Name: Kim Hyeonjae 김현재 (金賢梓)
Other names: Hans Kim, Kim Hansu
Date of Birth: Hanyang, September 8
Age: 29 years old
Occupation: Handcrafted accessories merchant / Fifth Rank Official (Pangwan) in the Joseon Astronomy Bureau (Gwansanggam)
Kim Hyeonjae is a colorful young man, born into a yangban family but who always feel like an untamed wind. His vision is wide but many times he chooses to act spontaneously daring people’s expectations around him. His goodness radiates does not only stop at smiles and words but also through actions that commonly put other people's needs instead of his own even if this means going against the very principles held firmly by his family all along.
Within him is a fiery adventurous spirit, always fascinated by new and strange things. He enjoys creating little harmless problems such as making fun of his close friends or causing minor chaos during formal occasions just to see how people around him react. Though, he may be very intelligent, he would rather fool around with wild ideas than follow a predetermined path. His impulsive nature often leads him to make rash decisions without considering the long-term consequences. This often causes unnecessary problems or complications.
The youngest son of The Left State Councilor possesses a natural talent for speaking and captivating those around him. His words flow with a mesmerizing grace, capable of touching the deepest emotions or bringing a smile to anyone who hears them. With his charming language, he can ease tense situations or gain sympathy from those who might initially doubt him. His intelligence in communication makes him a beloved figure among both the yangban and common people. Hyeonjae is a young man who not only lives among words but brings those words to life in an unparalleled way.
HIS STORY
From the moment he was born, his parent's expectations were already put on his small shoulders. His name, carries a deep meaning and high hopes—“Hyeon” (현, 賢) means “wise” or “clever”, while “Jae” (재, 梓) refers to the “zelkova tree,” a symbol of growth and development. Perhaps, they wanted their youngest son to grow into a wise and clever man that can be shaped into whatever shapes that will fit into their needs.
However, the youngest didn’t meet up with their hope and expectations. In a respected family where wisdom and honor are key principles, Hyeonjae feels like wild wind blowing against the limits. His unwillingness to follow rules and his habitual challenging of expectations made him often seem troublemaker rather far from his elder brother Kim Hyeonwoo who is known as docile and respectful person.
Twelve years ago, Hyeonjae made an unexpected decision to leave home abruptly. Providing little explanation he only left a short letter saying that he will be back one day. This sudden decision not only worried but also infuriated his family. His family felt angry and insulted at Hyeonjae’s disregard for responsibility and respect which he was supposed to show.
During his journey in Qing dynasty, Hyeonjae did not only delve into cultural art but also studied Astronomy. He found solace in the vastness of the night sky, its mysteries mirroring the complexities of his own heart. The stars became his confidants, their distant light a reminder of the home he'd left behind.
As the years passed, Hyeonjae's reputation grew. His unique blend of Eastern and Western knowledge that he got from masters he met made him almost a sought-after scholar in the imperial court. Yet, even as he gained respect and admiration in this foreign land, a gnawing emptiness persisted within him.
One crisp autumn evening, as he gazed at the harvest moon, Hyeonjae realized it was time to fulfill his promise. With a heart both heavy and hopeful, he began his journey back to Joseon without knowing that his parents just sent some of their people to bring him home. The return was not as he had imagined. People he met on the street and food stalls were talking about his family and the fortunes they just got after losing the first son and their daughter in law. Hyeonjae then decided to take some time to digging for informations from afar while possessing as a accessories merchant named Kim Hansu.
The guise of Kim Hansu fit Hyeonjae like a well-worn glove. He had perfected the art of blending in during his years abroad, and now he put those skills to use in his own homeland. As he wandered the bustling streets of Hanyang, he kept his ears open, gleaning bits of gossip and whispered rumors about his family. The loss of Hyeonwoo and his wife, it seemed, had cast a long shadow over the Kim household. Yet, he knew he couldn't reveal himself just yet. There were too many questions left unanswered, waiting to be solved.
- He likes winter more than summer
- He likes rain
- He is fluent in Chinese and English
- While in Qing, he met a missionary who introduced and taught him about Catholic
- He likes rice cakes
- He knows that he is handsome and often use the face card to charm people
- Quite cheeky even if you just meet him
- He can play music instrument like Geomungo