The King's Affection – Korean Drama Review
The King's Affection
Introduction
The King's Affection
is a sweeping historical romance that dares to imagine a world where a woman secretly sits on the throne —
and finds love where tradition says she must not.
Beautifully shot, emotionally rich, and full of longing and courage,
this 2021 Netflix drama redefines what it means to wear a crown — and to follow your heart.
Overview
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Title:
The King’s Affection (연모)
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Year:
2021
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Genre:
Historical, Romance, Political Drama
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Starring:
Park Eun-bin, Rowoon, Nam Yoon-su, Choi Byung-chan, Bae Yoon-kyung
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Episodes:
20
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Running Time:
About 70 minutes per episode
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Available On:
Netflix
Overall Story (No Major Spoilers)
In the strict and perilous world of the Joseon dynasty, royal bloodlines are sacred — and daughters are liabilities.
When a princess is secretly born alongside her twin brother, she's ordered to be killed to protect the throne's future.
But fate intervenes. Years later, after her brother — the Crown Prince — is murdered,
the hidden princess must assume his identity, living as Lee Hwi (Park Eun-bin), the new Crown Prince.
Her life becomes a delicate dance of secrecy and strength — especially when she finds herself falling for her bright, stubborn tutor, Jung Ji-woon (Rowoon).
What follows is a breathtaking tale of hidden identities, forbidden love, and the courage it takes to choose your own destiny —
even when the world tells you it’s impossible.
Highlight Moments / Key Episodes
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Episode 2 – Two Lives, One Throne:
The chilling moment when Hwi steps into her brother’s robes, determined yet terrified.
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Episode 5 – The Teacher and the Crown Prince:
The sweet, slow-burn chemistry between Hwi and Ji-woon begins with stolen glances and guarded smiles.
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Episode 10 – A Dangerous Dance:
An emotional confrontation under the moonlight — breathtaking, aching, and unforgettable.
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Episode 15 – Choices and Sacrifices:
When love and duty collide, Hwi must make the hardest decisions of her life.
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Episode 20 – A Throne Redefined:
A stunning, satisfying finale about freedom, truth, and the price — and beauty — of living honestly.
Memorable Lines
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"I was born hidden. I lived hidden. But for you, I want to be seen."
(Episode 8)
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"Is loving someone truly a sin?"
(Episode 12)
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"I do not wish to rule the world. I wish only to live in it freely."
(Episode 18)
Why It’s Special
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Groundbreaking Premise:
A woman disguising herself as Crown Prince is a bold, exhilarating twist in the historical drama genre.
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Stunning Performances:
Park Eun-bin delivers a tour de force performance — delicate yet commanding, heartbreaking yet resilient.
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Romance with Depth:
Hwi and Ji-woon’s love is gentle, aching, funny, and filled with impossible hope — a slow burn worth every second.
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Gorgeous Cinematography:
Each frame — from misty gardens to royal courts — is drenched in color, light, and quiet emotion.
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Powerful Themes:
Identity, freedom, sacrifice, gender roles — explored with grace and emotional honesty.
Popularity & Reception
"The King’s Affection"
was a critical and audience darling,
praised for its fresh storytelling, emotional richness, and magnetic performances — especially Park Eun-bin’s masterclass in balancing strength and vulnerability.
It made history by becoming the first K-drama to win "Best Telenovela" at the International Emmy Awards —
a testament to its universal themes of love, resilience, and choosing your own fate.
Cast & Fun Facts
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Park Eun-bin:
Achieved international acclaim for her nuanced portrayal of Lee Hwi, blending stoic leadership with aching loneliness.
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Rowoon:
Brought warmth, humor, and emotional sincerity to Jung Ji-woon, making him more than just a love interest — a true partner.
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Historical Fantasy:
While grounded in Joseon visuals, the drama’s concept of a female Crown Prince is purely fictional — a bold reimagining of what could have been.
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Iconic OST:
Songs like "Shadow" and "One and Only" perfectly capture the drama’s mix of longing and hope.
Conclusion / Warm Reminders
"The King’s Affection"
is a breathtaking reminder that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to simply exist —
on your terms, in your truth, with your whole heart.
If you’re craving a historical drama that’s lush, romantic, and beautifully daring,
then open your heart to "The King’s Affection" —
where love wears a crown, and courage lights the way.
Hashtags
#TheKingsAffection #연모 #ParkEunbin #Rowoon #NetflixKDrama #HistoricalRomance #EmotionalDrama #KDramaReview #EpicLoveStory #HealingDrama
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