User reviews

I love the cast and most of the series. It is true that at some points its narrative pace weakens, and there are some transition issues perhaps from time constraints. However, when this 20-episode drama is good, it's very good. Some scenes are delightfully hilarious, others charming or deeply moving: the makers did a great job of developing characters and relationships. I think if it had been tightened and trimmed into 16 eps, with a less hurried writer, the series would have been gold. Still, the story and characters are strong, and the themes of loyalty, protectiveness, devotion, and love are explored tenderly. The series never is boring unless one views the dark sides of historical sexism, homophobia, classism, jealousy, abuse of power, political intrigue, assassination, murder, and struggles for position or justice through combat and power plays as boring. Or one never finished the series at all. For me, the real excellence of the series is its belief in friendship, loyalty, and love that "sees" and embraces the beloved, no matter the shifts and even threats. It is the series' greatest theme, and the actors deserve praise for their gifted performances in telling their characters' often tragic but also triumphant stories. And the most important take-away is that "Yes, she can."

The main key element who makes this show to fresh and original is the complete reverse of stereotypical gender roles. I know the king has to pretend to be a man but she never tries to act like one following ridiculous stereotypes. She never shied away from showing empathy and tenderness and at the same time she always proves to be strong, independent and fearless.

Then there's the male lead (Rowoon's character) who throughout the drama is so loyal, confident and proud of his feelings for the person he loves, no matter who that person is, is just amazing to watch.

I keep discovering Rowoons acting, I love the range of his late roles, comedy is where I enjoy him the most and this show makes his performance shine.

I love how coherent all characters are, from start to finish, all their actions make complete sense and they are in sync with their personalities.

This is not an overdramatized and exaggerated plot where everything is predictable so it will keep you interested until the end.

Just didn't give it a 10 because towards the end the pace is a bit slow for my taste and I missed more passion between the main couple but this is a Korean drama so Im used to that.

Good watch.

There are many historical instances of women living their lives as men, but the unbelievability of such a beautiful and petite woman successfully doing so could well have been an obstacle to enjoying this series. Somehow it did not seem to matter. There are so many compensations with the usual Korean high standard of acting, skillful and propulsive plotting, believable relationships and rounded characters. No cardboard baddies here. Great!

Don't let the title fool you, so far this one is a hidden gem. Like the story already. I wasn't expecting this show to be this good through the first two episodes. Strong female lead, longing and waiting for more to come!

By far, this is really the best historical drama i've ever watched. Like i invested so much time without knowing. All casts are really cute and the story is so catchy. Ahh i'm so hooked up with this drama and i can't wait for the next episode.

I SWEAR THIS IS A MUST TO WATCH. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 100000/10.

There's romance, espionage, mystery, political wrangling and edge-of-seat "OMG!" moments in every single episode. The storyline (the writers should be knighted) and cinematography are both amazing - but the acting? Everyone is so good at conveying emotion with just their eyes. Each episode is so so insane - twists and "just when you thought it was going HERE..." moments not withstanding - but the last 10-12 minutes of each episode have been riveting. You want it to resolve, but don't want it to end! It will seriously have you talking to your TV.

With just 5 episodes, I am loving each of the episodes so far. The acting are spot on. ParkEunBin is convincing as a man and monarch, and Rowoon is just too adorable as JiWoon. He is indeed what she needs in a cold and dangerous palace. I cannot wait to see how their love will blossom, how both will join hands to fight evil while remaining virtuous. Great story. Wonderful cinematography.

The story of a girl who is unaware she was born a twin to the crown Prince but once he is murdered she assumes his identity. An interesting story which is well acted by the leads and and all the supporting cast. I would have scored it higher but too much time is taken on recaps and what seems like hours of people staring into space whilst the romantic theme tune plays.

I've just finished watching this series for the second time, and I think I may wait a few days and start it all over again. What a beautiful show. I sobbed like a baby just now in the ending, even though I saw it the first time a few weeks ago. The show is just simply beautiful, wonderful, exhilarating and many more adjectives.

I loved all the leads, despised none except the grandfather, but he was acted exceptionally as well.

I fell in love with the king (the prince/princess), Royal Scribe Jung, her love interest. Oh my that I was years younger and in Korea! As the crown prince/king, the female lead was wonderful. Her expressions, her mannerisms, everything was so well acted! And Scribe Jung - so handsome, and when he blushes or looks at her with love, you just want to melt.

The acting overall was superb, and I cannot tell when I last enjoyed a show like this. I watch a lot of Netflix shows, I even watched Squid, and I watched Bridgerton twice, but I am in love with the King's Affection and have really been blown away.

I gave this 10 stars and if I could have given it 20 I would. If you haven't watched this yet, and you love a good story with good drama, romance, love, action, fighting and excitement, then put this as top priority on your list, and then come back and write about it. I'm reading every review! I can't get enough of this show.

This series had all the right ingredients but the writer's fell short in a few different areas. The actors were great, and the story was intriguing at first. However, the characters were not developed much past our initial introductions of them as children. Their bonds as adults were much based on the childhood bonds. We also have characters who were totally left out of speaking roles for the most part - the bodyguard mainly. I was intrigued to see his development and part to play but it was never there. I began to roll my eyes about half way through and started recognizing that the show was going downhill. I was still invested enough in the characters but I didn't fully enjoy completing the show. The obvious issues with a female in a male role being providing an heir, and dealing with the obvious of a female's monthly cycle etc. Never covered and the character never seemed to have any concerns about being discovered even with getting married etc. It was incredibly naive and unrealistic considering the "fear" the character had in the role to play the part. Also the 3 leads are portrayed as intelligent in the beginning with first hand experience of the dangers of the palace and yet none of them carry an heir of caution and just cruise around like they are in normal circumstances - also totally unbelievable portrayal for characters in their position. The female lead also starts to stall in her development and we get these cheesy hallmark moments with NO depth at all. The obvious identity issue regarding Dami is also ridiculous - in terms of a reveal... are we to believe that realization would not come even after the reveal in episode 12? So now are intelligent scholar is an idiot? Thus, I am so sad that this series wasn't better as it had me hooked in the beginning. I'd say honestly nothing special and there are much better period pieces like this one that are far more complex with their character development and realistic in their romantic connections etc.

I have seen several KDramas and to this date, this is now my #1 tv series...edging my erstwhile favorites Crash Landing On You and Vagabond. This show has everything from Romance, Action, Suspense, Treachery, Humor and Tragedy. It's a Tear-jerker too from episode 2 up to the end of episode 20...You would need a lot of tissue or better a towel since there's a lot of crying for 19 episodes. The OSTs are so emotional and touching that whenever I hear IF I and I BELIEVE in a scene, my tears begin to fall..The show has the Greatest Love Story and the best last episode and ending..It's the first time I've seen all the cast but I immediately fell in love with them all, such a good chemistry and acting by the whole ensemble..You feel as if you are swayed and a part of the royal court....some of them you love, some you hate and a combination of both....but if I will surely protect my "HIS" Majesty the Crown Prince Lee Hwi...EUN-BIN PARK became one of my instant favorites and hearthrob.... she's so charming...I hope there will be another good show like this. LOVE IT..

Korean Drama " The King's Affection " is a drama with the theme of crossdressing in a melodrama rather than in a comedy.

The drama has a killer start, with a strong background story and tragic characters. The progress of the king's story is, in addition, smooth, and pretty dramatic. However, the romance was weak and probably the weakest point of the drama, as it didn't progress nicely and it had plenty of ups and downs.

On the other hand, the performances were spot on, and intense and the main leads handled their characters masterfully.

As for the cinematography, it was okay, not too original, but it feated the story.

So, overall, six out of ten.

I'm a fan of longing looks as much as the next person, but this was just ridiculous. There were probably two full hours of people just staring at each other or off into the distance. There was plenty of story here, there was no need to drag it on for 20 episodes. And all those slow motion tumbles into the arms of a first or forbidden love. Is tripping the only way to meet someone?

Many have mentioned the casting. Park Eum-Bin is just too petite and Rowoon's features are almost more delicate than hers. I was constantly distracted thinking that the child actor who plays Jung Ji looks like he'd grow up to be the character Hyun. I know that child Jung Ji had a terrible trauma, but adult Jung Ji has nothing to suggest his younger self.

The story and look of the show were great, But there were so many character inconsistencies to make this the 10 rating that so many people seem to think. Yes I watched it all; mostly to see how it would turn out and was sorely tempted to just look to IMDb and find out. But I stuck with it because frankly, I had a free 20 hours. But if you're pressed for time I wouldn't do it.

I'm not going to waffle on, first review ever, Korean Drama is a recent discovery for me - even something as awful as covid lockdown has a silver lining - this is quite simply, unmissable.........

One thing i liked most about this drama is that male character did not startle whether he was loving a man or woman. This is a refreshing thing about this drama. I love the main cast and the supporting as well. Its visuals were awesome and the story was engaging till the end. Perfect Historical drama.

Very well thought out. I always look forward to watching this serie. It wasn't easy for anyone those days.such things did happen at this time. Not human at all, but power and status still come first.

I think Eun-bin Park had to get used to her own voice again. I do think that if you're in your role with a different voice, it's a bit of a switch. I enjoyed your acting!

This is the best historical drama I've ever seen! Really be a fun year-end drama. The plot, and the combination of other elements really blend very nicely. The ending is very much in line with expectations. For Park Eunbin, she portrayed the character so perfectly, she deserves an award! The chemistry between the players is very visible. Each episode never fails to make me sad, tense, scared, and happy at the same time! My favorite character, Hyun. He is the definition of a man who is loyal and sincerely loves his girl even though he is not one with her. In essence, this is a very beautiful drama, I don't know how to move on from this drama :(, anyone help me huhuhu. Especially, I can't forget Hyun's sweet and sincere smile aarrghhh, his smile is really distracting my world hahaha I dare to rate 100/100 for this drama!!!!

Maybe because I watched The King's Affection just after Alchemy of Souls, but it was painful to watch. The storyline is grotesque and I kept wondering how more absurd things could possibly get throughout. The palace dynamics are too complicated to really follow along, and the never ending plots in place of real story were boring and didn't compensate for the lack of everything else.

The script is poorly written and the visuals don't help compensate for everything else lacking. If Rowoon wasn't the lead actor, and it wasn't a Netflix show, I don't think this series would have received much traction.

I loved The King's Affection (despite its odd title).

I watched it after watching its lead actress, Park Eun-bin, in "Extraordinary Attorney Woo". It's pretty clear that Park is one of the planet's best actors. She's brilliant in this. Just like she's brillian in Woo.

The King's Affection is 20 episodes, each running about an hour. It's a historical drama based on a (I think) web comic. It is KDrama with a lot of KRomance. But there's a lot of comedy, too. And there's action. It's got everything.

So.. I am here to tell you it is really fantastic.

Korean TV is, of course, an acquired taste for American audiences.

I watched it in the original language with English subtitles.

The good: fantastic costumes and breathtaking scenery. It is an incredibly beautiful production. Fantastic acting by all involved. Really engrossing story. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful music (I'm a KPop fan). And... OMG the hats. (Yes, hats.). This might be the best historical drama I've ever watched.

The bad: there are long periods of time where nothing happens other than characters staring into each other's eyes. It feels crazy slow. Slow like you want to poke your eyes out with a stick slow. This is, I expect, normal for Korean shows like this. It is not normal for American audiences and I had to just sort of accept it.

It's gory and there are some shocking and disturbing deaths.

It has a lot of characters and I admit I had many problems keeping track of who was who amongst the secondary roles.

The slowness got in my way at first, but then I started to accept it and, also, the various stories really start to heat up around episode 10 and by 13 or so, it's flying.

I really loved this and I am so impressed with Park (who is just outstanding in "Woo") and all the actors. And gosh, I really loved the ending. A big chunk of the end of episode 20 is simply wonderful.

After 20 hour-long episodes, I wish there was more. Just like in Woo, I find myself missing the characters.

And did I mention the hats?

For the first time watching a Korean show and am intrigued by the interresting storylines. You want to see more! Can't wait for a new episode or even a season 2 (yes please!) The main lead characters have so much natural chemistry you can feel it. Also Park Eun Bin is a very good actress for playing both male and female. Overall good camerawork and beautifull settings and costumes. It wants to make you binge watch the show!

Unfortunately I looked at the IMDb overall score and not the reviews before I started watching this.

I cannot believe why anyone finds this so impressive and all the 10's.

I kept thinking that only teenagers would find this good/funny/cute and well acted.

It's a joke!

I'm a huge fan of Asian period pieces , especially Chinese and Japanese.

The Korean ones often tend to film/act as if the viewer is a complete idiot that doesn't understand the slightest hint. And this is no exception!

Beautiful costumes tho.

The actors/tresses are not convincing and it's either moving too fast or way too slow, and it's very repetitive.

A big no from here!

This drama stands out among the rest. First, amidst the historical portrayal of societal prejudice against women in power, the heroine's persona is an epitome of someone who has proven this preconceived notion of weakness attached to women otherwise. Secondly, the story depicts how true love transcends gender and status. Although this type of unconventional relationship is a deal-breaker in a male-dominated culture and era, the plot carefully elucidates a natural multi-angular lens.

The story shows how power corrupts the minds of some, but brings out the best in others.

The cuteness of the cast is overwhelming. The soundtrack is phenomenal.