Set during the Silla dynasty, Sam Maekjong is the son of the fallen king and present queen regent, Jiso, but he has been kept in hiding for protection ever since he was a young boy, when his father was murdered. Over the years the powerful nobles have tried and failed to usurp power from Jiso, causing her to grow wary and later even reluctant to hand the throne over. As her son comes of age, she creates the Hwarang, an elite group of male youth who train in fighting and education. Their existence cuts across the existing power factions and Sam Maekjong is amidst their ranks under the false name Kim Ji-Dwi, unbeknownst to other Hwarang members.

Fair Princess Jungmyung lives a life of the highest privilege, until her half-brother Prince Gwanghae executes the rightful crown prince and usurps the throne. Exiled from court, Jungmyung goes under disguise as a man and learns to adapt to life as a commoner — never forgetting Gwanghae’s wrongdoing. But amidst rampant corruption throughout the kingdom, can Jyungmyung exact her vengeance, restore order and take back her rightful place in the palace?