At last, the Haona Four successfully pass the final test and become official attendants of Yongcheonru. However, during the appointment ceremony, Hong Deoksu is suddenly arrested as a suspect in a murder case.
Knowing Hong Deoksu is innocent, Prince Moyoung (Lee Eunho), together with Chun Junhwa and Go Sura, takes action to prove her innocence. When they visit the police bureau, Eunho witnesses Minister Byeongpan interrogating Deoksu personally and realizes it’s a trap set to capture him.
Prince Moyoung, who infiltrated Yongcheonru as an attendant to find the key to the Hwangdong golden clock, confronts Minister Byeongpan. Eunho declares he has no interest in the throne and secures a promise to free Hong Deoksu. However, the minister insists on thoroughly investigating the case to uncover the true culprit, aiming to use the situation to achieve his own goals. Minister Byeongpan also hints at his intent to force Eunho out of the palace, keeping viewers on edge as the drama unfolds.
Hong Deoksu vs. Seol Maehwa
Seol Maehwa realizes that Hong Deoksu is actually Hong Jaeon, the daughter of her late teacher, Hong Minshik. She recognizes Jaeon through her mannerisms during the “Ssangpae game” and confirms her identity upon seeing a scar on Deoksu’s arm.
Although it’s unclear why Seol Maehwa caused her teacher’s death, she has evidently spent years searching for Jaeon. She has even maintained her teacher’s house, keeping it in pristine condition as if waiting for her return. This suggests that Maehwa may be willing to forsake everything to side with Jaeon.
However, it was Seol Maehwa who proposed to Minister Byeongpan that Hong Deoksu be arrested on the day of the appointment ceremony. This raises questions about her true intentions. Is she tied to Deoksu by fate, or is she protecting her in secret?
The day before the ceremony, Maehwa tells Deoksu, “Tomorrow will be a very busy day, so take it easy today,” a cryptic remark hinting at the storm ahead. This plotline, rich with mystery, adds a detective drama element to the historical fantasy series.
A Multi-Genre Drama
While Check-in Hanyang allows viewers to enjoy the beauty of hanok (traditional Korean houses), hanbok (traditional Korean clothing), and the elegance of Korean cuisine, it also blends elements of mystery, romance, and various genres for an engaging experience.
Chun Junhwa and Go Sura
Both Chun Junhwa and Go Sura seem to have realized that Hong Deoksu is a woman in disguise. As part of the Haona Four, they choose to turn a blind eye, protecting their fellow attendant’s secret.
Chun Junhwa, the son of Yongcheonru’s owner, takes drastic measures when Deoksu is accused of murder. He converts all his wealth into silver coins and offers them to Minister Byeongpan in an attempt to save her. Although the bribe fails, Junhwa demonstrates his dedication to protecting Deoksu. His actions suggest he harbors feelings of affection beyond simple camaraderie.
What About Hong Deoksu?
Accepting Prince Moyoung’s deal, Minister Byeongpan releases Hong Deoksu. Deoksu, unaware of the reasons behind her release, finds herself unable to return to Yongcheonru. Determined, she approaches the grand steward, Tae Sangbangju, and cleverly maneuvers her way back into Yongcheonru.
Though Seol Maehwa opposes Deoksu’s return, she has no choice but to comply with the steward’s orders.
Upon reentering Yongcheonru, Deoksu begins to openly express her hostility toward Maehwa. While Maehwa claims to want Deoksu to sever ties with Yongcheonru, her motives seem more complex, hinting at deeper secrets.
EP5–7 Recap and Anticipation for EP8
Episodes 5 to 7 have been full of twists and turns, with Deoksu’s arrest, Maehwa’s ambiguous motives, and the Haona Four’s unwavering bond. As the story progresses, viewers are left wondering:
- How will Seol Maehwa respond to Deoksu’s accusations and hostility?
- What lies ahead for Prince Moyoung?
- Will the Haona Four maintain their friendship through the challenges to come?
With so many questions left unanswered, episode 8 promises even more excitement and intrigue!
