Check in Hanyang- Episodes 1-2
Episode 1 of Check-in Hanyang opens with a gripping blend of deception and ambition in the heart of the Joseon era. Hong Deok-soo, disguised as a man, risks it all in a gambling den, winning a coveted admission card to Yongcheonru, a mysterious and luxurious inn renowned for its ability to grant any request—for a price. However, her victory is short-lived as chaos ensues, and she narrowly escapes a police raid.
The scene shifts to Prince Lee Eun, a royal with a keen eye for intrigue, who notices the inn's palanquin departing the palace. His curiosity takes him to Yongcheonru, where his path crosses with Deok-soo's. A heated altercation over the admission card ends with the Prince dramatically tearing it in half, leaving Deok-soo vowing revenge.
Determined to enter Yongcheonru, Deok-soo forges a new card and reveals her tragic backstory—a father murdered, a legacy stolen, and a key entrusted to her as her only link to the inn’s secrets. Meanwhile, Lee Eun uncovers a sinister ledger hidden within Yongcheonru that threatens to expose the royal family’s darkest secrets. With their fates entwined, Deok-soo and Lee Eun unknowingly step into a dangerous game of power, revenge, and hidden identities.
Episode 2 takes the intrigue to new heights as Deok-soo infiltrates Yongcheonru, maintaining her male disguise while facing constant challenges. An unexpected ally emerges in Cheon Jun-hwa, the charming yet enigmatic son of Yongcheonru's owner, who has his own agenda.
As Deok-soo begins her training, her disguise falters, and she’s forced to rely on Prince Lee Eun to keep her secret. But their uneasy alliance is tested when a murder linked to the forged admission card brings the police to Yongcheonru’s doors. Meanwhile, Deok-soo’s sharp wit and dice skills shine as she leads her group in a daring gamble to secure better accommodations, but her actions draw suspicion from the innkeeper, who begins to connect her to the mysterious card.
The episode ends with a thrilling flashback, revealing Deok-soo’s childhood lessons in dice-playing from her late father and the fateful advice that drives her ambition.
DramaZen's Opinion
The first two episodes of Check-in Hanyang are a perfect introduction to what promises to be a thrilling and emotionally rich drama.
Episode 1 immediately hooks you with Hong Deok-soo’s bold gamble and determination to infiltrate the mysterious Yongcheonru. Her backstory is heart-wrenching, and the layers of deception, from her disguise as a man to the forged card, kept me glued to the screen. Prince Lee Eun’s involvement adds a regal yet relatable perspective, with his curiosity and sharp wit creating great tension and chemistry with Deok-soo.
Episode 2 brings even more intrigue as Deok-soo navigates life at Yongcheonru while keeping her true identity a secret. The dynamic between her and Cheon Jun-hwa is fun to watch, and Lee Eun’s reluctant support adds complexity to their growing alliance. The murder investigation tied to the admission card raises the stakes, and the dice game scene was exhilarating—it had me on the edge of my seat!
These episodes brilliantly balance suspense, humor, and character development, making it impossible not to root for Deok-soo as she faces impossible odds. With its sharp writing and captivating performances, Check-in Hanyang is off to a fantastic start. I can’t wait to see how this story unfolds!
