Based on Li Zhengming's novel of the same name, set against the backdrop of the Korean royal court's painting studio, it tells the story of the genius painter Shin Yun-bok during the Joseon era. During the reign of King Jeongjo, the student hall of the royal painting studio unexpectedly discovered a controversial painting depicting women. Professor Kim Hong-do found out that the culprit was the son of court painter Shin Han-pyeong, Shin Yun-bok (played by Moon Geun-young). Although surprised by his talent and skill, Yun-bok inevitably faces the fate of being expelled from the painting studio. Fortunately, his teacher and friend Kim Hong-do (played by Park Shin-yang) appreciates and protects him, leading him through many difficulties to become a formal painter in the studio. Subsequently, both of them are entrusted by the king to investigate a series of murders that occurred ten years prior. Ten years ago, Shin Yun-bok's parents were unjustly murdered, and he was adopted by Shin Han-pyeong. Yun-bok falls in love with the most beautiful courtesan in Hanyang, Jeong-hyang (played by Moon Chae-won), who is being forced to marry the merchant Kim Jao-nyeon as a concubine. At the same time, Hong-do discovers that he has special feelings for Shin Yun-bok, who is also a man. As the plot unfolds, hints of the long-ago murder case gradually emerge, and Shin Yun-bok's secrets begin to be revealed...
