Captivating the King (2024– ) User Reviews

Oh My Gosh...forget 'Oh my ghost' ;-)

[Goldietwists · 9/10 · 3 February 2024]

I've liked Jo Jung-suk from 'Oh my ghost' and 'Don't dare to dream', so I was easily drawn to this drama. What do I like about him the most... it's those intense loaded looks he gives his female leads that make my heart skip a beat.... and he didn't disappoint in this drama with 'Shin Se-kyung'.

There was a point in one of the episodes where I didn't realise how much I had been holding my breath in great anticipation of a certain meeting.

I've just finished watching episode 5 and have a WHOLE day to wait for the next episode (how will I cope? Lol) The acting has been superb with no dull moments in my opinion. There are so many of the supporting cast that I have been endeared to which is a credit to them bringing their characters to life. I'm not sure why it's been rated lower than I would have expected but the characters are bringing to our present world the cut-throat and back stabbing behaviours of those who wanted power back in the day, which at times is hard to watch. I am hoping and praying that the next 11 episodes don't disappoint.

Looks likely another gem, rather than a cliché bomb

[cryptoheading · 9/10 · 28 January 2024]

2 episodes in - the biggest plot twist is so definitively written in that self-explanatory title, and it's no doubt that this romance drama will be gut-punching the audiences to tears in the latter episodes. Yes, it's that obvious.

However, the main casts, production, script and directing has been great so far. I just hope that it didn't include too many gap-filler mini-dramas with minor casts, like other could-have-been-great series as long as they maintained the main track of storytelling.

2 main casts are doing their great job, as expected as usual but surprisingly well set in this between them, which is so overwhelming to watch.

Lots to Like

[mollyjames-04427 · 9/10 · 28 February 2024]

Yes, you have to get over the petite fairy looking female lead being accepted as a man just because she wears male clothes. That part is always hard to swallow in similar K dramas. BUT, ignoring the gender bending trope, this series is very entertaining. Nothing truly unique about the storyline, but the quality of the acting drew me right in. Almost completely due to Jo Jung Suk's acting. He has charisma to spare. I also like that they feature the game of baduk (Go), which adds to the cultural atmosphere. There are the expected political struggles and evil ministers aplenty. But the young crown prince is so delightful and such a super actor as well. Shin Se-Kyung as FL does a fine job, though I would love to see the writer allow her to yell and scream once in awhile. I love Lee Shin Young as Myung Ha, (basically second male lead) who got a lousy break from the get go. Also loved Ha So-hoon, who played the very ill queen with subtlety and a heart-rending sadness.

Finale Disappointment

[Isle1970 · 4 March 2024]

Though I enjoyed the show for what it was, and the ML is a personal favorite, and the acting of other characters was top notch, I was a little bored at times with this dialogue heavy and slow-rolling plot series. There was so much reading of the subtitles only for them to not have actually said much to advance the story. I just felt weary after each episode. I can't say much one way or the other about the FL. She just seemed stuck on one expression, and frankly looked way too feminine to be convincing as a man, no matter how hard I tried to suspend disbelief. If they are going to keep making shows about women convincingly dressing as a man in the Joseon era, they ought to try with someone taller than 5'4" and a little more body presence than the fraily built supermodel types they keep casting.

Episodes 14 and 15 were quite good, so I was expecting some good wrap up of the main "problem", but alas, they just wouldn't do it. The finale was either rushing you through time with narratives from side characters, or plodding through nonsensical scenes from the leads. It's absolutely unclear why she'd be avoiding him, the queen dowager's issues never get resolved, the maidservant clearly has a crush but we never see anything come of it, and the overarching dilemma never gets addressed at all - how will they reintroduce this person as a woman who the king wants as his queen. I mean, sure, the villains getting their due was interesting and all, but the woman dressed as a man issue was the main point of interest and I feel emotionally ripped off by them not properly tying that up.

Nothing but Captivating!!!

[beeelvi · 10/10 · 23 February 2024]

When picked this drama to watch, I hadn't realized that the male lead was Jo Jung Suk. I smiled like a teenager in love for the first time. I immediately thought of "Oh My Ghost!" and "Hospital Playlist" (they owe us a third season, by the way). What a difference between these lead roles, however, his performances were super each and every time. I don't recall seeing the female lead acting before, therefore, I can only applaud her performance. The match between them was delightful. I must finish saying that I was expecting the same historical drama that I have previously watched. It is far from the truth! From episode 1 until the last one, this drama catches all your attention an heart. It is a "must watch".

Very romantic and enticing

[brendajoycehall · 10/10 · 18 February 2024]

I'm an African American and I love Korean time dramas. This movie, Captivating the King, has captivated me. I look forward to every episode. I could watch one episode after the next. I also think the lead male and female actor and actress are top notch. I have never watched the male actor before but find his acting and presence of great quality. His charisma just seems to jump off the screen. Also, he is quite attractive. The female actress has graced the screen in a lot Korean dramas I watch and I love her acting. She is the reason I decided to watch this drama and I'm glad I did. Kudos to whoever wrote this drama and to the director. I wish there was more time dramas that are suspenseful and romantic like this one. The only other drama that comes close to this is The Princess Weiyoung.

Absolutely incredible intriguing K-Drama Series Captivating the King

[karenswigssolutions · 10/10 · 4 March 2024]

What can I say, this K-Drama had me sitting on the edge of my seat. The twists and turns of the love between the king and his subject was beautifully executed, I even wished to be kissed by the king. I was willing the weekend to come so I could see the next episodes.

I love the way the characters brought out the barbarity of truth and lies and the plots to control each court faction.

Definitely let there be a series 2. I wait with bated breath. Let's see the blossom of love between the maid and the kings main guard, definitely something to entice us audiences with. Don't let us wait!!!!!!!!.

Us audiences want to see the possibilities of a child between the king and the love of his life. A Queen is born and a son, by god this king needs to have a happy ending. We want to see that this king who has a brilliant mind and ability to lead korea to victory over the impeding menace of the outside political forces.

The king has changed the system to be a worthy kingdom with zero tolerance for rich hording riches and food. He will be strong to keep his people safe and secure in the new Korea he will build with his Queen and Son by his side and adopted late brother's son.

Well done, I am rewatching the episodes again.

Not good enough

[balletteacher · 8/10 · 4 March 2024]

This drama, while marketed as a romance, focuses a lot more on Lee In and his struggle as a king to maintain control of his fragile power after stealing his nephew's birthright for good reason. Lee In (Jo Jung-suk) is a prince returned home after being kept as collateral by the Qing empire. He eventually weaves an intricate web that is years in the making, as he tries to rise above the corruption of the court. Kang Hee-Soo (Shin Se-kyung) is a noble lady dressing as a man in order to play baduk so that she can raise money for Joseon citizens who are kept as captives by the Qing empire so that they may return home. However, Lee In claimed the throne in a not-so-noble way and, indeterminately and feels guilt throughout. Lee In loves baduk. Hee-soo also loves baduk. A romance ensues.

The plot is nothing spectacular, or anything new, really. You have your king who is in a power struggle with the corrupt baddie, Principal Director. You got your extremely beautiful female lead who cannot pass for a man to save her life. You got the second male lead (Lee Shin Young) who ultimately never really acts on his feelings and eventually overcomes them. Sketchy Queen Dowager (veteran actress Jang Young Nam) who literally NEVER LEAVES HER ROOM AND STAYS SITTING IN THE SAME SPOT FOR ALL OF HER SCENES overacted to save her character. I loved the child actor playing the Crown Prince. He stole your heart whenever he was on scene. The co-stars were all very good and it was good to see some new faces as the "bad guys".

And the ending? Lazy, rushed, dragged, and oh-so-devoid of common sense! No big hug and kiss, no passion??? Love wins, the bad guys are dead, and all the good guys get to live.

In the few series I have seen Shin Sae Kyeong, I have never considered her a very good actress, but she is super pretty! Now, SSK was not really great, but was basically ruined by a very badly written character, and an equally badly written script. Half the time her eyes were misting, for no reason at all. Too much use of Visine? Also, having Jo Jung Suk as her co-star undermined her performance even more. He was the one that carried this show and he was the only thing that was worth it from beginning to end. I know SSK gets a lot of flack for her acting, but I realize she's just a bore. Her acting in Arthdal Chronicles 2 was exactly the same! Her expressions don't change. She needs to be a bit more physical. But, again, perhaps not her fault...

Jo Jung Suk is a phenomenal actor (Hospital Playlist) and he was the main powerhouse in this show. He was amazing as Lee In and was the main reason I sat through 16 episodes. While every other character was kept constrained to the roles this genre demands, JJS as the King was allowed to grow and show different sides to himself. He was not afraid to play dirty. He was not afraid to threaten and do what was necessary. He stole his nephew's throne for himself, he lied, murdered, and betrayed, he was the epitome of a somber character. The only reason the romance was even interesting was his passionate love for her. The interactions between them felt lacking, to say the least. Especially from Lee In's side because there's very little about HS as a person for him to love other than she played baduk and was also very beautiful. ONE intimate scene had some sexuality, but overall, lackluster and reminiscent of old-school Kdramas where the FL just stands there awkwardly frozen, eyes, lips closed. In truth, it was unbearable to watch.

Overall, Captivating the King kept me hooked but there were too many "mistakes" made by the writers. Like, not any of the men could tell she was a SHE and not a HE? It made them all look dumb! Music was interesting, with Japanese-sounding instruments. Costumes were underwhelming; no variations. Ending was a major disappointment.

Disappointing

[mhill-08585 · 6/10 · 7 March 2024]

The show started strong with great twists and turns. The first half was strong with great acting and chemistry between the main leads. The last episodes were a great disappointment. Even though the villains of the show had the ending they deserved, we never find out how the relationship between the main leads will evolve. The ending seemed rushed and made no sense. Was she going to stay by his side forever as the male baduk player? He needs a Queen and it clearly wont be her as everyone thinks she is a man. Some of the scenes were plain silly like him not knowing her name when her servant clearly says it in front of the King several times when she gets injured. The premise of him usurping the throne to become King was to protect his nephew until he can become King- yet that storyline fizzled as well. Many plot lines were left unresolved making what could've been a captivating story a very unrealistic and sloppy one.

Great Performances and good history.

[thammylagares · 10/10 · 3 March 2024]

This drama has catch my attention because of the great chemistry between the two main characters, the king and the player.

Also the casting was a masterpiece.

She delivered an exquisite performance along with the king character, which made the slow paced history bearable.

I remember seeing Jo Jung-Suk at the great KDrama, Hospital Playlist, so I knew he would be embodying the character as his own persona, making the show a immersive experience in the Joseon era bringing a new perspective into the subject. Despite the slow paced scenes the amount of detail and development of the characters made those scenes justify by the end.

I was afraid of the end, because usually they are all the same in this kind of KDrama, but this particular show brought new perspectives and a nice end to are already captivating history.

I recommend it for sure.

KDrama are great to just let go some steam and enjoy the cheesy love stories. Nowadays everything that helps the mind scape a while from the craziness of daily problems, i'm in.

Captivated right up until the finale

[yeshewow · 6/10 · 4 March 2024]

This is a great show with lots of intrigue and story twists plus romance all the way through until the finale. I even googled Korean history to find the history of the Joseon kingdom! I would often think about the show and what plot twists might come next, so I think I was well captivated by it...

Right up to the last episode. I don't know what happened but the final episode was extremely disappointing. I figured the last episode would tie up the remaining loose ends but it really didn't. The story fell apart, the intrigue was nowhere and the romance was insipid. Plus the last kissing scene was terrible.

I really loved this show so my disappointment is strong.

CAPTIVATING THE KING TRULY THE GOAT KDRAMA!

[hazelclcsn · 10/10 · 3 March 2024]

Everything about this drama screamed total perfection of execution. The chemistry between the main leads was top-notch and insane, the acting is... WOW... AWARD WINNING!!! Plus the plot never lets you get bored, neither every episode. People who haven't watched this drama is missing out on a masterpiece! Watching this whole series had put me into an insane roller coaster of emotions and high level of tension! TRULY A GEM AND GREATEST KDRAMA OF ALL TIME! You can never go wrong with Captivating The King, plus the ending is so ethereal and well executed. LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE CAPTIVATING THE KING!!!!

There is no shame in surrendering

[alaningle7 · 7/10 · 9 March 2024]

Jo Jung-suk plays Lee In, the brother of the king and is drawn into the intrigue of who will succeed the king who is ill and mistrusts everybody. Shin Se-kyung plays Kang Hee-soo who disguises herself as a man and is an expert in the game of baduk (go) and uses this to gain the trust of Lee In who is unbeaten at the game. It is a story of court intrigue and initially Kang Hee-soo plans to avenge the treatment of her father but as she gets to know him over games of baduk her feelings begin to change. It is a well acted story which starts a little slow and took me a little time to stop imagining Jo Jung-suk in a hospital gown as he did such a good job in hospital playlist. Overall an entertaining watch which just falls short and I get frustrated at how badly some of the side characters are treated, mainly Court lady Doing and the queen. The trope of a beautiful girl dressing as a man has been done many times before but this is overall worth a watch mainly for the acting.

Good not the Best

[neddiie08 · 4/10 · 10 March 2024]

I loved the premise and King Yi! Loved all the cast members acting except Hee-Soo. I believe her acting was sub par and it kind of ruined it for me. I saw her acting in Arthdal Chronicles Season 2 , where I also saw her acting and it was ok.

The dressing up as a man and no one can tell she is a women even with lip gloss on was ridiculous and laughable. And to believe no one recognized her/him after 3 years is hard to believe. He was a famous unbeatable Bakdu player three years before he was sent away, and comes back three years later with the same clothes on and looks EXACTLY the same. So silly. That was poorly executed.

It's sad because I really enjoyed the king relationship with everyone, especially his dealing with the political aspect of the show. It had a great premise. However, the FL acting ability and the dressing up as a man when clearly you can tell it's a women really ruined it for me.

It would have been better if they were able to execute the dressing up as a man differently and a different FL was cast.

Captivating the audience

[samvit-89252 · 9/10 · 4 March 2024]

It starts off with the usual Joseon settings - power fights and intrigues among ministers, a girl in men's clothing with nobody doubting her fake gender, greedy mother and fights for the throne. So far, nothing new in the Joseon universe.

What's new is the mature figure of the (future) king, hilariously interpreted by Jo Jung Suk, the lack of silly dialogues, weak women fainting or loudly crying their souls out. Instead we've got strong, determined female characters and are introduced to the game baduk which the FL is a master of. The whole series is more mature than comparable ones, thus has a slower pace and more mature dialogues. Also the empathy needed for tactics in playing bakuk finds its counterpart in (but not limited to) the behaviour and speech of of the main leads.

All characters are very well acted and believable, the story is told with subtle details, also distinguishing between the king as a private person and being king as a ruler, adding a lot of depth. Or wanting revenge while loving the person, willpower and heart, making the inner struggles of the characters really felt.

This series kept me hooked till the end. I was living with it, wondering how to get out of this or that situation, alternating between there will/won't be a happy ending, hope and despair. The actors, the script, the suspense curve... really well done!

Even if you've watched a lot of other Joseon era movies, go for it. It's well worth it!

Very good but...

[svaisenberg · 8/10 · 10 April 2024]

I thought it was a very good drama, thanks for the most part by the acting skills of the main character. Yes, they could have much done better in terms of altering the female lead's appearance to make the story credible. Aside from that, the kissing scenes are awful and there is no passion between the actors who are supposed to have fallen heads over heels for each other. The Queen dowager however played her insavory character with great skills (and humor) and recites her lines perfectly. I thought that in many scenes where they appear, she overwhelms and outshines all the other female characters in the plot.

I was hooked from the first episode

[lorareed-13797 · 10/10 · 15 March 2024]

I was hooked from the first episode. Great title because you will be captivated. With everything that is going on in the world it's satisfying to see hope of a happy ending. I love the way their relationship develops from the Prince thinking she's a man to her discovering he's the royal Prince she wants to play against because she only will fall in love with who can beat her. However, misunderstandings happen due to others manipulation that cause them to separate for 3 years. ML becomes King to right wrongs and FL wants revenge but her heart is torn and the King is aware & finds out the truth.

A Feast for the Eyes and Soul !...

[Absoluta67 · 9/10 · 17 March 2024]

I hadn't yet seen a Korean TV Series, and found this work a Feast for the Eyes and Soul.

The Story is very interesting, with unexpected twists and turns, and has everything (romance, history, war, drama, torture, action, comedy, tenderness), all leaving us longing for the next episode. The Cast is fabulous, all Actor/Actress well match, rendering their scenes perfectly, every time. The Lighting is marvellous, creating shadows and volumes that add to the richness of detail. The subdued Makeup make all actors look gorgeous. The Wardrobe is either luxurious or of elegant simplicity, turning everybody (rich and poor) very attractive. The netting hats, with their ellipses, have a dialogue of their own with the faces. The Music is excellent and adequate in all scenes. The natural Landscapes are probably the most beautiful I have seen in years, and the city ones are also interesting.

(The only, tiny reason why I don't give it a round 10, its the Framing of some side view portrait shots, that I thing should have not been centred, but instead obey the proportion of 2 parts in front of the face to 1 part in the back of the head, that results better - but that is a personal preference, that the director may not share.)

In the end, the bad are punished, the good rewarded, and we feel elated for having watched a Work of Art.

Ho Hum

[dockie-94105 · 6/10 · 4 March 2024]

I gave this a six because I still have fond memories of the lead actor from the "Hospital Playlist" series. I have seen the FL before. She always looks like it would kill her to actually smile. The plot was good, cohesive and well played. Even though it was well written it was a little boring. The ML depended on intent looks too frequently instead of actually acting in his role. The romance was barely there. I missed having the traditional second couple romance. The secondary characters were all good in their roles. I dropped off points due to the vague unlikely ending. Yes, I want a happy ending too. But how? He can't marry her or make her a concubine as she is the daughter of a supposed traitor and everyone in the palace saw her when she was pretending to be a man. That is an act of treason. They would not recognize her in a dress?? Too many people know that she is a she. All in all...immediately. Forgettable.

That woman passes for a dude? SERIOUSLY? NO.

[melhans-65125 · 4/10 · 13 March 2024]

This is a head slapper. Gorgeously produced Korean Historical drama with generally excellent cast, the usual court intrigue -- slow poisoning of the king, others vying for power while the poisoned king loses his marbles and suspects everyone's out to get him -- and an utterly, comically absurd premise that fails the first and every subsequent time I see the lead actress in drag as a gentleman.

The Crown Prince/titular King, a charismatic Hamlet type, is in a tenuous position with vicious courtiers on the one hand and a spiraling monarch on the other, so he finds solace playing a Go-like game of strategy against a phenom who never loses. This player is a pretty noblewoman masquerading as a man who no one realizes ain't a dude. (Snort.) That absurdity constantly intrudes on me as s/he navigates the political minefield of court after the king croaks and the crown prince assumes power. S/he is wrongfully accused of confessing to treason which implicates the prince, and for which the prince-now-king holds a grudge. But the now-king just can't help himself, s/he has captivated him...and oh the side-eyes do fly in court about the two strangely intimate besties. Geez, there is just no way on earth that that woman passes for a man ever in whatever manly costume or see-through stove-pipe hat she ties under her hairless chinny-chin-chin. NEVER. No way. I do not possess the ability to suspend disbelief for as far and for as long as this silly premise requires. There is one man, a rejected suitor, who knows her true identity but he has his own political problems due to Dad being a villain and loving her so much. In short, the premise beggars the imagination how sooooooo many men could be sooooooooo blind/deaf/sexless as to miss her manifest femininity. No adam's apple, no worries. Weeps and talks like a girl, whatever. No facial hair, no red flag, oh but s/he does wear lip gloss -- a beige rose when being a dude rather than pink red when she's dressed her gender but that's not odd, noooooo. I watch episodes with teeth gritted.

The 'gal dresses as a courtier/royal and gets away with it' plot crops up in other Korean and Chinese historical dramas so maybe it's a cultural quirk that just doesn't translate for me. In most cases, the ploy is easier to swallow for some reason. The King's Affection comes to mind. Here, it just tripped me up.

There are many, many excellent Korean Historical series (some serious, some funny): Under the Queen's Umbrella, My Sassy Girl, 100 Days My Prince, Royal Inspector & Joy to name a few.

I give props to the male lead, Jo Jung-suk. He develops the complex motivation of his character and expresses contradictory feelings with constraint, such as his feelings for the 'male' Go player who may've betrayed him but maybe didn't but dang he so fine...

What a fairly tale to right the wrongs of history

[jtandsk · 2/10 · 9 March 2024]

This drama was intriguing in the beginning and then I realized it was pure fantasy. If you are reading this then you already know the plot so I'll cut to the chase.

The King who was abused falls in love with a woman disguised as a man. Now to believe that she can even pass for man is laughable and to believe he will execute his only kin, not listen to his mother and ignore others who plotted to kill him over a baduk player disguised as a man is laughable at best. It's cheezy at best.

If you look at Korean history the opposite would of happened, the relatives and high court ministers would have been rewarded, those who plotted to assassinate him no matter the reason would have been executed and he definitely would NOT have adopted his abusive brothers, the former King to be his son and not sire his own offspring.

If you like fairly tales that don't imitate history at all outside of costumes and enjoy a fairy tale that has zero existence to reality and the real world of history then watch it but for those with common sense, I believe you will find this drama a joke.

There is no way in the world that a King who rose to the crown due to the political scheming of his Uncle but in the end executes him when he forgives everyone else, even those who tried to assassinate him over a woman who hold zero royal or noble status?? Sure, right.

History shows in Korea that treachery, political scheming, and murder to hold political power is all very true. Brothers murdered brothers, cousins, nephews, sister in laws and court officials to hold power and to believe this idiot KIng would murder the ones who helped to obtain power and disregard his own mothers advice for an heir for people who wanted him dead?

Believe what you may want, but the show is purely fairy tale and just outrageous; Might as well watch a cartoon.

Not Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 4/10 · 11 March 2024]

Korean Drama '' Captivating The King '' is a historical melodrama, heavy on the political thriller.

The drama has an interesting story in theory, alas, it is not handled well. In fact, the spy part was never developed, left only in theory. Also, the leading lady was annoying and her actions didn't make sense after a while. Not to mention the ending was lukewarm, rushed when it came to the twists, and unsatisfying.

However, there were some nice elements to the drama, though they weren't enough to make it enjoyable. The guessing game of when the King will find out who his playing mate really is was entertaining to follow. The performances were great as well.

So, overall, four out of ten.

Another disappointment from Studio Dragon

[geewhiz46 · 4/10 · 9 March 2024]

The story of a king - Jinhan - who lied to gain accession to the throne and fell in love with a person who excelled at the game of Baduki.

The person he thought was a man - is of course a woman - Mong woo.

Yet again we have writers promoting a thinly disguised gay relationship - and it is beginning to get irritating.

Had the actress even attempted to act in a masculine manner it may have been forgiven - but she was all demure and big eyed femininity which was entirely unbelievable.

Of course they fall in love despite the fact that Mong - is planning to dethrone him at best and kill him at worst.

The relationship is not convincing because there is absolutely NO chemistry between the two leads - he does his best - but she just stands there like a dummy with closed mouth and no attempt to kiss him back.

I have seen this guy before - and he is a great kisser - so it is not his fault.

The episodes are long - and terminally boring with endless political machinations between the dowager queen and various ministers.

They misuse the word "captivating" which means "capable of attracting and holding interest; charming:" and not the depth of meaning they attribute to it.

Also they use an extremely vulgar British slang term "bollocks" which is highly inappropriate - especially when used by women. Had they researched English meanings more competently they would have chosen the word "Balderdash" or "Rubbish" or Nonsense" any of which would have been more acceptable.

The story continues to a highly unbelievable conclusion regarding both the Qing occupation and the future of the leads.

We are not told how he will accomplish this - because the answer is he will never be able to.

Had Potential in StoryLine But Zero Passion

[ljansen-87682 · 5/10 · 11 March 2024]

Really looked forward to watching this. Waited until all the episodes were available to start watching so could blitz to the end.

The "accidental" king who takes the throne when his brother the King is poisoned falls in love with a wannabe spy/traitor who is disguised as a man. Let me say right here right now the she/he does not even pass as a boy! Not even a twinkie. Ayway, Yeah the she/he falls for the king too.

There is all the usual Palace intrigue with the women stuck in there at their very best at being devious. 10/10 to the Dowager Queen, but you can't really act that role badly

The story is basically good. But the absolute lack of PASSION between the ML and the FL literally ruined this drama. It was like watching a Kdrama from the '80s - stiff and unemotional. Not once was I convinced these two were in love or capable of being intimate. This Director should watch "My Destiny/Lovers" for tips on how to film deep affection/love in a historical context! Even "Mr Queen", was way better at filming believable affection between the leads. Can't believe this was filmed in 2023, not tepid or tame, just ice cold!

The cinematography is feeble. When they finally have one night together where the king discovers she is a woman, the light in the room was like a DOZEN led bulbs! Ridiculous.

This is good to pass the time if you are looking for a historical drama but I had to leave it a few times as I was getting so frustrated with the poor acting.

Oh and there is no secondary relationship to ease the boring moments and zero comical moments.

Finally have to mention; watched with Korean audio and English subtitles. The absolute worse subtitle translations! So much American modern slang that was totally wrong for the status of the leads. Someone who couldn't comprehend that Royalty do not speak like working class bums and translated as though everyone spoke 'street'. Ugh.

A bit boring

[nicowa-79227 · 5/10 · 26 February 2024]

Edit, after watching season finale: Dropped from 7 to 5. This show gave me nothing. Bad romance, and worst kissing scene(s) ever! The FL is without debt.

Original review: I gave it a 7, so it could be worse! I always struggle when I cannot watch back to back, and have to wait a week for the next episode. I tend to forget the good parts, and loose interest. With this show I have noticed that I am not really interested in the characters, or dying to see what will happen next. I have seen 14 episodes, and when a K drama is (sometimes finally) coming to and end, and everything needs a closure/answers/tie up loose ends, it gets really busy, and so it seems with this show as well. Perhaps I'm just fed up watching historic dramas, because it is always the same: who should be the king?

The romantic bit, is best in the first half, I think. But FL dressed as a man in a historic drama, and ML falls in love with him/her, has been done before.