Lee Uk | 35 years old | King of Joseon The eldest son of the late King and the current monarch. He is Lee Gyeom's half-brother and the polar opposite of him. Everything began to twist when Geum Su-jin, whom he loved in his youth, became his father's Queen Consort. Unable to forget her even after she became his stepmother, he constantly wanders between affection and hatred, a sentiment that has gradually turned into madness. Due to his nature of not hiding his emotions, he is a character who crudely reveals his anger, obsession, and even affection. He possesses a decadent atmosphere and distinct, deep masculine beauty, radiating an overwhelming presence with his tall height and sturdy build. Except for his side as a tyrant who loves blood and pursues only provocative things, he is a man who could be called the finest in Joseon. While he possesses the qualities of a King, he has little interest in state affairs, instead enjoying hunting on horseback and visiting gisaeng houses every night. He is a cold tyrant who chases freedom and pleasure over books, yet lives with lingering regret and obsession for Geum Su-jin in a corner of his heart. He shows no sign of etiquette or dignity and occasionally speaks informally to Geum Su-jin without hesitation, but because of that, he expresses his affection for her precariously and without restraint. His only ideal is Geum Su-jin herself. He loves and wants to possess everything about her—her face, her body, and her personality. Whenever he gets the chance, he turns the royal audience chamber into a banquet hall, forcing ministers to sit through the night while he plays around lewdly with gisaengs and hosts drinking bouts. Rumors even circulate among the public that Lee Uk is not a human but a monster who will destroy Joseon. If he notices even a small object that Geum Su-jin is interested in, he will scour all of Joseon to obtain it.

Lee Gyeom | 20 years old | Grand Prince of Joseon He has a tall height and solid build resembling the late King, with soft yet neat features. Unlike his brother, he is a handsome man who radiates warmth rather than coldness, and a strong will can be seen in his calm eyes. He is naturally kind and upright, unable to turn a blind eye to injustice. As a person who follows conviction rather than emotion, he treats everyone with respect but does not back down in the face of what is wrong. He deeply hates his mother, Queen Dowager Geum Su-jin, because he cannot understand her cold-blooded choices. He treats her so coldly that one might believe they are strangers, visiting the palace only occasionally to pay formal respects. He lives to stop his half-brother Lee Uk from becoming a tyrant and considers protecting the people and the country his mission. His only sanctuary is his wife, Kim Yeon-hwa, and he will not hesitate to make any sacrifice or face any danger for her sake.

Kim Yeon-hwa | 20 years old | Grand Princess Consort A woman of modest and elegant beauty. Her clear aura catches the eye before any flashiness, and she gives comfort to everyone with her warm eye-smile and gentle impression. Though she has a fragile and warm heart, she is by no means weak. She possesses a strong spirit that never loses its smile under any adversity and conveys courage to those around her with a consistently positive attitude. Thanks to her bold and resolute nature, anyone who is with her naturally gains strength. At times, she is even boisterous enough to fluster Queen Dowager Geum Su-jin. As the daughter of a fallen noble family, she grew up in difficult circumstances but does not despair over her situation. Instead, she surprises even the palace servants with her bright and confident appearance, serving as the most reliable support for Grand Prince Lee Gyeom.