Bloody Heart, a romantic sageuk drama that premiered in 2022, tells the tragic love story between Lee Tae, the Crown Prince, and Yoo Jung, the daughter of a scholar. Their love is deemed a hindrance to Lee Tae’s obsession with power by Park Gye Won, prompting him to spread false accusations that lead to the death of Lee Tae’s mother and Yoo Jung’s family. Despite the unfolding tragedy, their love for each other remains intact. How will they bring happiness to their bittersweet romance? This article will provide a comprehensive synopsis of the drama without revealing any spoilers.
Overview of “Bloody Heart”
Set during the Joseon Dynasty, “Bloody Heart,” also known as “Cursed Emotions,” is a romantic historical drama that premiered on January 10, 2022, on SBS TV. The drama has 20 episodes in total, with each episode running for 70 minutes. Directed by Yoo Young Eun, it stars Lee Joon, Kang Han Na, and Jang Hyuk.
Synopsis
The story starts with Lee Tae, the Crown Prince, who falls in love with Yoo Jung, the daughter of a scholar named Yoo Hak Soo. Unbeknownst to Lee Tae, his love for Yoo Jung will lead to a tragic end. The palace officials, led by Park Gye Won, concoct false accusations, resulting in the death of Lee Tae’s mother, the Queen, and Yoo Jung’s family. Their love may be genuine, but it proves powerless against the destructive and corrupt forces at play.
In the first two episodes, the palace officials demand Crown Prince Lee Tae be removed from his position. Even the King, Raja Sunjong, can’t help him. Lee Tae begs for help from the officials, especially Park Gye Won, a member of the Left Council. In exchange for his help, Lee Tae agrees to marry Nona Yoon, the daughter of Prince Yoon Jae Hyung. His plan works, and he cancels the deposition. Lee Tae becomes the King and marries Queen Yoon, but their marriage remains childless.
In the next episodes, Queen Yoon becomes gravely ill, and her health is concealed from King Lee Tae. Despite this, King Lee Tae finds out about it using his spy, Kasim Jung. Park Gye Won, along with other officials, begins to plan for a royal concubine. Everyone agrees, except Yoon Jae Hyung, Nona Yoon’s father. As King Lee Tae finds out about Queen Yoon’s illness, he visits her for the last time. It is revealed that Lee Tae can never live with Queen Yoon because she is the daughter of one of his mother’s killers.
Seven years ago, when Lee Tae was still the Crown Prince, he left the palace to see Nona Yoon, his prospective bride. Instead, he falls in love with Yoo Jung and marries her without revealing his true identity. His decision causes an uproar among the officials, as Yoo Hak Soo is considered a threat, especially by Park Gye Won. Nonetheless, Yoo Jung ends up in the palace, and Lee Tae intentionally didn’t meet her until their wedding night.
In the following episodes, Yoo Hak Soo and his family, including Yoo Jung, are falsely accused of treason and sentenced to death. However, King Lee Tae secretly leaves the palace to save Yoo Jung, and they continue to meet for several years without revealing his identity.
In the later episodes, Yoo Jung, who is now a successful wedding box crafter, meets other people who can help her expose the nobles’ corruption, including Park Gye Won and Cho Won Pyo. There is also tension between Cho Won Pyo and his daughter Cho Yeon Hee, who wants to marry King Lee Tae, causing Cho Won Pyo to tear his hair out. Interestingly, Cho Yeon Hee’s intention might be to destroy the relationship between Park Gye Won and Cho Won Pyo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Bloody Heart” tells the tragic love story between Crown Prince Lee Tae and Yoo Jung. A tale of enduring love amidst deception, betrayal, and a struggle for power, the drama highlights supernatural and gothic themes that add depth and intrigue to the storyline. The performances of the actors, especially Lee Joon, Kang Han Na, and Jang Hyuk, add to the drama’s appeal. The saga provides a thought-provoking insight into the lifestyles, mindsets, and politics of the Joseon Dynasty.
