Netflix’s Kingdom recently brought in an interesting revelation for us. I would not say it’s not a common trope, but it seems like one of the major characters is actually not what he comes across as.
In other words, there is a traitor in the house and so a big danger to crown prince Lee Chang. Throughout the first season, the show built upon the bond between Lee Chang and his bodyguard Mu Yeong.
They are almost like brothers. Together, they embarked on the journey to free the Joseon throne which is under the Cho family.
But in the second season, when Chang arrives at Gyeongsang, he realizes that Lord Ahn-hyeon and his subjects already knew about his upcoming arrival. So it is clear that someone has been revealing secret information about their group.
There comes the traitor, and it is none other than Chang’s closest confidante Mu Yeung himself.
1. Who’s The Traitor In Kingdom?
The traitor in Kingdom is Mu Yeong, Lee Chang’s best friend and loyal confidante. Yeong is forced to work as a spy because the Haewon Cho Clan is taking care of his pregnant wife. If he does not follow orders, his wife would be in danger.
If you see it from Yeong’s perspective, it does make sense. He was literally being blackmailed by the Queen because she kept her pregnant wife locked up in Naeseonjae.
It definitely hurts to see Lee Chang being so affected by this betrayal. As we saw in the show, Chang did suspect Yeong. But it still hurts bad when you find out the suspicions were true.
In fact, a tear jerking flashback where we see Mu Yeong promise his loyalty to Lee Chang for the first time. It does explain a lot about their bond and why this betrayal hurt Chang as much as it did.
2. Did Chang Know About The Traitor?
Lee Chang suspected that someone among his closest allies was leaking vital information, and he suspected Mu Yeong. He even confronts Yeong one night post fighting a tough battle with the zombies. This leads to Mu Yeong getting offended so Chang did not push further.
Now that we think of it, Yeong taking offence when Chang asked him about the leaking of information probably was because he was guilty of having done it.
When Chang asks him if he is giving out information to Haewon Cho Clan, he denies the same and also reminds Chang about his sacrifices. Mu Yeong says that he left his family and pregnant wife to be with him and protect him.
Naturally, Chang does not poke further but this did not clear his suspicions. Chang simply did not want to lose Mu Yeong because he is one Chang considers his closest friend. But this faith costs him a lot as it turns out his doubts were right.
3. How Does Chang Find Out?
Chang decides to head towards Gyeongsang, where Hak-ju is located at this point. Chang’s plan was basically to attack them as there are fewer people guarding the walls of Mungyeong Saeje (the stronghold of Haewon Cho Clan).
This would make it easier for him to claim the throne and also save the people infected by the growing epidemic caused by zombies. While executing this plan, Chang ends up walking into a carefully devised trap.
Hak-ju set a trap for Chang. But how did he know about Chang’s arrival? Turns out that is where Mu Yeong comes in, because as a spy he already informed Lee Chang’s plans to Hak-ju. Chang ends up being imprisoned by his infected father.
So now he has two options – to kill his own father a.k.a the King of Joseon or get infected himself (and murdered). Chang chooses the former option and that leads to Hak-ju blaming him as a traitor.
And all of this happens because of Mu Yeong betraying our prince and leaking details about his plan to Hak-ju. So that is how Chang realizes what’s up.
4. What Happens To Mu Yeong Finally?
Even though Mu Yeong initially betrayed him, let me play his apologist. He was obviously compelled to with his pregnant wife at stake. We can’t blame that man.
Besides, what he did finally increased my respect for him to great heights.
The Queen wanted to kidnap pregnant women in hopes of stealing one of the babies and framing him as the crown prince. When Yeong learns about the evil Queen’s plans, he decides to inform Lee Chang right on time.
Mu Yeong even lost his life in the process, but still manages to reach Lee Chang to inform him about the Queen’s plan on time. If that is not a true friend, who is? He did keep his promise of loyalty, maybe not in the conventional way but he did.
He was killed by government soldiers summoned by Cho Beom pal.
5. What Happens To Mu Yeong’s Wife?
Mu Yeong’s wife was held captive by the Queen along with other pregnant women. She hoped to steal one of their babies and frame him as the Crown prince. Before Mu Yeong left for Dongnae with Lee Chang, he left his wife under the protection of the Queen.
Mu Yeong’s wife turned out to be the only woman to successfully deliver a healthy son and the Queen immediately takes him away to make him the Crown prince.
6. About Kingdom (2019)
Kingdom is a 2019 South Korean political fantasy drama thriller series written by Kim Eun-hee and directed by Kim Seong-hun. It is Netflix’s first Korean original. The series is based on the webcomic series The Kingdom of the Gods by Kim Eun-hee.
As of now, the series has two seasons. A special episode of the series, titled “Kingdom: Ashin of the North” is set to release on 23rd July, 2021 and will be centered around the supporting character Ashin played by Jun Ji-hyun.
No Comments on Who Is The Traitor In Kingdom?