Masquerade

The ailing ruler Gwang-hae fears assassination and commands the Secretary of Defense to find a lookalike. He instructs the officials to track down a candidate who resembles the king. This plan sets the stage for a dangerous impersonation that could decide the fate of the kingdom.

Heo Gyun locates Ha-sun, a lowly acrobat with a sharp eye for illusion. Ha-sun is a bawdy joker who bears a striking resemblance to the king. The choice marks the start of a royal deception that will blur lines between ruler and impersonator.

Ha-sun is chosen to fill the king's role whenever needed. He begins to be groomed to imitate the king’s appearance and manner. The arrangement depends on Ha-sun’s ability to convincingly carry the royal burden.

Ha-sun makes his first official appearance as the king. The court witnesses the impostor in state duties and governance. People notice subtleties in leadership style that hint at a genuine shift.

Ha-sun's governance shows greater humanitarian concern than the real king. He addresses the needs of even minor servants, lifting morale. The palace begins to see reform through a compassionate lens.

Heo Gyun and the Chief Eunuch observe the changes Ha-sun brings. They become convinced that Ha-sun may be a better ruler than Gwang-hae. Their support quietly strengthens Ha-sun's position.

In a turning point, Ha-sun defends the Queen's safety and shields her brother from death sentences. His actions show a commitment to safety and fairness. The Queen’s loyalty becomes strained as she grapples with the impostor’s authority.

Park Chung-seo notices the king's behavior shift and begins to question it. He probes the authenticity of the king and seeks to expose potential treachery. The rising suspicion marks the start of a palace power struggle.

The Queen remains conflicted between the real king and Ha-sun’s secret rule. She weighs political expediency against personal trust. This internal conflict deepens the palace's uncertainty.

The Chief Eunuch and the Secretary of Defense urge Ha-sun to leave the country for good. They fear the double’s influence could destabilize governance if discovered. Ha-sun's presence becomes a liability in the eyes of the royal court.

Ha-sun complies and departs the realm to await exile. His departure ends the impersonation era and alters palace dynamics. The court braces for the real king's return and a shift back to old order.

King Gwang-hae is restored to the throne to confront revolts. The court reasserts authority and punishes dissent with renewed vigor. The ending underscores the fragility of power and the costs of deception.