The Rebel

It is the winter of 1505. Gil Dong is born to Ah Mo Gae and his wife, who are both servants living in their master’s house. Since he was born, Gil Dong has shown unusual, physical strength. There has been a legend about the Mighty Child who, if born, will be killed by the King.

The fish sell well and Ah Mo Gae comes home with money. He decides to become a free man along with his entire family and secretly gathers money so that he can pay for their freedom. He continuously reminds Gil Dong to control his anger and to hide his strength from others. Meanwhile, Ah Mo Gae’s wife tells him that she is pregnant.

Gil Dong spots his father coming out of Lord Jo’s house covered in blood. Lord Jo’s wife tells the district magistrate that it must’ve been Ah Mo Gae who murdered her husband since he has a grudge against him. Ah Mo Gae is beaten and imprisoned. Meanwhile, Lord Jo’s uncle tells the district magistrate that it was actually Gil Dong who attacked him.

After being threatened by Ah Mo Gae, Lord Jo’s wife tells the magistrate that it wasn’t Ah Mo Gae who killed Lord Jo. After being set free and no longer a slave, he moves to Ikhwa-ri with his children. There, he and his entourage start selling goods, and he gradually gains power.

Many years have passed and Gil Dong is now a young man. Unlike the past, he has lost his mighty strength and travels on foot, selling women’s merchandise. His father, Ah Mo Gae, has become the most powerful man in Ikhwa-ri. Meanwhile, Gil Dong meets Gong Hwa and Ga Ryung. The former tells him that she’d like the King to become her lover.

Ah Mo Gae’s men find Yeo Mi, Prince Choong Won’s runaway servant. They cut her hair and lie that she has died. Ah Mo Gae’s children and men struggle to get him out of prison. He asks Heo Tae Hak to let him see Prince Choong Won. Much to his surprise, he meets once again with Lord Jo’s wife.