting aspect of the ritual dance is acrobatic performers are added to create more excitement to the performance. Just before the dance performance, unbeknownst to the others, Wang Mu, the Crown Prince, secretly exchanges his mask and dance role with Wang So. They expect another assassination attempt on the Crown Prince’s life during the performance. Having honed his martial arts skills, Wang So is a formidable opponent who could slay assailants assigned to assassinate the Crown Prince. SPECTACULAR MOVIE-LIKE SCENE. None would disagree that this segment of the drama is awesome. Like the spectacular scene showing Wang So’s journey back to the Goryeo palace, it also resembles a scene from a movie. The Goryeo palace is the epitome of opulence and beauty. The palace premises, which have been furnished for the grand event, are illumined by the lights of many beautiful and colourful lanterns. The lanterns are strategically placed - from the dance area right up to top of the stairs of the main palace, where King Taejo and his queens are seated. Silk brocade decorations and decorative flags brighten the palace grounds. Luxurious carpets are draped over the two enormous parallel staircases. The huge buk, an impressive traditional big drum with the Taegeuk symbol, has been placed at the side of the stairs. Wang So, wearing a black and red robe and the huge brown exorcist’s mask, the Bangsangsi mask, makes an impressive entrance. He holds a sword in his hand.  There is a splash of vibrant, vivid colours of white and red. Some of the princes, clothed in similar scarlet robes and wearing scarlet-white masks, take their places in the dance spot while others wait on the stairs. The expressions on the princes’ masks seem benign and the lips form a smile so they do not appear to be sinister nor grotesque. What is the colour perception of the Koreans? Red is a powerful colour. Red, not unlike in China which is a colour for joy, happiness and good fortune, is also the colour of passion. Red is related to positive forces and masculine energy. White, which is the traditional Korean colour, means purity, innocence, peace or patriotism. Wang So, as the all-important exorcist, stands in front. None suspects that he has changed places with Wang Mu. Wang Yo, who wears the grotesque Chang Soo mask stands at the side. There is an impressive crane shot of the princes in their scarlet robes. The grey floor design of four sinuous white dragons look stupendous from the air. The princes are also showcased in a one-point perspective. A call for the exorcism rites to begin is heard. ‘We will now cast out the evil spirits.’ The big drum or buk is beaten. Music rolls. The traditional barrel drums, hyeokbu, are beaten in rhythm with other traditional musical instruments. The mask dance has begun. Wang So moves with the agility and athleticism of a martial artist that stuns even the empresses. In one impressive dance move, Wang So glides with animal ease to the beat of the music. The king is mistaken about the identity of the Bangsangsi, the lead dancer. With pride in his voice, he explains that the fluidity of the Crown Prince’s performance is due to his experience in military battles. Wang So and the acrobatic dancers in black, who are built like tigers, swirl and prance across the hall. Brilliant acrobatic moves are performed. Other dancers in black, including Wang Yo, spring forward to join in the performance.   Wang So is vigilant; he observes the changing scene through the holes of his mask. Suddenly, a swarm of black-attired assailants in grotesque black masks spiral down from the lofty ceiling of the Goryeo palace. The assassins have finally appeared. The camera gives the viewers a magnificent view from above and other angles as the menacing figures hurtle down like a rain of death. The cinematography is astounding. A violent struggle for the Goryeo throne has begun and as expected, it would result in a river of blood, a blood bath. Confusion and chaos reigned as Wang So, with the determination that is as fierce as a wolfdog's, fought his vicious enemies. With lethal precision and silent fury, Wang So drives his sword fiercely into his foes as they bear down on him. His eyes blaze as he leaps and strikes his enemies. His sword flashes in a deathly arc several times. His black dance robes swirl as he leaps to deliver deadly kicks. The pulse of the viewers must have raced as the clanging of swords and weapons echoes thunderously throughout the hall. The atmosphere reeks of death. Suddenly, the masked Wang So staggers; he has taken the blow reserved for the Crown Prince. The royal audience is appalled to see him sinking to the floor. Slashed in the arm, his blood seeps out. Wang Mu valiantly fights off the attackers. Realising all is lost, the assailants flee the scene.    Is the king stunned when Wang So removes his Bangsangsai mask? Taejo’s first thought is the safety of Wang Mu, the Crown Prince. ‘Where is Wang Mu?’ the king asks with anxiety in his voice. The king’s soft sigh of relief is audible when Wang Mu reassures him that he is safe and sound.   An eye-opener. For the much-neglected Wang So, it is hurting to be overlooked. Does his royal father not even feel a teeny-weeny bit of concern for him since he has taken the brunt of the attacks for Wang Mu? Tears threaten to drip from Wang So’s eyes when it dawns on him that he does not figure importantly in his father’s heart. Accustomed to being unloved, the Fourth Prince quickly recovers from his momentary lapse; he promises his royal father that he would catch the assailants and find out the truth of the assassination plot.

EPISODE 3

THE FIGHT AT THE MONASTERY Wang So suspects that the assailants are mute monks from a Buddhist Temple, whose patroness is Queen Yoo. Their existence is shrouded in secrecy and mystery. He has yet to know what has transpired between his royal mother and the monks.  The warrior-monks are mute as their tongues had been sliced because of their unforgivable sins. Though they could not utter a word, they could still be a threat to the queen if they are linked to her. Moreover, the powerful abbott of the temple who has brought the monks under his wings, is not a mute and could prove to be a Sword of Damocles hanging over her head. For Queen Yoo, it is an uneasy alliance. Knowing his mother’s involvement in the assassination attempt, he shudders to think of what might happen to his mother should her involvement in the murder plot be discovered. Being obsessed with his mother and desperately craving maternal love, Wang So is in a moral dilemma as he mulls over his plans to exterminate his mother’s allies and raze their temple to the ground. ANOTHER SPECTACULAR SCENE. The challenge of annihilating the temple of the mute monks is a test of Wang So’s martial arts skills. It is the survival of the fittest and the sneakiest. When he strides stealthily into the silent temple, he is soon surrounded him by the monks. He is a single warrior pitted against the entire swarm of warrior monks, and when they charge at him, he races into the thick of it. Now and then, as they swing their gleaming blades in his direction, he leaps out of their reach. There are many of them but fleeing is never an option. STUNNING SHOT. There is one impressive moment when Wang So leaps into the air, framed in the open sky, flanked on both sides by the split roofs of the temple. SWORD WIELDING SKILLS. There is also a stunning scene of Wang So skilfully striking at his opponents while swinging his sword around him.   With the speed and strength of a wolfdog, he mows the temple residents down singlehandedly with his amazing fighting skills. It is a world of kill or be killed, and Wang So has the ferocity of a raging wolfdog. He inflicts heavy damage. Blood sprays everywhere and all, including the abbot, are killed.   When the temple burns to ashes, the threat dangling over his mother’s head is removed. It seems as if the monks deserve death because they are a threat to his royal mother. He has effectively erased all traces and connections which tie her to the assassination conspiracy. The cinematography and fight choreography are amazing.

EPISODE 4

MOTHER AND SON AMAZING CINEMATOGRAPHY. The camera lens, like the Fourth Prince, creeps up Queen Yoo’s bed. Fresh from his killing spree at the temple, he strode silently but confidently towards his mother’s bed. He had, in fact, barged right into her bed chambers.  Awakened by his presence, the startled queen demanded his identity be revealed. Wang So did not hesitate. Emerging from the dark shadows, the Fourth Prince, with his blood-soaked body and sword, looked sinister in the ghoulish light. The conspiratorial shadows of the cinematography evoke the horror of an impending murder. But, the audience is surprised by the subsequent scene. Queen Yoo, greatly incensed at his intrusion, demanded that he make his motives and intentions clear.   With glazed eyes and warped pride, he gleefully bragged that he had already removed all traces and connections which tied her to Wang Mu’s assassination attempt. Wang So had made himself his mother’s hatchet man. He revelled in his triumph of being able to help her. His mother had not truly fathom the carnage that he had left behind. It was obvious that he craved his mother’s love and praise when he disclosed that he had committed a horrendous crime for her sake. Unimpressed that he had killed all the monks and razed the temple to the ground, she callously screamed at him to leave. In a searing rebuke, she declared that he resembled an animal. She said, ‘Do you think I’d tell you that you did a good job?’ She told him in no uncertain terms that he stank of the acrid smell of blood and his presence prevented her from sleeping. His hope of being on the receiving end of his mother’s love was short-lived; it was made crystal clear that he would never gain her love. Shocked by his mother’s response, the young prince cried pitifully, ‘It was for you, mother.’ Though it was dark, one could almost swear that there was the look of a wounded animal in Wang So’s eyes. Wang So was such a sucker for punishment. Broken, troubled, screwed and confused. That pretty sums up his ‘motherless’ life. Although viewers do not condone his savage killing, it is disheartening to watch the cruelty and the frostiness of Queen Yoo. She disclaimed being his mother. She took a cruel stab at his heart, ‘Hearing you call ‘Mother’ makes my skin crawl!’ He sounded pathetic when he said forlornly, ‘Why is it that you don’t have pity for me? He implored, 'If you were my mother, you would care if I was injured.'   Then, he asked the very pertinent question, 'Why is it that your eyes do not meet mine?'  It was precisely this question that hit the nail on the head. She dared not look him in the eye because if she did so, she would see her own guilt. The mask over his scarred face was a reminder of what looked like the handiwork of a reckless, irrational and selfish woman. His physical looks were her own making; to admit it was a confession of her personal imperfection. Wang So had been suffering for long years without his family by his side, neglected and unloved in a foreign place and in a foreign household who regarded him with hate and contempt. On the surface, he was an adopted member of the Kang clan but, in truth, he was a political hostage. And yet, his heartless mother has no ounce of love nor sympathy for him. In the Goryeon era, where good looks were cherished, even men wore cosmetics.  To Queen Yoo, his less than perfect looks made him ‘unfit’ to be her son. Wang So, in fact, stuck out like a sore thumb in her royal life.   Crestfallen, he slid to the floor. He narrated his sorrowful experiences at the hands of the Kang family. One shocking incident was they purposely threw him into a den of wolves and he spent the whole night fighting the beasts which growled at him with gnashing teeth. The Kang family had expected him to die but it was nothing short of a miracle that he was still alive. In his fury, he burned down the entire mountain. The revolting stench of the burnt bodies of the beasts still lingered in his memory. Wang So tried to appeal to Queen Yoo’s maternal instincts. He also divulged the story about the mentally unstable Kang concubine, one of Taejo’s concubines. The woman would not let the Fourth Prince out of her sight thinking that he was her dead son. When she came to her senses, she condemned him as an ugly monster and had him locked up. If his mother had shown love to him, he would not have to resurrect his horrendous life with the Kangs. It was a life that speaks of a never-ending cycle of abuse and neglect. The young prince had excavated his feelings to show his mother how much he craved her affection. The hurt he had suffered was crystal-clear; he craved his mother’s love which, so far, had been denied to him. The deeply flawed mother had never pretended to love him. But, Queen Yoo’s cruelty was beyond belief. She spelt it out clearly for him; he, Wang So, was 'her shame, disgrace and flaw'. Her icy-cold voice struck him like an ice pick to his brain. It was a poignant moment. The Fourth Prince immediately cast aside any illusions he may have harboured about her love for him.   Shocked by his mother’s rejection and coldness, he declared with chilling censure, ‘Today is a day you will remember’. The darkness of the scene reflected the darkness in Wang So’s life. The audience must have felt an icy shiver run down the entire length of their spine when he mouthed those words. His words foreshadowed the future that she could not see; they would come back to haunt her till the end. A devilish light gleamed in his eyes. At that very moment, he was determined that he would claw his way back into the Goryeo palace if he had too. BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE. This scene is one of Lee Joon Gi’s iconic scenes. What has Lee Joon Gi done to the audience? Undeniably, Lee has made a lasting impression and stamped his mark in the hearts and minds of the viewers with his remarkable performance in this chilling scene between mother and son. Lee Joon Gi’s half mask, even in the darkness, does nothing to mask the acting talent that he showcases in the drama. His heartfelt portrayal of the wolfdog Fourth Prince in this episode has earned him critical acclaim and praise. His ability to showcase his raw emotions and even subtle ones in the demanding scene is astonishing. It is difficult not to sympathise with Wang So as he openly struggles with his demons and tries to adjust himself to the reality of his mother’s hatred for him. Lee Joon Gi has brought to life the mentally and psychologically tormented Fourth Prince and he has effortlessly stolen the show yet again in this episode.

EPISODE 5

SPLENDOUR IN THE SNOW One has to discuss Episode 5 for its amazing beauty, though it is not Lee Joon Gi's scene. Splendour in the snow. One wintry day, when Wang Wook and Hae Soo are in a field of snow, she playfully tries to walk in his footprints. Their merged footprints in the snow symbolically indicate that she would follow blindly at his heels even though she may stumble over problems in her path. It is a picturesque scene where beautiful quaint houses are juxtaposed against the crisp, pure, white snow. Hae Soo shyly offers Wang Wook a gift, a piece of soap, that she has lovingly made to thank him for all his kindness and thoughtfulness towards her. After all, he is the one who has lovingly provided all the ingredients for her to indulge in her soap-making hobby. CINEMATOGRAPHIC COMPARISONS. The snow provides a backdrop for Wang Wook and Hae Soo’s budding romance. The scene, which is full of love and energy, is beautiful  and romantic. The snow-laden trees are young and green. It is compared to the death of love between Wang Wook and Lady Hae when the latter dies. Some trees look withered and leafless. Some seem to have drooping branches. PICTORIAL COMPARISON. There seems to be a comparison of food preservation jars and cosmetics in celadon ware. IMMORTALISATION OF BEAUTY SYMBOLISM. The rows of snow-capped gigantic earthenware pots used in the preservation of food in the courtyard are a reminder that though food could be preserved, it would eventually rot. Likewise, though the Goryeo people could use the various cosmetics which are encased in celadon cosmetic containers, these beauty products could not guarantee eternal beauty. Life could be prolonged but it is impossible to cheat death. Likewise beauty can be enhanced but it would eventually fade. IMMORTALISATION OF BEAUTY. Even in her dying throes, Lady Hae is worried about Wang Wook’s feelings and his future happiness. She is fearful of Wang Wook seeing her ashen appearance with the fading of her life. It is heartbreaking that even then she wants Hae Soo to use cosmetics to brighten her appearance so that her beautiful image would be immortalised in Wang Wook’s memory. William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18, which is about the immortalisation of beauty, comes to mind. In the sonnet, which is devoted to his lover, the speaker guarantees that his lover’s beauty would be preserved intact in his memory. Lady Hae’s other dying wish is to take her last walk with her beloved Wang Wook in the beautiful snow. The Eighth Prince carries his near-lifeless consort piggy-back style in the snow.

EPISODE 9

THE RAINMAKER SPECTACULAR MOVIE-LIKE SCENE. Another of Lee Joon Gi’s iconic scenes is his role as the rainmaker in the rain ritual ceremony. Troubled by the worsening drought, King Taejo heads for the temple and prays to the heavens for help. A rain ritual is arranged. Call it luck or manipulation. To Wang So’s consternation, his shamanistic divination stick is picked so it means that he is the one mandated by the heavens to be The Rainmaker.   On the day of the rain ritual, Wang So appears dignified and resplendent in his royal beige or ivory and white robes. Unexpectedly, his role as the rainmaker does not gain the widespread acceptance of the hoi polloi.  The peasants, who are neither good-lookers nor have any aura of royalty, denounce the masked prince as unfit to lead the rain ritual. Probably, they think a ‘perfect’ human specimen would be able to appease the heavens. Being pelted with mud and stones by the jeering crowds, Wang So is literally driven out of the solemn religious ceremony.   Imagine being publicly humiliated by the common peasants in the presence of the assembled royalty and ministers, all in their splendid beige robes. Wang So is in a sorry mess; he looks bedraggled and pathetic. One could feel his pain and suffering. His faith in himself falters. Wang So is furious with the astronomer for manipulating him. Does the astronomer think that he, Wang So, would become stronger if he is thrown into the very worst situation? The astronomer wants him to face up to his weakness. He understands Wang So’s agony of being publicly shamed but self-confidence is of utmost importance. If he does not confront his scar problem head-on, the road ahead would be harder and life would be tougher. The Fourth Prince has to understand the principle of 'The Survival of the Fittest'. The bitter Wang So does not realise the full implications of the rain ceremony. It is the acid test of a future king. What Wang So has failed to understand is he is being groomed for his future role of a Goryeon king. Choi Ji Mong equably emphasizes that in the event that it rains when Wang So is leading the rites, he would be treated like a king. His life would change drastically.   Hae Soo offers to take off Wang So's mask. Having inborn makeup and artistic talent, she declares that she is going to do a cosmetic makeover for him. Hae Soo would be able to cover his scar with the cosmetics that she has specially formulated for him.  Wang So, a prince made of heroic stuff, decides to courageously face the public. This is what separates the wheat from the chaff, the hero from the common man. And, because of his decision, he would change the future of Goryeo forever.   When Wang So appears for the rites, the ambitious Wang Yo, who has been hovering near the royal palanquin, is mentally and psychologically ready to take over his place. The Fourth Prince deftly censures his older brother, who angrily punches his face so hard that his mask falls off. Wang Yo is shocked; Wang So’s scar has seemingly disappeared. The reversal of fortunes. This time, the simple-minded people of Songak do not stone Wang So. The make-up has worked like a charm. The Fourth Prince’s scar has magically vanished. Amazed, someone shouts that the Fourth Prince is the vision of the 'Son of the Dragon'. Everyone, who now acknowledges his divinity, falls to their knees and prostrates before him. He has won the hearts and minds of the citizens of Songak. The next scene spectacularly opens to show the splendidly arranged ceremony, with the king ensconced in his seat, flanked by his two queens. The royal court are dressed in the royal beige colour of Goryeo’s religious ceremony. Jaws must have dropped at the breathtaking beauty of the scene.  With the avalanche of support of the people, the Fourth Prince is allowed to complete the elaborate rites. He walks the whole length of the street to the elevated altar which is specially built for religious ceremonies. Walking at a sedate pace and blessing everyone and everything with the flick of the stalk of fern leaves in his hand, Wang So now takes centre stage in the rain rites with absolute self-confidence. CONTRAST. Wang So, the royalty and the court officials in their splendid white and beige ceremonial robes are compared to the commoners who are in their shabby, multi-coloured clothes. BEAUTIFUL PAINTING. The tension mounts. The Fourth Prince, with the imposing aura of royalty, ascends the flight of wide steps to the round altar. One is in awe of the astounding scene. It is like a beautiful painting. Standing majestically at the top of the altar, Wang So turns back to smile at the crowds.    Would Wang So be able to invoke the gods to open up the heavens?  CONTRAST. The present ‘good’ Wang So is juxtaposed with the future ‘bad’ Gwangjong. One wears white, and bathed in light symbolising purity, but the other is bathed in red, symbolising danger. The heavens answer their prayers; the rain drizzles down. Wang So's lips curves into a smile. It is the triumphant smile of the victorious prince. Then, there is a shower followed by a torrent of rain.    Who ever said that the heavens never answer prayers?      AMAZING IMAGERY. The scene is stupendous. Study the picture above. Wang So is standing at the edge of the altar. An image of a white robe with two outstretched sleeves seem to rise and envelop Wang So. What it means is Wang So’s future role as a king is being prepared for him; the royal robe is being worn for him. This brilliant scene in Episode 9 of the drama projects an idealised image of the young and decent prince and compares it with his future image of a ruthless emperor. The confusing images of Wang So, which play out in the mind of Hae Soo, reflect badly on her poor knowledge on Goryeon history. The scene stirs one’s awareness of the need for young people to study their History more conscientiously.

EPISODE 10

THE POISONED TEA ANOTHER LEE JOON GI ICONIC SCENE. It is the Ninth Day of the Ninth Month celebrations. After some fun activities, King Taejo deems that it is time for some refreshments. He suggests that the chrysanthemum tea be served. The Twist in The Tale. When the tea is brought by Hae Soo, Wang So is shocked. What is unexpected in this chess game of politics is Hae Soo, the love of Wang So’s life, is the pawn who has been manipulated to deliver the deadly poisoned tea to the Crown Prince. Having known about the plot to poison the Crown Prince beforehand, he realises that Hae Soo is set up to be the fall guy. The full significance of the poisoned tea dawns on him. Hae Soo would be the sacrificial lamb if Prince Wang Mu dies. The conspirators would be killing two birds with one stone. Wang So’s heart must have thumped like a sledgehammer, with his stomach churning with dread.    It is a critical moment. The Fourth Prince stands up and requests for permission to make a short toast to the Crown Prince. The moment of truth has arrived. There is no denying that, in that defining moment, the Fourth Prince would show Hae Soo the stuff he is made of. His kind of love comes only once in a lifetime. Thinking quickly on his feet, the intelligent and quick-witted Wang So apologises to his older brother for the trouble he has caused in the recent past. Wang So offers to drink three cups of the tea to wish Prince Wang Mu well. This is to deflect Wang Mu’s attention and prevent him from drinking the tea. The Crown Prince instructs Hae Soo to hand the Chrysanthemum tea to the Fourth Prince. Wrongly assuming that the teacup has been laced with poison, Wang So purposely allows the teacup to slip from his hands. He swiftly explains that his hands are oily. A new cup is brought. Wang So has already drunk two cups of tea before he realises that the poison is in the tea, not the teacup. It is already too late. Hae Soo is ignorant of the fact that she is killing him. His agitation is seen in his hands which he has difficulty in controlling. There are slight tremors in his hands which he tries to hide. As he holds the cup for another round of tea to be poured by Hae Soo, his hands tremble.   With the third cup, he wishes that his friendship with the Crown Prince would never change even if conspirators sow discord between them. Wang Won feels uncomfortable because he is the one of those who have tried to destroy their friendship. The king feels guilty because he has been swayed by palace politics. Wang Mu is touched by Wang So’s toasts. Having a soft spot for the Fourth Prince, he pleads with their royal father to rescind his order of sending Wang So back to Shinju.   The poison has already taken effect. Wang So excuses himself and tries to act normally. After he turns away, Wang So shows his disorientation without making any sound. He tries hard to control his pain with his martial arts skills. He starts haemorrhaging and blood dribbles down his tremulous mouth. His neck veins convulse and pop out. Even though he is in great distress, he hangs on with grim determination until he is out of sight.   Wang So seems to experience difficulty in breathing and his neck muscles cramp, resulting in the constriction of his neck veins. When the prince’s neck veins pop out, they form horrible bulges. He gasps for breath. His nauseating pain causes the screwing up of his eyes. The camera studies his facial expression in detail and the audience is in awe. He is increasingly dazed and confused. He walks off after Hae Soo who is oblivious of his suffering. Tears of helplessness threaten to drip from his eyes. His neck muscles constrict further and his body is thrown into convulsions. And there is the creeping paralysis of his body. He staggers and slumps to the floor and loses consciousness. Lee Joon Gi’s poignant performance in Episode 11 is one of his many incredible and memorable moments in the drama. He demonstrates his acting skills by showing that he has captured the subtleties and nuances in this scene, which he has executed flawlessly. Lee Joon Gi is second to none in terms of acting and provides the reason for the allure of the drama.

EPISODE 11

THE PROTEST IN THE RAIN ICONIC SCENE. An unforgettable romantic scene of Lee Joon Gi and IU is Wang So and Hae Soo’s protest in the rain against the death sentence which is meted out to Court Lady Oh by King Taejo. Hae Soo has been accused of attempting to murder the Crown Prince but Court Lady Oh has secretly offered to be the sacrificial lamb. It seems the king has not conducted a thorough investigation on the poisoned tea murder plot. When Court Lady Oh offers to be the sacrificial lamb, King Taejo accepts it almost willingly in order to whitewash the truth and maintain the status quo.   In the scene Wang So wears a black robe with a huge and long three-piece cloak. A white cummerbund circles his waist. He looks particularly regal and impressive. Hae Soo wears white which is a huge contrast. SYMBOLISM. It reminds one of Yin and Yang, the ancient symbol of harmony. Black and White. It means two halves come together to complete wholeness. If there is no Yin, there is no Yang. How would one interpret the colours? Black is a symbol of courage and protection. White represents softness. Wang So, is the protector who, with his cloak, shields Hae Soo from the driving rain.   The filming site in which this scene is shot has been visited by enthusiastic fans on their holiday trips to South Korea and it is the scene that most foreign tourists would act out for their own cameras.

EPISODE 13

PRINCES AT WAR SPECTACULAR MOVIE-LIKE SCENE. The fight between Wang So and Wang Wook is spectacular. Wang Yo and Wang Wook have conspired to usurp the throne when King Taejo is at death’s door.  Accompanied by their rebel army, the two rebel princes arrive at the huge palace which seems to be empty of life. Unbeknownst to them, Wang Yo and Wang Wook’s revolt is not unexpected; it is already common knowledge among the Wang So faction. The loyalists are quietly waiting for them. Before the showdown, Wang Wook requests that Wang Yo kill Wang So, if he so much as resist and block them from achieving their goal. But, Wang Yo needs no persuasion. The vicious prince already has it in mind to kill his own blood brother. A PAINTING. The symmetry of the scene where the rebel forces are framed by the four huge columns of the palace doors is impressive. The scene looks like a painting. Park Soo Kyung, the Grand General, who is fiercely loyal to Taejo, rebukes them for having the audacity to bring a rebel army to the palace. He reads them the riot act. To him, it is pure treason on their part but the two brothers would not back down. The face-off between the Wang brothers has already begun. It is going to be a long, drawn-out fight between the Wang brothers. So, how shall one tell the tale?   Wang So had the winning edge of having Grand General Park Soo Kyung as his mentor. The young prince had been trained in martial and military arts by him. Park’s reputation would be at stake if Wang So did not win this fight. But, then, it is never a foregone conclusion. THE TWIST IN THE TALE. In the lead up to the fight, it was shocking that it was not the ambitious Wang Yo who stepped out to face Wang So. Instead, it was Wang Wook who proved more aggressive and more driven to fight it out with the Fourth Prince. It was as if he had a personal score to settle with Wang So. If looks could kill, his menacing look was deadly enough to strike a faint-hearted opponent dead. The two brothers were in their aggressive stance and were ready to duel to death. The wolfdog prince was not easily intimidated. Wang So’s attitude was one of tense expectancy and his death stare was fixed on Wang Wook. His rival felt the burning glare of his eyes. Both were gripping tightly to their swords and Wang So was ready with his sword held high. Wang So and Wang Wook went head to head. How would they fare in this fight of the princes? Was it going to be a death struggle and if so, who would be alive to tell the tale? The sudden onslaught by Wang Wook was the biggest shock. He exploded in a burst of murderous frenzy. With what sounded like a strangled cry, the Eighth Prince made the first move of a forward plunge.   Electrified, Wang So also sprang at him with his sword firmly gripped in his hand. He knew that Wang Wook meant business. He was face to face with the prince who was intent on killing him but, he had not understood the reason yet. Wang Wook had the advantage of knowing what his fighting goal was. He wanted and was driven to kill the Fourth Prince whom he considered to be his rival in love and the struggle for the throne. Wang So knew not why and was unprepared for the ferocity of his opponent. At first, he was on the defensive. With the sweep of his arm, Wang Wook’s sword hacked at Wang So but the Fourth Prince was quicker than light and reeled away in time. As Wang Wook swept at him with his sword, Wang So struck back furiously and was quick enough to spring back. His instinctive sidelong leap saved him from the vicious blows.   CRANE SHOTS. A fleeting glimpse from above showed the two princes engaged in a lethal combat. In one swift movement, Wang Wook had slashed at Wang So who was compelled to back off. The two Goryeo princes parried back and forth. Wang Wook viciously aimed his sword at Wang So again and again. Although the latter wheeled back, he was not going to be that easily vanquished. Wang Wook was a formidable and ruthless opponent. He looked like a very determined and persistent killer. His mouth opened in a snarl showing the fangs of a serpent. But Wang So, now fully awakened to Wang Wook’s intentions, was not going to be so easily dispatched. Wang So’s sword caught the bright shine of the morning light as he swung it at Wang Wook. With great ease, he deflected the blows that were aimed at him. Wang Yo smirked in satisfaction. Did it really matter if one of them died, whoever it was? It was merely a game of death. Wang So skilfully ducked Wang Wook’s blade. Being a skilful swordsman, he was able to predict where the blows would land and adroitly rose to the challenge of deflecting them. In one deft move, he expertly evaded Wang Wook’s blade and passed beneath it with a flexible bend of the body. Wang Wook was no match for the agility and wits of his older brother who was trained in martial arts and mentored by Grand General Park Soo Kyung. Springing back, Wang So slashed with appalling speed at Wang Wook’s sword which was swung at him. He slid back to circumvent it. The Fourth Prince’s suppleness was amazing. He was the master of crafty fight. The quickness of his eye and muscle, and his calmness proved to be his advantage. If looks could kill, Wang So would have skewered Wang Wook with the deadly intensity of his eyes.   Wang Wook’s frenzied and frantic attacks did nothing to make his older brother stumble. Wang So was too hot to handle and was able to hold up. Wang So, by now, fully realised that Wang Wook was going for the jugular. It was not a David and Goliath fight. They were both evenly matched at this point. Wang So locked in on his foe and Wang Wook recoiled from Wang So’s swift attack. They traded blows and the sparring made the fight even more exciting. They grappled with each other with their bare hand, pushing and pulling, the other hand still wielding their sword. Wang Wook clung tenaciously at Wang So. Suddenly, with a deft hand, Wang So was able to fend off the attack and dislodge himself from Wang Wook’s iron grip. In one powerful movement, he seemed to have pirouetted and had thrown Wang Wook off-balanced. Wang So’s agility was impressive, considering the bulk of the military armour. He was light, lithe and agile on his feet. From afar, it seemed that Wang So had glided and turned around to brandish his sword at Wang Wook. He nimbly avoided Wang Wook’s sword.   Their swords crossed and Wang So fended off Wang Wook’s sword. As Wang Wook charged forward, Wang So glided under the sword and he turned swiftly around to swipe at the rebel prince. Their blades met at knee level. Wang So seemed to have the sixth sense for the unexpected swings of Wang Wook’s sword. As the battle continued, the two princes seemed locked in playing slice and dice with their swords. Wang So’s keen eyes glinted in the sunlight. His sword sliced through the air. Wang Wook staggered. Wang Wook gritted his teeth. His opponent was not going to be that easily outmanoeuvred. The fight rose to an exciting crescendo. The spectators could see that Wang So had the winning edge. With the leap of a powerful panther, Wang So flew up in the air and thrust his sword down for the fatal death stroke. No fighter could have moved so swiftly as Wang So moved. His sword flashed with every ounce of his strength thrown in. The one caught in the blade of his sword would fall into the jaws of death. Wang So’s leap was so high and the thrust of his sword was so lightning fast that it was impossible to avoid it. But, Wang Wook managed to jump aside just in time as Wang So’s sword came crashing down. When Wang So landed, his sword had seared the ground. Did the Fourth Prince deliberately miss? It would have been the death knell for Wang Wook. He could have pinned Wang Wook down with his sword. It was a close call for the Eighth Prince. Shocked, Wang Wook stumbled backwards. He swayed and backed off.  It suddenly dawned on him that Wang So was a formidable opponent. He had the leap of a powerful, wild and ferocious beast that could pummel him to dust. The Eighth Prince was badly shaken. It was crystal clear that Wang So had the winning edge. Wang Wook had to weigh the option of continuing the fight. If he stopped, it would be pure humiliation for him and a sign of failure in his bid for the crown. Wang So leapt up from the ground and rushed forwards in a beastly fury at Wang Wook. He was going to trammel Wang Wook like a rat in a trap. The Fourth Prince was ready to rip the Eighth Prince apart. Wang So could not throw Wang Wook to the ground. With his feet wide apart, the Fourth Prince was ready to take another swipe at his enemy. With one hand to fend off Wang Wook’s attack, Wang So’s leg went up to swing at his opponent; his kick was high. One is stunned and bewildered by the swiftness of Wang So’s tornado kick. His flexibility was amazing. Suddenly, they were locked in a fighter’s tight embrace. Unable to dislodge Wang Wook’s arm that held him tight, Wang So made most of it by sweeping him round and round in dizzying circles like a mesmerising dance. They raced in circular motion with arms tossing in the air, and with their sword in hand. It was a grim tug of war. When the grips were loosened, they were thrown apart but the fight continued to be fast and furious. Wang Wook charged again but Wang So was able to fight back blow for blow. With swords crossed, the princes snarled ay each other; one a wolfdog, the other, a hyena. The two princes stared at each other. It was an epic staredown. Their eyes locked and their bodies stiffened. The Fourth Prince stared at Wang Wook with such a piercing intensity that the stare could have burnt him. Wang Wook’s eyes were deadly. His were the eyes of a maniacal killer. He seemed ready to rip Wang So to shreds. Was it a duel of death? Wang Wook was not ready to throw in the towel.  Bathed in the light of the sun, they glared at each other until a commotion distracted them. An archer, who had climbed the roof of the palace, shot at the soldiers below. The lone archer was joined by rows of archers who had magically appeared on the rooftops. A volley of arrows threatened to fly in the direction of the rebel forces if they did not heed the orders to stop the fight. Wang Wook ignored the disruption and took advantage of the distraction to attack Wang So once again. It seemed he already had a plan mapped out in his mind. Wang So rushed towards a bellowing Wang Wook. He was ready to swing his sword but was stopped by the timely appearance of Wang Mu, the Crown Prince. Both half-brothers were unhurt, perhaps due to the solid military armour. Had the fight continued, Wang Wook would have been outmatched. There would be a grim finish if the wolfdog instincts of the Fourth Prince were allowed to rise to the surface. The Crown Prince’s unexpected appearance shocked everyone. He had arrived just in time to see for himself the revolt against the palace and the attempt to usurp the throne. ANOTHER TWIST IN THE TALE. The game was up. Wang Wook turned 180° against Wang Yo with the most shocking speed. Wang Yo was almost immobilised when Wang Wook pointed his sword at him. The treacherous Wang Wook had turned traitor. Wang Yo suddenly woke up from his dream. He could not believe his half-brother had betrayed him! The Eighth Prince told Wang Yo without mincing his words that he was never on his side, so it was not betrayal. A surprising turn of events. The Crown Prince asserted that he had heard about Wang Yo’s evil plan from Wang Wook. He received a letter from Wang Wook and was on his way back. It was evidence that Wang Wook was an intelligent strategic thinker who had pre-empted Wang Yo’s plan for his own ends. Hae Soo was surprised at the turn of events. Palace intrigues had surprising endings. Wang So was unimpressed by Wang Wook’s seeming loyalty. Wang Yo, the prince who had been duped, was the one who was most shocked by the betrayal. Having been too engrossed in his future glory, he had not foreseen Wang Wook’s betrayal. But, Wang Wook’s disloyalty would prove to be his own downfall in the not-so-distant future. Wang Yo was humiliated; he had been pushed to a kneeling position. Choi Jin Mong magically appeared at that very crucial moment just in time to announce the death of King Taejo. He proclaimed that the mantle of kingship was passed on to Wang Mu, the Crown Prince. And the queens had already acknowledged the decree. Who would dare object when Choi Ji Mong was the deceased king’s right-hand man and astronomer? Wang Mu rushed forward to pay his last respects but the acknowledgement of his position by Wang Wook stopped him in his tracks. ‘Greetings to the new king! Long live the king! Long live the king!’ This was followed by Wang So’s greetings to the new king. It had been a shock to all those present. General Park had to order them to kneel and greet the new king. Queen Yo’s hair had gown white overnight with shock and worry. Her favourite son had fallen from grace and charged with treason.      Wang Yo’s foiled attempt to usurp the throne rang the death knell for him. He was captured but he escaped. His brothers were hot on his heels. After being defeated by Wang So at the cliff side, he was forced to jump to his death. Wang So seemed despondent as he studied the river below the cliff. SYMBOLISM. The river symbolises the brothers’ relationship. The river diverges into two streams. It seems that Wang So has parted ways with Wang Yo, his older brother. The next scene showed two tributaries of the main river, one is longer and muddied, symbolising Wang Yo, his older brother and a shorter one with clear water, which represents Wang So. SPECTACULAR FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY. The spectacular face-off of the Goryeo princes, Wang So and Wang Wook, in the drama, Moon Lovers – Scarlet Heart: Ryeo is worthy not only of the small screen but also the silver screen. Like the other spectacular scenes, it should be brought to the silver screen. The fight choreographer has also to be complimented for his skills and creativity. LEE JOON GI: BEST MARTIAL ARTS HERO. The scene also showcases Lee Joon Gi's martial arts skills and cements his image as 'The Top Martial Arts Hero of South Korea's Drama Industry'. 1. The fight choreography is amazing and exciting, and the sword fight is cleverly done. One is literally on the edge of one’s seat while watching the fight. 2. The choreographer has taken the fight scene to the level of an art form with the dance-like motion of the fight when Wang So and Wang Wook were locked in a tight embrace and racing together in circles. It seemed like the dance of two ferocious beasts locked in a death embrace. 3. What is most exciting is when Wang So leaps high up and in one searing move, his sword slices through the air and he lands deftly on his feet. The audience wonder how the showdown would have ended if the sword had not sorely missed its target. 4. The two actors, Lee Joon Gi and Kang Ha-Neul put in an excellent performance and are marvellous in this scene, especially Lee Joon Gi who is awesome (he always is). He is in good shape (he always is) and has impressively showcased his martial arts skills and fighting prowess with his swift, powerful and flexible moves. Lee Joon Gi is everybody’s favourite sword fighter. He is a well-trained martial arts exponent who is skilled at three forms of Korean martial arts, including Taekwondo. Kang Ha-neul, though not formally trained in martial arts, has performed admirably. 5. The scene is stunning. With the armies and the palace premises as the backdrop, the scene magically comes alive with the morning light streaming through. 6. Luckily, there are no speeches in the middle of the fights. Therefore, the audience could wholly concentrate on the fight itself. There are a number of very exciting fight scenes involving Lee Joon Gi in this drama and the fight between Wang So and Wang Wook is one of the best.

EPISODE 16

MERCY KILLING None of the Wang Princes could match Jeongjong’s murderous instincts. Attempted Patricide. Regicide. Fratricide. Political cleansing. Call it what you may. After Wang Yo had usurped the Goryeo throne, he went on a slaying spree of those whom he considered to be his political enemies. Wang Eun, his playful and unambitious tenth brother and his consort, together with his maternal family who was headed by the ambitious Wang Gyu, were mercilessly mowed down by the new king, Jeongjong. Initially, Wang Eun and Park Soon Deok managed to escape. Needless to say, Jeongjong left no stone unturned to hunt them down. Confronted by the palace militia, Wang Eun and his consort knew it was a fight to the finish as King Jeongjong refused to pass up such a perfect opportunity to kill them. Jeongjong watched the desperate couple like a hawk at his elevated position in the palace building. Park Soon Deok’s martial arts skills were astonishing. She swung her blade at the soldiers. The warrior princess even jumped onto one of the men and locked her legs around his torso to bring him down. But, her luck ran out. She was slashed. Wang Eun appealed to Jeongjong to set them free and he promised that they would never set foot on Songak again. LEE JOON GI ICONIC SCENE. But, the cold-hearted king did not have an ounce of mercy in him. Fratricide was not foreign to Jeongjong. After all, he had already killed King Hyejong, his first brother. He slyly signalled his henchmen to kill Wang Eun. Park Soon Deok, who tried to fend off the attack, was slashed to death. Jeongjong signalled for an arrow to be handed to him. He was going for the jugular. It was hunting time and his target was not a wild beast but his innocent half-brother! He took careful aim but fortunately, the arrow only grazed Wang Eun’s arm. With another arrow aimed at Wang Eun, Jeongjong was ready to shoot his prey down. Acting with spring-steel swiftness which was too quick for the eye to follow, Wang So burst onto the scene to defend Wang Eun. In a flurry of black and grey robes, he whirled around with amazing agility and lunged at the assailants. The tremendous force of his violent tornado kicks threw the soldiers to the ground. When Wang So landed on the ground, he defended the wounded prince with his sword. The Fourth Prince questioned the necessity of slaying their harmless and unambitious half-brother who would pose no threat to his position. Wang Jung, the Fourteenth Prince, and Hae Soo arrived at the scene in the nick of time to witness the tense situation. Some soldiers suddenly sprang to life without warning, and in the commotion that erupted, Wang So left Wang Eun’s side for a brief moment to deflect some attacks. But, that fleeting moment was enough time for Jeongjong to take aim and shoot. Being the focussed sharpshooter that he was, Jeongjong finally hit the bull's-eye. The arrow lanced through Wang Eun’s chest! Hae Soo’s heart cried out for Wang Eun. She realised too late that Wang So was Wang Eun’s protector, not his killer. Her fears about Wang So had been totally unjustified. Wang Eun was in excruciating pain and he was aware of his own imminent death. Much to the Fourth Prince's chagrin, Wang Eun, in his dying breath, chose to  be put out of his misery by him. He did not want to die in disgrace from Jeongjong’s arrow but an honourable death. Dying violently at the hands of an enemy was a fate worse than death itself. Admitting that he was gullible to have been manipulated by Wang Yo, Wang Eun apologized for having requested, as a birthday gift, that Wang So unmask himself and reveal his facial scar. The bird-brained prince had unwittingly and unsuspectingly made Wang So bear the brunt of Wang Yo’s cruel joke.  It is a poignant moment. His timely confession strikes a chord with the viewers. With a long searching stare, Wang So listened in despair to Wang Eun’s request. The Tenth Prince insisted on being together with his consort, Park Soon Deok, who had just been slain. Glancing up to where Jeongjong was imperiously standing, Wang Eun could see him taking careful aim with another arrow. Although the plea felt like a knife piercing Wang So’s chest, he had no other option than to acquiese to his request. Time was running out. Their goodbye had to be said with the swing of Wang So’s sword. Wang So’s features, contorted into a silent rage, turned into fierce determination. Bile must have churned in his stomach. Small hurricanes must have been eddying round and round his head. The thought of killing Wang Eun wrought havoc on his nerves. Having been trained and groomed to be a cold and unemotional killer, he had killed men and beasts alike in Shinju. But, he recoiled at the idea of slaying his innocent and unambitious brother.  Previously, Wang So could not even kill his evil and ruthless brother, Wang Yo, who had been trapped at the precipitous cliff. Wang So struggled to hold back his tears and to compose himself. As a true Goryeo prince, he had to fulfil his promise. Wang So rose to his feet. Overwhelmed by what he was about to do, his body swayed. Just before Wang So executed his act of mercy, the viewers’ hearts must have stopped. The moment was fraught with tension. He steeled himself to do it. With the devastating speed of a hurricane and the thunderous roar of an injured lion, the Fourth Prince raised his sword in a chilling gesture above his head to execute his mercy-killing with force and precision. In just one calculated move, he slashed Wang Eun to ensure that death was quick and painless. The blood was spilled. Even as Wang Eun tried to reach out to his dead consort, his life ebbed away. Wang So, with his pallid face twisted in pain and suffering, staggered backwards. Did Wang So remember slaying his beloved horse when he was recalled from Shinju? Wang So’s heart must have shattered into a million pieces. Aghast at the enormity of what he had just done, hurt welled up in his eyes and tears rolled down his cheeks. Rage. Bitterness. Agony. Despair. Guilt. Shame. Then, his pent-up fury exploded into hysterical laughter. Hae Soo realised too late that Wang So’s fiendish laughter was the unleashing of the sorrow within. Never had she seen the Fourth Prince so mired in a maelstrom of conflicting emotions.    Seething with wrath and repugnance, he turned defiantly to watch Jeongjong who promptly avoided further eye contact. With that, Wang So slunk away from the scene of death.   Wang So’s tear-jerker mercy-killing scene has become etched in the memory of the viewers. Suffice it to say, the audience cried with him. It is another one of Lee Joon Gi’s stellar scenes in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo.

EPISODE 18

GWANGJONG AND YEON-HWA THE KING AND THE QUEEN Gwangjong had been issued with an ultimatum by the various clans demanding his marriage with Princess Hwangbo Yeon-Hwa. Forced not to overlook the big picture, he subsequently bowed to court pressure. It was, alas, a loveless union. Reality bites. Being forced to marry his half-sister, Princess Hwangbo Yeon-Hwa, who had powerful connections, made him burn with anger and humiliation. Although he had cause for celebration since she would bring with her powerful allies, Gwangjong felt that he was being manipulated like a puppet on a string. There was no escape from the inevitable. Yeon Hwa served his ambition. He could not afford to make dangerous enemies when he was so powerless. Gwangjong could finally comprehend what his deceased father must have felt when he was compelled to marry the multitude of women he did not love. History was repeating itself. The common denominator was ‘like father like son’. He was his father’s son, after all. But, while his father had plenty of political marriages, he restricted himself to only a few. However, Gwangjong promised himself that before long, he would not pretend to submit to them and instead, the clans, would be compelled to dance to his tune. The royal wedding day, celebrated without pomp and ceremony, soon arrived. King Gwangjong, magnificent and majestic in his dark royal robes and splendid headdress, and Princess Hwangbo Yeon-Hwa, resplendent in her elegant wedding robes, elaborate headdress and finery, made a regal entrance. Needless to say, Gwangjong appeared gloomy and utterly miserable, with his kingly headdress veiling his unhappiness and his dark, brooding eyes. The king of Goryeo could not beat fate so he had to endure and play along with the wedding game, a charade he did not enjoy. The wedding, to Gwangjong, was a farce and it had frozen  his heart. No matter what happened, Hae Soo would be his only queen. There was no room for the triumphant Yeon-Hwa in his heart. Yeon-Hwa had been smiling from ear to ear. Who wouldn’t, if one had got the man one wanted? Although Gwangjong looked poised and composed, he could not contain the fury in his eyes. GWANGJONG AND YEON-HWA IF EYES COULD SPEAK AMAZING SCENE. This Lee Joon Gi scene may be very brief but no less amazing. in this scene without any dialogue except at the end, Lee has let his eyes and body do the talking. That night, the newly wedded king and queen ended up in the bridal chamber. They stood facing each other as king and queen consort. Although he was attired in his voluminous black and red silk wedding robes, Gwangjong projected an image of a king who was tall and lean, and his physique, masculine. Yeon-Hwa, his new consort, appeared to be slender and beautiful despite her equally voluminous wedding gown. Gwangjong followed the required customary practice of the wedding night. He flicked a glance at his consort’s red wedding veil. What he was required to do was to unveil his bride, which he did deliberately. If eyes could speak, what would they say? In that bedroom scene, Gwangjong’s eyes would say everything that he wanted to say to his beautiful, new bride. The viewers watch with excitement as Gwangjong carefully lifted the veil from the face of his unusually demure and normally, coquettish queen. Gwangjong meticulously removed the veil from the top of her head. He pushed her veil backwards to gain an unobstructed view of her whole face. Although Gwangjong wore a pained expression, what he did next was sensual. Being much taller than her, he dipped his chin and shot a look at her eyes which were cast downwards. For a moment, he gazed at her beautiful face as if mesmerised. The demure bride, on the other hand remained still. Even if excited by his close proximity and the warmth of his being, she did not meet the groom’s eyes immediately but allow his gaze to roam all over her face. At this stage, it would be immodest and inappropriate behaviour to look him in the eye. Her heart must have pounded like the beating of drums. For what seemed like an eternity, he studied her face as her eyes remained shyly lowered. It was an intimate gaze, but was he having intimate thoughts about her? Was his adrenalin pumping more than usual? Something in her stirred his curiosity. His searching stare was just as intense as a wolfdog’s as he explored her every feature. He gazed fixedly at her, now that he had seen her up close and personal. His eyes were glued to her. He brought his gaze to rest on her face as if his eyes were caressing her. He seemed to be studying her thoughts. She must be breathless for having her every facial muscle being watched intimately. Was he anxiously mulling over whether he should bed her since it was their wedding night? By this stage, the audience have become wildly excited, they are mesmerised by the play of Gwangjong’s mysterious and gorgeous eyes. What Gwangjong was doing showcased the sheer sensuality of him just drinking Yeon-Hwa in visually. Was he bewitched by her? They do not need a bed scene. They audience could feel them heating up the screen or at least Gwangjong was heating it up. Yeon-Hwa waited patiently for him to speak but he said nothing. The conflicted man was good at being silent. It made the atmosphere even more intense and filled with tension. Gwangjong seemed to be hesitating and then he cast his glance downwards as if to steel himself not express his emotions, whatever they were. It took a great man to hold his emotions in place. Was he teasing her with his silence? That downward glance probably had the effect of removing the spell she had cast on him. Was he confused about his feelings for her? Did his heart throb with resentment? Did he feel degraded as she had used her formidable connections to twist his arm into marrying her? But since they were wedded, was he still insistent that he would have nothing to do with her? Could he resist her charms? After some moments, he looked at her again. His expression was unreadable. Inscrutable. He did not talk to her although they were in close proximity. What is conjured up in the audience’s imagination is the scene begins to give the impression that a sensual animal mating ritual is taking place. The teasing image of Gwangjong as a wild beast, a tiger, in a courting process of sniffing and smelling the scent of the tigress, rattles the audience. The whole visual process of Gwangjong trying to hold the queen in his hypnotic power and fascination stirs the imagination of the viewers. Although there was just an infinitesimal distance between their faces, Gwangjong did not make further advances. He let his magnetic eyes talk. The king seemed to be studying her like he was studying a potential mate. He, the tiger, seemed to be trying to figure her out and deciding whether he wanted to mate with her, the tigress, who was in heat. Yeon-Hwa waited docilely and submissively as he mentally traced every part of her face. He had stood there for a long, drawn out moment. He watched her every expression. Silence prevailed as he held her glance for several long moments but to her, it seemed like an eternity. There was a long, tensed silence. Her face glowed. He seemed to move closer to her face. He bent his head as if he wanted to kiss her. He was so close that she could taste his breath on her face. She was in a state expectancy and shivered beneath his calm but infuriating gaze, trying to sort out whether he wanted her.  Yet, he said nothing. She waited but he did not move except for his eyes. Then, he put his face nearer to her face as if to sniff her – to drink in her natural fragrance. Courage compelled Yeon-Hwa to raise her eyes to return his gaze. She was trying to discern his feelings. When Gwangjong looked into Yeon-Hwa’s eyes, the audience thought that he was ready to eat Yeon-Hwa up. He seemed to have perfected the art of power gazing and eye play. His eyes burned and bored into hers. With his hair swept back into a topnot, Gwangjong looked extremely handsome and regal although his demeanour was serious. His eyes were hauntingly calm.  Yeon-Hwa’s eyes sparkled as she gazed at Gwangjong. A tiny smile curved her mouth but her smile felt tremulous on her lips. Her entire attention was focussed on her mate. The queen’s heart must have made a few flips – she must have been breathless and a lump must have lodged tightly in her throat. A frisson of fresh hope shimmied through her veins. Exhilarating anticipation rose in her chest. Her feelings were written all over her face as she waited submissively for him to make the first move. She would have been only one step removed from reaching out and hugging him had she not restrained herself with great difficulty. For once, Yeon-Hwa looked sweet and submissive. Was she was breathing raggedly? Yeon-Hwa was unable to contain her multihued emotions. The blood in her heart must have pounded furiously. She had fancied him from the very beginning but, at that very moment, he looked even more achingly desirable to her. Swallowing in expectancy, she stood ready for him to hold her and kiss her. But he continued to stare strangely at her and the silence was deafening. Gwangjong’s hand was still holding her, gripping her. He had brought his face close to hers. His eyes gleamed in the candle light. He was excitingly good at being silent, in giving her the silent treatment. Was she shaken when he eyed her so intensely? If she was, then, the tremors should have started in her toes and risen up, turning her legs into jelly. She could not figure out what his feelings were. His gaze seemed sensual and yet, there was this unease that she felt when he stared unblinkingly at her. She blushed. But, the longer he stared at her, the more she realised that it seemed like an intimidating stare, rife with resentment. Earlier, she had thought that he relished the pleasure of looking at her beauty but my, was she wrong! The audience wait, dizzy with anticipation. Did Gwangjong fight the urge to mate with her?  Did it seem like he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her? Yes or no? The viewers nearly fall off their seats and perhaps, their legs have also turned to jelly. Suddenly, he must have felt the hair on his neck stand up. Then, his posture straightened. His poised hand on her arm fell to his side. He did not and would not succumb to her charms. Gwangjong’s taut facial muscles twitched with tension. Easing himself away from her, Gwangjong did not so much as blink nor smile at her. The queen was suddenly aware of the dangerous gleam in the king’s eyes. If Yeon-Hwa had interpreted his furious gaze and his sudden movement correctly, it was crystal clear that he was not even a teeny bit interested in her. He was, in actual fact, trying to contain his fury. She was stunned. Dumbfounded. Her face crumbled and she swallowed hard. Gwangjong knew that she wanted him but he was an unwilling partner. He was determined to drive home the point that although he was trapped, he would not succumb to her and was immune to her wiles and her charms. Being the master strategist, he had just tested her on their wedding night, and he knew that she would be forever in his grip. He would have phenomenal power over her. He would make sure that she would suffer for forcing his hand. He would never be under her control but she, instead, would have to submit to him. Gwangjong was not called ‘The Wolfdog’ for nothing. He was a beast who had effectively sniffed her out and staked his territory! The smart thing that he did was he avoided sleeping with her on their wedding night. The longer Yeon-Hwa looked at Gwangjong, the angrier he seemed to look. His gaze turned decidedly odd. It was as if he was reading her thoughts. Strangely, she felt as if he was dissecting her and analysing her. She was mystified. She was now trembling nervously under his intimate gaze. His gaze raked her and his eyes bored into her. His steely eyes hardened and although his mouth was grim, it did not twist into a cruel smile. Instead, the glint in his eyes and the lifted corners of his mouth sent a message that he pitied her. Perhaps, on deciding enough was enough, he cast his glance away. Gwangjong’s sideway glance implied that he was very suspicious and also critical of Yeon-Hwa. Whatever he had wanted to say to her had already been conveyed through his expressive eyes and his body language. He had already lost interest in her. By then, she had already realised that something was amiss. Gwangjong’s attitude and behaviour had addled her brain. She floundered a little. She was confused and very much befuddled. She suddenly realised that he, like the wolfdog, had been drinking up her scent. The wolfdog did not like her fragrance after all. He was an Alpha Male – ambitious, persistent and ruthless; she, an Alpha Female – ambitious, determined and scheming. They both had the brains and the gumption to reach the top. Despite the similarities, they were incompatible as they did not complete each other. There is no room for her in his heart. Yeon-Hwa appeared uneasy. It was as if Gwangjong had just given her a stinging slap. She was shaken. Miffed. Tears were dammed up in her eyes and threatened to stream down her face. She must have winced when he turned and pulled away to extricate himself from the tense situation. He made a beeline for the door. Being quick-witted, scheming and resilient, Yeon-Hwa quickly sobered up. If she couldn’t have him, no one else could. With a voice that reeked of jealousy, she instigated Gwangjong to discard Hae Soo, a political risk. She rationalised that in the future, others might take advantage of her to inflict harm on him.    It was an insult to his intelligence and a mistake of gargantuan proportions. He took exception to it, his objection instant. His murderous fury was clear not just in his eyes but on his face. His voice shook as he not only admonished her but also put her squarely in her place. He brutally hammered home the point that she was never to cross the line, not to act with impropriety. He steered her to concentrate on her role – that of being the queen. He, Gwangjong was in the driver’s seat, not her! Properly chastised, the new bride was mortified and struck speechless. Yeon-Hwa knew she had put her foot in her mouth! To her great disappointment, Yeon-Hwa finally realised that Gwangjong found her, not in the least desirable. She could not compete with Hae Soo for his affections. Disheartened, she must have felt rats gnawing at her heart. All her smiles were wiped off from her face. No one could buy Gwangjong’s affections. Having raised Yeon-Hwa to the status of a queen, he now considered his duty to her to be over. With that, he purposefully strode off without a backward glance. GWANGJONG’S MONOLOGUE THE DEATH OF QUEEN MOTHER YOO LEE JOON GI MOST ICONIC SCENE. Gwangjong’s monolgue is, by far, Lee Joon Gi’s most iconic scene in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. Queen Mother Yoo was dying. Gwangjong sat vigil at her deathbed. He spoke to her but she had lost the power of speech.   Gwangjong’s monologue was delivered with a venom that sends chills down one’s back. A litany of vengeful words was heaped on his mother. His intention was clear – to make his mother regret the mental, emotional and physical torture he had gone through because of her. His royal father, King Taejo had redeemed himself but she had not. The queen mother had been mentally and emotionally disturbed all her married life. She had not been able to think properly, having been sucked into the maelstrom of scheming and manipulation to fight off her 28 rivals, the king’s harem of queens and concubines, and their offsprings. When Wang So returned to Songak from Shinju, the queen had refused to accept him back into her life and instead continued to make his life a misery. He craved her love. His mother remained recalcitrant till the end. He wanted time alone with her which she had denied him all this while. Now was the only time that he could have some private moments with her was when she lay helpless on her deathbed. He tended to his royal mother alone. There were no people to witness his interaction with his mother who had been rendered speechless from her shock. The fact that Wang Jung, the apple of her eye, had been banished to her hometown was sheer humiliation to him, a terrible fate second only to death. Gwangjong spooned his mother some water but she defiantly refused to open her mouth. It had been five days already and Gwangjong was getting impatient. It meant that she had refused to forgive him. He asked her whether she was planning on dying in that way. There was not even an iota of affection in his tone and there was only stony silence on her part. She then asked for her youngest son, Wang Jung. Gwangjong was exasperated. ‘Look, which son is by your side now?’ he tormented her. He did not mince his words. ‘The perfect Wang Yo is now in the afterlife.’   ‘And Wang Jung, who is the apple of your eye, can’t be with you now. All you have is me. I’ve become the king and I’m protecting you.’ Time seemed to have stood still. Both remembered the night when he returned bloodied all over from the temple where he had taken the lives of all the mute monks to save her from being associated with the plot to kill the Crown Prince, Wang Mu. He did it all for her but she had rejected him. But, what was most shocking was that she was not, in the least, thankful. And that was probably because whenever she saw him, his scar was a painful reminder of her guilt. In his fury, he had unleashed a venomous oath at her that she would remember that very day as he would haunt her from then onwards. And his face would be the only one that she would see. This oath was still vividly alive. Egged on by her resentful look, he smiled maliciously at her. It afforded him great pleasure to look at her lying helplessly, staring at his face. His voice was not a vibrant whisper but one that was loud and clear. It was harsh with venom which was thunderously roared out. He confided that his wish was to build a temple in her honour. He had hissed that he would weave an elaborate web of lies about how they loved each other and that would change how history viewed mother and son. ‘It would be largest and grandest temple in all of Goryeo. Also, I’ll create stories about our relationship and spread them everywhere. I’ll tell them how much you cared for me. And how much I loved you, Mother. We’ll be a mother and a son pair who had loved each other dearly.’ His voice rang with exultation as his eyes bore into hers. The cruelty in his eyes and the harshness of his words must have knifed her heart. One cannot underestimate the significance of the impact of Queen Yoo and Wang Yo’s mental, emotional and psychological cruelty towards Wang So. It was a horrendous stroke of intimidation and devastating blow to Wang So’s whole being. The consequence was Gwangjong’s twisted, warped mind and his unforgiving nature have risen to the surface. He did not mince his words to make her understand that he would never forgive her because she had never loved him nor accepted him. To him, the maternal love which he had been deprived off, was of utmost importance to him. He would not let her forget that even on her deathbed. That meant, she would leave this world with no peace of mind. The Queen Mother had wanted her youngest son, Wang Jung, to be with her. Probably, his presence and his sincere love for her would give her the peace to go to the next world. She was being deprived of that. What could she do? She could only listen helplessly to his babble. Gwangjong’s dark character, having long been buried, had surfaced. His mother could only stare at his burning black eyes and feel the outpouring of his scarred soul. The good that was in him seemed to have vanished and a devilish look was left in its wake. With a heart which was full of hurt and wrath, he gazed unflinchingly at her, tears welling up in his eyes. The tears threatened to roll down his cheeks. She gazed wide-eyed at him, her face devoid of deadly human emotions, anger or bitterness. Perhaps enlightenment had settled in her being in her dying throes. Wisdom had come too late. What were her thoughts? She was a failure as a parent and she had succeeded in growing a vengeful beast. But, was she entirely to be blamed? Perhaps, she had been moulded by the toxic political events of tenth century Goryeo and her husband’s relentless drive to strengthen himself through political alliances.   Like a maniac, Gwangjong raged on and on. ‘I’ll become your one and only precious son.’ At that point of death, it was pointless for Queen Yoo to hold unto grudges. All her anger and resentment towards her second son had left her. There was no trace of ill-feelings but she must have flinched from seeing him so hurt. She had raised her head and opened her mouth but her words caught in her throat. Gwangjong was not aware that she was trying to tell him something because he was ranting and raving like a raging bull.   ‘This,’ he pronounced with deadly venom, ‘is my revenge!’ There were no illusions about the poison in his words. His toxic rage was a fearsome thing to watch. Tentacles of chilling terror creep down one’s spine. The creepy crawlies have come out of the woodwork. She was gasping for her last breath. She seemed to be trying to ask for forgiveness but he was oblivious of nothing. And, nothing could unseat the vengefulness in his heart. It was as if he was beheading her with his cruel words. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. She had been cruel to him and now in her final moments, he gave her as good as she had given him. Revenge for the terrible things she did to him. This was his ultimate revenge – a revenge that she had no power to stop and these words sliced through the air like the swing of Gwangjong’s sword. Normally, a normal human being would, at least, want to appear to be forgiving and let the dying go in peace. But his vengeful nature would not let his mother have that peace. He had harboured and nurtured his hatred and resentment for so long that it seemed that that was the only time that he could give vent to his feelings. This was the rising up of the horrendous beast in him. For a moment, he had lost his head, his humanity. Being human means to be able to forgive, at least a little, but he had none for his dying mother. He stormed at her for discarding him like rubbish. It was as if he was giving her savage blows with each word. His lacerated feelings were now exposed. The darkest parts of his sensibilities that had lain embedded deep in him were now surfacing. His voice, bestial-like, was trembling with unrestrained fury. His voice bobbed up and down as he shook with the memory of his mother’s coldness, mental and emotional cruelty. His eyes held his mother’s gaze with a maniacal intensity and she gazed at him in helpless fascination. Perhaps, at that very moment, she was able to understand his feelings, feelings that her cold-heartedness had refused to allow her to see. She saw the light and writhed in agony at his hurt but she could not voice her feelings. She arched her head towards him. Perhaps, she wanted to ask for forgiveness but he was giving her no chance as he wallowed in bitterness and revenge. After having excavated his deepest hurt, his bitter tears flowed down his cheeks. All her queenly life, she was too self-centred and absorbed in maintaining power and prestige. She was also too busy stepping all over the consorts of King Taejo. She was trapped in her mind-set of favouring only her eldest and youngest sons and was irrationally determined to keep her middle son out of her sight and out of her life. She wielded enormous power while alive and could do as she wished but what she did not know was, in her death throes, she would be helpless and powerless. That was what she had feared – to be alone with the son she had ignored, Gwangjong. But, Wang Jung would be loving to her till the end but he was not there with her. Since he was in power, Gwangjong took the opportunity to do what he wanted and to say what he wanted to her. It was a chilling scene that makes one cringe. The king, who had been wronged all his life, had not thought of refraining from making the most of his power. It is here that we watch in horror as his hate and bitterness poured out. He was oblivious of his mother who had, with great difficulty and effort, been opening her mouth to talk to him. Not that it mattered anyway. He owned the show and he flaunted his power over her. The queen mother’s breath came in panting gasps as she lay there unable to speak. Perhaps, in her final hours, it had finally dawned on her that the hurt she had inflicted on him had swallowed him whole. That insight, when she finally saw light, was given too late. As if in response to his words, she reached her hand out to touch his scar that was the cause of the severing of the mother-son relationship. Perhaps, she had wanted to beg him to forgive her but could not give voice to her feelings. It was just too late. She cried out, incoherent cries, to him but all he heard were guttural noises that were indiscernible. Her fingers seemed to grind into Emperor Gwangjong’s flesh. Then, her face turned to the colour of ashes.   When he realised that the life had gone out of her and her spirit had left her body, he was speechless. But, he still held on to her hands. She must have been broken in mind and body, suffering at the hands of her second son in her last moments. Great wrongs had been done to him. He had been deprived of a loving childhood just because of a scar. His teenage years were no different but when he was back at the palace, the queen did not try to redeem herself nor make amends. She continued to torment him. His face was contorted in silent pain. He was smitten like a thunderbolt by her sudden passing away. With a bitter laugh, he swayed where he sat. He sobbed because his mother had not loved him. His heart was broken; he was shaken in his cries of deepest agony. He clenched her hands and cried in desperation. Clinging tightly to her hands, he mourned over her. Pain raked through him and saliva dripped from his mouth. His brain reeled and he cried in despair. His pent-up fury had been unleashed. He, indeed, was the savage wolfdog after all. Suddenly, he whimpered like a little kitten. His eyes were glassy with pain and agony. He was lost in a daze. It was as if his heart had been ripped apart. Revenge seemed meaningless as the true meaning of her death sank into him. In his head was the battle between love and hatred. His act had been incited by hatred. He realised, to his great chagrin, that the past is ash and dust. He seemed to be blinded by his mission to avenge himself of all his hurts and emotional injuries because of his love-hate relationship with his mother. He loved his mother, yet, hated her. Love and hate are not mutually exclusive. It was a poignant moment. Had his heart really been unburdened? Had his pain been eased by the pouring forth of the brutal words, even if they were the truth? It was the anti-climax. He brooded in silence as he studied his dead mother. Every moment he had spent looking backwards had kept him from moving forwards. He had not forgiven his mother on her deathbed. He had not risen above his circumstances.  But, perhaps, everything now was over. His malicious words, a means of catharsis for him, were gone like the wind. His pain and mental torture seemed a memory from another age. It was the final closure for him. When it came to his mother, there seemed to be no reconciliation. All came to pass. Fate had afforded him the opportunity to revenge on his mother. It would have taken a better man to rise above his circumstances and not let his baser instincts control him. But Gwangjong was not such a man. Few men are what they appeared to be. Gwangjong, was, but an animal. He lacked the love and compassion of a human being. When he realised what he had done to a dying person who was his own mother, he realised that he did not have real happiness at revenge. It was just an illusion. His mother slumbered on. But he was left to face his own demons. It was not a victory for him after all. Forgiveness was in order. It is a chilling scene to remind one to make peace with others before it is too late. There are lessons to be learnt, fictitious history or not. How would one describe Lee Joon Gi’s performance in this scene? One is speechless. Awesome. Riveting. Breathtaking. One’s heart aches while watching Gwangjong getting so worked up over his cold, self-absorbed mother and her continual rejection of him. Lee Joon Gi effectively conveys the message of Gwangjong's tormented mind and destructive obsession with his mother. One can feel the devastating effects on him - his pain, suffering and desire for revenge. The emperor's sense of vengeance and hatred has festered into something uncontrollable: dark and sinister. Lee shows Gwangjong’s darkness and difficulty of expressing forgiveness to perfection. The despicable and chilling way Lee delivers his retaliatory words to the dying queen mother seems so real that one feels the sweep of icy coldness rushing through one’s veins. When the emperor cries, one cries with him. In the end, one realises that Gwangjong is not an inhuman monster but someone who hates as deeply as he loves. No words can truly describe Lee Joon Gi’s acting skills! His charismatic screen presence and performance has previously elevated him to drama royalty but now he is raised to the status of 'The King of South Korean Dramas'.

U UUploaded: 10 Sept 2019