The King's Affection (TV Series 2021– ) Poster

User Reviews

Review this title
93 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
9/10
The Power of Love, Loyalty, and a Strong Woman in "The King's Affection"
AJ_McAninch3 January 2022
I love the cast and most of the series. It is true that at some points its narrative pace weakens, and there are some transition issues perhaps from time constraints. However, when this 20-episode drama is good, it's very good. Some scenes are delightfully hilarious, others charming or deeply moving: the makers did a great job of developing characters and relationships. I think if it had been tightened and trimmed into 16 eps, with a less hurried writer, the series would have been gold. Still, the story and characters are strong, and the themes of loyalty, protectiveness, devotion, and love are explored tenderly. The series never is boring unless one views the dark sides of historical sexism, homophobia, classism, jealousy, abuse of power, political intrigue, assassination, murder, and struggles for position or justice through combat and power plays as boring. Or one never finished the series at all. For me, the real excellence of the series is its belief in friendship, loyalty, and love that "sees" and embraces the beloved, no matter the shifts and even threats. It is the series' greatest theme, and the actors deserve praise for their gifted performances in telling their characters' often tragic but also triumphant stories. And the most important take-away is that "Yes, she can."
41 out of 46 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Koreans getting rid of stereotypical gender roles one drama at a time.
hanalisss17 December 2021
The main key element who makes this show to fresh and original is the complete reverse of stereotypical gender roles. I know the king has to pretend to be a man but she never tries to act like one following ridiculous stereotypes. She never shied away from showing empathy and tenderness and at the same time she always proves to be strong, independent and fearless.

Then there's the male lead (Rowoon's character) who throughout the drama is so loyal, confident and proud of his feelings for the person he loves, no matter who that person is, is just amazing to watch.

I keep discovering Rowoons acting, I love the range of his late roles, comedy is where I enjoy him the most and this show makes his performance shine.

I love how coherent all characters are, from start to finish, all their actions make complete sense and they are in sync with their personalities.

This is not an overdramatized and exaggerated plot where everything is predictable so it will keep you interested until the end.

Just didn't give it a 10 because towards the end the pace is a bit slow for my taste and I missed more passion between the main couple but this is a Korean drama so Im used to that.

Good watch.
39 out of 46 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
Great!
wheatley-2023015 December 2021
There are many historical instances of women living their lives as men, but the unbelievability of such a beautiful and petite woman successfully doing so could well have been an obstacle to enjoying this series. Somehow it did not seem to matter. There are so many compensations with the usual Korean high standard of acting, skillful and propulsive plotting, believable relationships and rounded characters. No cardboard baddies here. Great!
29 out of 35 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Hidden gem
onelovek15 October 2021
Don't let the title fool you, so far this one is a hidden gem. Like the story already. I wasn't expecting this show to be this good through the first two episodes. Strong female lead, longing and waiting for more to come!
65 out of 73 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED DRAMA
katherineross-210235 November 2021
By far, this is really the best historical drama i've ever watched. Like i invested so much time without knowing. All casts are really cute and the story is so catchy. Ahh i'm so hooked up with this drama and i can't wait for the next episode.

I SWEAR THIS IS A MUST TO WATCH. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 100000/10.
36 out of 39 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
It's THAT Good
gojugirl8 December 2021
There's romance, espionage, mystery, political wrangling and edge-of-seat "OMG!" moments in every single episode. The storyline (the writers should be knighted) and cinematography are both amazing - but the acting? Everyone is so good at conveying emotion with just their eyes. Each episode is so so insane - twists and "just when you thought it was going HERE..." moments not withstanding - but the last 10-12 minutes of each episode have been riveting. You want it to resolve, but don't want it to end! It will seriously have you talking to your TV.
26 out of 28 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Brilliant production, casts and story
Themhysa26 October 2021
With just 5 episodes, I am loving each of the episodes so far. The acting are spot on. ParkEunBin is convincing as a man and monarch, and Rowoon is just too adorable as JiWoon. He is indeed what she needs in a cold and dangerous palace. I cannot wait to see how their love will blossom, how both will join hands to fight evil while remaining virtuous. Great story. Wonderful cinematography.
42 out of 48 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
I lived a life that was not mine
alaningle721 December 2021
The story of a girl who is unaware she was born a twin to the crown Prince but once he is murdered she assumes his identity. An interesting story which is well acted by the leads and and all the supporting cast. I would have scored it higher but too much time is taken on recaps and what seems like hours of people staring into space whilst the romantic theme tune plays.
22 out of 29 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
I can't believe only 29 reviews so far
ravmeltt3 January 2022
I've just finished watching this series for the second time, and I think I may wait a few days and start it all over again. What a beautiful show. I sobbed like a baby just now in the ending, even though I saw it the first time a few weeks ago. The show is just simply beautiful, wonderful, exhilarating and many more adjectives.

I loved all the leads, despised none except the grandfather, but he was acted exceptionally as well.

I fell in love with the king (the prince/princess), Royal Scribe Jung, her love interest. Oh my that I was years younger and in Korea! As the crown prince/king, the female lead was wonderful. Her expressions, her mannerisms, everything was so well acted! And Scribe Jung - so handsome, and when he blushes or looks at her with love, you just want to melt.

The acting overall was superb, and I cannot tell when I last enjoyed a show like this. I watch a lot of Netflix shows, I even watched Squid, and I watched Bridgerton twice, but I am in love with the King's Affection and have really been blown away.

I gave this 10 stars and if I could have given it 20 I would. If you haven't watched this yet, and you love a good story with good drama, romance, love, action, fighting and excitement, then put this as top priority on your list, and then come back and write about it. I'm reading every review! I can't get enough of this show.
41 out of 48 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
Strong Start, Slow Finish
Emjay_Movielover30 June 2023
This series had all the right ingredients but the writer's fell short in a few different areas. The actors were great, and the story was intriguing at first. However, the characters were not developed much past our initial introductions of them as children. Their bonds as adults were much based on the childhood bonds. We also have characters who were totally left out of speaking roles for the most part - the bodyguard mainly. I was intrigued to see his development and part to play but it was never there. I began to roll my eyes about half way through and started recognizing that the show was going downhill. I was still invested enough in the characters but I didn't fully enjoy completing the show. The obvious issues with a female in a male role being providing an heir, and dealing with the obvious of a female's monthly cycle etc. Never covered and the character never seemed to have any concerns about being discovered even with getting married etc. It was incredibly naive and unrealistic considering the "fear" the character had in the role to play the part. Also the 3 leads are portrayed as intelligent in the beginning with first hand experience of the dangers of the palace and yet none of them carry an heir of caution and just cruise around like they are in normal circumstances - also totally unbelievable portrayal for characters in their position. The female lead also starts to stall in her development and we get these cheesy hallmark moments with NO depth at all. The obvious identity issue regarding Dami is also ridiculous - in terms of a reveal... are we to believe that realization would not come even after the reveal in episode 12? So now are intelligent scholar is an idiot? Thus, I am so sad that this series wasn't better as it had me hooked in the beginning. I'd say honestly nothing special and there are much better period pieces like this one that are far more complex with their character development and realistic in their romantic connections etc.
4 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Congratulations to the Writer, Director, Crew and to the whole Cast for a job well done....Best KDrama ever!
superstore8815 December 2021
I have seen several KDramas and to this date, this is now my #1 tv series...edging my erstwhile favorites Crash Landing On You and Vagabond. This show has everything from Romance, Action, Suspense, Treachery, Humor and Tragedy. It's a Tear-jerker too from episode 2 up to the end of episode 20...You would need a lot of tissue or better a towel since there's a lot of crying for 19 episodes. The OSTs are so emotional and touching that whenever I hear IF I and I BELIEVE in a scene, my tears begin to fall..The show has the Greatest Love Story and the best last episode and ending..It's the first time I've seen all the cast but I immediately fell in love with them all, such a good chemistry and acting by the whole ensemble..You feel as if you are swayed and a part of the royal court....some of them you love, some you hate and a combination of both....but if I will surely protect my "HIS" Majesty the Crown Prince Lee Hwi...EUN-BIN PARK became one of my instant favorites and hearthrob.... she's so charming...I hope there will be another good show like this. LOVE IT..
29 out of 34 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
Good Enough
PennyReviews22 October 2022
Korean Drama " The King's Affection " is a drama with the theme of crossdressing in a melodrama rather than in a comedy.

The drama has a killer start, with a strong background story and tragic characters. The progress of the king's story is, in addition, smooth, and pretty dramatic. However, the romance was weak and probably the weakest point of the drama, as it didn't progress nicely and it had plenty of ups and downs.

On the other hand, the performances were spot on, and intense and the main leads handled their characters masterfully.

As for the cinematography, it was okay, not too original, but it feated the story.

So, overall, six out of ten.
5 out of 10 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
5/10
It could have been so much better.
cledakling23 September 2022
I'm a fan of longing looks as much as the next person, but this was just ridiculous. There were probably two full hours of people just staring at each other or off into the distance. There was plenty of story here, there was no need to drag it on for 20 episodes. And all those slow motion tumbles into the arms of a first or forbidden love. Is tripping the only way to meet someone?

Many have mentioned the casting. Park Eum-Bin is just too petite and Rowoon's features are almost more delicate than hers. I was constantly distracted thinking that the child actor who plays Jung Ji looks like he'd grow up to be the character Hyun. I know that child Jung Ji had a terrible trauma, but adult Jung Ji has nothing to suggest his younger self.

The story and look of the show were great, But there were so many character inconsistencies to make this the 10 rating that so many people seem to think. Yes I watched it all; mostly to see how it would turn out and was sorely tempted to just look to IMDb and find out. But I stuck with it because frankly, I had a free 20 hours. But if you're pressed for time I wouldn't do it.
14 out of 20 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
perfection!
mozzmck16 November 2021
I'm not going to waffle on, first review ever, Korean Drama is a recent discovery for me - even something as awful as covid lockdown has a silver lining - this is quite simply, unmissable.........
27 out of 32 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
A perfect & refreshing historical drama.
priyagoswami-9447215 December 2021
One thing i liked most about this drama is that male character did not startle whether he was loving a man or woman. This is a refreshing thing about this drama. I love the main cast and the supporting as well. Its visuals were awesome and the story was engaging till the end. Perfect Historical drama.
22 out of 26 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
9/10
an immersive serie with a touch of drama and romance
justwen895 November 2021
Very well thought out. I always look forward to watching this serie. It wasn't easy for anyone those days.such things did happen at this time. Not human at all, but power and status still come first.

I think Eun-bin Park had to get used to her own voice again. I do think that if you're in your role with a different voice, it's a bit of a switch. I enjoyed your acting!
23 out of 28 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
THE BEST DRAMA IN THIS YEAR!
sofieutami23 November 2021
This is the best historical drama I've ever seen! Really be a fun year-end drama. The plot, and the combination of other elements really blend very nicely. The ending is very much in line with expectations. For Park Eunbin, she portrayed the character so perfectly, she deserves an award! The chemistry between the players is very visible. Each episode never fails to make me sad, tense, scared, and happy at the same time! My favorite character, Hyun. He is the definition of a man who is loyal and sincerely loves his girl even though he is not one with her. In essence, this is a very beautiful drama, I don't know how to move on from this drama :(, anyone help me huhuhu. Especially, I can't forget Hyun's sweet and sincere smile aarrghhh, his smile is really distracting my world hahaha I dare to rate 100/100 for this drama!!!!
23 out of 29 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
7/10
I loved it until about half-way through
darlingremy6 May 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I loved it until about episode ten-eleven. I was completely with it, loved the pacing, the sets, the storyline, the acting, and the costumes. And then I got about half-way and my brain just got completely derailed by the plot.

So here's a guy who spends about 4-5 hour long episodes coming to terms with the fact that he loves a man, and may not even be hetero, willing to endure that conclusion in a time that no one accepts that kind of thing and BAM!

"This is my secret!" I have breasts! Lmfao I'm sorry, but that just annoyed me so much because they made such a big deal of him coming to terms with everything, and then WHAM! I've got lady parts! Do you know how upsetting that would be? I mean, sure, bend the gender normative stereotypes -- but dang, that would be a REALLY uncomfortable turnaround for SO many people.

Also -- why doesn't she tell him that she's the court maiden he's been looking for RIGHT THEN? Like, BAM, I'm a woman, AND I'm Dam-yi! It's ONE sentence. Just Darth Vader it.

"No, _I_ am Dam-yi!"

Also, he recognized the Crown Prince AS A WOMAN the VERY next time he meets her/him -- and YET, for some reason just nixes that entire idea with the slightest nudge, even though he SAW her.

No? No. Okay, anywaaaay...

The bodyguard, who is the strong, silent type (and takes his job VERY seriously -- seriously, that scene where the four of them sit down for drinks together and he chases Ji-un around the danged table - HILARIOUS) -- is the only man in the entire kingdom, the entire palace, no, the entire danged SHOW with bangs/fringe in his hair or a memorable talisman on the sheath of his sword -- and yet, he wears a mask while trying to hold up the king at sword-point. All I kept thinking was, "Dude, I don't think your mask is going to do much." Albeit, let's face it, the bodyguard's lack of talking really made some points truly hilarious. Funny.

I truly loved the Crown Princess' eunuch. He was hilarious and adorable all in one. The cast made everything enjoyable even though I lost my mind arguing with my danged television at some points at the stupidity of some moments. It actually annoyed me so much I didn't think I could continue. However, I _am_ on episode 14 (only six episodes/hours left) -- so I'm trying to stick in there. Will update when I finally finish it, if I can.

P. S. I'm still giving it a seven, because even if I ended it right then (which really, you COULD do) -- hey, dethroned, left the palace, managed to connect with Ji-un again, and BAM - happily ever after, free to live her life with the man she loves, show OVER. Honestly, I could walk away right now and just pretend the rest didn't happen and be content.
2 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
MOST DIVNE MASTERPIECE!!!
djenababathily24 January 2022
This is the first time I am making a review because I have never been so impacted by a TV broadcast!

By principle I run away from any type of addiction in my life but the King's affection not only got me addicted but also... obsessed!! LOL I have so much to open up about that I will have to share several reviews to cover up all my take outs... So this is episode 1 of my reviews 😂 First of all BRAVOOO to the entire team and to everyone that was directly or indirectly involved in this DIVINE MASTERPIECE!!! Everything was perfect and impressive: from the storyline, to the casting, to the acting, to the costumes, to the filming locations (beautiful views) and décor... And the soundtrack!! Oh my God!

Breathtaking ! So verily aligned and in rhythm with the storyline! Even without understanding this beautiful and so soft Korean language, the soundtrack especially "One & Only" and "If I" propulse you for a royal journey into the Palace and deep inside the story... I listen to it everyday: has become my daily booster. Stimulates and keeps me happy. It ignites a warm fire of love in my heart. It makes me believe and trust that I can still love and be loved once again. Against all odds... The last 2 episodes were aired late December in my Netflix zone. Then I watched the entire drama again and enjoyed it more because I was more relaxed and focused knowing about the happy ending! LOL This is my favourite Christmas gift and I will keep watching it over and over all year long!! LOL Last but not leat : this drama and the leads actors deserve a NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL AWARDS!!!

For me it is the BEST EVER!

A special ovation to Park Eun-bin: you are amaziiing! A Majesty you truly are ! Now only the sky is the limit for you... Till episode 2 of my reviews...Keep well everyone who is reading and be blessed!
6 out of 6 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
The hats!
LauraAnnG2 September 2023
I loved The King's Affection (despite its odd title).

I watched it after watching its lead actress, Park Eun-bin, in "Extraordinary Attorney Woo". It's pretty clear that Park is one of the planet's best actors. She's brilliant in this. Just like she's brillian in Woo.

The King's Affection is 20 episodes, each running about an hour. It's a historical drama based on a (I think) web comic. It is KDrama with a lot of KRomance. But there's a lot of comedy, too. And there's action. It's got everything.

So.. I am here to tell you it is really fantastic.

Korean TV is, of course, an acquired taste for American audiences.

I watched it in the original language with English subtitles.

The good: fantastic costumes and breathtaking scenery. It is an incredibly beautiful production. Fantastic acting by all involved. Really engrossing story. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful music (I'm a KPop fan). And... OMG the hats. (Yes, hats.). This might be the best historical drama I've ever watched.

The bad: there are long periods of time where nothing happens other than characters staring into each other's eyes. It feels crazy slow. Slow like you want to poke your eyes out with a stick slow. This is, I expect, normal for Korean shows like this. It is not normal for American audiences and I had to just sort of accept it.

It's gory and there are some shocking and disturbing deaths.

It has a lot of characters and I admit I had many problems keeping track of who was who amongst the secondary roles.

The slowness got in my way at first, but then I started to accept it and, also, the various stories really start to heat up around episode 10 and by 13 or so, it's flying.

I really loved this and I am so impressed with Park (who is just outstanding in "Woo") and all the actors. And gosh, I really loved the ending. A big chunk of the end of episode 20 is simply wonderful.

After 20 hour-long episodes, I wish there was more. Just like in Woo, I find myself missing the characters.

And did I mention the hats?
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
Nice serie ,but bit strange....
stevenvs-261253 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The serie self is good also the actors do great job

Sadly the char that is women and need to pretend to be a men, the should have make it more look like a men.

From the age after 10 years when she more grow up.

You see it she is a women ,not shoulders like a men the could cover that with put some filling in the cloths.

When not smilling you see already she is a women ,she is smal and her face looks like a women ,you cant cover it.

You can deseve meabe the outside world ,but sorry if even her father & Grandfather or even that queen or whatever it is ,then the verry stupid and when she smile + her hands already revail that she is a women ,iam now on 10 episodes ,stil only her close friend seems to know who she is ,but for me even the voice ,size ,face and hands revail it so how her family not see it are the so stupid?

But i give it a 6 becouse the charakters work in it is good and the story is good.

Only i would find it more realisic ,when the son died that it came out then that it get revailed and that the had no other choice to revail that she is the doughter of them or ad least that the hole family knows it and that the storry then go on with her as princess.
3 out of 10 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Must watch drama, romance and very interresting plot!
dvaneekhout8 December 2021
For the first time watching a Korean show and am intrigued by the interresting storylines. You want to see more! Can't wait for a new episode or even a season 2 (yes please!) The main lead characters have so much natural chemistry you can feel it. Also Park Eun Bin is a very good actress for playing both male and female. Overall good camerawork and beautifull settings and costumes. It wants to make you binge watch the show!
9 out of 10 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
6/10
A drama (or musical?) lacking in common sense.
jjkcougar23 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I'm used to a kdrama having a few moments where bad timing or a really dumb act allowed the bad guys to see or hear something to their advantage, but in this series it happens multiple times every bleeping episode.

Here are some examples of frustrating things to note:

-How is that no one there has learned the concept of whispering?

-How do you not notice when someone is standing in plain view within 20 feet and hears everything you're saying?

-How about when running for your life, you don't spend hours strolling through the main street of a village so the bad guys can find you?

-How about when a thug twice your size is holding a monster sword, don't walk away and then turn your own bodyguard away with you so the thug can attack your bodyguard from behind?

-How about when you see your loved one about to be struck by a sword, you don't drop your own sword and get in between to grab your loved one and turn both of your backs so you both can get killed? Gee maybe the better idea is to keep your sword and strike down the other person so you both will live? Oh wait, that's right we have to make it so that bad person escapes to cause more trouble later.

-How about when your evil relative is supposedly dead, but you find out they're not, you don't worry about how to handle the situation, and instead just find them and kill them? I mean, who's going to know if he's already supposed to be dead, right?

-How about when you as a king find out about (true) rumors that you're always gaying it up with another man...that you don't then just hours later get caught sneaking around with that man again?

-And how is it you have archers in one scene and then shortly after when you need them to stop an invasion they aren't around?

Also some real confusion towards the ending....

How exactly did Dam Yi survive from a deadly poison?

What happened with evil Prince Won San who was clearly still alive though wounded?... How did the good guys win a battle which already seemed lost? Are we to believe that just because Grandad is dead everyone else just gave up?

And then there's the constant song interludes. Please stop with the longing gazes into each other's eyes to be followed with the start of a song...usually the same one over and over.

This series had more potential if it hadn't been for such poor direction.
1 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
4/10
poor casting
paul-17541 March 2022
I had to subtract a few stars for casting a very feminine lady to play a man. We laughed over and over at the absurdity. They should have cast a tougher less feminine looking actress. We have watched 3 episodes so far but unless she grows a beard I'm not watching 20 episodes.
12 out of 24 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Wonderful drama with everything
mmb-8473730 December 2021
This drama makes my heart burst, tears flows and my heart flutters. I am dreaming about the characters, the actors are fantastic and so is the director and the whole production. Thank you for this, I utterly love k-drama, and this one is among the very best!
5 out of 5 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
An error has occured. Please try again.

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed