The Setting.
Disrobe has been set in the late 1800's and early 1900's.
The story is based on the Fictional Kingdom of Baekmin.
Baekmin is one of the three largest Monarchies in East Asia, forming the southernmost Kingdom in what is present day- South Korea.
It gains origin from The Cultural aspects of The Korean Dynasties.
Some fictional philosophies, sayings and processions are also a part of the novel.
Since it is a Monarchy, the day-to-day operations, the institution etc. is all under the control of one man - The Crowned King.
The concept of Patriarchy is heavily prevalent throughout the novel and the FL's opposition lies against Patriarchy and Tyranny.
Mentioned in the novel is a brief History of Baekmin.
It mentions having been ruled by Crown Head Min Il, before he martyrs in the war that had unleashed between Baekmin and their biggest opponent Kingdom, Silkim.
Silkim is also a fictional Kingdom that neighbours Baekmin.
Silkim -- What was then a Monarchy has now turned into a democracy post the coronation of Silkim's new Crowned Head— Lee Min Hyuk, who is older than Min Yun Ki and heavily despises him for he has managed to maintain his Kingdom a Monarchy.
Crowned Head Min Il had 3 sons.
1. Seokmin.
2. Min Yun Ki
3. Bohoja (Who's identity shall be revealed in the future chapters).
Seokmin, elder to the two twins (Yun Ki and Bohoja) by 10 years was the successor to Baekmin however, accompanying his Father in the Baekmin-Silkim war, finds himself abducted by soldiers from Silkim, executed and has his decaptitated head sent to Baekmin's Royal Court as a relic.
It is then that, Min Yun Ki, a 25 year old, fresh out of exile, takes over the reigns.
Baekmin believes in Monogamous Marriages and Late Crowned Head Min Il had 1 wife only, The Queen, who is dominating by nature yet bears a soft spot for her younger son.
Soojin, born as Kim Soo Jin, is one of the two children, of a martyr in the Baekmin-Silkim war.
She lives with her Widowed Mother and her incapacitated elder brother, Joon Ki, who suffers from Muscular Dystrophy, in a village on the outskirts of Baekmin.
Soojin finds herself working at The Goldsmith in the village she lives in, at the tender age of 16.
She and her mother face the lashes of Patriarchy, being abandoned and unsheltered by a dominant male figure in the household.
This causes them to face discrimination and suggestive propositions from the men in the village, who see them as soft targets.
Soojin is famous for her dear-like eyes and spotless milky skin.
As soon as she turns 19, her mother sends her to The Palace to be groomed to serve The King as a Royal Concubine, in exchange for 2 gold coins a month regime.
Soojin has an older cousin, Ryunjin.
She has been mentioned to be Min Yun Ki's first Royal Concubine.
Soojin's naivety causes her to be manipulated at the hands of Bohoja who uses her emotions to coax her into supporting him.
Min Yun Ki is the youngest offspring of Late Crowned Head Min Il.
He's the current Crowned King and is known for being rash and impulsive in his decision making process.
He has not exposed his identity to The Masses of Baekmin and is always adorned in Jute Masks, when in the public eye.
This has garnered him quite the attention.
The reason he gives His People is that he wishes to save himself from assassination yet, the truth lies in the 3 inch scar that runs across the right half of his face, extending from his eyelids down to his malaria prominence.
Kings in East Asia could not have scars on their faces as it was considered an ominous sign, yet Yun Ki rules the throne.
He is adamant, hot headed and resolute.
He's had a rough childhood, at the hands of his elder twin.
He is what he is because of what he's seen in the forming years of his life.
Alcohol and Women are his vices.
Bohoja is the 2nd oldest offspring to Late Crowned Head Min Il.
He is older to Yun Ki by 7 minutes and has exerted his seniority and supremacy one too many times, deeming him as his 'Shadow'.
He is manipulative, scheming and rather cunning in his endeavours of fooling Soojin.
He has reared snakes in the Kingdom, against his own brother, who he wishes to overthrow.
He is romantically linked to Soojin and is known as The Master of Disguises.
His deep rooted hatred for Yun Ki is revealed later.
He too shares the 3 inch scar over his face.
The reasons behind it are revealed later on in the novel.
Greed, Arrogance and Malice are his vices.
