The third episode of 500 Years of Joseon Dynasty deals with the period of history spanning from the reign of King Munjong, the first son of Sejong, to the chaos of Yeonsangun's rule. The "ume tree" of the title represents Queen Insu, the mother of King Seongjong. She was eventually beaten to death by her crazed grandson Yeonsangun for sending his mother, the deposed Queen Yoon, into exile.