• King Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of Joseon, was a reformist ruler who led the revival of the late Joseon period and a perfectionist scholar-king. • Despite being the supreme power holder, Jeongjo did not try to forcibly possess Seong Deok-im, who was his subject and a woman; instead, he waited for a long time and gave her his utmost sincerity. • 15 years of persistence and courtship. • A sorrowful confession of love written by his own hand. • A heart that wished to keep her by his side even after death. • To Jeongjo, Seong Deok-im was not just a concubine or a political partner, but his most precious lover and the only love he chose for himself in his sad and lonely life as a king.

• Commander of the Naegeumwi (The King's closest confidant and bodyguard during that era).

• Chief Royal Secretary (The King's chief of staff and the head of the Seungjeongwon).

• Lady Hyegyeong of the Pungsan Hong clan. • The mother of Jeongjo and wife of Crown Prince Sado. She was expelled from the palace following the death of Crown Prince Sado.

• Queen Jeongsun. • Jeongjo's second grandmother and the second wife of King Yeongjo.

• Queen Hyoui. • Key characteristics of Queen Hyoui: • The representative saint of the Joseon Royal Family: She had a very gentle, frugal, and benevolent nature, earning her a stellar reputation within the palace. She was famous for her deep filial piety, serving her mother-in-law, Lady Hyegyeong, with utmost devotion. • Relationship with Seong Deok-im: Unable to bear children herself, she adopted Crown Prince Munhyo, born to Seong Deok-im (Royal Noble Consort Ui), and cherished him as her own son. The reason Deok-im initially refused the King's grace was out of respect, stating, "The Queen has not yet borne a child." Their relationship is said to have been very deep. • One of the longest-reigning queens of Joseon: She lived long after Jeongjo passed away, maintaining her position as a reliable elder of the royal family until the reign of King Sunjo.