■ Yi Ja-Choon 이자춘(李子春, 1315~1361) / Yi Soon-Jae General Yi Seong-Gye’s father. (ep. 1) ■ Lady Gang (Queen Shindeok) 강씨부인 (神德王后 康氏, ?~1396) / Kim Hee-Jung The future Queen Shindeok. General Yi Seong-Gye’s second wife.
She is a daughter of Goksan Gang clan, one of the Goryeo‘s prestigious families. The incarnation of her desire, and the most helpful supporter for Yi Seong-Gye’s success.
She makes more personal connections with Goryeo‘s upper class to make her husband advance to the central politics. She is the biggest supporter for Yi Seong-Gye’s power expansion. She is the one and only woman to manipulate him with just one simple word.
■ Yi Bang-Woo 이방우 (李芳雨, 1354~1393) / Yi Seung-Hyo Yi Seong-Gye’s eldest son.
One of the top 5 swordsman in Goryeo. He has believed that it was his duty to take care of his family and Goryeo people, and to swear his loyalty to his country. When he finds out that his own father wants to topple Goryeo, he is immensely shocked and goes into action to….
■ Yi Bang-Gwa 이방과 (李芳果 / 定宗, 1357~1419) / Seo Dong-Won Yi Seong-Gye’s second son.
The future King Jeongjong, the second ruler of Joseon dynasty A faithful son to fight many battles with his father. He is a gallant warrior with strong position within his father’s Gabechi (* Gabechi means ‘private army’ in Mongolian language. It is called Gabyeolcho (가별초, 家別抄) in Korean). However, he lacks in his ability to judge political situation, so he comes to believe in his younger brother Bang-Won and follows him.
■ Yi Ji-Ran 이지란 (李之蘭, 1331~1402) / Park Hae-Soo A military official during the late Goryeo and the early Joseon. He’s a warrior from Jurchen tribe, but he fell for Yi Seong-Gye when they first met in a battlefield and swore to be brothers. He has a fiery impetuous temperament, but he is absolutely obedient to his sworn brother. He is the closest aide and loyal warrior to Yi Seong-Gye. * According to historical records, Yi Ji-Ran had a beautiful appearance like a woman. Actually, Hong Ryun, the swordsman who assassinated King Gongmin in ep. 2, was told as a good-looking young man. It is sad that this drama is ignoring historical facts in terms of male beauty. (LOL)
■ Jo Young-Gyu 조영규 (趙英珪, ?~1395) / Min Sung-Wook Yi Bang-Won’s right-hand man.
One of the top 10 warriors in Goryeo. He belongs to Yi Seong-Gye’s Gabechi (private army), and has an assignment to guard Yi Bang-Won. There is nothing he wouldn’t do for Bang-Won. His lifelong dream is to leave his name behind in history, in any way.
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