Ep 1. Episode 1

Emperor of the Sea is a gripping historical Korean drama that follows Jung-Hwa, the son of a slave who rises to become the most powerful figure in the Joseon era. In episode 1, we are introduced to Jung-Hwa as a young boy, enslaved in a market. Despite the hardships he faces, he dreams of becoming a powerful man. In his early adulthood, he escapes from the market and reaches a small island where he meets a group of men who become his loyal comrades.

As Jung-Hwa grows older, he becomes a skilled sailor and gets involved in the trade of salt, which was the most valuable commodity of the time. He earns the nickname 'Tae-Oh', meaning 'big fish' which speaks of his ambition to become the biggest and most successful trader. At the same time, he develops a close relationship with Lady Jami, the daughter of a wealthy salt merchant. Their love story forms an integral part of the show's plot.

In the first episode, we see Jung-Hwa and his companions sailing on a ship, encountering a deadly storm that almost takes their lives. This scene introduces the viewers to the dangerous life at sea and the risks involved in trading salt. Despite the challenges, Jung-Hwa's ambition never wavers, and he successfully navigates his way through treacherous waters.

As Lady Jami becomes increasingly drawn to Jung-Hwa, the dynamics of their relationship begin to change. She starts to question her own motives and her status as a wealthy merchant's daughter, realizing that her love for Jung-Hwa is more important to her than her wealthy status. Throughout the episode, we see a contrast between Lady Jami's privileged upbringing and Jung-Hwa's humble beginnings, which adds depth to their relationship.

The episode's climax involves Jung-Hwa's encounter with a powerful merchant who owns a monopoly on the salt trade. Their meeting is heated, with the merchant trying to intimidate Jung-Hwa and make him back out of the salt trade. But Jung-Hwa refuses to cower and eventually strikes a deal with the merchant, forming an unlikely alliance.

All in all, the first episode of Emperor of the Sea is full of excitement, adventure, and romance. We are introduced to the show's main characters and the story that will drive the show's narrative. The episode sets the tone for an epic journey that spans continents and crosses oceans as it follows the life of a young slave who becomes one of the most influential figures in Korean history. Overall, Emperor of the Sea is a must-watch historical drama that will leave you hooked from start to end.