Lady Misil'’’ of Silla (미실, 美室, 540? ~ 600?) is a historical figure of Silla. Though not recorded in the Samguk Sagi or Samguk Yusa, she is a very important figure in the transcription of the Hwarang Segi.
According to the Hwarang Segi, she was a daughter of Lord Mijinbu, with her father's mother being the Princess Samyeop, daughter of King Beopheung. Her mother was the Lady Myodo, sister of queen mother Sado (consort of King Jinheung. With these relations, Mishil gained the qualification of being a jingol (眞骨 진골 a noble within the bone rank system).
She became powerful due to her relations with the Kings of Silla and the various Pungwoljus; she was the wife of Lord Sejong (6th Pungwolju), lover of General Seolwon (7th Pungwolju), and was concubine to 3 successive kings of Silla: King Jinheung, King Jinji, & King Jinpyeong, being also in love with Crown Prince Dongryeon.
Her enormous power was proved when she persuaded the various nobles to expel Jinji from his throne. 2 of her sons (through her many relations), Lords Hajong & Bojong, became the 11th & 16th Pungwolju, respectively.
In Queen Seondeok, Lady Misil (by Ko Hyun Jung) is involved is some events that happened after the death of the real person. She is portrayed as one of the most influential persons in the kingdom of Silla functioning as court lady (being Jinheung's concubine), Keeper of the Royal Seal (璽主 새주 Seju), Beholder and Controller of the Military, and as Wonhwa (patroness of the Hwarang corps). Furthermore, she possesses intelligence that makes her appear even stronger.
One of the examples of her influence is the deposal of Jinji from the throne. She originally wanted to be Jinji's primary consort, but suddenly he broke off from their agreement, refusing even to recognize Mishil's son with her. Due to this, Mishil, with the nobles and the military faction by her side, launched a coup d'état with the motive of removing him as King of Silla, enthroning his nephew (and Jinheung's eldest grandson) Baekjeong as King in replacement.
In order to consolidate her political base, Misil devised plans to exile the two princesses of Silla, Princesses Cheonmyeong and Deokman, but had failed. She had attempted another coup to dethrone the Royal Family but Princess Deokman managed to restore order to the palace.