Set in 18th century Korea, long-ruling King Yeongjo's struggle with his son, Sado, sees the king take extreme measures in order to deal with his heir.

Over a period of eight days, an 18th-century Korean king punishes his only son for attempted regicide. Flashbacks reveal the chain of events that led the son to rebel against his father in this tale of the strained relationships that exist between all fathers (who want their sons to grow into fine and competent men) and their sons (who struggle to prove themselves in order to earn their fathers' respect and approval).—FourByFour