Why Does Cho Eun Ae Want to Marry Lee Beon in The First Night with the Duke

One of the biggest twists in the popular K-drama The First Night with the Duke is the unexpected decision made by Cho Eun Ae (played by Kwon Han Sol)—a character who originally held the role of the main protagonist in the fictional novel The Tyrant’s Obsessive Love. However, her position in the story drastically changes when Cha Sun Chaek (played by Seohyun of SNSD), possessed by a real-world college student named “K,” enters the novel and alters the course of events.

As the story unfolds, Eun Ae and Lee Beon (played by Ok Taecyeon) are no longer a destined couple. In fact, Cho Eun Ae no longer harbors romantic feelings for Lee Beon and even appears wary of him. And yet, to everyone’s surprise, she joins the competition to become his wife in Episode 4.

So, why would Cho Eun Ae still want to marry Lee Beon, despite no longer being in love? Here are the three main reasons behind her decision:

1. She’s Tired of the Bullying and Social Exclusion

Cho Eun Ae is portrayed as a kind-hearted and gentle girl who genuinely cares for others. But her goodness has made her a target for cruel gossip and social exclusion. The worst rumor? That she’s her adoptive father’s mistress.

Among her tormentors, Do Hwa Seon (played by Ji Hye Won) is the most relentless. As the daughter of a royal official and a relative of the Queen Dowager (Nam Ki Ae), Hwa Seon looks down on Eun Ae and constantly harasses her, deeming her unworthy of aristocratic society.

Although Cho Eun Ae initially saw Cha Sun Chaek as a friend, a misunderstanding during the Astral Philosophy Club meeting leads her to wrongly believe that Sun Chaek has been pretending to be kind—just like the other noblewomen who eventually turn on her. Feeling betrayed, Eun Ae decides to take control of her own fate, no longer willing to be the victim.

Marrying Lee Beon, a prince and royal family member, would be a way for Eun Ae to protect herself through status and power.

2. A Chance to Elevate Her Social Status and Gain Respect

Cho Eun Ae has been constantly looked down upon for her background. Abandoned at birth, she was later adopted by a wealthy merchant she once saved. While her adoptive father has great wealth, he lacked noble title—meaning Eun Ae was still treated as a commoner.

That changes in Episode 4, when her adoptive father reveals that they have officially purchased a noble title, making them eligible for high society. He encourages Eun Ae to stop feeling inferior and even pushes her to join the palace’s selection process for Lee Beon’s bride.

Eun Ae realizes that if she marries into the royal family, she will gain permanent acceptance and recognition in noble circles. More importantly, Lee Beon is a direct royal descendant. His wife could potentially become the future queen.

For someone who has lived a life of ridicule and judgment, the prospect of finally being respected is a powerful motivator.

3. She Wants to Prove Herself to Her Rivals

Do Hwa Seon continues to look down on Eun Ae, using her noble lineage as a weapon to belittle others. She mocks Eun Ae’s origins and confidently claims that a girl like her could never be worthy of standing beside a prince like Lee Beon.

By winning the selection and marrying Lee Beon, Eun Ae could prove her worth not only to Hwa Seon but also to herself. It would be a statement that background doesn’t define one’s value—and a way to rise above the cruelty she’s faced.

Additionally, after misunderstanding Cha Sun Chaek’s intentions, Eun Ae now sees her as another threat. Believing that Sun Chaek is trying to hurt her, Eun Ae becomes determined to compete, even though she’s aware that Lee Beon has already declared his intent to marry Cha Sun Chaek.

Although she once feared Lee Beon due to the dark rumors surrounding him, Eun Ae’s desire to gain power and prove herself overrides her original feelings, leading to her surprising decision at the end of Episode 4.

Will Cho Eun Ae Become Lee Beon’s Wife?

Cho Eun Ae’s sudden entry into the royal bride selection raises the stakes in The First Night with the Duke. Her decision is not driven by love, but by a deep need to survive, prove her worth, and secure her place in a society that has always rejected her.

As the story progresses, the rivalry between Cho Eun Ae and Cha Sun Chaek promises intense emotional and political drama, especially with Lee Beon caught in the middle.

Will Eun Ae win the title of royal bride? Or will she discover that power and prestige don’t bring the happiness she seeks?

Stay tuned as The First Night with the Duke continues to explore love, identity, and ambition in a fantastical yet emotionally grounded royal world.