Ep 1. Princess Hours 1

Princess Hours is a South Korean television series that follows the story of a modern, alternate reality where the Korean monarchy still holds power. The show revolves around the life of Crown Prince Lee Shin (played by Ju Ji-hoon), who is set to marry Chae-kyeong (portrayed by Yoon Eun-hye), the daughter of a wealthy and influential family, in order to maintain the power balance between the royal family and the general public.

In episode 1, we are introduced to the world of Princess Hours, and we see the fictional kingdom of Korea, where the monarchy holds power and prestige, as well as strict traditional customs. The story begins by introducing the main characters - Crown Prince Lee Shin, his cousin Yul, and the intelligent, but ordinary student Chae-kyeong. Lee Shin is a popular figure among his subjects and appears to lead a life of luxury, but there is a dark side to his personality that is highlighted in the beginning scenes. Yul, on the other hand, is presented as a more honest and charming character, raised with a strong sense of responsibility and family duty, and is positioned as both a rival and ally to the Crown Prince.

Meanwhile, Chae-kyeong is struggling to keep up with her family's high expectations for her future. Her grandfather, a retired diplomat, wants her to pursue further education overseas, while her mother urges her to marry a successful businessman. With no clear direction, Chae-kyeong spends most of her time working in her mother's restaurant, where she seems to find solace.

As the episode progresses, we see that the royal family's reputation is at risk due to the Crown Prince's lack of interest in marriage. In a bid to improve the monarchy's image and prevent a crisis, the Queen Mother decides that the Crown Prince should get married within three months, and the search for his bride begins. To facilitate this arrangement, the Crown Prince is sent to study in an elite school, where he meets Chae-kyeong and engages in a playful, yet combative, exchange with her.

While Chae-kyeong initially rebuffs Prince Lee Shin's advances, she ultimately agrees to attend a party with him, which leads to the two getting closer. Yul also attends the party, and tensions arise between him and the Crown Prince, as they both compete for Chae-kyeong's attention.

Overall, Princess Hours episodes 1 sets the stage for what is going to be a character-driven and romantic story. It is clear that each of the characters is dealing with their own personal struggles and that their involvement with each other will precipitate major conflicts. The themes of tradition versus modernity, public duty versus personal happiness, and the complexities of royalty and class are woven into the narrative through the interactions of the characters. With a compelling cast, sleek production values, and an engaging story, Princess Hours is a show that offers a unique perspective on modern-day Korea while retaining an innate sense of charm and romance.