Princess Hours
[Background] The series "Princess Hours" (Hangul: 궁; hanja: 宫; RR: Gung; lit. "Palace") are set in an imaginary 21st-century Korea which has retained its monarchy and imperial family since 1945. The series focus on the lives of Crown Prince Lee Shin and a newly married bride Chae-kyeong.
The series start off with the news that Emperor Lee Hyeon, Shin's father, is seriously ill. There is a grim outlook on the King's health, driving the imperial family to find for Shin a suitable consort that will allow him to ascend to the throne if the situation requires. Despite being in love with the ambitious and talented ballerina Hyo-rin (whom he initially proposed to and was rejected), Prince Shin eventually marries a commoner to whom he was betrothed by his grandfather, the late Emperor Seongjo, in an agreement with the girl's grandfather. His new wife is the headstrong yet lovable Chae-kyeong. Althogh initially they had no feeling for each other, love eventually blossoms between the couple.
[Inhwa year 14]
What is it?
I hate to say this, Your Highness.
Tell me what’s wrong.
It’s central vertigo, Your Highness.
Central vertigo?
Yes, Your Highness.
It’s a preceeding sign of cerebral apoplexy.
I can’t believe this.
How can this be?
I don’t know what to say, Your Highness
In the Kwanghwa year 49, the late King suddenly passed away [,who had been healthy], and Crown Prince Hyo-Yul faced an untimely death just a year before that.
When I think of the commotion it has brought upon the palace, my grievances are too great to express with words.
I think it’s time we prepare for the future of the royal family.
I meant the Crown Prince’s marriage.
The children are too few in this family.
We must apply the traditional imperial regulations to prepare for his wedding.
This is a crucial moment for the welfare [destiny] of the royal family.
Let’s act wisely for the future of the royal household, so that it will flourish in the 21st century.