Kingdom season 1 episode 1 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Rumors of the King's death from smallpox stir unrest in Hanyang. Crown Prince Lee Chang, barred from seeing his ailing father by the power-hungry Haewon Cho Clan, seeks the Royal Infirmary journal for answers. Meanwhile, in Dongnae, Physician Lee Seung-hui returns amid mysterious circumstances, hinting at a darker secret. As Lee Chang embarks on a perilous journey to Dongnae for truth, he's unwittingly implicated in a treasonous conspiracy, making him a target for the Cho Clan's lethal schemes.

Full Episode S01E01 Recap

### The King's Illness and the Haewon Cho Clan's Power - Ten days after the King falls ill with smallpox, rumors of his death spread in Hanyang. - Chief State Councilor Cho Hak-ju and his daughter, the Queen, are the only ones who have seen the King. - The Haewon Cho Clan aggressively suppresses dissent, arresting and threatening to annihilate families of dissenters. ### Crown Prince Lee Chang's Struggle - Crown Prince Lee Chang is barred from seeing his ill father and is deeply troubled by his inability to fulfill his filial duties. - He questions the Queen's motives and the loyalty of the palace guards, all under the influence of the Haewon Cho Clan. - The Crown Prince decides to seek out the Royal Infirmary journal to discover the truth about his father's condition. ### Physician Lee Seung-hui's Mysterious Role - Lee Chang learns that Physician Lee Seung-hui, who resigned from the palace three years ago, was called back for the King. - Determined to uncover the truth, Lee Chang plans to leave the palace in disguise to find Physician Lee in Dongnae. ### A Shocking Discovery in Dongnae - In Dongnae, Physician Lee Seung-hui is seen dealing with a mysterious and gruesome situation, hinting at a dire secret. - The Crown Prince and his loyal guard Mu-yeong set out for Dongnae, despite the long and perilous journey ahead. ### Political Machinations and Treason Charges - Back in Hanyang, a letter implicating the Crown Prince in treason is discovered, escalating the political crisis. - The Haewon Cho Clan plans to seize this opportunity to eliminate the Crown Prince, sending soldiers to intercept him. ### Unsettling Events at the Clinic in Dongnae - In Dongnae, the situation at the clinic becomes increasingly disturbing, with hints of cannibalism among the starving populace. - The episode leaves several questions unanswered, particularly about the King's fate and the nature of the crisis in Dongnae.

Frequently Asked Questions

What illness does the King suffer from?

The King is ill with smallpox.

Who are the only two people who have seen the King during his illness?

Chief State Councilor Cho Hak-ju and his daughter, the Queen.

What action does the Haewon Cho Clan take against those spreading rumors about the King's death?

The Haewon Cho Clan arrests and threatens to annihilate the families of those spreading the rumors.

Why is Crown Prince Lee Chang barred from seeing his father?

He is barred due to concerns about him contracting smallpox and the influence of the Haewon Cho Clan.

What does Crown Prince Lee Chang seek from the Royal Infirmary?

He seeks the journal detailing the King's medical condition.

Who is Physician Lee Seung-hui?

He is a former royal physician who was called back to the palace to attend to the King.

Where does Lee Chang decide to go to find the truth about his father's condition?

He decides to go to Dongnae in disguise.

What is the political accusation made against Crown Prince Lee Chang?

He is accused of conspiring treason against the King.

What drastic measures are taken by the people in Dongnae due to starvation?

There are hints of cannibalism among the starving populace in Dongnae.

What is the reaction of the Haewon Cho Clan to the treason accusations against Lee Chang?

They plan to use the accusation to eliminate the Crown Prince, sending soldiers to intercept him.

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