In Captivating the King, Kim Jong-bae proves to be the main obstacle in Yi In’s path to becoming King. Jo Sung-ha plays Kim Jong-bae.
Kim Jong-bae, the Minister of War, is the Queen’s brother. He emerges as a key player in the power struggle between the families of the Queen and Queen Dowager.
As the King’s health deteriorates each day, a succession crisis unfolds. The Queen’s family wishes for the Prince Royal to take the throne.
As a result, Kim Jong-bae plots against Grand Prince Jinhan, Yi In, to prevent him from being named the successor to the King.
Jong-bae’s schemes
When the Qing take Yi In hostage, Jong-bae sees this as the perfect opportunity to solidify his family’s influence in the court.
He asks his sister to bear the King a son, and as always, his sister follows his advice. Once the Queen gives birth to a son, Jong-bae makes it his mission to make him the successor to the King.
In Yi In’s absence, he spreads rumors about Yi In becoming the Qing’s spy. He successfully turns the King against Yi In before Yi In’s return.
To further damage Yi In’s reputation, he has him followed by his trusted official, Yoo Hyun-bo, who goes as far as attacking innocent citizens who associate with Yi In.
Despite Yi In’s assurances that he has no desire to ascend to the throne, Jong-bae remains unconvinced and continues to make moves against him.
At times, Jong-bae abuses his powers, earning the disapproval of the rest of the court. Despite this, Jong-bae does not stop.
When Jong-bae hears that the spy who was caught by the Qing was seen at the courtesan house that Yi In has been frequenting, he accuses Yi In of plotting against the King.
The King believes Jong-bae’s lies once again and allows him to interrogate the people of the courtesan house.
Jong-bae, without any qualms, resorts to torturing innocent citizens. He orders their arrest and subjects them to torture simply to extract a false confession against Yi In.
A traitor’s death
The King’s sudden death throws a wrench in Jong-bae’s plans. Yi In lies about the King’s last words to claim the throne, but Jong-bae remains skeptical.
He is willing to go to great lengths to prevent Yi In from becoming the King by proving that he is a traitor.
He even uses his authority as the Minister of War to get the soldiers who guard the palace and the capital to intimidate Yi In.
Jong-bae’s son then forges a confession in Kang Hee-soo’s name, which allows Jong-bae to accuse Yi In of treason.
However, Yoo Hyun-bo, who comes to know that Jong-bae is using him, betrays him. He reveals to the court officials Jong-bae’s plan to frame Yi In.
Jong-bae is arrested for treason. However, when he still refuses to admit to treason and beg for Yi In’s forgiveness, Yi In kills him.
Also Read: Grand Prince Jinhan/Yi In: Captivating the King character explained