Crown Prince Yi Jin

Prince Dowon Yi Rim (cousin)

King Huiyeong Yi Gweom (uncle)

Crown Princess Min Woo-hui (wife)

Yi Jin holds the title of Crown Prince in *Rookie Historian Goo Hae-ryung.* He is the eldest son of King Hamyeong Yi Tae, and often acts in his father's place in most royal matters. He is wed to Crown Princess Min Woo-hui, but does not have an heir. Yi Jin is depicted as a wise, compassionate prince who cares for Prince Dowon as a brother.

## Biography

Yi Jin was born to Prince Hamyeong. He became a Crown Prince and heir to the throne when his father was crowned king after King Huiyeong's death, 20 years before the events of *Rookie Historian*. He tells Prince Dowon in Episode 19 that he liked his uncle, King Huiyeong.

In Episode 12, Yi Jin says that he grew up outside of the palace. He describes himself as a naive young boy who wanted to become a mighty army general just so he could own a big, black horse.

Officer Min Woo-won is a childhood friend. Yi Jin states in Episode 9 that he used to beg his eunuch to allow him to go visit Min Woo-won so they could play. In Episode 1, it is also mentioned that they studied together.

At some point before the events of *Rookie Historian*, King Hamyeong allowed Crown Prince Yi Jin to act as regent. For the most part, Yi Jin makes his choices independently, but occasionally is overruled by his father when their decisions don't align. He often rules against the decisions of his advisors in favour of the wellbeing of his people, as demonstrated in Episode 4 when the advisors want to make flood victims pay tax despite their poverty. He is also constantly distrustful of the Second State Councillor, Min Ik-pyeong.

He is a good archer, as shown in Episode 5. He seems to practice archery when he particularly stressed (Episode 7) or wanting to relax with Prince Dowon (Episode 9). He instantly knows that the bows used in an attack against Prince Dowon in Episode 17 have weak, loose bowstrings.

Yi Jin does not have an heir. It is uncertain if he consummated his marriage with Crown Princess Woo-hui, but it is suggested that he is too busy or avoids having to conceive a child with the Princess because he has little romantic feelings for her.

However, he develops feelings for Song Sa-hui. Although rumours are spread in Episode 16 that the two have slept together, it is unlikely that they acted upon their feelings and used the rumours to stop Song Sa-hui from getting married to Prince Dowon.

Toward the end of the series, he initially works against Prince Dowon and chooses not to defend the Queen Dowager once he finds out that the queen is working to make Dowon king. However, he ends up siding with them, and begs the King to investigate the circumstances of former King Huiyeong's death. He is also prepared to give up the throne, until Prince Dowon gives up his title. In the epilogue, Yi Jin is shown to have become king.

## Personality

Yi Jin is incredibly compassionate. He thinks of the people first in making his decisions, even if the King and advisors disagree. He volunteers to be sent to a smallpox infected region in order to quell panic, despite being the heir and the dangers to his health. He hands out coins to children in episode 12 after playing a game with them.

He also is incredibly shrewd - he does not trust Min Ik-pyeong and knows which advisors are loyal to him. He also knew that Song Jae-cheon had been hoarding medicine in Episode 8 and was only waiting for evidence. However, he can be too quick to blame - being suspicious and incorrect of Song Sa-hui's motivations in both Episode 8 and 16. He also becomes afraid of losing the throne, and momentarily sides against the Queen Dowager and Prince Dowon.

Yi Jin has a good sense of humour. He asks Prince Dowon if he based a handsome character from his romance novel on Yi Jin. He encourages Goo Hae-ryung to shoot a bulls-eye so she can gain the opportunity to laugh at a prince. Despite being called out by Crown Princess Min and their argument recorded by the apprentices, he gifts them red brushes and an afternoon off.

## Relationships

**Song Sa-Hui**

Even though he has never officially followed through with his emotions, the Crown Prince is shown to be romantically attracted to Song Sa-Hui, the Historian who is in charge of him.