In The First Night With The Duke Episode 5, the wedding selection took a sharp turn. Gyeongseong-gun, played by Ok Taecyeon, is at the center of it all. What started with dozens of hopefuls is now down to just a few finalists. Among them are Cha Seon-cheok (Seo Hyun), Jo Eun-ae (Kwon Han-sol), and Do Hwa-seon (Ji Hye-won). Each one has different reasons for staying in the game. But the tension between them is very real.
Who’s Who in the Selection Game?
New viewers or those who missed a few episodes might wonder: Who are these women competing for the royal spotlight?
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Jo Eun-ae: (The original Female Lead) A sharp and composed candidate who hides deep scars from the past.
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Cha Seon-cheok: A time-traveling college student trying to survive the palace’s ruthless politics.
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Do Hwa-seon: Elegant, strategic, and possibly dangerous—she’s not here to make friends.
Gyeongseong-gun Faces Conflict at the Palace
Things are also heating up inside the royal court. Gyeongseong-gun went to see the queen dowager. He looked upset. He asked why his marriage was being planned without his knowledge.
Historically, many palace dramas reflect real past norms—royalty rarely had personal freedom in marriage. This conflict between Gyeongseong-gun and the queen dowager echoes that tradition. It adds realism to the show’s fantasy setting, making it more than just a romance. Even though this is a fantasy drama, the stakes feel grounded in emotional truth: power, duty, and rebellion. The queen dowager was firm. She said royal weddings are not personal matters.
He tried to push back. He reminded her he was not a prince. Gyeongseong-gun even told her he had already found the right person for him, referring to Seon-cheok. But the queen stood her ground. She said royal marriages aren’t about personal feelings. At that moment, Gyeongseong-gun made a bold move. He stood up and gave her a warning. He said, “Please remember. I gave you one last chance.” His tone had changed. His eyes were serious. He didn’t want to follow their plan.
That scene showed how much he was ready to fight for his choice. He said it clearly: “The woman I chose will be chosen anyway.” That one sentence told everything. He won’t give up. Meanwhile, Seon Cheok told her parents she had submitted her application for marriage to enter the royal selection. Her father, Cha Ho-yeol, looked shocked. He asked if Gyeongseong-gun had forced her. But she told the truth. She said it was her own decision.
Her mother, Yoon Deok-jeong, took a different view. She said it was brave to enter such a hard competition. She supported her daughter. Cha Ho-yeol explained why he was against it. He didn’t want his daughter involved in a royal marriage. But in the end, he couldn’t stop her. She was too hopeful. And he knew she was ready.
After The Selection Process
Cha Seon-cheok seems frustrated while arguing with Hwa-seon before the selection test. While speaking to Jo Eun-ae, she questioned if the final choice had already been made. Her comment wasn’t just casual. It showed how serious and tired she had become. She even gave Do Hwa-seon a sharp look. Something feels unfair to her whenever Hwa-seon cheats in every round. But somehow they all got selected in archery, throwing balls, & balancing the dishes.
Jo Eun-ae, however, remained calm. She reminded her that nothing ever goes as planned. She said the only thing that matters is the present. Her words felt real and comforting. That moment helped Cha Seon-cheok feel less alone. She called her words “cool” and thanked her. There’s also a growing bond between Eun-ae and Seon-cheok. Eun-ae told her, “Just being with you gives me strength.” It was a quiet, warm scene that showed mutual support. These two women aren’t just competing. They’re slowly growing closer.
Now, more pressure is building as each candidate tries harder. One promised to show her full talent and win the final selection. She said she would prove she deserves the spotlight. Her last words made it clear: “I will win, for my pride.”
The queen assigns a task to all candidates, each receiving 10 nyag, to increase their value in two days without extra help or favors. This test reveals smartness and survival skills. Eun-ae’s calm demeanor hints at her deep desire for the male lead and her fear of losing control. A new version of the story will be published soon, with edits and new details. The episode changes the characters’ perceptions and introduces a slow but clear rivalry.
Preview
In the upcoming episode, viewers are curious about what Do Hwa-seon is planning. She has always been bold. Hwa-seon once worked with the queen dowager. She even caused problems for Jo Eun-ae in the past. Now, she stands face to face with Gyeongseong-gun. What will she say to him?
The preview pictures show a quiet but intense scene between the two. She’s dressed to impress, smiling softly. Gyeongseong-gun looks back with unreadable eyes. It’s hard to know what he’s thinking. The question now is simple. Will Gyeongseong-gun fall into Do Hwa-seon’s trap? Or will he stick to his choice? There’s only one way to know.
The First Night With The Duke airs every Wednesday and Thursday at 9:50 PM on KBS2. Viewers can also stream it on Coupang Play and Wavve. This K-drama blends fantasy and romance in a light, fun way. It shows what happens when a simple college student ends up in a royal world with big secrets. The mix of strong characters, mystery, and heartfelt moments keeps people watching.
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Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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