Recognized for his mystical powers since the reign of King Taejong, Ji-hwa was blind but became famous for his uncanny accuracy in predicting people’s fortunes and destinies.

During King Sejong’s reign, he was even entrusted with setting the dates of royal weddings and palace ceremonies.

But even for a man who once held such influence, the end eventually came. In 1453, after seizing power through the Gyeyujeongnan coup, King Sejo ordered Ji-hwa’s execution by beheading. The charge was that Ji-hwa had foretold to Prince Anpyeong that he had the “fate to become king,” which allegedly encouraged the prince and his followers to plot a rebellion.