Set in the Joseon dynasty, “The King’s Affection” follows twin siblings Dam-yi and Crown Prince Lee Hwi, who navigate a treacherous world after a tragic assassination. Dam-yi assumes her brother’s identity to protect the throne while hiding her true feelings for her tutor, Jung Ji-woon. This groundbreaking K-drama, based on the manhwa “Yeonmo,” became the first South Korean series to win an International Emmy Award, captivating audiences with its strong female leads and rich storytelling.
The Intriguing Tale of The King’s Affection
Set against the backdrop of the Joseon dynasty, “The King’s Affection” presents a gripping narrative where the birth of twins is viewed as an ill omen. When the crown princess gives birth to twins, a tragic order is issued to eliminate the baby girl, Dam-yi (played by Park Eun-Bin). In a desperate bid for her safety, she is secretly smuggled out of the palace.
Years later, Dam-yi returns to the palace, now working as a maid. Her twin brother, Crown Prince Lee Hwi (also portrayed by Park Eun-Bin), discovers her true identity and persuades her to occasionally swap roles with him. However, their lives take a dark turn when he is tragically assassinated. Following this, their mother urges Dam-yi to take on her brother’s identity, leading her to assume the role of the crown prince. As she navigates her new responsibilities, she must conceal her true identity and her feelings for her long-lost love, the charming Jung Ji-woon (Rowoon), who becomes her tutor without realizing she is the one he once adored.
A Groundbreaking Achievement in K-Drama
“The King’s Affection” is noteworthy for being the first South Korean television series to clinch an International Emmy Award, marking a significant milestone in the realm of global entertainment.
Based on the popular manhwa “Yeonmo” by Lee So-young, this captivating series premiered on KBS2 and Netflix in October 2021. Over its 20 episodes, it captivated audiences both locally and internationally, drawing viewers into its enchanting historical romance set during the fascinating Joseon dynasty.
In just two weeks post-release, the series surged into the top 10 most-watched programs on Netflix worldwide, even ranking within the top 5 in countries such as Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Following the airing of episodes 9 and 10, it achieved an impressive 8th place globally and maintained the number one spot among Korean programs for three consecutive days. Shortly thereafter, it peaked at 4th in the global Top 10 non-English programs, boasting an impressive 15.64 million hours viewed.
Critically acclaimed both in South Korea and internationally, the series has been lauded for its innovative storytelling and strong female protagonists. Dam-yi emerges as a heroine, often rescuing Ji-woon, subverting traditional gender roles. This refreshing take on K-Drama strays from typical romantic comedies, emphasizing themes of female empowerment akin to the story of Mulan, yet it tells a lighter tale of romance within a patriarchal society, showcasing a distinctly feminist narrative.
With its thrilling plot twists, royal court intrigue, and tender romance, enhanced by exquisite sets, costumes, and a beautiful soundtrack, “The King’s Affection” captures the heart. The series is brought to life by talented actors Park Eun-Bin (known for “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” and “The Sunken Diva”) and Rowoon (“Our Destiny,” “Extraordinary You,” “Tomorrow”), who deliver endearing performances that have garnered accolades at the Korean Broadcasting Awards. This series is a must-see for any K-Drama enthusiast.
Created by Han Hee-Jung, “The King’s Affection” features a stellar cast including Park Eun-Bin, Kim Ro-Woon, and Nam Yoon-su. You can catch the entire first season available now on Netflix.