After successfully solving a high-profile murder case using his physiognomy skills, Nae-gyeong’s reputation reaches the royal court. He is eventually recruited by King Munjong to identify potential traitors who might threaten the throne.
Nae-gyeong attempts to intervene in history, even trying to physically alter the faces of those destined for power in an effort to change their fate. The story ultimately becomes a tragic exploration of whether human will can truly overcome destiny. Movie Review – The Face Reader (2013)
Living in seclusion with his son and brother-in-law, Nae-gyeong is approached by a gisaeng (courtesan) named Yeon-hong with a lucrative offer to use his skills in the capital.
The Face Reader (2013) is a South Korean historical drama that explores the life of Nae-gyeong, the son of a disgraced noble family who possesses the extraordinary ability to read a person’s personality, mental state, and future just by looking at their face.