The episode opens with Lee Gon taking Tae-eul to the mythical bamboo forest, the gateway between the Kingdom of Corea and the Republic of Korea. Despite his efforts, the portal does not immediately reveal itself, leaving Tae-eul frustrated and more convinced that Lee Gon might be delusional. However, Lee Gon’s unwavering belief and the strange occurrences around the forest hint that there’s more at play than meets the eye.
Lee Gon continues to navigate his new surroundings, charming those around him with his royal manners and sharp intellect. He begins to piece together how the parallel worlds work, drawing connections between people and events in Corea and their counterparts in Korea. This realization opens his eyes to the complexities of their intertwined fates.
Tae-eul’s Growing Curiosity:
Tae-eul, initially skeptical of Lee Gon’s claims, starts to notice inconsistencies in her own world. Documents and photos from Lee Gon’s possessions, including royal seals and historical records that shouldn’t exist, force her to reconsider her stance. She conducts her own investigation, uncovering links that suggest Lee Gon’s world might be real.
A turning point occurs when she discovers a picture of herself in Lee Gon’s belongings, a photograph that should not exist. This discovery sends shockwaves through her, making her question her own reality and the true extent of the parallel worlds.
Lee Rim’s Sinister Influence:
Lee Rim continues to manipulate the parallel universes to his advantage. He recruits individuals who are dissatisfied with their lives, offering them new identities in the alternate world. This manipulation reveals Lee Rim’s calculated nature as he sets up a network of loyal followers who owe their new lives to him, positioning him as a powerful, shadowy figure operating behind the scenes.
Lee Rim’s Strategy: He is shown using the differences between the worlds to smuggle illegal goods and influence events in both Corea and Korea. His ultimate goal is to destabilize Lee Gon’s rule and seize control of the Manpasikjeok, the mythical flute that allows passage between worlds.
Key Moments:
Confrontation at the Portal: Lee Gon and Tae-eul’s tense interaction at the bamboo forest serves as a critical moment, illustrating their differing beliefs and highlighting the growing emotional tension between them.
Tae-eul’s Investigation: Tae-eul’s independent search for answers leads her to a series of clues that align with Lee Gon’s story, including evidence of strange incidents in Korea that mirror events in Corea.
Lee Rim’s Encounter: Lee Rim meets with his loyal followers, revealing his long-term plans to overthrow Lee Gon. He expresses disdain for Lee Gon’s idealism and confidence in his
