Here’s a collection of quotes from the Korean series, The King’s Affection (2021):
On justice and kingdom duties
- “Being born a girl should not be a reason for her to die.” – Crown Princess
- “Everyone’s life is important. I would have done the same thing even if he turned out to be a beggar on the street, not the Vice Minister of Rites.” – Royal tutor Jung
- “If I had turned a blind eye yet again, then until the end of my days, my life would have been filled with nothing more than meaningless attempts to stay alive. What kind of a life would that be?” – Crown Prince
“There was a time when I admired you. I wished to be like you. But that ended when I found out that your honor was built on injustice.” – Royal tutor Jung
- “Even if my answer puts me in danger, I will not fear it. What I fear is that I might get used to seeing mud all the time and follow in their footsteps. That’s the only thing I fear.” – Royal tutor Jung
- “Pretending not to see and hear things for the sake of keeping my place in the palace? What meaning is there in that? The scholars’ reactions prove to me that the code of people live by has not changed since I was born.” – Crown Prince
- “It was not a misjudgement. All I did was act dutifully. I heeded father’s guidance to serve our people and grandfather’s guidance regarding my duty to uphold the dignity of our royal blood.” – Crown Prince
“She had her life taken from her because she was low of birth and I had to die because I was born a girl. What makes us any different?” – Crown Prince
- “Success doesn’t mean finding work at the palace. Doing what you love and being happy is the definition of a successful life. So don’t let others intimidate you and live your life as you wish. Don’t let others dictate your life.” – Royal tutor Jung’s mother
- “There is no such thing as a petty life. And there is not a single person who should die for no reason. No one has the right to disregard another’s life.” – Crown Prince
- “I’ve lived my whole life competing. I lived to meet expectations. And I will have to keep doing so in the future. People may envy me for being the Crown Prince. But I envy the people out here. They enjoy life to their heart’s content without having to worry about , what others think of them.” – Crown Prince
“Leave the palace and live your own life.” – King Hyejong
“I have never lived my own life. If this is what you want for me, I will accept it.” – Crown Prince
- “Your grandmother is right if I only consider your duty as the Crown Prince. But you are also my son so I wanted to buy you some time. Do you truly want to get married now?” – King Hyejong
- “My future has always given me heartache. It’s painful and burdensome.” – Crown Prince
On life, love, and relationships
- “Live even if your heart is burdened.” – Crown Princess
- “I thought this would be better than losing you forever. As long as I can keep you safe, I will gladly put up with any resentment you have for me.” – King Hyejong
- “Because I was only a kid who wanted to be loved by her parents just like everyone else.” – Crown Prince
“We can sit together like this and admire the flowers blooming and withering away every year. At night we can stargaze. On rainy days, we can listen to the rain falling in our yard together.” – Royal tutor Jung
- “I made a family at a young age. So I didn’t know how precious it was or how to protect it. So I failed to protect my family. But I didn’t want you to make the same mistake.” – King Hyejong
- “For once at least, can’t you put your trust in others? Not for anyone else, but for yourself. Don’t distance yourself too much. It’ll only make you lonelier.” – Royal tutor Jung
“I had no family to begin with so I do not know what being lonely is or what missing someone is like. I guess that’s why I’ve never resented them.” – Dami
- “You intrigue me sometimes. When I first met you at the courtesan house, you were as cold as ice. But deep down, you seem to be tenderhearted.” – Royal tutor Jung
- “I want you to be happy in the same way that you hoped that I would be happy every day. Please live a happy life. This is the last favor I ask of you.” – Crown Prince
“Are you ordering me to leave?” – Royal tutor Jung
“You can criticize me for being selfish. I will soon get married and have a wife. This is my answer to your feelings for me.” – Crown Prince
- “You can laugh today and cry at times, too. At least with me.” – Royal tutor Jung
- “The sounds they make take me back to a moment in life I miss. A time when I had no worries and could spend all day doing nothing. That moment in my childhood is where I am taken to.” – Crown Prince
“One’s heart is not an object that can be controlled at will.” – Crown Prince
“The child who practiced archery all night despite the blisters on her hands. The child who rose to her feet even when the fall broke her bone. The child who was left alone in a world that would bring her unimaginable suffering. I made a promise to myself that I would protect that child.” – Lee Hyun
- “Your two eyes were deep and as clear as the clearest of seas. I wanted to protecf you. Wherever you wish to go, I will be by your side.” – Lee Hyun
- “A good rain knows its season right. Like the good rain that falls when most needed, I will be someone who you can count on. Just like you were to me when I needed you the most.” – Royal tutor Jung
- “Do you remember how I said that the sea awaits at the far end of the path you weren’t able to once take? Wherever you wish to go, I will be by your side.” – Lee Hyun
“Why was His Royal Highness given the nickname Ice Prince?” – Royal tutor Jung
“Because his heart is icy cold all year round.” – Teacher
“Ice is clear and sparkles under the sun. It is more elegant than any other jewel. And that is the origin behind his nickname the Ice Prince!” – Royal tutor Jung
“Loving his people isn’t the only duty of the king. Only those who can love themselves can truly love others.” – Royal tutor Jung
Synopsis: During the Joseon Dynasty, the Crown Princess Consort gives birth to twins but sends the girl away to spare her life. Years later, the twin son dies in an accident and his sister must assume his identity and throne, all while hiding her true self.
Based on: Yeonmo by Lee So-young
Genre: Romantic-comedy, Fiction, Sageuk
No. of episodes: 20
Starring: Park Eun-bin, Rowoon, Nam Yoon-su, Choi Byung-chan, Bae Yoon-kyung, and Jung Chae-yeon
Written by: Han Hee-jung
Directed by: Song Hyun-wook
Date: October 11 – December 14, 2021
Network: KBS2 and Netflix
Subtitle translation: Netflix
KORB 