Kim Gae-si

Kim Kaesi (; 1584–1623) or formally called Court Lady Kim, was a palace woman of the Joseon period. She became a concubine of King Seonjo and later of his son, Gwanghaegun. During the latter's reign, she intervened in state affairs and wielded power, but was beheaded after Gwanghaegun's deposition.

Biography There aren't special records about her family or early life. It has only been recorded that she was a maid in Prince Gwanghae's palace. Then she received the favor of Gwanghae's father, King Seonjo, and became his favorite concubine.

Despite not being beautiful, she was liked by both Seonjo and Gwanghae due to her agility and skill. After Seonjo's death in 1608, she became Gwanghae's concubine. At the time, it was acceptable for the next king to take his father's former consort, with the exception of the legitimate wife and their own biological mother.

After Gwanghae took the throne, she helped him in confining his legitimate mother, Queen Inmok, and killing her only son and Seonjo's only legitimate son, Grand Prince Yeongchang.

Despite her lowly background and status as court lady (not a proper royal consort), Lady Kim wielded power to the extent that she worked with Yi Yi-cheom and Gwon Sin . Her power even surpassed that of Queen Yu, Gwanghae's wife and the leader of the Internal Court.

In 1623, after King Injo was enthroned following a coup d'état led by the Seoin faction, Lady Kim was executed.

In popular culture Portrayed by Lee Min-ja in the 1962 film Queen Dowager Inmok. Portrayed by Kim Bo-yeon in the 1982 MBC TV series Woman Exhibition in the West Palace. Portrayed by Won Mi-kyung in the 1986 MBC TV series The Hoechun Gate. Portrayed by Lee Young-ae in the 1995 KBS2 TV series West Palace. Portrayed by Lee Joo-hwa in the 2000–2001 KBS2 TV series Roll of Thunder. Portrayed by Park Sun-young in the 2003–2004 SBS TV series The King's Woman. Portrayed by Jeon Min-seo and Jo Yoon-hee in the 2014–2015 KBS2 TV series The King's Face. Portrayed by Shin Rin-ah, Jo Jung-eun and Kim Yeo-jin in the 2015 MBC TV series Splendid Politics. Portrayed by Min Ji-ah in the 2019 tvN TV series The Crowned Clown. Portrayed in the 2019 KakaoPage webtoon series Finally, the Blue Flame. Portrayed by Song Seon-mi in the 2021 MBN TV series Bossam: Steal the Fate. Portrayed by Im Do-hwa in the 2026 Channel A historical dramatized variety show Time Slip: A Thousand and One Nights episode 5.