The King's Affection (2021): A Tale of Hidden Identity and Forbidden Love in Joseon Korea
The King's Affection is a 2021 South Korean historical romance drama that captivated audiences with its unique premise and compelling performances. Airing on KBS2 from October 11 to December 14, 2021, and streaming globally on Netflix, the series spans 20 episodes, each approximately 70 minutes long.
Plot Summary
Set during the Joseon Dynasty, a time when twins were considered an ominous sign, the royal family faces a dire predicament when the Crown Princess gives birth to twins—a boy and a girl. To avoid scandal, the daughter, Dam-yi, is secretly sent out of the palace. Years later, her twin brother, Crown Prince Lee Hwi, dies unexpectedly. To conceal his death and maintain political stability, Dam-yi is brought back to the palace to assume her brother's identity and live as the Crown Prince. Navigating the treacherous waters of court politics, Dam-yi must keep her true identity hidden while grappling with her feelings for Jung Ji-woon, her royal tutor and first love.
Main Cast
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Park Eun-bin as Dam-yi / Crown Prince Lee Hwi
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Rowoon as Jung Ji-woon
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Nam Yoon-su as Lee Hyun, Prince Jaeun
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Choi Byung-chan as Kim Ga-on, Lee Hwi's bodyguard
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Bae Yoon-kyung as Shin So-eun
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Jung Chae-yeon as Noh Ha-kyung
The series also features Choi Myung-bin portraying the younger versions of Dam-yi and Lee Hwi, delivering a performance that earned her the Best Young Actress award at the 2021 KBS Drama Awards.
Critical Reception and Accolades
The King's Affection received widespread acclaim for its storytelling, production design, and performances, particularly that of Park Eun-bin. The series made history by becoming the first South Korean television series to win an International Emmy Award, securing the title for Best Telenovela in 2022.
At the 2021 KBS Drama Awards, the drama garnered multiple accolades, including:
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Top Excellence Award, Actress: Park Eun-bin
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Best Couple Award: Park Eun-bin and Rowoon
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Best New Actor: Rowoon
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Best Young Actress: Choi Myung-bin
The series also achieved impressive viewership ratings, peaking at 12.1% nationwide for its final episode.
Themes and Significance
Beyond its romantic narrative, The King's Affection delves into themes of gender identity, societal norms, and personal sacrifice. Dam-yi's journey challenges traditional gender roles and highlights the constraints imposed by rigid societal structures. The series' exploration of these themes resonates with contemporary audiences, offering a poignant reflection on identity and autonomy.
Where to Watch
The King's Affection is available for streaming on Netflix, providing global audiences access to this critically acclaimed series.
For viewers seeking a historical drama that combines political intrigue, emotional depth, and a groundbreaking narrative, The King's Affection stands out as a must-watch series that leaves a lasting impression.
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