Episode 1 of "The Scandal of Chun-hwa" unfolds with an enchanting tableau: a woman, a mirror image of Princess Hwa-ri, lending a helping hand to a patron in her uncle's quaint bookstore. Amidst the shelves of tomes, she chances upon a titillating historical erotica, its narrative weaving the tale of Princess Hwa-ri herself.
The scene shifts seamlessly to the mythical realm of Dongbangguk, where women are avidly immersing themselves in a scandalously romantic saga, their whispers buzzing with rumors that the novel mirrors the notorious escapades of Princess Hwa-ri, its heroine bearing an uncanny resemblance to her.
Enter Princess Hwa-ri, disguised in male attire, peeking through the keyhole of a brothel chamber where her brother, Hwa-seong, stands on the brink of losing his virginity to an eager prostitute. His rationale? To hone his skills for the sake of his beloved, Ji-won.
Elsewhere, at a gathering of the elite, Ji-won's serene demeanor shatters upon hearing of this degrading spectacle—a gossip ignited by none other than Hwa-ri, who had wagered on her brother's sexual prowess. Furious, Ji-won storms off, while Hwa-seong, realizing the public spectacle he's caused, scraps dignity to chase after her, seeking to mend the rift.
To silence the scandal mongers, the king decrees a union between Hwa-seong and Hwa-ri. In a bid to restore harmony, Hwa-seong bears engagement gifts to Ji-won, only to find her disturbed by her lack of agency in this arranged marriage. Doubts fester, prompting her to reject the proposal outright. Desperate for redemption, Hwa-seong spends a long, knee-bending night outside Ji-won's chamber, a silent supplicant for her forgiveness.
After a heart-to-heart with her mother, Ji-won resolves to confront Hwa-seong. Their conversation blossoms into an intimate reverie within a secluded cottage, where they confess their mutual affections and affirm their wedding vows, sealing their love amidst the controversy.
Elsewhere, Hwa-ri finds herself ensnared in a forbidden love affair with her adopted cousin, nurturing dreams of tying the knot with him since her innocent childhood days. Yet, the royal family stands firmly against their union, denying them any semblance of approval. Desperate to uncover the truth, Hwa-ri's mother pens a letter to her cousin, only to find solace in the fact that he is already pledged to another. Devastated by this revelation, Hwa-ri, with the covert assistance of her sister, flees the palace under the cover of darkness, her heart pounding with the hope of reconciling with him.
But fate has other plans. Upon their long-awaited reunion, her cousin, acknowledging the vast disparity between their lives, resists her fervent pleas. Undeterred, Hwa-ri persists, imploring him to meet her at the bustling port, where they could embark on an elopement together.
Concurrently, Lee Seung, the crown prince, embarks on a relentless search for Hwa-ri at the queen's behest. Near the port's edge, Hwa-ri's path crosses with a man she had briefly encountered in a brothel, who swiftly aids her in concealing herself mere moments before Lee Seung's arrival.
Lee Seung then conveys the cruel truth: her cousin will not honor their clandestine meeting. She is compelled to return to the confines of the palace. The episode concludes on a poignant note, with Hwa-ri's tears streaming down her cheeks as she reminisces about the love she has lost, while her cousin, similarly torn, reflects on their shared, unfulfilled affection.
