Hong Gil-dong
The King of Joseon
The ruler
The cautious king who first treats Gildong as a rebel and then honors him.
The King rules Joseon from the capital, Hanyang. He is authoritative, careful, and practical. He does not understand how a single man can appear in eight provinces on the same day and wonders whether Gildong is a phantom, a sorcerer, or an army of gods.
He is not cruel, but he is a king, and he uses the tools of one. He threatens Minister Hong's house with ruin and appoints In-hyeong as investigator. When he sees that he cannot catch Gildong by force, he proves himself wise enough to change his answer.
“Your own flesh and blood robs our granaries across eight provinces! Control your son, Minister Hong, or your house shall answer for treason!”
In the story
Contains spoilers.
The King receives dispatches about raids across eight provinces and summons Minister Hong. He appoints In-hyeong as Special Royal Investigator with full authority. When Gildong appears in the rafters of the court with his terms, the King grants him the post of Minister of War, admitting his brilliance cannot be denied.
Gildong keeps his promise to leave Joseon in peace. Years later the King sends an envoy to Yuldo recognizing it as an independent sovereign kingdom, an ally in friendship and trade.
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