Haechi is considered a mystical legendary creature in those days and now it's a symbol whereby one can see the statue in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace and even on the taxis around Seoul. The drama entitled Haechi is about Prince Yeoning (Lee Geum) played by Jung Il Woo who has never been acknowledged as a royal member in the Palace due to his mother's low status. The other kind brother Prince Yeon Ryung often hangs out with him. Since Yeoning is never been loved by his family, he takes life easy and doesn't bother much about the court issues. Even his first wife is annoyed with him.
His father King Sukjong is looking frail and has illness. The Noron faction is supporting the violent Prince Mil Poong who is on a verge of killing everyone against him due to his anger issues. Queen Inwon looks disturbed is Mil Poong becomes the crown prince. A scholar Park Mun Su is determined to get a place in the state exams aiming to become a minister. However he is angered upon seeing Yeoning sitting as a substitute in the exams. He chases Yeoning around to find out how he could scoff out easily.
An investigation team in the palace is working hard to have justice in the public and court. However they are pissed out seeing the ministers corrupted to the end. One of the female investigator is Yeo Ji (Go Ara) who is skilful in martial arts and knowledge. She discovers that Mil Poong is harbouring a dark secret and Yeoning accidentally heard there is a death ledger recording the names of deceased people. There is no way they are allowing a dangerous ruler on the throne. Mun Su is shocked upon finding out Yeoning's true identity. Sukjong summons Yeoning and wishes to see his son lived up to his expectations. He knows there is no one else more suitable to be a King than Yeoning.
Lurking in the market place is a clown Dal Moon who seems to be rough at the edge but he's pretty spot on. He knows there's something amiss in the royal court and appointment for future Crown Prince. Investigator Han Jung Suk (Lee Pil Mo) is very desperate to catch Mil Poong's evil deeds but without any higher ups, he can't move further. Surprisingly Yeoning steps into the court to prove that he is worth as a Prince and time to put a stop to corruption & discrimination.
I find a liking towards this drama...partly because it's Jung Il Woo's first drama comeback after military. Secondly the characters are very interesting and it reminded me a lot of his previous drama Diary of a Night Watchman.
