“Lovers of the Red Sky” Episode 12 Endorses for a New Crown Prince

With the worsening health of the first prince, the King announces his plans for Prince Yangmyeong to be the next crown prince.

Overhearing the King’s plans for Prince Yangmyeong, Prince Joohyang becomes more determined in obtaining the demon inside Scholar Ha. King Seongjo falls unconscious after Prince Joohyang’s confrontation with him. As he is unconscious, Prince Joohyang releases Scholar Ha from prison.

Marcie Line watched Lovers of the Red Sky on Viu

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Lovers of the Red Sky Episode 12 Key Moments

“The portrait survived because it wished to. Then the fate of the divine painter will also be decided by the portrait.”

Prince Yangmyeong visits the King, and questions about the fate of the painter of the portrait. The prince worries about the dangers and consequences to Cheon Gi as a divine painter. In that conversation, King Seongjo also opens up to Prince Yangmyeong about the appeals sent to him about the worsening conditions of the sick crown prince. 

About to enter the King’s room, Prince Joohyang overhears the King’s plans for Prince Yangmyeong becoming the next crown prince. Prince Yangmyeong initially objects to the plan as he worries for Joohyang, but the King is stern that Prince Joohyang is unwise to be a nation’s leader.

“I could try all I want, I could even sell my soul, and still not obtain it.”

Master Choi angrily runs towards Han Geon, questioning his decision of letting Cheon Gi draw the portrait of the King. He reiterates how he sees Cheon Gi as his own daughter, and wishes for her not to become like Hong Eun O. Master Choi worriedly emphasizes that the portrait could be Cheon Gi’s last work with a sane mind. As he opens the door to exit, he sees Cheon Gi who has heard everything about the high probability of being cursed by the Hwacha and becoming insane.

“A member of the royal family is never to crave power.”

Prince Joohyang visits Scholar Ha in prison, and he reveals that he already knows that Scholar Ha is Ilwolseong. He also discovers that Prince Yangmyeong also came to visit Scholar Ha, and the two brothers come into confrontation.

The King arrives in the prison as well, and requests to talk privately with Prince Joohyang. Angered with the recent events, Prince Joohyang confronts the King for always keeping an eye on him, and ignoring his presence as a candidate of becoming a crown prince. The King orders the prince to be exiled to Jeju, but after that, the King falls unconscious. 

“There is no law that allows you to accuse a man without proof and lock him up in prison.”

As the King is unconscious, Prince Joohyang proceeds with his plans of releasing Scholar Ha from prison. Despite the objections of Prince Yangmyeng, Prince Joohyang argues that there is no proof of the accusations to Scholar Ha. Prince Yangmyeong still tries to convince his brother to change his plans of obtaining the demon as it brings danger to himself, the palace, and the whole nation.

“When two suns rise, one of them shall lose its light and fall into the dark.”

With the King’s absence in the royal office, the majority starts to open the idea of Prince Joohyang taking over the throne. However, there are still some who object to that proposal.

Meanwhile, Scholar Ha agrees on passing on the demon to Prince Joohyang with a condition that he will be the one to choose an auspicious day. He is released from prison and rides the litter. However, Scholar Ha notices that Cheon Gi is also inside with him.

Lovers of the Red Sky Episode 12 Musings

This episode is so eventful as the political strife thickens. With the King choosing Prince Yangmyeong as the next crown prince, that news angers Prince Joohyang.

Moreover, we also see how there are several dramatic scenes, especially during the confrontation scene of King Seongjo and Prince Joohyang. Kwak Si Yang’s detailed acting as Prince Joohyang adds flavor to the scenes. 

Prince Joohyang’s arguments appear to have roots from the King’s treatment and mistrust to his second son. Nonetheless, Prince Joohyang is still indeed greedy even after seeing his own father collapsing in front of his own eyes.

Consequences of the sealing ceremony become more certain, and bring more conflict to the people involved for the ceremony. As Prince Yangmyeong has witnessed, Cheon Gi and Scholar Ha have mutual feelings as they both worry for each other. They are willing to sacrifice themselves to ensure each other’s safety.   

Prince Joohyang is able to confirm Scholar Ha’s intentions of passing on the demon, even after discovering that he fronted himself as Ilwolseong. With Scholar Ha’s determination for his revenge, the royal family is truly nearing their time of chaos.

Ha Ram and Cheon Gi’s fates are pitiable as they are both like pawns that are at the disposal of the royal family. Ha Ram’s demon inside is seen as a major weapon, and Cheon Gi is a divine painter that could save a whole nation. Their potentials are for the good of the many, but in exchange, their individual dreams and hopes are sacrificed.

Watch new episodes of Lovers of the Red Sky every Monday and Tuesday on Viu.

Photos: SBS