Gildong's father, a nobleman and state minister, whose struggle between love for his son and loyalty to traditional values influences the family dynamic.

Gildong's mother, a lowborn maid whose gentle nature defies societal labels, inspiring her son despite the constraints of her status.

A former courtesan and jealous senior concubine in Minister Hong's household, whose actions set pivotal events in motion due to her vendetta against Gildong and Chunseom.

Gildong's older legitimate half-brother, whose government role and adherence to tradition contrast with Gildong's ambitions and hardships.

The symbolic monarch of Joseon, representing the nation's authority, whose interactions with Gildong reveal the rigid class system's shortcomings.