I so love historical movies, especially K-dramas. What captivates me is the chaos and the tale of betrayal, survival, slavery, war, and love.
This character really left a mark on my heart. He is Jang Hyun, the leading man in the series, 'My Dearest'. He lived as someone cold-hearted and didn't believe in marriage. There were rumors that wherever he went, he had a girlfriend. But in truth, he wasn’t easily attracted to women—except for one who was pretty, naïve, but full of wit.
Why did it lead him to be that way?
He was the illegitimate son of Jang Cheol, a scholar from the elite class. This is revealed almost at the end of the series. When he was young, he had a slave named Ryang Eum. He’s grown fond of his servant because they play together, and the servant is kind-hearted too. One day, his father cruelly beat his servant and engraved a name on his chest. A slave in ancient Korea could be punished physically and sold if they committed wrongdoings.
Because of his status, he was ignored and rejected by his own family. He eventually left his family at a young age. His leaving was more than a physical act; it marked the end of a bond with a family that had never accepted him.
When he grows up, he's haunted by flashbacks of what happened to his former slave during that incident. He lived with the rebels who trade for a living. He goes from one place to another with his servant friend.
Lee Jang Hyun once arrived in a quiet village where women gathered and chatted freely. There, he noticed a young woman gently swaying on a swing. He didn’t approach her. He simply observed her: the way she spoke, the way she moved. Something about her struck him deeply. She was brave, clever, and full of spirit. That’s when he began to admire her. But the woman had feelings for someone else.
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No matter how many times Jang Hyun tried to win her over, she refused. She didn’t see him that way. Still, as they spent more time together, something shifted. She began to fall for him slowly, quietly. Her heart was confused, torn between past affection and the unexpected pull toward Jang Hyun.
Then came the invasion. The Qing Dynasty attacked Joseon, and the King fled to the mountains to hide. Jang Hyun left as well.
The government declared that all men must fight against the barbaric soldiers of the Qing. But Jang Hyun didn’t join the army. Instead, he and his friends hid in a remote area. By fate, they crossed paths with a group of scholars who had joined the resistance. In that moment of danger, Jang Hyun stepped up—and because of him, many of those scholars survived.
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He then joined the Joseon army because women were being captured and made into sex slaves and maltreated by the people of the Qing Dynasty. He thought about Gil Chae but he believed she'd survive. He served as a secret envoy, carrying sensitive information between nobles and rebels. Using his status and connections, he operated beneath the radar. Helping ordinary people and trying to prevent the government’s mistakes. He sympathized with the oppressed. He supported those accused of treason and stood against the court’s abusive decisions. During the war, he carefully planned moves to protect Gil-chae, the love of his life and others, relying on his wisdom and calm judgment in the face of chaos. His actions revealed a deep understanding of politics, military strategy, and human nature.
What a man he is. Even the Qing Princess was in love with him.
I couldn't imagine the cruelty he endured, and the choices he made because of his compassion for people.
And that is all. I hope you all have a wonderful day!