Malibu Crush (2022)

Joseon stands firm against U.S. incursion. Yu-jin survives in America — as Eugene. Ae-sin knows that great change is afoot with global ramifications.

The empress has been murdered: For Ae-sin, words are useless against rapacious foreign powers; she’ll take up arms instead. Eugene gets a new post.

In an age of imported coffee and fashions, Ae-sin prefers her German gun, but wonders what the English word “love” means and whether Eugene is a friend.

Suspicions run deep as U.S. troops lose a gun on a train. Ae-sin shows Dong-mae compassion, Hui-seong returns to Joseon, and Eugene considers revenge.

Ae-sin meets Hui-seong for coffee at the hotel. Eugene deals with Japanese troops at the U.S. legation, and wants to know why Ae-sin defends Joseon.

Ae-sin gets a new mission. Eugene, Dong-mae and Hui-seong have something in common. Eugene delves into his past, and finally gives Ae-sin his answer.

Ae-sin learns love’s real meaning and crushes a thug. Emperor Gojong asserts Joseon’s authority. Eugene reveals his Korean name to Ae-sin.

Despite being advised to lay low as a noble lady, Ae-sin undertakes a dangerous operation. Eugene makes a surprising move and Hui-seong probes his past.

Eugene wants to know why Ae-sin can’t pull back, but her path is with the Righteous Army. Hui-seong disagrees with Ae-sin and offers an alternative.

The emperor seeks Eugene’s aid. Hui-seong visits the tailor. Ae-sin feels conflicted after hearing Eugene’s story, but later sees him on a snowy night.

Ae-sin apologizes to Eugene, but he hopes that she’ll keep fighting for her Joseon. Hui-seong takes a streetcar ride with Ae-sin and proposes a plan.

Reaffirming her commitment, Ae-sin stands by her decision and settles on an unforeseen pact over castella cake. Eugene investigates an old photograph.

Ae-sin and Eugene take a ride out to the sea. A nefarious traitor shows great interest in Hui-seong and Eugene. Lord Go Sa-hong meets with Hui-seong.

Eugene gets devastating news, Dong-mae is apprehended, Ae-sin asks Hina for help and Hui-seong comes to the rescue when Eugene finds himself cornered.

A disquieting sight vexes Emperor Gojong. Ae-sin defies Lord Go, Eugene refuses to forgive, and Hui-seong visits the Go family estate.

Hui-seong starts a newspaper and makes a personal sacrifice. Lord Go marshals support, Ae-sin imagines a different life, and Eugene goes to the palace.

After giving up that which means the most to him, Hui-seong gets a friend a gift. Lord Go leads an urgent appeal, and Ae-sin faces Japanese troops.

Eugene contends with a viperous imperialist. Seeing Lord Go’s incarceration, Hui-seong publishes a special edition. Ae-sin snubs a Japanese official.

Lady Ae-sin loses a part of herself. Lord Go counters mounting imperialist schemes, Hui-seong avenges Ae-sin and Emperor Gojong strikes down a snake.

The Righteous Army retaliates against Japanese troops and Ae-sin seeks justice. War breaks out in Joseon -- and Eugene gets orders to return to the U.S.

Called an American imperialist, Eugene later asks Ae-sin why she persists in a futile cause. Hui-seong helps Ae-sin out of a bind. An ally joins Ae-sin.

Emperor Gojong tries to shield the nation but is thrust into an impasse. Finding herself behind the eight ball, Ae-sin concedes that words have power.

Seeing the explosion, Hui-seong, Dong-mae and Eugene fear the worst. The world’s indifference dismays Emperor Gojong, but Joseon’s defiance gets bolder.

Joseon remains steadfast. The Righteous Army perseveres on its course. Ae-sin keeps her flame ablaze, while Hui-seong, Dong-mae and Eugene try to help.