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역적:백성을 훔친 도적
The son of a Joseon Dynasty slave reluctantly becomes a leader who protects the common people from an evil king.
It is the winter of 1505. Gil Dong is born to Ah Mo Gae and his wife, who are both servants living in their master’s house. Since he was born, Gil Dong has shown unusual, physical strength. There has been a legend about the Mighty Child who, if born, will be killed by the King.
The fish sell well and Ah Mo Gae comes home with money. He decides to become a free man along with his entire family and secretly gathers money so that he can pay for their freedom. He continuously reminds Gil Dong to control his anger and to hide his strength from others. Meanwhile, Ah Mo Gae’s wife tells him that she is pregnant.
Gil Dong spots his father coming out of Lord Jo’s house covered in blood. Lord Jo’s wife tells the district magistrate that it must’ve been Ah Mo Gae who murdered her husband since he has a grudge against him. Ah Mo Gae is beaten and imprisoned. Meanwhile, Lord Jo’s uncle tells the district magistrate that it was actually Gil Dong who attacked him.
After being threatened by Ah Mo Gae, Lord Jo’s wife tells the magistrate that it wasn’t Ah Mo Gae who killed Lord Jo. After being set free and no longer a slave, he moves to Ikhwa-ri with his children. There, he and his entourage start selling goods, and he gradually gains power.
Many years have passed and Gil Dong is now a young man. Unlike the past, he has lost his mighty strength and travels on foot, selling women’s merchandise. His father, Ah Mo Gae, has become the most powerful man in Ikhwa-ri. Meanwhile, Gil Dong meets Gong Hwa and Ga Ryung. The former tells him that she’d like the King to become her lover.
Ah Mo Gae’s men find Yeo Mi, Prince Choong Won’s runaway servant. They cut her hair and lie that she has died. Ah Mo Gae’s children and men struggle to get him out of prison. He asks Heo Tae Hak to let him see Prince Choong Won. Much to his surprise, he meets once again with Lord Jo’s wife.
Gil Dong and Uh Ri Ni jump into the water, and Gil Dong gets hit by arrows. He safely brings himself and his sister to shore before he passes out. While retrieving water for him, Uh Ri Ni gets kidnapped. Meanwhile, Gil Dong loses his memory.
Gil Dong’s memories are back and he returns home to find that his father is still alive. To prepare for his revenge, Gil Dong goes around looking for his father’s old members. Gil Dong states that he will seek his revenge with Prince Choong Won and that he is ready to be worse than just a thug.
Gil Dong and the gang decide to get revenge on Heo Tae Hak. They are smart about it and plan a way to slowly torture him. Meanwhile, there is a mysterious tension between Gil Dong and Ga Ryung.
Gil Dong and the gang dress up as porters and aid Prince Choong Won on his trip to Hanyang. There, a young lady recognizes Gil Dong as the magical peddler. Meanwhile, Gong Hwa is given the first and last chance to entertain the King.
Gil Dong and the gang plan to separate the bond between the King and Prince Choong Won. They set up a kisaeng parlor and invite Prince Choong Won. Their plan is to gather as much information about him and his followers.
Gil Hyeon becomes a scribe at the palace. The King hears rumors about how a scribe by the name of Kim Il Son has written nasty information regarding the King’s grandfather, King Sejo. Enraged and in order to show his authority, the King demands everyone who is involved in such rumors to be interrogated.
Prince Choong Won is interrogated at the palace. He believes that Gil Dong will prove him innocent, but to his surprise, Gil Dong stabs him in the back. Greatly disappointed, the King punishes Prince Choong Won.
Ah Mo Gae and Gil Dong goes to Geum Ok’s grave. Heo Tae Hak’s men attack Gil Dong and his gang. Meanwhile, the King decides to grant Nok Su her wish.
So Bu Ri makes a mistake, and Gil Dong is forced to meet with Ja Won. Gil Dong and his gang have a fight against another gang in Hanyang. Meanwhile, through the late Lord Jo’s wife, Prince Choong Won meets Jeong Hak’s teacher, Song Do Hwan.
Song Do Hwan decides to help Prince Choong Won and urges Jeong Hak to imprison Kkeut Swe. Meanwhile, Ga Ryung confesses her love for Gil Dong. Teary-eyed, Gil Dong tells her how he truly feels.
Gil Dong tries to turn the table around for Jeong Joon Boo’s case with a story of King Seongjong’s killing his wife for her being jealous. Meanwhile, Jeong Hak finds out that his father was killed by his own servant and that the son, Gil Dong, is the rebel whom he has to catch.
Prince Choong Won and Jeong Hak decide to put Gil Dong into a trap. Choong Won plans to tell Gil Dong that he has killed Uh Ri Ni, and when Gil Dong gets furious and attacks him, they plan to capture and punish him. Meanwhile, Mo Ri realizes that he has regained his strength.
Gil Dong and his men disguise as Hong Chum Ji, and they sweep across the nation, punishing those written in the Hengrok. During their journeys, they also help the innocent, and the people start to love and respect them. Jeong Hak becomes even more determine to catch these thieves. Meanwhile, foreign intruders attack.
Gil Hyeon is appointed by the King to capture the notorious thief, Hong Chum Ji. Unknowingly, Gil Dong is cornered by Gil Hyeon and his men. Meanwhile, Mo Ri attacks two of Gil Dong’s men.
