“To wish for life when you love them and death when you hate them. Wishing them to live while wishing them to die. Such paradox of fickleness. That is what it means to be captivated.”
tvN’s Captivating The King (2024) depicts the cruel love story between a King who is faced with kingdom-political power struggle and a woman with a hidden desire for revenge who tries to captivate the King but gets captivated instead.
Having seen four episodes thus far, here are some key points and insights about the drama:
Screenplay/Plotline
tvN’s Captivating The King (2024) is a historical-political romance drama set during the dynasty period of Qing and Ming, a time when Joseon led its nation amid tension between the two political rulers. The script is penned by Kim Sun Deok who wrote the historical drama, The Crowned Clown (2019), and helmed by Cho Nam Gook who directed the crime-detective drama, The Good Detective (2020-22).
The first four episodes of Captivating The King (2024) pretty well expound the synopsis of the drama and what lies ahead with the emerging strain between two people who have captivated each other as trusted friends but turned enemies amid royal succession and betrayal. So it is suggested that a viewer watches the initial four to better grasp what the show is about and gain proper perspective about Grand Prince Jinhan/King Yi In (Jo Jung Suk) and Kang Hee Soo/Mongwoo (Shin Se-kyung).
From a simple storytelling or background during its first two episodes that may or may not retain viewers, the drama significantly shifts towards an in-depth narrative in the suceeding episodes as it raises engaging thrill in the thick of intense royal-political opposition, treachery, and succession crisis. As such, you’ll be guided well on how the two leading characters transform from a certain state of integrity to a life of cruelty, marred by vicious power and spiteful revenge.
Although I find it ridiculous that Kang Hee Soo/Mongwoo (Shin Se-kyung) disguising himself as a man is unrecognizable to everyone when in fact, she totally looks like a woman with her lady-like facial features and voice even when dressed like a Joseon male. What’s intriguing to follow, nevertheless, is that Grand Prince Jinhan/King Yi In (Jo Jung Suk) who is captivated by her “baduk” skills is unaware that she is a woman and the only precious daughter of his mentor, Lord Kang, the Chief State Councilor.
Severely pained by the turn of events that cost her the loss of almost everything, she makes a bold move to return to the palace and bring the King from a position of power to a state of unbearable misery. The next twelve episodes will depict how things will go between the now cold-blooded King and revengeful woman.
Meanwhile, the emergence of spies add tension and unpredictability to the narrative as you have no idea who to trust and not to trust, within the royal and political circle, including commoners.
Characters/Performances
From a charming doctor in tvN’s Hospital Playlist (2020-21), Jo Jung Suk transforms into Grand Prince Jinhan/Yi In in Captivating The King (2024), who ascends to the throne in replacement of his older brother. As presented, the role of a king suits him well and I believe he’s a strong candidate for this year’s Best Actor in a drama role as he captivates with his royal visuals and noble performance, seamlessly and powerfully delivering emotional depth.
I loved Shin Se-kyung’s powerful portrayal of the High Priestess Tanya in tvN’s Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun (2023). While her performance as Kang Hee Soo in tvN’s Captivating The King (2024) appears just fine in the early episodes, she brings a sense of thrill as her character faces despair and vows to take revenge.
In terms of chemistry in romance, it’s still early to define it but initially, the spark isn’t sparking yet. Nevertheless, it shows some promise given the intriguing plotline.
Meanwhile, the antagonists are believable in their roles to oppose and destroy, most especially Yoo Hyunbo, the assistant section chief of the Ministry of Rites played by Yang Kyung-won who is a proven scene-stealer with his supporting roles in Crash Landing On You (2019), Vincenzo (2021), and Welcome To Samdal-ri (2023). To add, Kim Jong-bae, the minister of military affairs portrayed well by Jo Sung-ha who played Hae Mihol in Arthdal Chronicles (2019).
Conclusion
If you are interested with in-depth royal-political topics blended with highly intriguing romance in the historical setting, try binge-watching the first four episodes of tvN’s Captivating The King (2024) and you’ll surely get captivated to follow the drama. A great show, thus far!
A review by Myra Bansale for KORB Blog | Instagram | Twitter
Screenwriter: Kim Sun Deok | Director: Cho Nam Gook | Original network: tvN | Available on: Netflix | Images: tvN Drama
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