In the opening scene of episode 7, titled "Mask," the palace is abuzz with preparations for the upcoming festival. The Queen, Kim So-yong, is feeling the pressure of her dual identity as she navigates her life in the Joseon era while still being a modern man trapped in a woman's body. She is particularly anxious about the festival, which is a significant event that requires her to maintain her royal composure.

As the festival begins, the Queen is tasked with wearing a traditional mask, which symbolizes her royal status. However, she struggles with the expectations placed upon her. The mask becomes a metaphor for her internal conflict, as she feels trapped by her royal duties and the persona she must uphold. Her emotional turmoil is palpable as she reflects on her life before the palace, longing for the freedom she once had.

Meanwhile, the King, Cheoljong, is also preparing for the festival. He is determined to impress the Queen and show her his affection. His internal motivation is to bridge the gap between them, as he senses her distance and struggles. He plans a surprise for her during the festival, hoping to create a moment that will bring them closer together.

As the festivities commence, the atmosphere is lively, filled with music and dance. The Queen, still grappling with her identity, feels out of place among the revelers. She watches the celebrations unfold, her heart heavy with the weight of her secret. The King approaches her, and they share a moment of connection, but the tension remains as she struggles to fully engage with him.

During the festival, a series of events unfold that lead to a confrontation. A group of nobles, who are critical of the Queen's rule, plot to undermine her authority. They use the chaos of the festival to their advantage, attempting to create a scandal that would tarnish her reputation. The Queen, unaware of their intentions, continues to navigate the festivities, but she begins to sense that something is amiss.

As the night progresses, the Queen is drawn into a dance with the King, and for a brief moment, she allows herself to enjoy the moment. However, the nobles' plan comes to fruition when they unveil a scandalous rumor about the Queen, claiming she is unfit to rule. The crowd's reaction is mixed, and the Queen feels the sting of betrayal and humiliation.

In a pivotal moment, the Queen decides to confront the nobles directly. She removes her mask, symbolizing her willingness to reveal her true self and stand up for her position. The King supports her, standing by her side as they face the nobles together. This act of defiance strengthens their bond, and the Queen's determination to protect her reign becomes evident.

The episode culminates in a dramatic showdown where the Queen, with the King's backing, addresses the crowd. She passionately defends her right to rule and challenges the nobles' accusations. The tension in the air is thick as she speaks, her voice steady despite the emotional turmoil within her. The crowd begins to rally behind her, swayed by her conviction and the King's unwavering support.

As the festival comes to a close, the Queen and King share a moment of intimacy, acknowledging the challenges they face together. The episode ends on a hopeful note, with the Queen feeling a renewed sense of purpose and the King more committed than ever to stand by her side. The mask, once a symbol of her struggles, now represents her strength and resolve to embrace her identity as both a ruler and a woman.

In episode 7, titled 'Mask', the mask symbolizes the hidden identities and secrets of the characters. It becomes a pivotal element during the royal banquet, where the characters don masks to conceal their true selves. This leads to a series of misunderstandings and comedic situations, particularly for Kim So-yong, who is trying to navigate her dual identity as both a queen and a modern man.

In this episode, Kim So-yong's relationship with King Cheoljong deepens as they share moments of vulnerability while masked. The anonymity allows them to express their true feelings without the constraints of their royal roles. This leads to a significant turning point where they begin to understand and trust each other more, despite the chaos surrounding them.

Throughout episode 7, Kim So-yong struggles to keep her identity as a man hidden, especially during the banquet where everyone is wearing masks. The pressure mounts as she must navigate royal etiquette while also dealing with the advances of other characters who are unaware of her true identity. Her internal conflict is palpable as she fears being discovered and the consequences that would follow.

The use of masks leads to several comedic situations, particularly when characters mistake each other for someone else. For instance, Kim So-yong accidentally interacts with people who believe she is someone else, leading to humorous misunderstandings. These moments highlight the absurdity of the royal court and provide comic relief amidst the more serious undertones of the plot.

In 'Mask', the theme of identity is explored as characters interact without the constraints of their usual roles. The masks allow them to express parts of themselves that are usually hidden, leading to honest conversations and unexpected alliances. This exploration of identity is particularly significant for Kim So-yong, who grapples with her dual existence and the freedom the mask provides.